Correlation and cluster analyses for grain quality traits in aromatic rice from Taihu Lake area

In order to provide the basis of high-quality aromatic rice breeding,major grain quality traits of 44 aromatic rice varieties from Taihu Lake area were studied by phenotypic principal component analysis.The results showed that there existed complex relationship among grain quality traits.Five principal component factors affecting grain quality were selected,among which the cumulative contribution rate of grain shape,milling quality and exterior quality to grain quality was 65.67%.Cluster analysis revealed the 44 aromatic rice varieties could be classified into 3 groups according to genetic distance,indicating the small genetic distance and narrow genetic basis.It was suggested that grain shape and milling quality should be particularly considered in aromatic rice grain quality breeding in Taihu Lake area,which could decrease chalkiness,increase cooking quality and improve the rice quality.