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Acta Agronomica Sinica ›› 2025, Vol. 51 ›› Issue (7): 1712-1724.doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1006.2025.42059

• CROP GENETICS & BREEDING · GERMPLASM RESOURCES · MOLECULAR GENETICS • Previous Articles     Next Articles

OsWRI3, identified based on QTL mapping, regulates seed shattering in rice

YANG Hai-Yang**,WU Lin-Xuan**,LI Bo-Wen,SHI Han-Feng,YUAN Xi-Long,LIU Jin-Zhao,CAI Hai-Rong,CHEN Shi-Yi,GUO Tao*, WANG Hui*   

  1. South China Agricultural University / National Engineering Research Center of Plant Space Breeding, Guangzhou 510640, Guangdong, China
  • Received:2024-12-19 Revised:2025-03-26 Accepted:2025-03-26 Online:2025-07-12 Published:2025-04-07
  • Supported by:
    This study was supported by the China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA (CARS-01) and the Innovative Team Project of Ordinary Colleges and Universities of Guangdong Province (2021KCXTD029).

Abstract:

Rice is a staple food crop worldwide, and seed shattering is a critical trait that directly affects yield. Developing rice varieties with moderate seed shattering that are suitable for mechanized harvesting is essential for improving yieldHowever, seed shattering is a complex quantitative trait influenced by multiple factors, and existing theories do not fully explain its underlying mechanisms. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with seed shattering and refine the gene regulatory network governing this trait, we utilized a population of 192 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between the male parent YZX, which exhibits high seed shattering, and the female parent 02428, which has low seed shattering. QTL mapping was conducted using seed shattering data collected at 30 days after flowering, assessed through both pulling and bending methods under different environmental conditions. A total of 19 QTL associated with seed shattering were identified across various environments and methods. Notably, a novel co-located QTL, qBSH5.2, was detected using the bending method. Further analysis, including database searches, gene expression profiling, RNA sequencing, and gene sequence analysis, identified OsWRI3 as a candidate gene within the qBSH5.2 locus. Functional validation showed that the OsWRI3 mutant exhibited significantly reduced seed shattering compared to the wild type (WT). Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the fracture surface of the mutant was rougher and contained spring-like burr structures, distinguishing it from the WT. Additionally, OsWRI3 expression in the rice panicle and abscission zone was positively correlated with maturity, and genes involved in ethylene precursor synthesis were downregulated in the abscission zone of the mutant compared to the WT. Haplotype analysis further confirmed the regulatory role of OsWRI3 in seed shattering, and we identified favorable haplotype combinations that confer moderate seed shattering, making them suitable for mechanized harvesting. In conclusion, the discovery of OsWRI3, an AP2 transcription factor, not only enhances our understanding of the genetic regulation of seed shattering but also provides valuable genetic resources for breeding rice varieties optimized for mechanized harvesting.

Key words: rice, seed shattering, QTL mapping, AP2 transcription factor, haplotype analysis

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