Analysis of genetic effects on nutrient quality traits in indica rice

Nine cytoplasmic male-sterile lines and five restorer lines were used in an incomplete diallel cross to analyze seed effects, cytoplasmic effects, and maternal gene effects on nutrient quality traits of indica rice (Oryza sauva L.). The results indicated that nutrient quality traits were controlled by cytoplasmic and maternal effects as well as by seed direct effects. Maternal effects for lysine content (LC), lysine index (LI), and the ratio of lysine content to protein content (RLP) were more important than seed direct effects, while protein content (PC) and protein index (PI) were mainly affected by seed direct effects. Cytoplasmic effects accounted for 2.41–20.80% of the total genetic variation and were significant for all nutrient quality traits. Additive genetic effects were much more important than dominance effects for all of the traits studied, so that selection could be applied for these traits in early generations.