Performance of improved versions of Swarna introgressed with yield enhancing genes in multi-location trials

MBVN, Kousik; E, Punniakotti; G, Rekha; K, Chaitra; G, Harika; T, Dilip; SK, Hajira; RK, Swapnil; B, Laxmi Prasanna; SK, Mastanbee; M, Anila; M, Ayyappa Dass; RR, Kale; Sinha, Pragya; G, Vivek; RA, Fiyaz; P, Senguttuvel; LV, Subba Rao; MS, Prasad; GS, Laha; A, Krishna Satya; P, Sudhakar; CN, Neeraja; SR, Kim; KK, Jena and RM, Sundaram. 2023. Performance of improved versions of Swarna introgressed with yield enhancing genes in multi-location trials. Oryza, Volume 60 no. 1 p. 106-116

Swarna (MTU7029), an Indian mega-variety of rice, is cultivated on an estimated 8Mha of land. There is a pressing need to address yield stagnation and wider adaptability to irrigated lowland and rainfed ecologies as a result of the negative consequences of climate change and population growth. The present study was aimed at improving Swarna for two yield-related traits through marker-assisted backcross breeding strategy by introgression of OsSPL14 (panicle branching) and SCM2 (stronger culm). Foreground and background selection was carried out at each generation. Homozygous BC2F2 plants harbouring both yield-enhancing genes were identified and advanced through pedigree selection till BC2F5 and evaluated in station trials. Three promising lines possessing higher yield over recurrent parent were identified, and a single line, IET 27661 exhibited superior yield in multi-location trials of the All India Coordinated Rice Improvement Programme (AICRIP) and was found to be promising.