Identification of two stably expressed QTLs for fat content in rice (Oryza sativa)

Fat content (FC) is an important component of the nutritional quality of the rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain and a partial determinant of grain quality. Three FC QTLs were identified from an analysis of a set of rice 'Kasalath'/'Koshihikari' backcross inbred lines, which were grown in three independent environments. Two of these QTLs (qFC7.1 and qFC7.2) were located on chromosome 7, and they were detected in all three environments. The presence of qFC7.1 and qFC7.2 was further confirmed by testing a set of 'Kasalath' (donor) /'Koshihikari' (recipient) chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) across six environments. Both QTLs significantly increased grain FC and they might be involved in lipid metabolism. The two QTLs were stably expressed in a number of environments and populations, making them suitable candidates for the improvement of FC via marker assisted breeding.