Mapping of QTLs Affecting Salinity Tolerance in Iranian Rice Population at Germination Stage

This experiment was conducted for developing of linkage map using SSR and ISSR markers in Iranian rice population, mapping of QTLs involved in salinity tolerance, and also evaluation of salinity tolerance in studied genotype.  

In order to determine the salinity tolerance QTLs in a germination stage on an Iranian rice population (caused Ahlami Tarom × Neda cross), a factorial experiment was performed based on a randomized complete block design with three replications under three salinity levels of NaCl (0, 12, 22 dS.m-1).  

The difference between populations in different levels of salinity was significant for all germination traits. Under normal conditions, 4, 1, 2 and 1 QTLs were detected for radicle weight, plumule weight, germination percentage and germination rate, respectively. In 12 dS.m-1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1 and 1 QTL for seedling weights, plumule weight, radicle length, coleoptile, germination percentage and germination rate. In 22 dS.m-1, 2, 1, 1 and 1 QTL were located for radicle weight, plant length, germination percentage and germination rate.  

The major effects of QTLs in this study played an important role in salinity tolerance and can be studied in marker assisted selection programs in rice under saline conditions.