Characterization, mapping, and cloning of useful genes of the cultivated African rice O. glaberrima

• Main Authors: Ghesquiere, A, Lorieux, M, Albar, L, Heuer, S, Miezan, K, Reversat, G, Ndjiondiop, M, Jones, M
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Los Baños, Laguna (Philippines) International Rice Research Institute 2003
• Subjects: AFRICA OCCIDENTAL; AFRIQUE OCCIDENTALE; ARROZ; CARTE GENETIQUE; GENETIC MAPS; INTROGRESION; INTROGRESSION; MAPAS GENETICOS; MICROSATELITES; MICROSATELLITE; MICROSATELLITES; ORYZA GLABERRIMA; RECOMBINACION; RECOMBINAISON; RECOMBINATION; RICE; RIZ; WEST AFRICA

This paper summarizes the efforts made by the West Africa Rice Development Association (WARDA) and the Institut de Recherche pour le Developpment (IDR) during recent years to develop genetic tools and plant material required for the identification of genetic novelties provided by the African cultivated rice species Oryza glaberrima. This research focused on mapping and introgressions of O. glaberrima in the O. sativa indica genetic background since only conventional approaches can be developed to overcome or bypass strong effects of sterility barriers. A genetic map based on microsatellite markers was first established on a backcross population derived between IR64 and an O. glaberrima accession (Tog5681) identified as a potential donor for resistance to rice pests. Advanced backcross populations on IR64 were selected from the mapping population and monitored by molecular markers to construct progressively introgressed lines in a "contig" fashion. These lines now provide a framework for characterizing and assessing genetic variation of O. glaberrima. Advanced progenies were also analyzed to characterize the genetic basis of male sterility. A good general interspecific recombination ability indicated that positional cloning of O. glaberrima useful genes is feasible and different projects have begun with this aim. Nevertheless, a better analysis of sterility genes as well as an appropriate breeding scheme are key points to developing a more rational use of O. glaberrima genetic resources.