In-silico characterization of defence related genes for neck blast resistance in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

Panicle Blast, caused by pathogenic fungi Magnaporthe oryzae, is one of the most devastating diseases in rice. Introgression of resistant alleles into susceptible cultivars is the most economical and ecofriendly approach to combat disease loss. Genes for resistance are, however, limited by their effectiveness across locations and response towards novel races which evolve in a given ecology. Therefore, the discovery of new genes remains a priority for attaining durable resistance over time. A major QTL previously mapped on chromosome 11 was characterized using in-silico analysis with the aim of identifying the candidate genes and their associated pathways which carry a role in conferring resistance. Of the 63 candidate genes identified in a QTL interval, five genes namely, Os11g0206700, Os11g0225300, Os11g0203300, Os11g0178800 and Os11g0182500 were identified having a role in disease resistance. These genes contained NBS-LRR plant disease resistance domains, indicating their potential involvement in the defence against blast disease.