Use of DNA Markers Closely Linked to a Blast Resistance Gene, Piz, in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Breeding

Abstract

To confirm the suitability of SNP markers, which are closely linked to the blast resistance gene, Piz, marker-assisted selection (MAS) was performed for the backcrossed populations, BC₁F ₁ :Koshihikari/Niigatawase//Koshihikari and BC₂F₁ :Koshihikari/Niigatawase/2/Koshihikari. Using SNP markers, we were able to select the individuals with the small genome regions in which the Piz gene was located and originated from the donor variety, Zenith. The results of the blast spore inoculation test showed that marker-selected BC₁F₁ and BC₂F₁ individuals displayed true resistance to rice blast. In the present study, the suitability of using SNP markers linked to Piz for MAS was demonstrated.