Characterization of Akhanaphou, an unique landrace from North-East India and its RIL population for rice leaf and neck blast resistance

Rice blast is continues to be the major constraint in sustainable rice production throughout the world. Although many genetic resources harboring single R-genes are available for blast resistance, wide genetic variations exist in the blast fungus lead to breakdown of these resistant varieties soon after its release. To control such a deadly disease, there is a need to identify QTLs which offer durable partial resistance. In this endeavor, we identified Akhanaphou, a unique rice landraces of Manipur showing a high level of resistance to leaf and neck blast across various locations. Upon genetic characterization, we found resistance in Akhanaphou governed by QTLs and two major genes i.e Pi38 and Pitp. Three best stabilized recombinant inbred lines (RILs) showing resistance for leaf and neck blast and having significant homozygosity at various loci were identified based on gene profiling, phenotyping, and agronomic evaluation studies. The shortlisted RILs are valuable genetic resources for the development of blast resistance in rice improvement programs.