Identification of QTLs for seed storability in rice under natural aging conditions using two RILs with the same parent Shennong 265

Seed storability (SS) is an important trait for agronomic production and germplasm preservation in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Quantitative trait locus (QTL) for seed storability in three storage periods was identified using two sets of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the crosses with a common female parent Shennong 265 (SN265). Ten QTLs for seed storability were detected on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 12 in SL-RILs (SN265/Lijiangxingtuanheigui (LTH)), and a total of 12 QTLs were identified on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and 10 in SH-RILs (SN265/Luhui 99 (LH99)) in different storage periods. Among these QTLs, five major QTLs were identified in more than one storage period. The qSS3-1, qSS3-2, qSS12-1, and qSS12-2 were detected in SL-RILs. Similarly, qSS2-2, qSS2-3, qSS6-2, qSS6-3, qSS6-4, qSS9-1, and qSS9-2 were detected in SH-RILs. In addition, the maximum phenotypic variation was derived from the qSS6-1 and qSS9-2, explaining 53.58 and 29.09%, respectively, while qSS6-1 was a new stable QTL for seed storability. These results provide an opportunity for pyramiding and map-based cloning major QTLs for seed storability in rice.