The Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding

Anthocyanin pigments leads to production of purple apiculus in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Proper understanding of anthocyanin pathway may lead to the development of a powerful tool in rice genetics and molecular biology. SSR marker-assisted molecular backcrossing approach was utilized to develop single segment substitution lines (3–5 Lines) of Hua Jing Xian 74 with substitution segment from Lian Jian 33. The gene for purple apiculus was mapped on distal end of chromosome 6 and was found to be closely linked with RM 253 (0.2cM), PSM 349 (1.5 cM) and PSM 425 (3.8 cM), respectively. The 3–5 Lines which contained only one substitution segment of chromosome from Lian Jian 33 on the genome of Hua Jing Xian 74 appeared as a viable alternative population for mapping of the gene (s) in rice.