Impairment in a member of AP2/ERF and F-box family protein enhances complete panicle exsertion, an economically important trait in rice.

Complete panicle exsertion (CPE) is an economically important quantitative trait that contributes to grain yield in rice. We deployed an integrated approach for understanding the molecular mechanism of CPE using a stable EMS mutant line, CPE-109 of Samba Mahsuri (SM) exhibiting CPE. Two consistent genomic regions have been identified for CPE through QTL mapping [qCPE-4 (28.24-31.22 Mb) and qCPE-12 (2.30-3.18 Mb)] and QTL-sequencing [Chr-4 (31.21-33.69 Mb) and Chr-12 (0.12-3.15 Mb)]. Two non-synonymous SNPs, viz; KASP 12-12 (T→C; Chr12:1269983) in Os12g0126300; AP2/ERF transcription factor and KASP 12-16 (G→A; Chr12:1515198) in Os12g0131400; F-box domain-containing protein explained 81.05 and 59.61% phenotypic variance respectively and exhibited strong co-segregation with CPE in F2 mapping populations, advanced generation lines and CPE exhibiting SM mutants through KASP assays. The downregulation of these genes in CPE-109 compared to SM was observed in transcriptome sequencing of flag leaves which was validated through qRT-PCR. We propose that the abrogation of Os12g0126300 and Os12g0131400 in CPE-109 combinatorially influences the downregulation of ethylene biosynthetic genes viz. ACC synthase, ethylene-responsive factor-2, and up-regulation of gibberellic acid synthetic genes viz. ent-kaurene synthase and two cytokinin biosynthesis genes viz. cytokinin-O-glucosyltransferase 2, carboxy-lyase which result in complete panicle exsertion.

Multiomics-assisted characterization of rice-Yellow Stem Borer interaction provides genomic and mechanistic insights into stem borer resistance in rice.

KEY MESSAGE: By deploying a multi-omics approach, we unraveled the mechanisms that might help rice to combat Yellow Stem Borer infestation, thus providing insights and scope for developing YSB resistant rice varieties. Yellow Stem Borer (YSB), Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a major pest of rice, that can lead to 20-60% loss in rice production. Effective management of YSB infestation is challenged by the non-availability of adequate sources of resistance and poor understanding of resistance mechanisms, thus necessitating studies for generating resources to breed YSB resistant rice and to understand rice-YSB interaction. In this study, by using bulk-segregant analysis in combination with next-generation sequencing, Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) intervals in five rice chromosomes were mapped that could be associated with YSB resistance at the vegetative phase in a resistant rice line named SM92. Further, multiple SNP markers that showed significant association with YSB resistance in rice chromosomes 1, 5, 10, and 12 were developed. RNA-sequencing of the susceptible and resistant lines revealed several genes present in the candidate QTL intervals to be differentially regulated upon YSB infestation. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed a putative candidate gene that was predicted to encode an alpha-amylase inhibitor. Analysis of the transcriptome and metabolite profiles further revealed a possible link between phenylpropanoid metabolism and YSB resistance. Taken together, our study provides deeper insights into rice-YSB interaction and enhances the understanding of YSB resistance mechanism. Importantly, a promising breeding line and markers for YSB resistance have been developed that can potentially aid in marker-assisted breeding of YSB resistance among elite rice cultivars.

Mutation resource of Samba Mahsuri revealed the presence of high extent of variations among key traits for rice improvement.

To create novel variants for morphological, physiological, and biotic stress tolerance traits, induced mutations were created using Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (EMS) in the background of Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204), a popular and mega rice variety of India. A population derived from 10, 500 M1 plants and their descendants were phenotyped for a wide range of traits leading to the identification of 124 mutants having variations in key agro-morphological traits, and 106 mutants exhibiting variation for physiological traits. Higher yield is the ultimate goal of crop improvement and we identified 574 mutants having higher yield compared to wild type by having better yield attributing traits. Further, a total of 50 mutants showed better panicle exertion phenotypes as compared to Samba Mahsuri leading to enhancement of yield. Upon rigorous screening for three major biotic stresses, 8 mutants showed enhanced tolerance for yellow stem borer (YSB), and 13 different mutants each showed enhanced tolerance for sheath blight (ShB) and bacterial leaf blight (BLB), respectively. In addition, screening at multiple locations that have diverse field isolates identified 3, 3, and 5 lines for tolerance to ShB, YSB and BLB, respectively. On the whole, 1231 desired mutant lines identified at M2 were forwarded to an advanced generation (M5). PCR based allele mining indicated that the BLB tolerant mutants have a different allele than the reported alleles for well-known genes affecting bacterial blight resistance. Whole genome re-sequencing revealed substantial variation in comparison to Samba Mahsuri. The lines showing enhanced tolerance to important biotic stresses (YSB, ShB and BLB) as well as several economically important traits are unique genetic resources which can be utilized for the identification of novel genes/alleles for different traits. The lines which have better agronomic features can be used as pre-breeding lines. The entire mutant population is maintained as a national resource for genetic improvement of the rice crop.

The Draft Genome of Yellow Stem Borer, an Agriculturally Important Pest, Provides Molecular Insights into Its Biology, Development and Specificity Towards Rice for Infestation.

Yellow stem borer (YSB), Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a major monophagous insect pest of rice, causes significant yield losses. The rice-YSB interaction is very dynamic, making it difficult for management. The development of resistant lines has been unsuccessful as there are no effective resistant sources in the germplasm. Genome information is necessary for a better understanding of interaction with rice in terms of its recognition, response, and infestation mechanism. The draft genome of YSB is predicted to have 46,057 genes with an estimated size of 308 Mb, being correlated with the flow cytometry analysis. The existence of complex metabolic mechanisms and genes related to specific behavior was identified, being conditioned by a higher level of regulation. We deciphered the possible visual, olfactory, and gustatory mechanisms responsible for its evolution as a monophagous pest. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that YSB is unique in the way it has evolved. The obvious presence of high-immunity-related genes, well-developed RNAi machinery, and diverse effectors provides a means for developing genomic tools for its management. The identified 21,696 SSR markers can be utilized for diversity analysis of populations across the rice-growing regions. We present the first draft genome of YSB. The information emanated paves a way for biologists to design novel pest management strategies as well as for the industry to design new classes of safer and specific insecticide molecules.