Marker-assisted introgression of quantitative trait loci associated with plant regeneration ability in anther culture of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding program was used to improve the plant regenerability of indica rice. A significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) that is associated with the capacity for green plant regeneration in the anther culture of rice was mapped on chromosome 10 using recombinant inbred (RI) population from Milyang 23/Gihobyeo. The marker that was chosen to follow the QTL region was used in MAS. This marker co-segregated with the regeneration ability in F2 individuals that were derived from MGRI 079/IR 36. In order to clarify the relationship between this marker and plant regenerability, the backcross population was screened with a RFLP marker. The capacity of plant regeneration of the backcross population was clearly distinguished by the marker genotype. The development of near isogenic line (NILs) with high regenerability through MAS will save time, labor, and cost in indica rice breeding.