Detection and validation of QTLs for milky-white grains caused by high temperature during the ripening period in rice.

The occurrence of chalky rice ( L.) grains caused by high temperature is a serious problem in rice production. Of the several kinds of chalky grains, milky-white grains are not well analyzed.

Detection of QTLs for white-back and basal-white grains caused by high temperature during ripening period in japonica rice.

There is increasing evidence that global warming affects the development of rice. High temperatures during ripening increase the ratio of undesirable chalky grains followed by deteriorating grain appearance quality. In order to detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling the occurrence of white-back and basal-white chalky grains of brown rice, QTL analysis was performed using recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between two strains, 'Tsukushiroman' (sensitive to heat stress) and 'Chikushi 52' (tolerant of heat stress).