Genetics of anthocyanin synthesis in purple glutinous rice (Oryza sativa L. indica)

Abstract

The information on genetic basis and inheritance for anthocyanin synthesis is important for varietal selection in plant breeding program. The objectives of this experiment were to study genetics and inheritance of anthocyanin synthesis in black glutinous rice, and to evaluate the correlation between anthocyanin content and rice morphological traits. The progenies of the first generation (F1) were from the crossing between Neiwdam Gs.no.09475 and Neiwdam Gs.no.00621 (female parents), and RD6 (male parent) initiated in 2009 at the Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University. The F1 progenies were grown, and self-pollination was done to receive the progenies of the third generation (F3). The F3progenies were then planted at a farmer’s field in Khon Kaen province. Data recorded for the progenies of the second generation (F2) was pericarp color. Data recorded for the male and female parents, and the F3 progenies were morphological traits and anthocyanin content. The results indicated that anthocyanin synthesis traits were controlled by a single dominant gene. The estimated values for broad and narrow sense heritabilities of anthocyanin for Neiwdam Gs.no.09475×RD6 were 0.68 and 0.13, respectively; and for Neiwdam Gs.no.00621×RD6 were 0.31 and 0.14, respectively. Highly significant correlation between anthocyanin content and pericarp color was recorded. The values for phenotypic and genotypic correlations were 0.64 and 0.95, respectively. The data from this study would be valuable information for further improvement of black glutinous rice.