Agronomic Characteristics of A Mutant for Genic Male Sterility-Chalky Endosperm and Its Utilization on $F_1$ Hybrid Breeding System in Rice

A mutant for chalky endosperm and genetic male sterility (GMS) was newly developed in rice. The two characters were found to be controlled by single recessive gene which has pleiotropic effect, indicating that chalky seeds should be GMS seeds in segregating populations. Chalky seeds showed the same shape and size as normal seeds. However, starch composition of central part of endosperm was looser and shape of starch granules was rounder compared with normal endosperm, resulting in significantly lower grain weight, absolute density and grain hardness in chalky grains than in normal ones. Amylose content and gel consistency of chalky grains were much lower and harder, respectively. Male sterile plants showed much shorter plant height, poorer panicle exsertion and lesser panicle number compared with normal plants. Microspore abortion stage in pollen developmental process was observed as before meiosis. Male sterility of the mutant was stable regadless of temperature and day length. A system breeding hybrid rice using this mutant was discussed, comp ring with other systems utilizing cytoplasmic-genic male sterility(CGMS) and environment sensitive GMS(EGMS). Separation of GMS seeds in mixed seed bulks by specific gravity (1.14∼1.16g / cm3) was successful about 85∼90%. But some mixed normal plants were seemed to be easily removed by the apparent difference in growth characters at seedling stage. The highest natural outcrossing rate of this GMS line was as 17.3 % in a plot treated with 2-row pollinator, I-row GMS, and GA3 + cutting of flag leaf + pollen-scattering by rope.