A set of near-isogenic lines for blast resistance genes with an Indica-type rainfed lowland elite rice (Oryza sativa L.) genetic background

A set of near-isogenic lines for blast resistance genes was developed by using an Indica-type elite rice variety, IR49830-7-1-2-2, suitable for the rainfed lowland conditions in the tropics, as a genetic background. Initially, we revealed that IR49830-7-1-2-2 harbors five blast resistance genes – Pia, Pib, Pik-s, Pita, and Pi11(t) – by using a differential system involving 19 selected standard blast isolates from the Philippines. Based on this result, we developed nine near-isogenic lines (NILs) targeting eight resistance genes – Pik, Pi7(t), Pi3, Pi5, Pita-2, Piz-5, Pish, and Pi9 – by recurrent backcrossing. The introgression of each resistance gene in the NILs was confirmed by reaction patterns to the blast isolates, allelism tests, and DNA marker analysis. In addition, a genome-wide DNA marker survey revealed that most of the chromosome regions in each NIL were of the IR49830-7-1-2-2 type. The agricultural characteristics of most of the developed NILs were almost the same as those of IR49830-7-1-2-2. Moreover, with one exception, they showed submergence tolerance similar to IR49830-7-1-2-2. The developed NILs could be used as a multiline variety suitable for the rainfed lowland in the tropics.

► Near-isogenic lines (NILs) for blast resistance genes were developed.
► They have a genetic background of an Indica-type rice variety.
► The introgression of resistance genes was confirmed by reactions to blast.
► They could be used as a multiline variety in the rainfed lowland in the tropics.