Enhanced anther culture efficiency of indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) through modification of the culture media

The production of microspore-derived green plants from anther culture of indica rice is generally very low compared with japonica cultivars. A modified anther culture medium, consisting of a higher KNO₃ content (31 mm ) and casein hydrolysate (CH, 500 mg/1) but without ammonium salts, was tested in comparison with a medium consisting of the widely-used N6 medium nitrogen background, using four indica × indica F₁ hybrids as test materials. Green plant regeneration frequency was at least three-fold higher in the microspore-calli derived from the former medium than in those derived from the modified N6 medium. More than 700 microspore-derived plants were raised in the field. Another study was carried out using indica × japonica and indica × javanica F₁ hybrids. The results indicated that a medium with higher (3.5 mm ) ammonium sulphate may induce a higher frequency of anthers with microspore-calli but not necessarily lead to a larger number of green-plant regenerating calli. Subsequently, using the indica cv. ‘IR-43’ as the test material, use of a lower level (1.75 mm ) of (NH₄)₂SO₄, in addition to KNO₃ (31 mm ), was found to be better than CH (500 mg/l) for anther-response as well as green plant regenerability of the derived microspore-calli. Nitrate-nitrogen or ammonium-nitrogen alone elicited poor response. Twenty-five media involving combinations of KNO₃ (20–34 mm ) and (NH₄)₂SO₄ (1–3 mm ) were tested for their effects on anther response. Combinations involving KNO₃ (31–34 mM) and (NH₄)₂SO₄ (2.0–2.5 mm ) were found superior not only for achieving greater anther response but also, for subsequent green-plant regeneration. This contrasts with the 28 mm of KNO₃ and 3.5 mm of (NH₄)₂SO₄ in the widely-used N6 medium developed for japonica rice. Other than potassium nitrate and ammonium sulphate, and potassium phosphate to some extent, the levels of other inorganic salts tested did not make any significant difference to the process of anther response. Based on these results, modified media with three levels of ammonium sulphate were tested for anther culture efficiency of indica × japonica and indica × javanica derivatives (F₃s). Microspore-calli derived from a medium of a lower (1.75 mm ) level of (NH₄)₂SO₄ showed a higher regeneration potential overall than those derived from a higher (3.5 mm ) level. A revised medium has been suggested, on the basis of these results, for the realization of improved anther culture efficiency and, consequently, improved feasibility of using doubled haploids in genetic and breeding research with indica rice.     

Breeding of widely compatible restorer lines in rice (Oryza sativa L.) through anther culture

Following anther culture of various F₁ hybrids of indica restorer (R) lines/wide compatible varieties (WCVs) and japonica R lines/WCVs, the homozygous diploid plants (2n) generated were test-crossed with indica WA type cytoplasmic-genetic male sterile (CMS) line Zhanshan 97A (WA), indica testers Nanjing 11 and Nante, japonica BT CMS line Hanfeng A (BT), and japonica testers Balilla and Akihikari to identify widely compatible restorer lines. The results of this study showed that among the diploid pollen plants generated from F₁ hybrids of indica R lines/WCVs, 36.7% and 64.7% possessed normal fertility restoration ability (rate of seed-setting > 80%) to Hanfeng A and Zhanshan 97A, respectively. 71.3% and 32.3% had normal fertility restoration ability to Hanfeng A and Zhanshan 97A, respectively, in diploid pollen plants derived from the japonica R lines/WCVs F₁'s anther culture. Several widely compatible R lines were selected from anther culture of F₁ hybrids of indica R lines/WCVs and japonica R lines/WCVs. These widely compatible R lines derived from diploid pollen plants showed good wide compatibility and restoration ability both to WA and BT type CMS lines. Strong standard heterosis of major agronomic traits and yield traits was observed in F₁ test-crosses of widely compatible R lines with Hanfeng A and Zhanshan 97A. The wide compatibility in widely compatible R lines H17, H158 and H281 was studied by a set of three-way crosses. Segregation of the fertile plants with seed-setting rate > 70% and semi-fertile plants with seed-setting rate > 69.9% agreed with a ratio of 1:1, indicating that wide compatibility in these widely compatible R lines is governed by a pair of major genes. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Callus Formation and Plant Regeneration from Protoplasts Derived from Suspension Culture of Rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. 'Taipei 177')

Protoplasts were isolated from young inflorescence-derived suspension cultures of a japonica rice cultivar ‘Taipei 177’. The isolated protoplasts which were cultured either in liquid, agar on Sea plaque agarose underwent sustained division. Maximum plating efficiency of 1.06% occurred in a medium containing macroelements of KM, microelements and vitamins of B5, 0.5 % Sea plaque agarose, 1.0 mg/l of 2,4-D, and glucose as an osmotic stabilizer. Green and albino plants were regenerated from the protocalli in MS semisolid medium containing 4 mg/l BAP, 0.5 mg/l NAA and 500 mg/l casein hydrolysate (MS_18–2).     

水稻温敏型叶片白化转绿突变体tsa2的表型鉴定与基因定位

水稻温敏型叶色突变体是研究植物光合作用、叶绿体结构和功能以及温度影响叶绿体发育的理想材料。利用甲基磺酸乙酯(EMS)诱变籼型水稻(OryzasativaL.)三系保持系西农1B,从其后代中筛选到一个突变性状稳定遗传的温敏型叶片白化转绿突变体tsa2 (temperature-sensitive green-revertible albino 2)。与野生型相比, tsa2突变表型受温度影响, 22°C条件下萌发的野生型幼苗表型正常,而tsa2幼苗完全白化,且约40%白化苗死亡,存活白化苗的光合色素含量、光合速率均显著降低,成熟期主要农艺性状均显著变劣;在28°C下萌发的tsa2幼苗叶片呈浅绿色并伴有白条纹,其光合色素含量显著降低,光合速率及主要农艺性状差异较小; 32°C下萌发的tsa2幼苗叶片无明显差异。透射电镜观察显示,与野生型相比,tsa2在22°C下叶肉细胞中无叶绿体或存在异常发育叶绿体(尚未分化出基粒和基层),在28°C下部分叶肉细胞含少量发育完整的叶绿体,在32°C下叶肉细胞数量及形态均正常。实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)分析表明,与野生型相比,tsa2突变体中部分光合色素代谢途径基因、叶绿体发育相关基因及光合作用相关基因的表达水平呈不同程度变化。遗传分析表明, tsa2突变表型受一对隐性核基因控制, TSA2被定位于第5染色体SSR标记S5-57和S5-119之间,物理距离为718 kb。本研究为水稻遗传改良及研究温度影响叶绿体发育机制奠定了基础。     

Genetic progress of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) lines for disease resistance

The rice crop is affected by diseases throughout its cycle, impacting negatively on grain yield and quality. The control of the disease impact can be accomplished via crop breeding, using highly multiple resistant genotypes. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of multiple-character and specific selection of multiple resistance to major culture-associated diseases (neck blast, leaf scald and grain discoloration) in rice lines of the Upland Rice Genetic Breeding Program. The experiments were conducted in 35 sites during 12 agricultural years, where 124 lines were evaluated for the severity of fungal diseases, under natural field conditions. Multiple parameters were calculated based on the diseases´ scores: genetic, phenotypic and environmental variances, heritability, selection gain, renewal rate, and genetic and renewal progress. Genetic variance for the disease resistance was identified in the population, and the selection gain for multiple-character selection was of 3.16 year⁻¹ throughout the breeding process with a renewal rate of over 35%. The programme has showed efficiency in selecting multiple resistant genotypes to the mentioned diseases, highlighting genotypes with high potential for market release.     

Inheritance of photoperiod sensitive genic male sterility and breeding of photoperiod sensitive genic male-sterile lines in rice (Oryza sativa L.) through anther culture

The fertility segregations of F₁, F₂, BCF₁ descended from crosses between PSGMR and japonica varieties, and F₁'s anther cultured homozygous diploid pollen plant populations (H₂) were studied to reveal the genetic mechanism of photoperiod sensitive genic male sterility in PSGMR under natural daylight length at Shanghai. Rate of bagged seed-setting was used as an indicator of fertility. Fifteen F₁ showed complete fertility similar to their parents. The ratio of completely sterile plants to fertile plants in fifteen F₂ and four BCF₁ was 1:15 and 1:3, respectively. The ratio of completely sterile to fertile diploid pollen plants in nine diploid populations (H₂) was 1:3. These results demonstrated that the photoperiod sensitive genic male sterility in PSGMR was governed by two pairs of independent major recessive genes. There were no significant fertility segregations in hybrids F₁ and selfed F₂ between Nongken 58S and its derivatives 7001S, 5088S, 5047S and M105-9S, indicating that the photoperiod sensitive genic male-sterile genes in Nongken 58S were allelic to those in its derivatives. Several photoperiod sensitive genic male-sterile diploid pollen lines were bred from anther cultured homozygous diploid populations (H₂) in about a three-year period. Most of these diploid lines showed significant fertility transformation and stable complete sterility from 5 August to 5 September, excellent agronomic traits and high resistance to blast and bacterial leaf blight. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

水稻圆粒基因RS的鉴定和定位

阐明水稻籽粒大小相关基因的遗传和分子机制对水稻产量形成具有重要意义。利用甲基磺酸乙酯(ethyl methanesulfonate, EMS)诱变粳稻品种宁粳3号筛选获得圆粒突变体round seed (rs)。遗传分析表明,突变体rs圆粒表型由单隐性核基因控制。颖壳扫描电镜观察发现,rs籽粒变圆主要是细胞数目改变导致的。在突变体rs中,细胞周期相关基因的表达较野生型显著升高。将RS定位在第3染色体短臂标记RM3413与N3-5之间,物理距离约589 kb。RS突变影响BR信号途径,改变了粒型相关基因的表达。本研究有助于阐明水稻籽粒发育的分子机制。     

Phenylacetic acid stimulation of direct shoot formation in anther and somatic tissue cultures of rice (Oryza saliva L.)

The effect of phenylacetic acid (PAA) on rice (Oryza saliva L.) anther culture was investigated with six genotypes, using 2,4-D as control. In the two-step culture protocol, replacing 2, 4-D with PAA in the induction medium did not influence callus induction but significantly improved the shoot differentiation from callus, particularly in the indica cultivar Teqing. The anther-derived calli of all genotypes regenerated shoots directly on the callus induction medium containing PAA. Most of the directly-regenerated plantlets had well-developed root systems and were therefore readily transplanted into soil. The improved shoot differentiation potential and the frequency of direct regeneration depended on genotype, basal medium and PAA concentration. The one-step green shoot regeneration frequencies obtained were 1.98% with the indica cultivar ‘129’, 1.5% with the indica × japonica hybrid ‘Teqing/02428’ (F₁), and 1.98% with the indica × indica hybrid ‘Waiyin 2/C.B.’ (F₁). The PAA-based one-step method was most effective on the anther culture of indica genotypes. Three DH populations have been constructed from hybrids (F₁) via one-step culture. PAA also enhanced the one-step plantlet formation in rice somatic tissue culture.     

水稻小孢子形成和发育过程中胼胝质的动态变化

利用活体荧光显微术,PEG切片荧光显微术,半薄切片光学显微术和透射电镜观察了粳稻台中65小孢子形成和发育过程中胼胝质的动态变化。结果发现,胼胝质最早于小孢子母细胞形成期出现于花粉囊中。进入小孢子母细胞减数分裂期,胼胝质首先在小孢子母细胞靠近药室中央的初生细胞壁上沉积,并于减数分裂Ⅰ终变期形成完整的胼胝质壁;随后胼胝质在小孢子母细胞中央开始沉积,并向四周扩展形成第1个赤道板,随后形成第2个赤道板;减数分裂后,四分体周围的胼胝质解体释放出小孢子。小孢子早期,绒毡层细胞中积累胼胝质类物质,小孢子核周围也开始沉积胼胝质,逐渐形成完整胼胝质壁;小胞子晚期,绒毡层细胞开始解体,药室内壁细胞开始加厚,其加厚的物质为胼胝质类物质。二胞花粉早期,小孢子进行不均等分裂,形成营养细胞和具有胼胝质壁的生殖细胞,随后营养细胞的细胞质中积累胼胝质,生殖细胞的胼胝质壁开始解体;二胞花粉晚期,药室内壁加厚完成,营养细胞的细胞质中继续积累胼胝质,花粉成熟期,营养细胞的细胞质中积累了大量胼胝质。对胼胝质在小孢子形成和发育过程中的功能进行了讨论。     

Genetic analysis of semidwarf mutants induced in indica rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The mode of inheritance of five semidwarf (SD) mutants and allelic relationship with DGWG (sd1) locus was studied. The five SD mutants viz., Basmati 370 (SD1), Basmati 370 (SD2), Basmati 370 (SD3), TCA 2 (SD) and TCA P2-5 (SD) when crossed with their tall parents exhibited monogenic inheritance of 3 tall: 1 semidwarf in the F2 progenies. The SD mutants were also crossed with semidwarf varieties (DGWG and Bala) possessing sd1 gene. Crosses between Basmati 370 (SD1) × Bala, Basmati 370 (SD3) × Bala and TCA 2 (SD) × DGWG produced tall F1 hybrids and in F2 generation, modified dihybrid ratios (9 : 6 : 1 and 9 : 7) were observed indicating that the mutants Basmati 370 (SD1), Basmati 370 (SD3) and TCA 2 (SD) are non-allelic to sd1 gene. Whereas, the mutants Basmati 370 (SD2) and TCA P2-5 (SD) when crossed with Bala produced semidwarf F1 hybrids and in F2 generation, segregation for plant height was not observed indicating that these mutants are allelic to sd1 gene. The three non-allelic SD mutants identified in the present study can be used in rice breeding as alternative gene sources for semidwarfism. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Fine mapping and photosynthetic characteristics of the lower chlorophyll b 1 mutant in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Chlorophylls absorb and transfer light energy to the photosynthetic system. Consequently, chlorophyll content is strongly related to crop biomass and yield. We isolated a rice spontaneous mutant, lower chlorophyll b 1 (lcb1), from a recombinant inbred line population. Under normal growth conditions, lcb1 plants produced yellow leaves with decreased total chlorophyll and chlorophyll b contents, but normal chlorophyll a content. Photosynthetic and fluorescence parameters differed between wild‐type and lcb1 plants. Compared with wild type, lcb1 had a higher electron transfer rate, a lower photochemical quenching coefficient and significantly reduced grain number, biomass and yield. A recessive nuclear gene controlled the mutant trait. Through map‐based cloning, we located the LCB1 gene in a 117.4‐kb region on the short arm of chromosome 3, close to the centromere, in a region containing 15 predicted candidate genes. None of these genes was directly related to chlorophylls or the chloroplast; therefore, lcb1 may be a mutation of a novel gene. These results will be useful for further research on the molecular mechanisms controlling biogenesis and chloroplast biochemical processes.     

粳稻和籼稻愈伤诱导和分化期间生理代谢差异初探

通过比较粳稻品种日本晴和籼稻品种9311成熟胚愈伤诱导和分化阶段,愈伤组织的基础生理代谢差异,探讨籼稻9311再生率低于粳稻日本晴的可能原因。研究表明,在愈伤诱导和分化的所有不同时期,在所有时期日本晴愈伤中的总氮和氨态氮含量均高于9311,在分化25天以前,硝态氮含量也高于9311。此外,在细胞代谢水平上,通过对可溶性蛋白含量的差异分析表明,在愈伤诱导一个月至分化15天时,日本晴的可溶性蛋白含量高于9311。     

Anther culture of tropical japonica × indica hybrids of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Summary Nine japonica × indica F1 hybrids of rice involving 6 indica and 3 japonica tropical varieties, were large scale anther cultured. The frequency of callusing anthers averaged 18.7%. The microspore-derived calli produced green plants with a mean frequency of 8.7%. Albino plants represented 61% of the shoot forming calli. Monitoring of the green and albino plant regenerating capabilities of calli arising between week 4 and week 8 of incubation of the anthers showed no increase of the albino/green ratio and a slow decrease of the shoot forming ability of the transferred calli after the sixth week of culture. Spontaneous doubled haploids (SDH) represented 46% of the regenerated green plants in 4 hybrids. However, a high frequency of partially sterile regenerants was noticed among 132 SDH plants generated from a hybrid.     

Development of a technique for in vitro unpollinated ovary culture in rice, Oryza sativa L.

A simple and efficient technique for in vitro unpollinated ovary culture in rice which is also applicable for indica genotypes was developed for breeding and genetic studies. Sampling explants at the auricle distance of 7–12 cm between the two uppermost leaves of a tiller, providing a chilling pretreatment and ovaries with 1/3 of the hulls intact gave optimum response to culture. For callus induction with the spontaneous breaking of ovaries, N₆ media supplemented with NAA (2 mg/l) and DMSO (0.6–0.8%) gave a mean PCI value of 3.8% and range of 0.8–12.5% among genotypes. Media combining 2,4,5-T or 2,4-D with NAA in N₆ medium also has reasonably good callus induction. For calli induced inside, 2,4-D (0.2–0.5 mg/l), NAA (2 mg/l) and KT (1 mg/l) contained media were superior. The maximum green plant regeneration (PPR) of 77.3% was found with the medium containing NAA 0.25 mg/l, IAA 0.5 mg/l and KT 2.0 mg/l. Significant genotype, medium and their interaction effects for per cent ovary survival and callus induction were observed. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Anther and pollen grain culture of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Summary Factors favouring callus proliferation and subsequent regeneration of plants from pollen grains of rice anthers (Oryza sativa L., cvx. Bahia, Girona, Balilla × Sollana and Sequial) were determined. Cultivar differences in response were found, such as a high rate of haploid plant regeneration.In addition, isolated pollen grain culture was used to induce tissue proliferation outside the anther walls. The frequency of callus formation from isolated pollen grains was very low. It was necessary to preculture the anthers before pollen grain separation, in order to accomplish a successful development later. Root differentiation was observed in some of the obtained callus.     

Screening of Photoinsensitive Summer Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes for Ratoon Cropping

Of the 24 genotypes screened for ratooning ability and ratoon grain yield, only ten showed regeneration. RP 1664-4461 had the highest regeneration. Ratoon growth duration varied from 49–61 days. Ratoon grain yield was highest (1.7 t/ha) for RP 1664-4461 and the lowest (0.8 t/ha) for IET 7613. Productivity per day in the ratoon crop was comparable to that of the main crop. Based on grain yield and per day productivity of main and ratoon crops, cultures CR 222 MW 10, Rasi, RP 1664-4461, RP 1165-132-1 and CR 215-55-54-1 appeared promising for ratoon cropping.     

Anther culture response of wild Oryza species

Thirteen different wild species of the genus Oryza were investigated for their response to anther culture and plant regeneration. Callus induction from microspores of anthers was found to be strongly dependent on the species. Although large numbers of anthers from wild Oryza species, including O. barthii, O. latifolia, O. australiensis, O. minuta, O. nivara, O. paraguagensis and O. eichingeri, were cultured, no calli could be obtained. However, calli were produced from anthers of O. punctata, O. perennis, O. alta, O. ridleyi and O. rufipogon, although the frequency of callus induction was different. Similar species-dependence was observed in plant regeneration from microspore-derived calli. In total, 62 plants were derived from anther culture, including 47 albino and 15 green plants (of which 26.7% were haploids) from O. perennis; for the first time, six albino plants were obtained from O. ridleyi. Phytohormone combinations in the callus induction medium were found to influence callus induction and different wild Oryza species exhibited their own preferred phytohormone combinations for anther culture. In general, NK medium containing suitable concentrations of auxin and cytokinin may be successfully applied for anther culture of selected wild Oryza species.     

水稻耐低磷种质的筛选与鉴定

本研究对281份不同的水稻（Oryza sativa L.）品种（品系）进行了耐低磷筛选和鉴定。在大田种植条件下,通过水稻部分性状耐低磷系数（－P/+P）的变异范围、平均值以及它们间的相关性分析,认为相对籽粒产量、相对成熟期的地上部生物重、相对植株分蘖期的分蘖数是较好的耐低磷筛选和评价的指标。并提出以偏低含磷量大田初筛及     

水稻短根相关基因OsKSR2的定位

根系是将植物固定于土壤及吸收利用水分和养分的重要器官。本研究从甲基磺酸乙酯(ethyl methane sulfonate,EMS)诱变的籼稻Kasalath突变体库中,筛选到一个水稻根系发育缺陷的突变体,命名为Osksr2 (Oryza sativa kasalath short root 2),该突变体植株整体矮小,主根、不定根和侧根的伸长都受到抑制。遗传分析表明该突变性状由1对隐性核基因控制,将该基因命名为OsKSR2。将Osksr2纯合体与粳稻日本晴杂交构建F₂群体,利用已经公布的水稻SSR标记和自行设计的STS标记进行基因定位,将OsKSR2定位在水稻第8染色体STS标记S27887与S27988之间约101 kb的范围内。通过水稻基因组注释系统共预测到17个开放阅读框(ORF),没有已知的与根系发育相关的基因。对OsKSR2的定位将为进一步克隆该基因和阐明水稻根系伸长的分子机理奠定基础。