Traits-related QTLs and genes and their potential applications in rice improvement under low phosphorus condition

The genetic improvement of rice over past decades has led to the loss of several genes which are responsible for nutrient acquisition and soil-related stresses. Phosphorus (P) is a non-renewable resource and inevitable element of metabolic functions in plants. By pedogenesis process, organic matter contributes to renewing soil P in lesser extent. Therefore, improvement of the P use efficiency is one of the most imperative traits in rice breeding program, which is governed by quantitative trait loci (QTLs). QTLs controlling low P associated morphological and physiological traits in rice were investigated mostly during last one and half decade by using diverse mapping populations. Comprehensive and meticulous survey from literature, we found that to date 133 P associated QTLs of morpho-physiological traits were reported to be distributed on twelve chromosomes and majority of these QTLs localized on chromosome 1, 2 and 12. For the first time, a complete figure is presented in this review on chromosome wise with respective QTLs associated with low P for easy understanding and selecting markers for future prospect. Further, it is necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms and regulation of genes and traits associated with low P to develop tolerant rice cultivars using functional marker-assisted selection.