Identification and Functional Characterization of Genes Underlying Major QTL for Water use Efficiency in Rice using in silico approach

The understanding of plant responses to water limitation at the genomic level provides a foundation for gene discovery and genetic engi-neering of rice for improving water use efficiency (WUE). Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling WUE related traits will help in precise introgression of desired genomic regions (QTLs) through marker assisted selection and genetic engineering. In the present investigation the major QTL region on chromosome 4 (11.7–29.2 cM) controlling traits related to WUE was selected through literature survey and database search and attempts were made through in silico approach to characterize genes underlying it. A total 147 genes were found to be located within this region as reported from publicly available microarray database. Spatial and temporal ex-pression using qTELLER software revealed that five genes were likely candidates for water use efficiency. The genes underlying the QTLs have been classified according to their function based on the gene ontology and significant GO terms.