Research Projects

Grain protein content (GPC) in milled rice is typically 6.0 to 8.0%, with only three high protein varieties (CR Dhan 310, CR Dhan 311, and CR Dhan 411) released in India. The demand for protein-rich products has increased due to health consciousness and consumer willingness to pay a price premium. Breeding high-yielding protein-rich varieties is a less expensive, more efficient, and affordable alternative strategy over protein supplementation. Breeding efforts for bio-fortification with zinc and iron have been accelerated, but support for breeding efforts focused on high protein content is still in its infancy. The scientific objectives of this study are to identify genomic regions associated with high grain protein content in a novel donor and develop high grain protein lines with high yield, desirable cooking, and eating quality. The main experiments involve using F₂ and BC₂F₂ populations to identify genomic regions/genes associated with grain protein content using SNPs/SSR markers. Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) and advanced backcross breeding populations (BC₂F₅) will be developed from these populations. Genotyping and phenotyping will be performed at each stage for protein content and other yield/quality related traits. Plants with high GPC, high grain yield, and desirable traits will be selected for generation advancement up to BC₂F₅. The best performing lines in BC₂F₅ and F₆ populations will be identified and nominated for AICRIP testing for varietal release.