Identification of Heterosis QTLs for Yield and Yield-Related Traits in Indica-Japonica Recombinant Inbred Lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Supplying sufficient rice to growing populations is a global challenge. Hybrid indica rice varieties exploiting heterosis have increased yields, but inter-subspecific crosses between indica and japonica varieties are hampered by sterility. Examination and genetic understanding of yield heterosis in indica/japonica crosses addressing yield barriers are basic requirements. In this study, QTLs for heterosis of yield traits were identified in indica-japonica recombinant inbred lines (RILs) using a total of 178 RILs originating from Dasanbyeo (indica) × TR22183 (japonica) (DT-RILs) and their backcrossed populations. Nine of sixty-six major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) identified in DT-RILs exhibited heterosis. Heterosis QTLs clustered with other traits on chromosomes 1, 4, and 8, and clusters were conserved between different RILs. The clusters contained several known yield enhancement genes/QTLs. Specific heterotic allele combinations contributed to four major heterosis QTLs, particularly for panicle and spikelet number traits. Heterosis for yield and yield-related traits was explained by the harmonized effects of overdominance, dominance, and epistatic interactions in inter-subspecific breeding populations.