High-resolution QTL mapping for grain appearance traits and co-localization of chalkiness-associated differentially expressed candidate genes in rice

Background Grain appearance quality is a main determinant of market value in rice and one of the highly important traits requiring improvement in breeding programs. The genetic basis of grain shape and endosperm chalkiness have been given significant attention because of their importance in affecting grain quality. Meanwhile, the introduction of NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) has a significant part to play in the area of genomics, and offers the possibility for high-resolution genetic map construction, population genetics analysis and systematic expression profile study.