QTL-seq Identifies NAL1 and OsOFP19 as Additive Regulators of Tiller Number in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

In this study, we identified genomic regions associated with rice tiller number (TN) using NGS-based BSA in an F2 population. The QTLs identified in this study can be used to narrow down to identify the potential candidate for TN and to develop functional marker to improve new plant type for the higher yield in rice. NGS of selected individuals provides a tremendous amount of useful information. Together with the advent of bioinformatics, BSA/NGS technique can reduce cost and time for population development to identify major QTL of the trait of interest.