Screening of rice genotypes for abiotic and biotic stresses using molecular markers

In the present study, a set of 12 rice genotypes was screened for submergence, drought and bacterial leaf blight disease using available tightly linked/gene based molecular markers. The PCR based molecular marker Sub1BC2, RM431 and four bacterial leaf blight resistance (Xa4, xa5S/xa5SR/R-Multiplex, xa13 prom, pTA248) were used to select the tolerant or resistant genotypes for submergence (Sub1), drought grain yield QTL (qDTY1.1) and bacterial leaf blight resistance gene (Xa4, xa5, xa13 and Xa21), respectively. The genotypes RYC743, Purnendu and FR13A were identified as submergence tolerant. Based on the RM431 genotypic data, the three genotypes Vaidehi, Dudhi and Birar have drought grain yield QTLqDTY1.1. The bacterial leaf blight resistance gene linked markers revealed that the four genotypes Satyam, RYC743, Pansoradhan and Kajargod had Xa4 gene, two genotypes Sudha and Desaria had xa5 gene and one genotype Sudha indicated the presence of Xa21 gene in heterozygous condition, while xa13 gene was absent in all the genotypes screened. The new genotypes identified in the study can be used as potential donors for abiotic and biotic stress. Thus, the initial information generated here will lead to development of multiple stress tolerant rice varieties through a combination of molecular and classical breeding and can contribute significantly to yield stability and hence the livelihood security of Indian farmers.