Genetics and molecular approaches for improvement of grain quality traits in rice

With the enhanced income levels and changing food habits, breeding rice varieties with preferred grain quality features has become the second most important objective after yield. Although emphasis is laid on improving rice grain quality, combining high yield potential with typical quality of aromatic rices, which constitute a small but special group of highly priced varieties has been challenging. The nature of inheritance and type of gene action governing quality traits are many and complex and when genetically manipulated to some extent paved the way for the success in quality improvement through conventional breeding methods. However, the recent advances in the realm of biotechnology has resulted in mapping of gene(s) governing quality and other important traits and since the last two decades standardization of gene transfer process in rice has greatly facilitated in tailoring ideal rice varieties through marker assisted breeding. This review is an attempt to summarize the advances in genetics and molecular approaches directed towards improvement of major grain and nutritional quality traits in rice.