Project Number: 1907-21000-034-09
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Oct 01, 2009
End Date: Jul 31, 2013

Objective:
The goal of this research is to identify the major genes involved in Al tolerance in rice and provide a better understanding of the physiological mechanisms of Al tolerance. Our preliminary work demonstrates that as a species, rice is capable of growing at Al3+ activities that are between 5-15 times higher than that for maize, sorghum, and wheat, leading us to hypothesize that rice may be a source of novel Al tolerance genes.

Approach:
1. Characterize T-DNA knockouts for candidate AltSB MATE homologs in rice for physiological function and involvement in Al tolerance and quantification of the role of these candidate MATE genes in rice Al tolerance. 2. Fine map and/or clone the gene(s) underlying the novel major Al resistance QTL we recently identified on rice chr 12. 3. Complete the whole genome mapping for rice Al tolerance using the OryzaSNP II chip (44k SNP chip). 4) Initiate development of Al tolerance near isogenic lines (NILs) based on identified QTLs and also newly mapped loci from whole genome association mapping to quantify the contribution of individual loci to Al tolerance and as a resource for breeding for rice Al tolerance.