Molecular mapping of QTLs for zinc deficiency tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Zinc deficiency which leads to “Khaira” disease is the major micronutrient problem in rice. It can be corrected by applying zinc supplements to the soil or plant which will put burden on resource poor farmers. Present investigation was taken to map QTLs for zinc deficiency tolerance to zinc deficiency in rice which may helpful to develop zinc deficiency tolerant cultivars. Phenotypic data generated under rainfed zinc deficiency field condition using 271 recombinant inbred lines(RILs) derived from cross between two indica genotypes, Danteshwari and Dagad Deshi during wet season 2011 concluded that zinc deficiency tolerance as a polygenic trait.