Mapping of QTLs related to morphophysiological traits in rice seedling (Oryza sativa L.) under drought condition

Identification of the linked markers to drought tolerance genes are needed for the breeding of rice varieties. In order to mapping of QTLs controlling related to drought tolerance, 96 rice Inbred lines caused Ahlamitarom × Neda cross planted as complementary randomized design with 3 replications under drought stress in Gonbad Kavous University lab in 2014. Given the genetic variation among the studied lines, it was possible to the detection of QTLs in this study. In calculating the correlation of traits evaluated under drought stress, the highest correlation was for root diameter with root area density (0.96 **). The results of cluster analysis based on total traits under drought stress, lines assigned to four groups: tolerant, semi-tolerant, semi-sensitive and sensitive. Linkage map provided using F8 population, 30 SSR markers, and 20 ISSR markers and covered 1413.2 cM with an average distance between two markers 12.18. QTL analysis indicated that containing totally 13 distances were found, in this way, 2 QTL stem length, 1 QTL root number, 3 QTL leaf width, 1 QTL stem weight, 3 QTL leaf surface, 1 QTL stomata density before stress, 1 QTL stomata density after stress, 1 QTL ratio of total stomata surfaces total area after stress were controlled. Of the detected QTLs, qLL-2 and qSA-12, explained a high percentage of phenotypic variation for leaf area and stomata density after stress. The major QTLs detected in this study, can be used in marker-assisted selection breeding programs after validation