PCR-based molecular markers for the fragrance gene in rice (Oryza sativa. L.)

The genomic DNA clone RG28, linked to the major fragrance gene of rice (fgr ), was assessed for polymorphism in order to produce a PCR-based marker for fragrance. A small mono-nucleotide repeat, that was polymorphic between a pair of fragrant and non-fragrant cultivars, was identified and developed i nto a co-dominant PCR-based marker. The polymorphism-information-content de terminations for three microsatellite markers, that have been genetically m apped near RG28, are also presented. These PCR-based markers will be highly useful in distinguishing fragrance-producing alleles from non-fragrance-pr oducing alleles at the fgr locus.