Characterization And Fine Mapping Of Two White Panicle Genes With Duplicated Effect In Rice

Photosynthesis provides food and energy for all organisms on Earth, but their genetic basis particularly in rice panicle is unknown. In this study, the characterization of GZ-wp, a new rice white panicle mutant from the progeny of indica thermosensitive genic male sterile line Guangzhan 63-4S (GZ63-4S) with seeds treated by ethylmethane sulfonate was described. The results showed white panicle at heading stage and normal phenotype in other organs at whole developing stages, and some yield related traits decreased. Chlorophyll content accumulation reduced in GZ-wp. Transmission electron microscopy analysis suggested normal chloroplast structure but decreased chloroplast numbers. Genetic analysis indicated the white panicle was controlled by two independent recessive nuclear genes with duplicated effect, designed as wp5 and wp6. Finally, wp5 and wp6 were fine mapped to 211 kb and 175 kb regions on chromosome 1 and 7, respectively. The present results will facilitate the cloning of these two genes and help in understanding the genetic basis of chloroplast development in rice panicle. (C) 2018 Friends Science Publishers