Screening for phosphate deficiency tolerance and expression of phosphate uptake genes in Nigerian local rice landraces

Twenty-one Nigerian rice landraces were screened for tolerance to phosphate deficiency in nutrient medium using selected morphological indices from which Phosphate Deficiency Tolerance Index (PDTI) was evaluated. All analyzed the presence of four uptake 1 (Pup-1) gene-linked markers while relative expression levels two Pup-1 genes evaluated under zero, normal and excess phosphate. PDTI analysis grouped into negative, low positive or high categories depending on whether performance at zero P better than P, comparable less respectively. However, irrespective grouping, each landrace had least one gene marker. Under Phillipine showed no superior OsPupK05-1 OsPupK04-1 despite belonging negative group. Thus, PDTI-based characterization not completely consonant with genes, suggesting a possible influence other tolerant genes. combination PDTI, root shoot traits possession 3 Pup Dantala Mass, Ankulyan, Variety 44 may be regarded as landraces.   Key words: Oryza sativa, index, RT-PCR,