Homoploid F1 hybrids and segmental allotetraploids of japonica and indica rice subspecies show similar and enhanced tolerance to N deficiency than parental lines

The datasets were generated to compare the phenotypic performance of two diploid rice subspecies indica and japonica (Oryza sativa L.) with the derived homoploid F1 hybrids (9N and N9) and segmental allopolyploids (99NN and NN99) under normal and low nitrogen conditions. Total gene expressions of 18 genes in critical growth-related pathways along with genotyping data by Sequenom MassARRAY of the plant groups were also involved to reveal the molecular rationale behind the morphological and physiological observations. The data were collected at the population level and falls into mainly 3 parts including i) phenotype (morphology and physiology) measurements for above and underground parts of the plants under normal and low-nitrogen conditions; ii) qRT-PCR quantification of the 18 involved genes by ΔΔCT method, and iii) genotyping dataset generated from Sequenom MassARRAY platform. The study shows that both hybridization and whole-genome duplication can confer rice better tolerance to low nitrogen conditions.

Methods
Regular phenotype measurement and qRT-PCR were carried out and genotyping data were obtained by the Sequenom MassARRAY platform. Detail can be seen in the M&M section of the study.