QTL Analysis for Yield Traits Related to Low Nitrogen Tolerance Using Backcrossing Recombinant Inbred Lines Derived from Dongxiang Wild Rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.)

【Objective】Dongxiang wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) has strong low nitrogen tolerance and is an important germplasm for low nitrogen tolerance improvement. Identification of genes responsible for low nitrogen tolerance in Dongxiang wild rice is of great importance to understand molecular mechanisms of low nitrogen tolerance and develop rice varieties with low nitrogen tolerance. 【Method】Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for plant height and yield traits under low and normal nitrogen conditions was identified using backcrossing recombinant inbred lines (BC1F12) derived from an interspecific cross Xieqingzao B // Dongxiang wild rice/Xieqingzao B and its genetic linkage. 【Result】A total of 57 QTLs were detected in 33 regions on all chromosome, except chromosome 4 and 8. They explained individually 3.17%~63.40% phenotypic variation, and 32 QTLs of them had favorable alleles derived from Dongxiang wild rice. Nineteen QTLs were simultaneously detected under both nitrogen treatments, and 38 QTLs were only identified under single nitrogen treatment, suggesting various genetic mechanisms in rice growth and yield formation under low and normal nitrogen conditions. 【Conclusion】Fourteen QTL clusters, 43 QTLs included, scattered on seven chromosomes, indicating the common genetic-physiological mechanisms behind different traits, and the QTL pyramiding for low nitrogen tolerance can be achieved by molecular marker-assisted selection.     

A Quantitative Trait Locus for Chlorophyll Content and its Association with Leaf Photosynthesis in Rice

Leaf photosynthesis, an important determinant of yield potential in rice, can be estimated from measurements of chlorophyll content. We searched for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for Soil and Plant Analyzer Development (SPAD) value, an index of leaf chlorophyll content, and assessed their association with leaf photosynthesis. QTL analysis derived from a cross between japonica cultivar Sasanishiki and high-yielding indica cultivar Habataki detected a QTL for SPAD value on chromosome 4. This QTL explained 31% of the total phenotypic variance, and the Habataki allele increased the SPAD value. Chromosomal segment substitution line (CSSL) with the corresponding segment from Habataki had a higher leaf photosynthetic rate and SPAD value than Sasanishiki, suggesting an association between SPAD value and leaf photosynthesis. The CSSL also had a lower specific leaf area (SLA) than Sasanishiki, reflecting its thicker leaves. Substitution mapping under Sasanishiki genetic background demonstrated that QTLs for SPAD value and SLA were co-localized in the 1,798-kb interval. The results suggest that the phenotypes for SPAD value and SLA are controlled by a single locus or two tightly linked loci, and may play an important role in increasing leaf photosynthesis by increasing chlorophyll content or leaf thickness, or both.     

应用东乡野生稻回交重组自交系分析水稻耐低氮产量相关性状QTL

目的 东乡野生稻低氮耐性强,是水稻耐低氮育种的重要资源。鉴定东乡野生稻耐低氮基因对研究耐低氮遗传机制、培育耐低氮水稻品种具有重要意义。方法 利用协青早B//东乡野生稻/协BBC₁F₁₂回交重组自交系及其遗传图谱,应用Windows QTL Cartographer 2.5分析施氮肥和不施氮肥下的株高和产量相关性状QTL。结果 共检测到57个控制株高和产量性状的QTL,分布于10条染色体上的33个区域,单个QTL表型贡献率为3.17%~63.40%,其中32个QTL的增效等位基因来自东乡野生稻。19个QTL在施氮和未施氮条件下均检测到,38个QTL仅在单一环境下检测到显著效应,表明不同施氮水平下水稻性状的遗传机制不同。结论 43个QTL分别聚集于7条染色体上的14个QTL簇,表明不同性状涉及到共同遗传机制,并可通过分子标记辅助选择方法进行耐低氮有利等位基因的聚合育种。     

Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping of High Photosynthetic Efficiency and Biomass in Oryza longistaminata

Photosynthetic efficiency, a key trait that determines yield potential in rice, is quantitatively regulated by multiple genes. Utilization of valuable genetic resources hidden in wild rice is an effective way to improve rice photosynthesis and yield potential. In this study, 152 backcross inbred lines derived from wild rice Oryza longistaminata were explored for QTL mapping of photosynthetic rate (Pn) and biomass (BM) in natural fields. Five novel QTLs for Pn and seven QTLs for BM or daily biomass (DBM) derived from O. longistaminata were identified. One of these QTLs, qPn8.1, could significantly improve Pn and was located in a 68-kb region containing only 11 candidate genes. Meanwhile, qBM1.1 and qDBM1.1 for BM and DBM on chromosome 1 were overlapped with qPn1.1 for Pn from 9311, and could affect both Pn and BM in natural fields. These QTLs identified in O. longistaminata may provide a novel alternative to explore new genes and resources for yield potentiality, highlighting the important role of wild rice in rice breeding programs.     

Genetic Control of Germination Ability under Cold Stress in Rice

An F₉ recombinant inbred lines (RIL) population, derived from a cross between IR28 (Oryza sativa L. spp. indica) and Daguandao (O. sativa L. spp. japonica), was used to construct a molecular linkage map and to identify germination ability including the traits of imbibition rate, germination rate, germination index, root length, shoot length and seed vigor at 14°C for 23 d. A composite interval mapping approach was applied to conduct genetic analysis for germination ability. The frequency distributions of the germination ability traits under the cold stress in the RIL population showed continuous segregation, suggesting they were quantitative traits controlled by several genes. A total of seven QTLs were identified on chromosomes 4, 6 and 9, including two for imbibition rate (qIR-6, qIR-9), one for germination rate (qGR-4), two for germination index (qGI-4-1, qGI-4-2) and two for root length (qRL-4-1, qRL-4-2). There were no detected QTLs controlling shoot length and seed vigor. The phenotypic variance explained by a single QTL ranged from 9.1% to 37.0%, and two major QTLs, qIR-6 and qGI-4-2, accounted for over 30% of the phenotypic variance. The expressions of QTLs were developmentally regulated and growth stage-specific. Most of the QTLs observed here were located in the regions similar to the QTLs for rice cold tolerance reported previously, indicating that these QTLs were reliable. However, qRL-4-2 is not reported before.     

Mapping QTLs for milling yield and grain characteristics in a tropical japonica long grain cross

Percent milling yield is an economically important trait of commercial rice because it largely determines the price that farmers receive for their crop. Analyzing 22 trait variables including milling yield, grain dimensions, chemistry and appearance, we identified 43 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in a long grain japonica by long grain japonica cross. We report one QTL explaining 20% of the variation in brown rice recovery; two QTLs explaining 14% and 13% of the variation in milled rice recovery; and one QTL explaining 14% of the variation in head rice (HR) recovery. QTLs for the proportion of pre-broken brown rice kernels, seed density, amylose content, and kernel whiteness and chalkiness were found in the same region as the HR QTL. QTLs explaining up to 54% of the variation in grain shape measurements were identified and mapped to areas independent from those identified for milling yield. Analyses of grain appearance traits identified two QTLs for chalk in brown rice and one in head rice, and a QTL explaining up to 33% of the variance in green kernel area. Our results confirm previous findings on the multigenically complex nature of milling yield.     

Identification and Genetic Analysis of Fertility Restoration Ability in Dongxiang Wild Rice （Oryza rufipogon）

Two populations of Dongxiang wild rice (Oryza rufipogon), Shuitaoshu and Dongtangshang, were crossed with five male sterile rice lines with different cytoplasmic backgrounds (B06S, Zhenshan 97A, Xieqingzao A, Zhong 9A, and Yuetai A), and the seed setting rate of the F₁ was used to judge the fertility restoration ability in the Dongxiang wild rice. With P₁, F₁, P₂, and F₂ populations as materials, the Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) was used to identify the major genes affecting quantitative traits, and when the major genes existed, the genetic effects of the major gene and the polygene and their genetic variance were estimated through segregation analysis. The seed setting rates of the F₁ generation varied from 45.98% to 76.57%, suggesting that the Dongxiang wild rice had the fertility restoration ability. One major gene plus polygene mixed inheritance model was the most fitted genetic model for this trait in all the F₂ populations. The heritability values of the major genes varied from 56.63% to 88.29% and those of the polygenes from 2.74% to 30.97%, and the total heritability values were from 63.17% to 94.01%. The major gene inheritance of the combination Zhong 9A/Dongtangshang was controlled by the additive effect without dominant effect, and the other nine combinations were by the completely dominant inheritance.     

Identification of QTLs and Validation of qCd-2 Associated with Grain Cadmium Concentrations in Rice

Cadmium(Cd) is one of heavy metals harmful to human health. As rice is the main staple food in Asia and Cd is easily contaminated in rice, the molecular regulation of Cd accumulation should be explored. In this study, a recombinant inbred population derived from Xiang 743/Katy was grown in Cd-polluted fields and used to map the quantitative trait loci(QTLs) for Cd accumulation in rice grains. We identified seven QTLs distributed on chromosomes 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 10. These QTLs displayed phenotypic variances of 58.50% and 40.59% in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Two QTLs, qCd-2 and qCd-7, were identified in both the two years. qCd-2 was detected on the interval of RM250–RM207 on chromosome 2, with an LOD of 2.51 and a phenotypic contribution of 13.75% in 2014, and an LOD of 3.35 and a phenotypic contribution of 14.16% in 2015. qCd-7 co-localized with the cloned qCdT7 on chromosome 7 and may represent the correct candidate. The other five QTLs were detected only in one year. To further confirm the effects of qCd-2, a residual heterozygous line designated as RHL945, with a heterozygous interval of RM263–RM207 on chromosome 2, was selected from the recombinant inbred population and used to develop an F2 population consisting of 155 individual plants. By incorporating further simple sequence repeat markers into the segmental linkage map of the target region, qCd-2 was delimited in the interval of RM5404–RM3774, with an LOD value of 4.38 and a phenotypic contribution of 15.52%. These results reflected the genetic regulation of grain Cd in rice and paved the way for the future cloning of qCd-2.     

Identification and validation of a novel major QTL for harvest index in rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L.)

Background

Harvest index (HI) in rice is defined as the ratio of grain yield (GY) to biomass (BM). Although it has been demonstrated that HI is significantly related to yield and is considered as one of the most important traits in high-yielding rice breeding, HI-based high-yielding rice breeding is difficult due to its polygenic nature and insufficient knowledge on the genetic basis of HI. Therefore, searching for rice varieties with high HI and mapping genes associated with high HI can facilitate marker-assisted breeding for high HI in rice.

Results

Yuexiangzhan, a popular indica cultivar with good reputation of high HI was crossed with Shengbasimiao, an indica cultivar with lower HI to develop a recombinant inbred line population, and QTL mapping for HI and its component traits was conducted. In total, five QTLs for HI, three QTLs for GY, and six QTLs for BM were detected in two-year experiments. Among the three GY QTLs, one co-located with the HI QTL on chromosome 8, while the other two co-located with the two tightly-linked BM QTLs on chromosome 3. The co-located QTLs in each of the chromosomal regions produced additive effects in the same direction. Particularly, the HI QTL on chromosome 8, qHI-8, could be detected across two years and explained 42.8% and 44.5% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. The existence of qHI-8 was confirmed by the evaluation of the near isogenic lines derived from a residual heterozygous line, and this QTL was delimitated to a 1070 kb interval by substitution mapping.

Conclusion

In the present study, the detected GY QTLs overlapped with both HI QTL and BM QTL, suggesting a positive relationship between GY and HI or BM, respectively. With an understanding of the genetic basis for grain yield, harvest index and biomass, it is possible to achieve higher yield through enhancing HI and BM by pyramiding the favorable alleles for the two traits via marker-assisted selection (MAS). As qHI-8 has a large phenotypic effect on HI and expresses stably in different environments, it provides a promising target for further genetic characterization of HI and MAS of high HI in rice breeding.

     

QTL Analysis for Grain Iron and Zinc Concentrations in Two O. nivara Derived Backcross Populations

Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for grain mineral elements can assist in faster and more precise development of micronutrient dense rice varieties through marker-assisted breeding. In the present study, QTLs were mapped for Fe and Zn concentrations in two BC₂F₃ mapping populations derived from the crosses of O. sativa cv Swarna with two different accessions of O. nivara. In all, 10 and 8 QTLs were identified for grain Fe and Zn concentrations in population 1, and 7 and 5 QTLs were identified in population 2, respectively. Eighty percent of the QTLs detected in both populations were derived from O. nivara. Five QTLs for Fe and three QTLs for Zn explained more than 15% phenotypic variance either in interval or composite interval mapping. The locations of O. nivara derived QTLs such as qFe2.1, qFe3.1, qFe8.2 and qZn12.1 were consistently identified in both the populations. Epistatic interaction was observed only between RM106 and RM6 on chromosome 2 and between RM22 and RM7 on chromosome 3 for Fe concentration in population 1. Sixteen candidate genes for metal homeostasis were found to co-locate with 10 QTLs for Fe and Zn concentrations in both the populations. Most of the Fe and Zn QTLs were found to co-locate with QTLs for grain yield and grain quality traits. Some of the major effect QTLs identified can be used to improve rice grain Fe and Zn concentrations.     

两个水稻抗褐飞虱隐性基因的遗传分析与初步定位

选用抗褐飞虱的海南普通野生稻渗入系WB01与感虫品种9311杂交,构建F2群体。采用141个具有多态性的SSR标记对303个F2:3株系进行分析,并应用MapMaker/EXP3.0和Windows QTL Cartographer2.0对水稻抗褐飞虱的数量性状基因座进行检测和遗传效应分析。共检测到2个抗性QTL,分别位于第4和第8染色体上,LOD值分别为2.92和3.15,贡献率分别为11.3%和14.9%。     

大麦穗长和株高QTL的鉴定

为挖掘大麦穗长和株高的QTL位点,以1个大麦重组自交系（recombinant inbred line,RIL）群体（以J36528和BMJ89为亲本,包含125个F₁₀代）为材料,基于本课题组前期利用DArT标记构建的连锁图谱,结合4年2点共6个不同生态环境测得的穗长和株高表型数据,鉴定大麦穗长和株高QTL。结果表明,共鉴定到3个穗长QTL和2个株高QTL,分别分布在2H、3H、6H和7H染色体上,其中,穗长位点 Qsl.sicau-JB-2H在2个环境中被检测到,能够解释11.38%~14.66%的表型变异; Qsl.sicau-JB-7H在6个环境中均被检测到,能够解释35.10%~46.34%的表型变异;而 Qph.sicau-JB-6H仅在1个环境中被检测到,可解释17.99%的表型变异。株高位点 Qph.sicau-JB-6H在5个环境中均被检测到,能够解释16.36%~21.18%的表型变异;而 Qph.sicau-JB-3H仅在1个环境中被检测到,可解释15.40%的表型变异。本研究为解析大麦植株形态和产量性状遗传机制以及分子辅助育种奠定了基础。     

QTL Mapping for Grain Size Traits Based on Extra-Large Grain Rice Line TD70

Grain size traits, including grain length, grain width and grain thickness, are controlled by quantitative trait loci （QTLs）. Many QTLs relating to rice grain size traits had been reported, but their control mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. A recombinant inbred line （RIL） population of 240 lines, deriving from a cross between TD70, an extra-large grain size japonica line with 80 g of 1000-grain weight, and Kasalath, a small grain size indica variety, were constructed and used to map grain size QTLs to a linkage map by using 141 SSR markers in 2010 and 2011. Five QTLs for grain length, six for grain width and seven for grain thickness were detected distributing over chromosomes 2, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12. Seven QTLs, namely qGL3.1, qGW2, qGW2.2, qGW5.1, qGW5.2, qGT2.3 and qGT3.1, were detected in either of the two years and explained for 56.19%, 4.42%, 29.41%, 10.37%, 7.61%, 21.19% and 17.06% of the observed phenotypic variances on average, respectively. The marker interval RM1347-RM5699 on chromosome 2 was found common for grain length, grain width and grain thickness; qGL3.1 and qGT3.1 were mapped to the same interval RM6080-RM6832 on chromosome 3. All 18 QTL alleles were derived from the large grain parent TD70. Most of the QTLs mapped in the present study were found the same as the genes previously cloned （GW2, GS3 or qGL3, GW5 and GS5）, and several were the same as the QTLs （GS7 and qGL-7） previously mapped. Three QTLs, qGL2.2 on chromosome 2, qGW9 and qGT9 on chromosome 9, were first detected. These results laid a foundation for further fine mapping or cloning of these QTLs.     

应用东乡野生稻回交重组自交系群体分析糙米矿质含量QTL

【目的】 强化粮食作物的必需矿物质有利于缓解人们矿质营养缺乏症。【方法】 从协青早B//协青早B/东乡野生稻BC₁F₅群体中挑选到1个单株A58,与协青早B回交,构建了BC₂F_4:5群体。采用电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱仪ICP-AES测定132个BC₂F_4:5株系的糙米Mg、Ca、Zn、Fe、Mn和Cu含量,应用Windows QTL Cartographer 2.5进行糙米矿质QTL分析。【结果】 共检测到17个糙米矿质含量QTL,分别位于第1、4、6、8、9和11等6条染色体上,包括Mg含量1个、Ca含量4个、Zn含量4个、Fe含量2个、Mn含量2个和Cu含量4个。这些QTL解释表型变异的5.0%~47.2%,其中8个QTL的增效等位基因来自东乡野生稻。【结论】 12个QTL聚集于5条染色体上的5个QTL簇,表明不同矿质营养元素涉及到共同遗传生理机制,可通过分子标记辅助选择方法将有利等位基因应用于稻米营养品质改良。     

东乡野生稻研究进展及育种利用策略

东乡野生稻是目前世界上已发现的分布最北（N 28°14′、E 116°36′）的野生稻特异种质资源,其基因组中蕴含着抗病、抗虫、耐逆及其他诸多优良基因/QTL,前人已对其开展了大量的研究。本文从抗病、抗虫、抗逆、育性、产量及其他优良特性等方面总结了东乡野生稻的研究进展,并提出了其育种利用策略。     

利用染色体片段置换系群体定位和分析水稻粒重和粒型QTL

[目的]挖掘水稻粒重和粒型相关性状QTL,对于解析水稻籽粒遗传机理具有重要作用.[方法]本研究以籼稻9311为受体、粳稻日本晴为供体构建的染色体片段置换系(Chromosome Segment Substitution Lines,CSSLs)群体为材料,在4个环境下对控制稻谷与糙米的粒重和粒型QTL进行了定位分析.[...     

特大粒水稻材料粒型性状的QTL检测

 利用特大粒粳稻TD70（2011年千粒重达80 g）和籼稻品种Kasalath杂交,经单粒传法获得的240个重组自交系（RIL）为作图群体,分别于2010年和2011年对粒长、粒宽、粒厚性状进行鉴定,用完备区间作图法,以均匀分布于12条染色体的141个SSR标记对粒型性状进行QTL检测。共检测到粒型性状的 QTL 18 个,分布于第2、3、5、7、9和12染色体上。其中,控制粒长的QTL 5个,控制粒宽的QTL 6个,控制粒厚的QTL 7个。两年间均能检测到的QTL有7个,分别为粒长QTL qGL3.1,粒宽QTL qGW2.1、qGW2.2、qGW5.1、qGW5.2,粒厚QTL qGT2.3、qGT3.1;其平均贡献率分别为56.19%、4.42%、29.41%、10.37%、7.61%、21.19%和17.06%。第2染色体RM1347-RM5699区间是粒长、粒宽、粒厚的共同标记区间。第3染色体RM6080-RM6832区间为粒长qGL3.1、粒厚qGT3.1共同标记区间。18 个QTL的增效等位基因均来源于大粒亲本TD70,且增效作用显著。定位的大部分位点包含已报道的精细定位和克隆的主要粒型基因;除第2染色体的qGW2.1（qGT2.1）、qGW2.3、qGL2.2和第12染色体的qGT12等位点已有粒型性状相关报道外,定位的qGT22,qGW9 和qGT9可能是新的QTL。     

Transgressive variants for red pericarp grain with high yield potential derived from Oryza rufipogon × Oryza sativa: Field evaluation, screening for blast disease, QTL validation and background marker analysis for agronomic traits

Five transgressive variants (advanced breeding lines from BC₂F₅ and BC₂F₆ generation) were derived from a cross between the wild relative, O. rufipogon Griff. and O. sativa L. subsp. indica cv. MR219, a popular high yielding Malaysian rice cultivar. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pericarp colour of the grains along with yield potential and to validate quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for agronomic traits. The variants were screened against blast disease. Background marker analysis was also done for the promising variants. The field trials were carried out at a single location (due to containment purposes) over two seasons using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. A trait-based marker analysis was used to identify QTLs for validation in BC₂F₅ generation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the seasonal factors influenced different agronomic traits. Variant G33 produced significantly (p < 0.05) higher yield (5.20 t/ha) than the control, MR219 (4.53 t/ha). Eighteen QTLs for different agronomic traits were identified in BC₂F₂ population in a previous study. Among them 14 QTLs were found in BC₂F₅ population of the present study. The yield of variant G33 was influenced by several QTLs viz. qGPL-1, qSPL-1-2, qSPL-8 and qYLD-4, which were introgressed from the donor parent revealed by background marker analysis using BC₂F₇ generation. Percentage (99%) of red pericarp grain of G33 and G34 in BC₂F₅ and BC₂F₆ generations indicated the stability of pericarp colour which was transferred from the wild relative. Variant G33 showed resistance against two pathotype of blast disease (Magnaporthe oryzae). Among the evaluated variants, G33 could be considered for inclusion in the cultivar development program for red rice with high yield potential and resistance to blast disease. This study demonstrated that the alleles from wild relative could improve the yield and yield related traits through allelic interaction, even though the phenotypic traits were inferior to the recurrent parent.     

Genetic and physiological analysis of tolerance to acute iron toxicity in rice

Background

Fe toxicity occurs in lowland rice production due to excess ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) formation in reduced soils. To contribute to the breeding for tolerance to Fe toxicity in rice, we determined quantitative trait loci (QTL) by screening two different bi-parental mapping populations under iron pulse stresses (1,000 mg L⁻¹ = 17.9 mM Fe²⁺ for 5 days) in hydroponic solution, followed by experiments with selected lines to determine whether QTLs were associated with iron exclusion (i.e. root based mechanisms), or iron inclusion (i.e. shoot-based mechanisms).

Results

In an IR29/Pokkali F₈ recombinant inbred population, 7 QTLs were detected for leaf bronzing score on chromosome 1, 2, 4, 7 and 12, respectively, individually explaining 9.2-18.7% of the phenotypic variation. Two tolerant recombinant inbred lines carrying putative QTLs were selected for further experiments. Based on Fe uptake into the shoot, the dominant tolerance mechanism of the tolerant line FL510 was determined to be exclusion with its root architecture being conducive to air transport and thus the ability to oxidize Fe²⁺ in rhizosphere. In line FL483, the iron tolerance was related mainly to shoot-based mechanisms (tolerant inclusion mechanism). In a Nipponbare/Kasalath/Nipponbare backcross inbred population, 3 QTLs were mapped on chromosomes 1, 3 and 8, respectively. These QTLs explained 11.6-18.6% of the total phenotypic variation. The effect of QTLs on chromosome 1 and 3 were confirmed by using chromosome segment substitution lines (SL), carrying Kasalath introgressions in the genetic background on Nipponbare. The Fe uptake in shoots of substitution lines suggests that the effect of the QTL on chromosome 1 was associated with shoot tolerance while the QTL on chromosome 3 was associated with iron exclusion.

Conclusion

Tolerance of certain genotypes were classified into shoot- and root- based mechanisms. Comparing our findings with previously reported QTLs for iron toxicity tolerance, we identified co-localization for some QTLs in both pluse and chronic stresses, especially on chromosome 1.     

Seed Length Controlled by Same Locus in Four Different AA GenomeSpecies of Genus Oryza简

To broaden the genetic basis and overcome the yield plateau in Asian cultivated rice, the exploitation and utilization of favorable alleles from rice species with the AA genome has become important and urgent in modern breeding programs. Four different interspecific populations were used to detect quantitative trait locus (QTL) for seed length, including a BC₄F₂ population derived from Oryza glumaepatula crossed with Dianjingyou 1 (a japonica cultivar), a BC₄F₂ population derived from O. nivara crossed with Dianjingyou 1, a BC₇F₁ population derived from a cross between O. longistaminata and RD23 (an indica cultivar), and a BC₈F₁ population derived from a cross between O. glaberrima and Dianjingyou 1. The QTLs for seed length in four different populations were termed as SL-3a, SL-3b, SL-3c and SL-3d, respectively. They had good collinearity and accounted for 49% to 60% of the phenotypic variations. Sequencing data indicated that four QTLs were different alleles of GS3 which were responsible for the seed length variation between O. sativa and its four AA genome relatives. These results will be valuable for confirming the evolution of GS3 and also be helpful for rice breeding.