Comparison of Indian Aromatic Rice and Their Segregants; DNA Fingerprinting Through SSR Markers

Aromatic rices collected from different parts of India were scored for their aroma intensity. The aromatic rices of east and northeast India recorded higher aroma score than those of north India meaning that intensity of aroma expression varied with geographical distribution. The molecular characterization of aroma through two SSR linked markers RM 42 and RM 223 linked to ‘fgr’ gene on chromosome 8 responsible for fragrance failed to reveal exact correspondence between aroma score and PCR generated fragment size. The cross between aromatic and non-aromatic produced F₆ segregants skewed either aromatic or non-aromatic parent having PCR generated fragment size, similar to their respective parents. Two conspicuous segregants with aromatic scores intermediate to their parental values displayed a fragment size of intermediate nature linked to RM 42 suggesting the possibility of an allelic recombination. The aroma appears to be very complex trait governed probably by gene/genes other than major fragrance gene. The importance of human selection during domestication in aroma expression is suggested.