Exploration of eQTLs regulating transcript for internode elongation under deep water treatment employing haplotype network in diverse deep water rice landraces of Assam, India

Nature’s marvel, Deep water rice

“…During this time of the year, most of the regions get submerged due to flood and cultivation of the rice varieties is not feasible. Deep water rice (DWR) varieties serve as a blessing to the local communities (Rohilla et al 2023). Cultivating DWR is the only means of subsistence for most of the people during this time.…”

“…In Asia, it is grown from latitude 27⁰ N in Assam and Uttar Pradesh of India, to latitude 3⁰ S in Indonesia (Puckridge et al 2001). In Assam, DWR is commonly known as Bao dhan (Rohilla et al 2023). Around 100,000 ha of land area is under deep water rice cultivation.…”

“…This area is covered by Upper Assam districts such as Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Sibsagar and Majuli whereas some districts belonging to Middle and Lower Assam such as Kamrup, Nalbari, Barpeta, Goalpara and Morigaon. In case of Dhemaji, around 25,000 farm families belonging to 25 Panchayats rely on deep water rice cultivation (Rohilla et al 2023). Even though not properly listed, it is estimated that there are more than 70 landraces of Bao dhan in Assam (Loying et al 2010).…”

“…Even though not properly listed, it is estimated that there are more than 70 landraces of Bao dhan in Assam (Loying et al 2010). Apart from Assam, deep water rice is also cultivated in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Orissa (Rohilla et al 2023).…”

“…Apart from its deep water stress tolerant ability, DWR varieties are bestowed with many nutritional values. Some DWR varieties of Assam such as Jul Bao and Negeri Bao was reported to contain comparatively higher amount of protein than other rice varieties (Rohilla et al 2023). They are also rich in iron, zinc, vitamins as well as minerals.…”