The feasibility of QTL analysis to study the genetic basis of pesticide residues in rice ( Oryza sativa )

Pesticide residues in Chinese rice have become one of the important issues as far as food safety is concerned. Although QTL mapping and cloning are important tools for molecular genetics, not much information has been reported yet for either QTL mapping or cloning the genes of rice pesticide degradation. In the present study, cellular pathways of pesticide metabolism, biochemical changes as a function of pesticide exposure, differences in pesticide residue levels and type among rice varieties, and detection methods of pesticide residue were reviewed. Pesticide residues in rice grain can be regarded as a genetic trait dependent on the degrading capacity of pesticide detoxification enzymes. This information led us to consider using endogenous genes of rice to degrade pesticide residues within the cell. Ways of cultivating rice varieties with low pesticide residue and transgenic and QTL methods for pesticide residue degradation will be discussed.