To identify genetic factors underlying phosphorus (P) uptake and use efficiency under low_P stress in rice (Oryza sativa L.), 84 selected genotypes (recombinant inbred lines) and their parents (which differed in tolerance for low_P stress) “IR20” and IR55178_3B_9_3, were cultured in liquid medium supplemented with adequate and low P levels in a greenhouse. Plants were sampled after 6 weeks in culture for measurements of plant dry weight, P concentration, P uptake and P use efficiency under both P sufficient and stress conditions. A total of 179 molecular markers, including 26 RFLPs and 153 AFLPs, mapped on all 12 chromosomes of rice based on the 84 selected genotypes were used to detect the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying tolerance for low_P stress. Three QTLs were detected on chromosomes 6, 7 and 12, respectively, for relative plant dry weight (RPDW) and relative P uptake (RPUP). One of the QTLs flanked by RG9 and RG241 on chromosome 12 had a major effect which explained about 50% of the variations in the two parameters across the population. The results coincided with the QTLs for low_P stress based on relative tillering ability from the same population from a cross between Nipponbare and Kasalath under soil condition. The identical major QTL for P uptake and plant growth under low_P stress in both liquid medium and soil strongly suggests that the ability of P uptake mainly controls rice tolerance for low_P stress.
