Development and characterization of an erect panicle mutant of Indica rice and its genetic analysis of trait

A new erect panicle mutant was developed by 60Co γ-irradiation of an Indica rice variety 9311, for the first time of its kind in indica rice. Analysis of agronomic traits showed that, the mutant had shorter plant height, reduced number of spikelets per panicle, shortened the panicle and flag leaves, and rice grains, however, its 1000-grain weight remained unchanged compared with its parental variety 9311. Genetic analysis indicated that the trait of erect panicle was controlled by a single recessive gene. The hybrid of Pei'ai 64S and the mutant was not significantly different in plant type and the yield components compared with the hybrid of Pei'ai 64S and its original variety 9311. (authors)