Identification and functional analysis of a locus for improvement of lodging resistance in rice

We identified a new locus responsible for increased pushing resistance of the lower part of rice (Oryza sativa) and analyzed its physiological function to understand how to improve lodging resistance in rice. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling pushing resistance of the lower part were analyzed in a population of backcross inbred lines of japonica Nipponbare X indica Kasalath plants cut out at 40 cm to exclude the effect of the weight of the upper parts. Five QTLs for pushing resistance were detected; only one QTL from Kasalath on chromosome 5 (prl5) had a positive effect. The likelihood odds ratio curve of prl5 echoed that for lodging resistance by typhoon. We selected three near-isogenic lines (NILs) in which the chromosomal region of prl5 was substituted with that of Kasalath in the Nipponbare background. The dry weights and densities and the contents of accumulated carbohydrate in stems below 40 cm (lower stems) in each NIL were significantly higher than those of Nipponbare. There was no difference between Nipponbare and the NILs in yield, root characteristics, or the weights of the upper parts. Pushing resistance of the lower part and lodging resistance in the NILs were up to twice as high as in Nipponbare. These results suggest that prl5 might affect the characteristics of the lower stems of the NILs, thus increasing lodging resistance.