Identification of fragrant gene, fgr, in traditional rice varieties of Sri Lanka

A study was conducted to identify traditional rice varieties of Sri Lanka that possess the fragrant gene (fgr) using designed allele specific markers based on the gene sequence of mutated version of Betaine Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 (BAD2), which is called fragrant gene. Fifty six rice accessions including several Basmati, Suwandal, Samba and Heenati varieties, were chosen for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification with fgr would markers. Three fragments that would discriminate homozygous fragrant, homozygous non-fragrant and heterozygous individuals were amplified by multiplex PCR and the fragrance was evaluated phenotipically by potassium hydrooxide (KOH) treatment. All positive accessions that amplified the fgr allele expressed the fragrance with KOH treatment. Of the traditional varieties, one accession each from Suwandal and Samba and, two accessions from Heenati were identified as the fgr genotypes that possessed mutated BAD2. Information from the investigation could be applied in breeding studies on aromatic rice suitable for the Sri Lankan environment, using marker assisted selection with local germplasms.

Keywords: Fragrant gene, marker assisted selection, Oryza sativa L., polymerase chain reaction.

J.Natn.Sci.Foundation Sri Lanka 2010 38 (2):139-143

Doi: 10.4038/jnsfsr.v38i2.2040