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Whole-genome Analysis and Precision Breeding Strategies for a Novel Japonica Rice Variety Jiru Dao 1

GAO Guo-liang1, ZHANG Qiao-ling1, FENG Wen-jie1, GAO Fa-rui1, GAO Bo2, ZONG Ke-dong2, GE Lin2, LI Shang-xian3, WANG Qiu-yun1, HUANG Xin-cheng1()   

  1. 1.Jining Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jining 272031
    2.Jining Agricultural Technology Extension Center, Jining 272100
    3.Jiaxiang County Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center, Jining 272499
  • Received:2025-11-27 Online:2026-06-08
  • Contact: HUANG Xin-cheng E-mail:huang.xinc@163.com

Abstract:

Objective This study aimed to systematically elucidate the genetic basis of the novel Japonica rice variety Jiru Dao 1, evaluate its production potential and risks, and formulate precise molecular design breeding strategies. Method Agronomic traits, grain quality, and disease resistance data from the Shandong Provincial Regional Trials and Production Trials (2019-2021) were integrated. Whole-genome resequencing of Jiru Dao 1 was performed using the Illumina HiSeq platform. Genotyping of 319 important agronomic trait-associated quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) was conducted based on the RiceNavi system, followed by genotype-phenotype association analysis. Result The average yield of Jiru Dao 1 was 10 437.0 kg/hm2, 8.1% higher than the control. Its grain quality met the Level 3 standard of the national “High-Quality Paddy” (GB/T 17891-1999) specification, and it was recognized as a superior-tasting variety by Jiangsu province in 2023. Genotype analysis revealed that its high yield and lodging resistance originated from the pyramiding of favorable alleles such as sd1 and Ghd8; its excellent tasting quality was controlled by key genes including Waxy (low amylose content) and ALK (low gelatinization temperature). For disease resistance, it carried multiple blast resistance genes (pi35, Pita, Pib, Pid2, Pid3, and Pi21) and genes (Xa3, xa25) resisting to bacterial blight. Both OsCd1 and OsNRAMP5 were superior “non-cadmium-accumulating” alleles. Meanwhile, Gn1a and NOG1 were identified as “to-be-improved” alleles limiting yield potential. Chalk5 was a “chalkiness-increasing” allele affecting appearance quality; and NRT1.1B, OsNR2, and PSTOL1 were mostly “neutral” alleles, constraining nutrient use efficiency. Conclusion Jiru Dao 1 represents a successful example of traditional breeding by pyramiding multiple favorable alleles for high yield, good quality, multiple disease resistance, and low cadmium accumulation. However, its yield potential, appearance stability, and disease resistance breadth are limited by inferior alleles such as Gn1a and Chalk5 and the absence of broad-spectrum resistance genes. Whole-genome dissection precisely identified these genetic strengths and weaknesses, providing a scientific basis to overcome the empirical limitations of conventional breeding. Therefore, a precision breeding strategy is proposed: using Jiru Dao 1 as the recipient, key favorable alleles (Gn1a, Chalk5, Pi2/Pi9,and Xa23) are introduced via marker-assisted selection, while whole-genome background selection preserves its elite genetic background, enabling targeted variety improvement.

Key words: Japonica rice, Jiru Dao 1, whole-genome resequencing, RiceNavi, genotype analysis, molecular design breeding