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.