Genetic variation and QTLs related to root development in upland New Rice for Africa (NERICA) varieties

To understand variation in the root development traits (total root length (TRL), maximum root length (MRL) and root number) of 18 New Rice for Africa (NERICA) varieties, seedlings were hydroponically grown under deficient and sufficient concentrations of two forms of nitrogen, NH(4)(+) and NO(3)(−). The donor African rice variety, ‘CG14’ (Oryza glaberrima Steud.), showed greater TRL and MRL than three background Asian rice varieties (Oryza sativa L.). Wide distribution was observed in all traits of the 18 NERICAs. The 18 NERICAs and parental varieties were classified into three cluster groups by cluster analysis. Cluster Ia included only ‘CG14’. Comparative analysis characterized cluster Ib (including ‘NERICA7’) as an active root elongation group, and cluster II (including ‘WAB56-104’) as an active primordia development group. QTL analysis of F(2) plants developed from a cross between ‘WAB56-104’ and ‘NERICA7’ detected two putative quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for root elongation on chromosome 1. Of these, a major QTL, designated as qRL1.4-NERICA7, was an NH(4)(+)-responsive QTL, which was narrowed down to a 0.7-Mbp region through progeny testing using F(7) lines. qRL1.4-NERICA7 should help us understand genetic control in NERICAs, and improve root elongation in rice breeding programs.