Yumiko San-oh

Detection of a quantitative trait locus controlling carbon isotope discrimination and its contribution to stomatal conductance in japonica rice.

Increasing leaf photosynthesis offers a possible way to improve yield potential in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C) has potential as an indirect selection criterion. In this study, we searched for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling Δ13C, and assessed their association with leaf photosynthesis. Substitution mapping by using chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs), that carry segments from the indica cultivar Kasalath in the genetic background of the japonica cultivar Koshihikari, identified genomic regions affecting Δ13C on chromosomes (Chr.) 2, 3, 6, 7, and 12. One of the CSSLs, SL208, in which most regions on Chr. 3 were substituted with Kasalath segments, showed higher leaf stomatal conductance for CO2 (gs) and Δ13C than Koshihikari during the vegetative stage although leaf photosynthetic rate did not differ between them. These results suggest an association between Δ13C and gs. To test this association, we performed a QTL analysis for Δ13C at vegetative and heading stages in an F2 population derived from a cross between SL208 and Koshihikari. The results confirmed a QTL controlling Δ13C on the long arm of Chr. 3. By using a near-isogenic line specific to Hd6, we ruled out the possibility that variation in Δ13C was generated through the pleiotropic effect of heading date.

Effects of Planting Pattern on the Interception of Solar Radiation by the Canopy and the Light Extinction Coefficient of the Canopy in Rice Plants Direct-sown in a Submerged Paddy Field

Abstract In order to investigate effects of planting pattern on the interception of solar radiation by the canopy and the light extinction coefficient of the canopy in rice, the rice plants direct-sown in a submerged paddy field were grown in six planting patterns (A through F). In plots A, B and C, the planting density was 20.7 hills m-2 (22 cm × 22 cm spacing) with five, three and one plant per hill, respectively, and in plots D, E and F, the planting density was 82.6 hills m-2 (11 cm × 11 cm spacing), 44.4 hills m-2 (15 cm × 15 cm spacing), and 44.4 hills m-2 (7.5 cm × 30 cm spacing), respectively, with one plant per hill. At the tillering stage, the greater the tiller number and leaf area index, the larger the interception of solar radiation by the canopy. The tiller number was larger in the plots with one plant per hill, higher plant density and square arrangement of hills. At the early ripening stage, the light extinction coefficient of the canopy was smaller in such plots. The larger the average inclination of leaf blades, the smaller the light extinction coefficient of the canopy. The difference in stem inclination in the canopy might be responsible for the difference in the inclination of leaf blades. In the plots with one plant per hill, higher plant density and square arrangement of hills, stems were more erect. Within the range of planting patterns in our study, both the rate of interception of solar radiation by the canopy and the light-intercepting characteristics were significantly more favorable in the plots with one plant per hill, higher density and a square arrangement of hills.