Study of protein distribution patterns in some accessions of Wild and cultivated rice, <i>Oryza</i> Linn.

Abstract

The transverse sections of 52 accessions of rice comprising of 2 wild indigenous species, 1 cultivated indigenous species and 1 cultivated Asian species, including different land races and a commercial brand, were made. This was with a view to investigating the patterns of protein distribution in the rice species. The result showed a general protein distribution pattern of a dense, sometimes broad band of large protein bodies near the aleurone layer followed by tiny protein bodies which ramify into the endosperm, some reaching the core through the parenchyma covering of the amyloplasts. There is a considerable intra- and inter- specific variability which holds promise for exploitation for improvement. However, the accessions of O. barthii presented a poor protein profile while the land races of O. sativa had the best profile. The broad layer of deeply-diffused protein particles in some of the accessions, especially the land races, will survive milling even when the large protein bodies in the bran and aleurone layers are lost. This potential can be exploited for genetic improvement of rice.

Keywords: Protein Distribution, Wild Rices, Cultivated Land Races, Genetic Improvement