A new approach for obtaining rapid uniformity in rice (Oryza sativa L.) via a 3x x 2x cross.

A triploid (2n = 3x = 36) rice plant was obtained by screening a twin seedling population in which each seed germinated to two or three sprouts that were then crossed with diploid plants. One diploid plant was chosen among the various F(1) progenies and developed into an F (2) population via self-pollination. Compared with the control variety Shanyou 63, this F (2) population had a stable agronomical performance in field trials, as confirmed by the F-test. The stability of the F (2) population was further substantiated by molecular analysis with simple sequence repeat markers. Specifically, of 160 markers assayed, 37 (covering all 12 chromosomes) were polymorphic between the parental lines. Testing the F (1) hybrid individually with these markers showed that each PCR product had only a single band instead of two bands from each parent. The bands were identical to either maternal (23 markers) or paternal (eight markers) bands or distinct from both parents (six markers). The amplified bands of all 60 randomly selected F (2) plants were uniform and identical to those of the F (1) hybrid. These results suggest that the F (1) plant is a non-segregating hybrid and that a stable F (2) population was obtained. This novel system provides an efficient means for shortening the cycle of hybrid rice seed production.