水稻RIL群体苗期耐冷性QTL分析

水稻苗期冷害是影响早春季节和高纬度地区水稻成苗和秧苗生长的重要限制因素之一。为了鉴定控制水稻苗期耐冷性的QTL,研究采用了1个水稻“粳籼交”重组自交系(RIL)群体,结合1张高密度分子遗传图谱,对3叶期幼苗经过10℃冷处理3d、恢复培养2d和4d时的秧苗存活率进行复合区间作图。亲本Lemont和特青的苗期耐冷性具有极显著差异,Lemont的苗期耐冷性很强,而特青对低温敏感。在重组自交系群体中,苗期耐冷性表现为连续变异,在两个方向上均出现大量超亲分离。共检测到5个水稻苗期耐冷性QTL,分别位于水稻1、3、8和11号染色体上,单个QTL对性状的贡献率为7％～21％。其中,4个QTL的增效基因来源于亲本Lemont,另1个QTL的增效基因来源于亲本特青。2个主效QTL(qSCT-3和qSCT-8)分别位于3号染色体标记区间RM282-RM156和8号染色体标记区间RM230—RM264,对性状的贡献率达到或接近20％,被检测到的LOD值显著较高,其增效基因均来自于耐冷性亲本Lemont。研究结果进一步揭示了水稻苗期耐冷性QTL具有丰富的位点多样性,表明耐冷性普遍较强的粳稻是发掘苗期耐冷性优异基因的主要稻种资源。     

水稻耐亚铁毒QTLs的定位

亚铁毒是潜育性水稻土中限制水稻产量的主要因子。利用龙杂8503／IR64的F2和等价的F3群体,在营养液中培养来定位耐亚铁毒的QTLs。通过构建101SSR标记的遗传连锁图谱来确定耐亚铁毒QTLs的位置和特性。借助叶片棕色斑点指数、株高和最大根长3个性状,利用营养液在水稻苗期来评价F2单株、F3群体和亲本龙杂8503、IR64,共检测到叶片棕色斑点指数、株高和最大根长的QTLs20个,分布在水稻的10条染色体上,表明这些性状受多基因控制。控制叶片棕色斑点指数的QTLs分别定位在第1染色体的RM315-RM212、第2染色体的RM6-RM240和第4染色体的RM252-RM451之间。与前人的研究结果比较发现：1）位于第4染色体RM252-RM451之间的控制叶片棕色斑点指数的QTL与水稻功能图谱上控制叶绿素含量减少的QTL的位置一致。另一个位于第1染色体的RM315-RM212之间的控制叶片棕色斑点指数的QTL与水稻功能图谱上位于C178-R2635之间控制叶绿素含量的QTL连锁。2）位于第2染色体RM6-RM240之间的第3个控制叶片棕色斑点指数的QTL与位于RZ58-CD0686的控制钾吸收的QTL连锁。     

小麦旗叶长、宽及面积的QTL分析

以小麦品种‘小偃81’和‘西农1376’构建的含236个家系的自交重组系(RIL)群体(F2:7、F2:8代)为研究材料,采用完全随机区组设计,连续2年在陕西杨陵、河南驻马店和山东济南于灌浆期(花后20d)随机取每个株系10株测量旗叶长、宽,并利用172个SSR标记构建了遗传连锁图谱,通过基于完备区间作图法的QTL IciMapping V3.2软件,对控制小麦旗叶长、宽和面积的数量性状位点(QTL)进行了加性效应分析。结果发现:(1)9个旗叶长QTLs位于1A、4A、3B、5D和7D染色体上,单个QTL可解释5.10%~16.44%的表型变异;10个旗叶宽QTLs位于1A、3A、5A、7A、3B和5D染色体上,单个QTL可解释4.63%~14.24%的表型变异;12个旗叶面积QTLs位于1A、4A、3B、2D和5D染色体上,单个QTL可解释4.25%~22.67%的表型变异。(2)控制小麦旗叶长、宽和面积的QTLs存在差异,同一QTL在不同性状中的遗传贡献率也不同。(3)同一性状在同一年份,不同地点和在不同年份,相同地点下检测到的QTLs有的相同,但有的差异明显。(4)有些控制不同性状的QTLs在染色体的同一标记区间,表现一因多效。研究表明:位于1A和5D染色体上的2个加性QTLs都同时控制旗叶长、宽和面积,且前者为主效基因,后者遗传贡献率也较大,可用于标记辅助育种和分子聚合育种。     

玉米优异早熟种质单330开花相关性状的QTL分析

玉米开花相关性状与玉米的成熟期和产量有密切的联系。通过对玉米CN165×单330(早熟种质)群体的130个F2:3家系开花相关性状在3个环境下进行分子鉴定和数量性状位点(QTL)分析,结果表明,在3个环境中检测到控制抽雄天数的10个QTL,分别位于第2、3、4、5、7、8染色体上,在第8染色体上同一区域在3种环境下都检测到了QTL;检测到控制散粉天数的10个QTL,分别位于第1、2、3、5、7、8染色体上,在第8染色体上同一区域在2种环境下都检测到了QTL;检测到控制吐丝天数的4个QTL,分别位于第4、5、8染色体上,在第8染色体不同环境下都检测到了2个QTL;仅仅在一个环境中检测到控制ASI的2个QTL,分别位于第6、9染色体上。这些QTL的基因效应以部分显性和超显性为主。研究表明,第8染色体上ph i060-um c2401区域(8.03~8.04)是一个研究开花相关性状的重要基因组区段,涉及到的标记可以作为分子标记辅助选择的重要候选标记。     

水稻粒长QTL定位与主效基因的遗传分析

该研究利用短粒普通野生稻矮杆突变体和长粒栽培稻品种KJ01组配杂交组合F_1,构建分离群体F_2;并对该群体粒长进行性状遗传分析,利用平均分布于水稻的12条染色体上的132对多态分子标记对该群体进行QTL定位及主效QTLs遗传分析,为进一步克隆新的主效粒长基因奠定基础,并为水稻粒形育种提供理论依据。结果表明:(1)所构建的水稻杂交组合分离群体F_2的粒长性状为多基因控制的数量性状。(2)对543株F_2分离群体进行QTL连锁分析,构建了控制水稻粒长的连锁遗传图谱,总长为1 713.94 cM,共检测出24个QTLs,只有3个表现为加性遗传效应,其余位点均表现为遗传负效应。(3)检测到的3个主效QTLs分别位于3号染色体的分子标记PSM379～RID24455、RID24455～RM15689和RM571～RM16238之间,且三者对表型的贡献率分别为54.85%、31.02%和7.62%。(4)在标记PSM379～RID24455之间已克隆到的粒长基因为该研究新发现的主效QTL位点。     

黄瓜RIL群体瓜长和把长的QTL定位分析

以黄瓜野生变种‘PI183967’(Cucumis sativus L.hardwickii)和新泰密刺选系‘931’为亲本,通过单粒传法获得包含160个株系的F9代重组自交系群体(RIL)。结合分子遗传图谱和不同年份(2012年春、秋季和2013年春、秋季)的表型调查数据,利用MapQTL4.0软件进行黄瓜瓜长和把长的QTL定位。结果显示:(1)共检测到8个与瓜长和把长相关的QTLs,分布在染色体3、4、5、6、7上,LOD值在2.78~10.24之间,可解释7.4%~32.7%的表型变异率,贡献率≥10.0%的QTL位点4个,占QTLs总数的1/2,在春秋两季重复检测出的QTL位点有4个。(2)检测到4个与瓜长相关的QTLs位点Fl3.1、Fl4.1、Fl5.1、Fl6.1,4个与把长相关的QTLs位点Fsl3.1、Fsl3.2、Fsl5.1、Fsl6.1。(3)Fl6.1和Fsl6.1在2012、2013年春秋季中均可检测到,位于第6号染色体的109.2cM处,标记SSR17591~C80之间;Fl6.1在4次中的贡献率在13.8%~32.7%之间,Fsl6.1在4次中贡献率为12.1%~24.1%;(4)Fl3.1和Fsl3.2位于第6号染色体标记SSR16152~SSR07706之间,其中Fl3.1在2012年秋季和2013年春秋两季中均可检测到,贡献率总共为25.1%,Fsl3.2仅在2012年秋季中检测到,解释8.8%的表型变异率。研究表明,第6号染色体上标记SSR17591~C80和第3号染色体上的SSR16152~SSR07706等2个区域聚集了控制瓜长和把长的主效QTL位点,这2个区域应作为今后研究的重点。     

水稻幼苗特性与籽粒大小关系的分子检测

水稻 (OryzasativaL .)幼苗特性如叶的发生、叶绿素含量、植株高度等对早期生长是重要的 ,与籽粒大小相联系。以水稻珍汕 97A和明恢 6 3组合的重组自交系群体为材料 ,对 5个幼苗特性性状和籽粒大小进行了数量性状基因定位 (QTL) ,目的在于从遗传水平探求幼苗特性与籽粒大小的内在关系。对叶绿素a、总叶绿素含量、第二片叶长、第三片叶长、幼苗高度、粒重分别检测到 2、1、5、4、4、9个QTLs。结果揭示 4个幼苗特性性状的QTL和 4个籽粒大小的QTL位点分别定位在 4个相似区域 (G35 9_RG5 32、C5 6 7_RG2 36、RZ4 0 3_R1 9和C371_C4 0 5a) ,表明幼苗特性性状与籽粒大小间的紧密关系 ,也显示控制籽粒大小的几个染色体区域对幼苗特性性状没有影响 ,这意味着通过标记辅助选择改良幼苗活力但并不增加粒重是可能的     

水稻幼苗特性与籽粒大小关系的分子检测

水稻( Oryza sativa L.)幼苗特性如叶的发生、叶绿素含量、植株高度等对早期生长是重要的,与籽粒大小相联系.以水稻珍汕97A和明恢63组合的重组自交系群体为材料,对5个幼苗特性性状和籽粒大小进行了数量性状基因定位(QTL),目的在于从遗传水平探求幼苗特性与籽粒大小的内在关系.对叶绿素a、总叶绿素含量、第二片叶长、第三片叶长、幼苗高度、粒重分别检测到2、1、5、4、4、9个QTLs.结果揭示4个幼苗特性性状的QTL和4个籽粒大小的QTL位点分别定位在4个相似区域 (G359-RG532、C567-RG236、RZ403-R19和C371-C405a),表明幼苗特性性状与籽粒大小间的紧密关系,也显示控制籽粒大小的几个染色体区域对幼苗特性性状没有影响,这意味着通过标记辅助选择改良幼苗活力但并不增加粒重是可能的.     

玉米种质资源H21和Mo17抗亚洲玉米螟的QTL分析

本研究以H2 1×Mo17的F2 :3 群体 (12 0个家系 )为作图材料 ,利用SSR和AFLP标记对玉米资源H2 1的亚洲玉米螟抗性进行了数量性状位点 (QTL)分析。结果表明 ,基于叶片侵食度性状 ,检测到 3个QTL ,分别位于染色体 1、5、8上 ;基于茎秆虫孔数性状 ,检测到 3个QTL ,分别位于染色体 4和 10 (2个 )上 ;基于茎秆隧道长度性状 ,检测到 2个QTL ,位于染色体 4和 8上 ;以隧道长度 /虫孔数为鉴定性状 ,检测到 1个QTL ,位于染色体 4上。这些QTL所能解释的表型变异在 7 7%～5 1 8%之间。超显性是QTL作用的主要方式。     

水稻株高、抽穗期和有效穗数的QTL与环境的互作分析

株高、抽穗期和有效穗数是水稻的重要农艺性状,合适的株高、抽穗期和有效穗数对水稻的高产稳产是至关重要的。该实验应用中156/谷梅2号的重组自交系(RIL)群体,建立由168个DNA分子标记组成的遗传连锁图,以一年两季作为不同的环境效应,对水稻株高、抽穗期和有效穗数进行了非条件和条件QTL定位,在非条件QTL定位中共检测到7个株高QTLs、5个抽穗期QTLs和3个有效穗数QTLs和10对加加上位性互作位点,条件QTL定位结果表明,抽穗期这一性状对株高和有效穗数QTLs的表达既有抑制作用,也有较大的贡献率。     

Comparison of quantitative trait loci controlling seedling characteristics at two seedling stages using rice recombinant inbred lines

A better understanding of the genetics of seedling characteristics in rice could be helpful in improving rice varieties. Zhenshan 97 and Minghui 63, the parents of Shanyou 63, an elite hybrid developed during the last decade in China, vary greatly with respect to their physiological and morphological traits at the seedling growth stage. In this study, we used a population of 240 recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between Zhenshan 97 and Minghui 63 to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for seedling characteristics. All plant material was grown in hydroponic culture. Data for the following characters were collected at 30 days and 40 days post-sowing: plant height, shoot dry matter weight (SDW), maximum root length, root dry weight (RDW), total dry weight , and root-shoot ratio (the ratio of SDW to RDW). Analysis using composite interval mapping detected 16 QTL for the six traits in 30-day-old seedlings. Of these 16 QTL, Minghui 63 alleles increased trait values at only two of them. The QTL in the vicinity of R3166 on chromosome 5 simultaneously influenced PH, SDW, MRL, RDW, and TDW in the same direction. Twenty QTL were detected for the same traits in the 40-day-old seedlings. However, at this stage Minghui 63 alleles increased trait values at eight QTL. The QTL linked to R3166 also affected PH, SDW, MRL, RDW, and TDW. Only four QTL were common to the two stages. These results clearly indicate that different genes (QTL) control the same traits during different time intervals. Zhenshan 97 alleles had positive effects during the first 30 days of seedling growth, but thereafter the positive effects of Minghui 63 alleles on seedling growth gradually became more pronounced.     

Identification of QTLs for Yield and Associated Traits in F₂ Population of Rice

Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling yield and yield-related traits in rice was performed in the F₂ mapping population derived from parental rice genotypes DHMAS and K343. A total of 30 QTLs governing nine different traits were identified using the composite interval mapping (CIM) method. Four QTLs were mapped for number of tillers per plant on chromosomes 1 (2 QTLs), 2 and 3; three QTLs for panicle number per plant on chromosomes 1 (2 QTLs) and 3; four QTLs for plant height on chromosomes 2, 4, 5 and 6; one QTL for spikelet density on chromosome 5; four QTLs for spikelet fertility percentage (SFP) on chromosomes 2, 3 and 5 (2 QTLs); two QTLs for grain length on chromosomes 1 and 8; three QTLs for grain width on chromosomes1, 3 and 8; three QTLs for 1000-grain weight (TGW) on chromosomes 1, 4 and 8 and six QTLs for yield per plant (YPP) on chromosomes 2 (3 QTLs), 4, 6 and 8. Most of the QTLs were detected on chromosome 2, so further studies on chromosome 2 could help unlock some new chapters of QTL for this cross of rice variety. Identified QTLs elucidating high phenotypic variance can be used for marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding. Further, the exploitation of information regarding molecular markers tightly linked to QTLs governing these traits will facilitate future crop improvement strategies in rice.     

Molecular mapping of quantitative trait loci in japonica rice.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) molecular maps have previously been constructed using interspecific crosses or crosses between the two major subspecies: indica and japonica. For japonica breeding programs, however, it would be more suitable to use intrasubspecific crosses. A linkage map of 129 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and 18 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers was developed using 118 F2 plants derived from a cross between two japonica cultivars with high and low seedling vigor, Italica Livorno (IL) and Labelle (LBL), respectively. The map spanned 980.5 cM (Kosambi function) with markers on all 12 rice chromosomes and an average distance of 7.6 cM between markers. Codominant (RFLP) and coupling phase linkages (among RAPDs) accounted for 79% of total map length and 71% of all intervals. This map contained a greater percentage of markers on chromosome 10, the least marked of the 12 rice chromosomes, than other rice molecular maps, but had relatively fewer markers on chromosomes 1 and 2. We used this map to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for four seedling vigor related traits scored on 113 F3 families in a growth chamber slantboard test at 18 degrees C. Two coleoptile, five root, and five mesocotyl length QTLs, each accounting for 9-50% of the phenotypic variation, were identified by interval analysis. Single-point analysis confirmed interval mapping results and detected additional markers significantly influencing each trait. About two-thirds of alleles positive for the putative QTLs were from the high-vigor parent, IL. One RAPD marker (OPAD13720) was associated with a IL allele that accounted for 18.5% of the phenotypic variation for shoot length, the most important determinant of seedling vigor in water-seeded rice. Results indicate that RAPDs are useful for map development and QTL mapping in rice populations with narrow genetic base, such as those derived from crosses among japonica cultivars. Other potential uses of the map are discussed. Key words : QTL mapping, RAPD, RFLP, seedling vigor, japonica, Oryza sativa.     

Comparison of acid and alkaline soil and liquid culture growth systems for studies of shoot and root characteristics of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) genotypes

Four quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for P uptake were previously identified in a rice population that had been developed from a cross between the indica landrace Kasalath (high P uptake) with the japonica cultivar Nipponbare (low P uptake). For further studies, near isogenic lines (NILs) were developed for a major QTL linked to marker C443 on chromosome 12 and for a minor QTL linked to C498 on chromosome 6. On a highly P-deficient upland soil (aerobic conditions), NIL-C443 had three to four times the P uptake of Nipponbare, whereas the advantage of NIL-C498 was in the range of 60–90%. The superiority of NILs over Nipponbare vanished when grown in the same soil under anaerobic paddy conditions. All genotypes had high P uptake when P was supplied at a rate of 60 kg P ha^–1, regardless of soil conditions. These results confirmed the presence of both QTLs and furthermore implied that QTLs affected absorption mechanisms that specifically increased P uptake in a P deficient upland soil.Additional experiments were conducted to investigate if the effect of QTLs is linked to an increase in root growth or due to more efficient P uptake per unit root size (higher root efficiency). Root size did not differ significantly between genotypes in the plus-P treatment. P deficiency, however, reduced the root surface area of Nipponbare by more than 80% whereas NIL-C443 maintained almost half of its non-stress root surface area. The low root growth of Nipponbare observed under P deficiency was probably the result of insufficient P uptake to sustain plant growth, including root growth. Genotypic differences in the ability to maintain root growth, therefore are likely caused by some mechanism that increases the efficiency of roots to access P forms not readily available. This however, only had an effect in aerobic soil. Potential mechanisms leading to higher P uptake of NILs are discussed.     

QTL mapping and molecular marker analysis for the resistance of rice to ozone

The resistance of rice to ozone (O3) is a quantitative trait controlled by nuclear genes. The identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and analysis of molecular markers of O3 resistance is important for increasing the resistance of rice to O3 stress. QTL associated with the O3 resistance of rice were mapped on chromosomes 1, 7 and 11 using 164 recombinant inbred (RI) lines from a cross between 'Milyang 23' and 'Gihobyeo'. The quantitative trait loci were tightly linked to the markers RG109, C507 and RG1094 and were detected in each of three replications. The association between these markers and O3 resistance in 26 rice cultivars and doubled haploid (DH) populations was analysed. The markers permit the screening of rice germplasm for O3 resistance and the introduction of resistance into elite lines in breeding programs.     

Identification of quantitative trait loci associated with salt tolerance at seedling stage from Oryza rufipogon

Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses affecting plant growth and crop production.In the present study,salt tolerance at rice seedling stage was evaluated using 87 introgression lines (ILs),which were derived from a cross between an elite indica cultivar Teqing and an accession of common wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.).Substantial variation was observed for four traits including salt tolerance score (STS),relative root dry weight (RRW),relative shoot dry weight (RSW) and relative total dry weight (RTW).STS was significantly positively correlated with all other three traits.A total of 15 putative quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with these four traits were detected using single-point analysis,which were located on chromosomes 1,2,3,6,7,9 and 10 with 8％-26％ explaining the phenotypic variance.The O.rufipogon-derived alleles at 13 QTLs (86.7％) could improve the salt tolerance in the Teqing background.Four QTL clusters affecting RRW,RSW and RTW were found on chromosomes 6,7,9 and 10,respectively.Among these four QTL clusters,a major cluster including three QTLs (qRRW10,qRSW10 and qRTW10) was found near the maker RM271 on the long arm of chromosome 10,and the O.rufipogon-derived alleles at these three loci increased RRW,RSW and RTW with additive effects of 22.7％,17.3％ and 18.5％,respectively,while the phenotypic variance explained by these three individual QTLs for the three traits varied from 19％ to 26％.In addition,several salt tolerant ILs were selected and could be used for identifying and utilizing favorable salt tolerant genes from common wild rice and used in the salt tolerant rice breeding program.     

Molecular mapping of genomic regions associated with wheat seedling growth under osmotic stress

A quantitative trait loci (QTL) approach was applied to dissect the genetic control of the common wheat seedling response to osmotic stress. A set of 114 recombinant inbred lines was subjected to osmotic stress from the onset of germination to the 8^th day of seedling development, induced by the presence of 12 % polyethylene glycol. Root, coleoptile and shoot length, and root/shoot length ratio were compared under stress and control conditions. In all, 35 QTL mapping to ten chromosomes, were identified. Sixteen QTL were detected in controls, 17 under stressed conditions, and two tolerance index QTL were determined. The majority of the QTL were not stress-specific. In regions on five chromosome arms (1AS, 1BL, 2DS, 5BL and 6BL) the QTL identified under stress co-mapped with QTL affecting the same trait in controls, and these were classified as seedling vigour QTL, in addition to those expressed in controls. Tolerance-related QTL were detected on four chromosome arms. A broad region on chromosome 1AL, including five QTL, with a major impact of the gene Glu-A1 (LOD 3.93) and marker locus Xksuh9d (LOD 2.91), positively affected root length under stress and tolerance index for root length, respectively. A major QTL (LOD 3.60), associated with marker locus Xcdo456a (distal part of chromosome arm 2BS) determined a tolerance index for shoot length. Three minor QTL (LOD < 3.0) for root length and root/shoot length ratio under osmotic stress were identified in the distal parts of chromosome arms 6DL (marker locus Xksud27a) and 7DL (marker locus Xksue3b). Selecting for the favourable alleles at marker loci associated with the detected QTL for growth traits may represent an efficient approach to enhance the plants’ ability to maintain the growth of roots, coleoptile and shoots in drought-prone soils at the critical early developmental stages.     

Mapping QTLs associated with drought avoidance in upland rice

The identification of molecular markers linked to genes controlling drought resistance factors in rice is a necessary step to improve breeding efficiency for this complex trait. QTLs controlling drought avoidance mechanisms were analyzed in a doubled-haploid population of rice. Three trials with different drought stress intensities were carried out in two sites. Leaf rolling, leaf drying, relative water content of leaves and relative growth rate under water stress were measured on 105 doubled haploid lines in two trials and on a sub-sample of 85 lines in the third one. Using composite interval mapping with a LOD threshold of 2.5, the total number of QTLs detected in all trials combined was 11 for leaf rolling, 10 for leaf drying, 11 for relative water content and 10 for relative growth rate under stress. Some of these QTLs were common across traits. Among the eleven possible QTLs for leaf rolling, three QTLs (on chromosomes 1, 5 and 9) were common across the three trials and four additional QTLs (on chromosomes 3, 4 and 9) were common across two trials. One QTL on chromosome 4 for leaf drying and one QTL on chromosome 1 for relative water content were common across two trials while no common QTL was identified for relative growth rate under stress. Some of the QTLs detected for leaf rolling, leaf drying and relative water content mapped in the same places as QTLs controlling root morphology, which were identified in a previous study involving the same population. Some QTL identified here were also located similarly with other QTLs for leaf rolling as reported from other populations. This study may help to chose the best segments for introgression into rice varieties and improvement of their drought resistance.     

Identification of <Emphasis Type="Italic">qSOR1</Emphasis>, a major rice QTL involved in soil-surface rooting in paddy fields

Specific Indonesian lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars elongate thick primary roots on the soil surface of paddy fields. To clarify the genetic factors controlling soil-surface rooting, we performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses using 124 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between Gemdjah Beton, an Indonesian lowland rice cultivar with soil-surface roots, and Sasanishiki, a Japanese lowland rice cultivar without soil-surface roots. These cultivars and the RILs were tested for soil-surface rooting in a paddy field. We identified four regions of chromosomes 3, 4, 6, and 7 that were associated with soil-surface rooting in the field. Among them, one major QTL was located on the long arm of chromosome 7. This QTL explained 32.5–53.6% of the total phenotypic variance across three field evaluations. To perform fine mapping of this QTL, we measured the basal root growth angle of crown roots at the seedling stage in seven BC₂F₃ recombinant lines grown in small cups in a greenhouse. The QTL was mapped between markers RM21941 and RM21976, which delimit an 812-kb interval in the reference cultivar Nipponbare. We have designated this QTL qSOR1 (quantitative trait locus for SOIL SURFACE ROOTING 1).