Genome-wide association mapping of sodium and potassium concentration in rice grains and shoots under alternate wetting and drying and continuously flooded irrigation

Abstract Key message Identification of a large number of QTL and candidate genes for sodium accumulation in a field grown population of rice derived from the aus subpopulation. Abstract Rice ( Oryza sativa L.) is a globally important cereal crop. Sodium (Na + ) and potassium (K + ) are the major monovalent ions which affect rice growth, and exploring their uptake mechanisms will be useful for understanding rice biology. Since the balance of Na + and K + plays a significant role in adaptation of rice to salinity, that biology might inform the search for tolerance. In this study, the Na + and K + concentration and Na + /K + ratio in grains and shoots were analyzed in…