Variation of the light stable isotopes in the superior and inferior grains of rice (Oryza sativa L.) with different geographical origins.

Trying to explore a new research angle to increase the resolution and accessibility of isotopic based traceability technique, light stable isotopes (δ(13)C, δ(15)N, δD and δ(18)O) in the superior (SS) and inferior (IS) grains of a rice cultivar Daohuaxiang were analyzed with relatively limited sample numbers and adjacent sites in Fujin and Wuchang, Heilongjiang Province, PR China. Distribution of δ(13)C, δ(15)N and δ(18)O in the SS and IS grains were found to be different. δ(18)O and δD can discriminate rice cultivation areas. However, δ(13)C and δ(15)N values in Fujin and Wuchang overlapped when the differences between SS and IS were considered, thus δ(13)C and δ(15)N cannot be used to discriminate cultivation areas. This exploratory study indicate the variation of the light stable isotopes in the grains located on different panicle positions could be used to discriminate the geographical origin but still need further systematic consideration and verification.