QTL Mapping of Cold Tolerance at the Seedling Stage using Introgression Lines Derived from an Intersubspecific Cross in Rice

Low-temperature stress is an important factor controlling the growth and development of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in temperate region. In this study, a molecular linkage map consisting of 136 SSR markers was employed to identify QTL associated with cold tolerance at the seedling stage. 80 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from an intersubspecific cross between Milyang23 (O. sativa ssp. Indica) and Hapcheonaengmi3, a japonica weedy rice and the parents were evaluated for leaf discoloration and SAPD value of seedlings. Rice plants were grown for 15 days in the low-temperature condition (13/20°C day/night) and the control condition (25/20°C day/night) in the growth chamber. The degree of leaf discoloration showed a highly significant correlation with the SPAD value in the low-temperature plot (r = -0.708, P < 0.0001). A total of four QTLs for SPAD were identified and the phenotypic variance explained by each QTL ranged from 5.4 to 16.0%. Two QTLs detected in the control condition were located on chromosomes 2 and 5, respectively. Two QTL on chromosomes 1 and 4 were detected at the low-temperature condition and Hapcheonaengmi3 alleles increased the SPAD values at these loci. Substitution mapping was conducted to delimit the position of qSPA-4 using introgression lines derived from the same cross. Results indicated that qSPA-4 was located in a 810-Kb region flanked by RM16333 and RM16368. The results indicated that Hapcheonaengmi3 contains QTL alleles that are likely to improve cold tolerance of Indica rice.