Gene Segregation for Anthocyanin Contents in F2 Population Between Purple Glutinous Rice from Highland and Pathum Thani 1 Grown at Lowland and Highland Locations

Abstract

Purple rice contains anthocyanin in/ purple pericarp which acts as an anti-oxidative properties to many diseases. The objectives of this study were to evaluate gene segregation and environment on grain anthocyanin content. A F₂ population was derived from a cross between the local purple glutinous rice variety from highland (Bieisu 037) and improved white rice variety (Pathum Thani 1; PTT1). Two-hundred and sixty five F₂ plants were grown at 2 locations (lowland and highland). The data were recorded for pericarp color, anthocyanin content and grain yield. The pericarp color of the F₂ population were segregated at the ratio of 9 purple: 3 brown: 4 white which was fitted into 2 complementary genes controlling model. One hundred F₂ plants with purple pericarp were further selected to determine grain anthocyanin content and results from both locations were compared. Continuous segregation for the grain anthocyanin content of F₂ populations, ranged from 0.2 to 370.3 mg/100 g with skewed toward that of the PTT1 parent in both locations. Moreover, genotype by environment interaction effect on grain anthocyanin content was observed. The F₂ plants grown on the highland provided the grain anthocyanin (average 58.9 mg/100 g) doubled than that of the lowland (average 24.9 mg/100 g). It implied that the environment affected on anthocyanin content. There was positive correlation between the grain anthocyanin content in F₂ population at lowland and highland (r = 0.788^**). The dilution effect did not affect grain anthocyanin content. The information from this study will be useful for selection in breeding program for high anthocyanin content rice varieties. However, increasing in population size will provide more opportunity for selection of plants with desirable traits and high grain anthocyanin content. Due to genotype by environmental effect on grain anthocyanin content, therefore the selection should be done in the target locations.