Conventional and Molecular Breeding for Bacterial Leaf Blight and Blast Resistance in Rice

Abstract

Abstract
Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) and blast are the major limiting factors for rice production in the world. Host resistance mechanism by exploiting the resistance genes (R gene) is one of the most effective ways to achieve the genetic potential of the rice cultivars. Conventional breeding in the past has developed several resistant varieties having major genes for resistance to blast and BLB. Marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB) provides a long way in incorporating several major resistance genes and quantitative trait locus (QTLs) in cultivars. BLB resistance gene Xa-21, xa-5 & xa-13 have been incorporated in several mega rice varieties of India. Several blast R genes have been mapped and cloned in rice and further advancement in genomic science has created a new scope for well characterization of R genes at molecular level.
Keywords: Bacterial leaf blight, blast, resistance, markers, gene