Participatory selection assisted by DNA markers for enhanced drought resistance and productivity in rice ( Oryza sativa L.).

In this study, a F population derived from the cross between deep-rooted variety 'Moroberekan' with shallow-rooted variety 'IR20' were used to identify and validate of SSR markers associated with root morphological traits. The F lines were divided into two groups. In the first group, 152 seedling having minimum of four tillers were chosen and separated into four plantlets to plant them in polyvinyl chloride pipes for root study under well-watered (WW) condition at maturity stage. The lines were genotyped using SSR markers. QTLs for maximum root length (MRL) and root dry weight showed co-segregation with RM472, RM7 and RM201. The same material was forwarded to next generation (F) to validate the linked markers under both WW and low-moisture stress (LMS) conditions. These three markers were associated consistently with MRL across generations. In the second group, 1240 F plants were forwarded to F using SSD breeding method to test the effectiveness of the marker-assisted selection (MAS) method for drought resistant. The high performing genotypic group was significantly superior to low performing genotypic group for MRL, grain yield, root volume, root dry weight and root number, indicating the efficiency of MAS for root-related traits under LMS. Comparing MAS with farmer selection in F, the results showed that MAS group means were significantly different from farmer group means for MRL, root volume, root dry weight and root number. Thus, MAS was combined with participatory selection to select five high-yielding and deep rooted promising lines. Identification of stable QTL for root morphological traits under WW and LMS conditions can aid in MAS and to introduce them into varieties with good yield potential and accepted by farmer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]