MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.) GENOTYPES USING SSR MARKERS ASSOCIATED WITH GRAIN IRON AND ZINC TRAITS

Abstract

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a major staple crop and an important target for micronutrient biofortification aimed at reducing dietary iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies. The present study assessed molecular diversity among 50 rice genotypes, including advanced Basmati breeding lines, Basmati and scented genotypes, and non-Basmati varieties, using 13 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The marker set included candidate gene-based markers and genomic SSR markers previously reported in relation to iron and zinc associated genomic regions. Considerable molecular polymorphism was detected among the evaluated genotypes, with variation in the number of amplified fragments and polymorphism information content (PIC). Based on the values reported in the present study, PIC value ranged from 0.06 to 0.86, with RM152 showing the highest reported value. UPGMA-based cluster analysis separated the 50 rice genotypes into two major groups, demonstrating appreciable molecular diversity within the germplasm panel. The observed marker polymorphism may be useful for germplasm discrimination and selection of genetically diverse parental material. However, direct phenotypic validation of grain Fe and Zn concentrations would be required before individual markers or genotypes can be recommended specifically for micronutrient biofortification through marker-assisted breeding.