Geno-and phenotyping of submergence tolerance and elongated uppermost internode traits in doubled haploids of rice

The study was undertaken to explore the potential of doubled haploidy in fixation of dominant (submergence tolerance) and recessive (elongated uppermost internode) traits. Doubled haploids were produced by anther culture of F1 hybrids involving genotypes possessing sub1 and eui genes. The genotyping and phenotyping of traits were confirmed both at molecular and phenotypic levels. The molecular markers ART5 and SC3 were sufficient enough to screen for presence of Sub-1 gene, whereas RM 5970 could screen eui gene. Screening of DH lines for the targeted traits Sub-1 and eui, revealed the improvement of traits among DH lines. DH lines with submergence tolerant gene (Sub1) had significantly higher survival rate compared to susceptible checks, but on par with the Sub-1 parents. The tested genotypes exhibited considerable variation for eui trait. The significant variation for eui trait expression was observed among the DH lines. The degree of panicle exertion was on par with the donor parents and varied among the DH lines The study clearly indicates the scope for fixation of both dominant and recessive genes through doubled haploidy.