Improving panicle blast resistance and fragrance in a high-quality rice variety through breeding.

INTRODUCTION

Huruan1212 (HR1212) is well-regarded for its superior eating and cooking quality in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China. Still, its high susceptibility to rice panicle blast and lack of fragrance have limited its further spread and utilization. and are two dominant genes known for their stable broad-spectrum resistance against rice blast fungus , while is the crucial gene that regulates rice aroma.

METHODS

In this study, we utilized a molecular marker-assisted selection backcrossing strategy to introduce , , and into introgressed lines employing re-sequencing for precise genetic background selection.

RESULTS

Finally, we selected three introgressed lines, including two that carry with the highest background recovery rates, showing eating and cooking qualities similar to those of HR1212, and one line that pyramids , , and , which features a strong aroma. They all displayed significantly enhanced resistance to panicle blast and improved yield compared to HR1212.

DISCUSSION

In conclusion, this study expanded the germplasm resources of , providing a material foundation for enhancing breeding programs aimed at developing rice blast-resistant and high-quality fragrant varieties. Additionally, the study demonstrated that integrating molecular markers and re-sequencing can inform breeders' decision-making more precisely and efficiently.