Performance of Rice Landraces under Salt Stress at the Reproductive Stage Using SSR Markers

Abstract

Salinity is the most significant cause of rice yield reduction in many rice-growing areas of the world. The aim of this study was to screen 24 rice genotypes including 20 landraces to find the potential germplasm source for salt tolerance in breeding program. Screening was performed at reproductive stage based on the yield and yield attributes in sustained water bath maintaining the salinity level at 8 dS/m. Three microsatellite markers linked with salt tolerance quantitative trait loci viz. RM234, RM134 and RM9 were used for investigation of salt tolerant rice landraces. At the reproductive stage, four landraces viz. Kute Patnai, Kashrail, Bazra Muri and Tal Mugur were identified as salt tolerant on the basis of phenotypic evaluation. Besides, eight rice genotypes viz Binadhan-8, Patnai, KutePatnai, Bazra Muri, Tal Mugur, Pokkali, Kashrail and FL 378 were found as salt tolerant using SSR marker. Considering both assessment, four rice genotypes viz. Kute Patnai, Kashrail, Bazra Muri and Tal Mugur were selected as true salt tolerant lines. Therefore, these identified landraces could be potential germplasm sources for future salt tolerance rice breeding program.