Fine Mapping of QTLs for Stigma Exsertion Rate from Oryza glaberrima by Chromosome Segment Substitution

Stigma exsertion is an important trait for outcrossing ability in rice. Stigma exsertion rate (SER) of male sterile lines (MSLs) is a key factor affecting F₁-seed production in hybrid rice. In this study, seven QTLs for SER were detected on five chromosomes using a set of single-segment substitution lines (SSSLs) derived from O. glaberrima. Three of the QTLs were mapped in the estimated intervals of 92.5–333.0 kb. qSER-5 was located in a substitution segment of 92.5 kb. qSER-1b and qSER-8b were respectively limited to 333.0 kb and 107.5 kb by secondary substitution mapping. qSER-1b and qSER-3 had bigger additive effects of 11.5% and 11.9%, respectively, while the other five QTLs had smaller additive effects from 5.7% to 8.6%. Open reading frames were identified in the regions of qSER-5 and qSER-8b in O. sativa and O. glaberrima genomes. Fine mapping of the QTLs laid a foundation for the cloning of genes, and QTLs for SER will be used to develop MSLs with strong ability of outcrossing.