A yellow-green mutant for breeding and purity testing of hybrid rice

Biao 810S is a natural yellow-green mutant selected from the thermo-sensitive genic male-sterile (TGMS) rice line 810S. Its typical characteristic is permanent yellow-green leaf color. Genetic analysis has demonstrated that the yellow-green mutation is controlled by a single recessive locus, and the F₁ hybrid, the offspring of a cross between Biao 810S and wild-type 810S, exhibited normal green leaves. The photosynthetic pigment contents in the yellow-green mutant Biao 810S were reduced compared to the wild-type 810S. However, Biao 810S showed a higher photosynthesis ability under strong light. In addition, no significant difference in fertility stability and completeness of male sterility as well as combining ability were observed between Biao 810S and its wild-type line 810S. The data indicated that Biao 810S might be useful as a genetic marker for seed purity test at seedling stage and helpful for improving the quality and production of hybrid rice.