Phenotypic and genetic dissection of cadmium accumulation in roots, nodes and grains of rice hybrids

Background and aims Rice accumulates higher levels of cadmium (Cd) in grain than other cereals, and hybrid rice varieties cover around half of the total rice area in China. Therefore, understanding the phenotypic and genetic characteristics of Cd accumulation in rice hybrids is vital for food safety. Methods An incomplete diallel cross design was used to analyse the heritability and combining ability of Cd accumulation in rice hybrids growing in soil contaminated with Cd. The quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the gene expressions that related to Cd uptake and transport. The Cd contents in brown rice, nodes and roots were detected by ICPOES, and the Cd contents in xylem sap were detected by ICPMS. Results Additive effects dominated the Cd accumulation in brown rice, upper nodes, and the Cd translocation efficiency from roots to nodes of hybrids. The Cd accumulation in brown rice was positively correlated with Cd accumulation in upper nodes and translocation efficiency from roots to nodes. Regarding the general combining ability, the restorer lines R2292 and R2265, and the male sterile lines KeBX58S, Ke20A, Ke76-1BS and Ke244-1BS were found to be potential elite parental lines for developing hybrid rice with low Cd accumulation. Conclusions Hybrid rice with low Cd accumulation in brown rice can be derived from parental lines with low general combining ability for Cd content in brown rice.