In search of mutants for gene discovery and functional genomics for multiple stress tolerance in rice.

Abstract Mutation breeding is a commanding tool, which has been adapted to generate altered genetic material to study functional genomics, including understanding the molecular basis of stress tolerance. Hitherto, several rice lines have been generated through mutagenesis and the mutated genes responsible for the 'gain of function' in terms of plant architecture, stress tolerance, disease resistance and grain quality have been characterized. Oryza sativa L. cv. IR64 is a high-yielding rice cultivar but sensitive to abiotic stresses such as acute temperatures, salinity and drought. In this study, a population of rice IR64 mutants was generated using gamma irradiation. The population was then subjected to a preliminary phenotypic screening under abiotic stresses such as heat and salinity at the seedling stage. On the basis of root length, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight and chlorophyll measurements, we identified eight 'gain-of-function' mutant lines and used them for further biochemical and molecular characterization. Phenotyping results demonstrated that the identified mutant plants have gained the potential to thrive under heat and salinity conditions. This information would be of wide scientific interest and helpful for developing novel cultivars able to maintain yield in saline, hot and dry areas.