Introgression of Blast Resistance Gene in Rice through Marker Assisted Breeding in Terai Region of West Bengal, India

Abstract

The marker-assisted breeding approach is viewed as one of the fastest methods for developing or improving well-adapted, high-yielding rice cultivars to make them tolerant to biotic stresses like rice blast. The Terai region of West Bengal is recognized for its extensive rice cultivation under rain fed conditions. Gontra Bidhan1 is a popular rice variety in this area, boasting a promising yield of 5 t/ha and a maturity period of 118 days. It is a dual-season variety with superior quality attributes. However, in addition to these quality points, it suffers significant yield losses due to rice blast disease in the region. To mitigate the losses from disease attacks, introgression of resistance gene through marker assisted breeding is an effective way. The Pi54 resistance (R) gene has been well-characterized for broad-spectrum blast resistance in northern India. By introgression of Pi54 gene into Gontra Bidhan1 through marker-assisted backcross breeding, durable resistance to blast disease can be achieved. During the cropping season Kharif 2022, crossing of Gontra Bidhan1 with Pusa Samba 1850, recipient and donor parent of Pi54 gene respectively, was done at the Agricultural Instruction Farm of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal. F1 plants were raised and validated using polymorphic SSR marker RM206 and functional marker Pi54 MAS. Three hybrid plants with heterozygous Pi54 gene were identified. Two heterozygotes were selected for further breeding programs by crossing with the recipient parent. Consequently, 23 BC1F1 out of total 55 BC1F1 were found to be heterozygous, and they were advanced for next generation. Where, out of 104 BC1F2 plants 23 individuals were found homozygous for the Pi54 gene by foreground analysis with the functional marker and they show the same molecular band as the donor parent Pusa Samba 1850 for targeted gene.