Development of an Aus-Derived Nested Association Mapping (Aus-NAM) Population in Rice

A genetic resource for studying genetic architecture of agronomic traits and environmental adaptation is essential for crop improvements. Here, we report the development of a rice nested association mapping population (aus-NAM) using 7 aus varieties as diversity donors and T65 as the common parent. Aus-NAM showed broad phenotypic variations. To test whether aus-NAM was useful for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, known flowering genes (Ehd1, Hd1, and Ghd7) in rice were characterized using single-family QTL mapping, joint QTL mapping, and the methods based on genome-wide association study (GWAS). Ehd1 was detected in all the seven families and all the methods. On the other hand, Hd1 and Ghd7 were detected in some families, and joint QTL mapping and GWAS-based methods resulted in weaker and uncertain peaks. Overall, the high allelic variations in aus-NAM provide a valuable genetic resource for the rice community.

Automated summary

The development of a rice nested association mapping population (aus-NAM) using aus varieties as diversity donors and T65 as the common parent showed broad phenotypic variations, providing a valuable genetic resource for crop improvements. Characterization of known flowering genes (Ehd1, Hd1, and Ghd7) in rice using different mapping methods revealed Ehd1 to be consistently detected, while Hd1 and Ghd7 showed weaker and more uncertain results in some families.