Unfolding chromosomal diversity in cultivated and wild indian rice

Rice as major source of calories and proteins are consumed by more than half of the world population. Diverse phenotypic and genotypic analysis including its complete genome sequencing has benefitted mankind. However, in the era of climatic changes and increasing world population, significant increase in yield and better distribution to reduce hunger is a mandate. To increase present gene pool in so called self pollinated crop, traditional cultivars and wild relatives may play an important role in unfolding  and conserving valuable traits. In contrast to the advanced molecular analyses of the rice genome, chromosome analysis did not received adequate attention it deserves as a staple food crop. Chromosomes are gene bearing discrete genomic structures and cultivated Oryza sativa (indica) is reported to have 2n=24 very small chromosomes. Thick cytoplasm, silicates in cell walls and chromosome size inevitably demands application of molecular cytogenetics method for accurate numerical counts as well as to analyse morphological configuration and position of chromosomal landmarks on  individual chromosomes.  Keeping in mind the repository status of Indian rice the presentation for the first time has standardized and clearly documented and conserved untapped karyotypic diversity  in some traditional members of O.sativa  as well as some  diploid and polyploid wild  Oryza species. The presentation will highlight cultivar/species based morphometric analysis and   unique karyotypic features based on non fluorescent Giemsa and fluorescent DAPI (4’-6-diamidino- 2- phenylindole). The unfolded genetic diversity recorded in Indian rice is expected to be utilized by the rice breeders and genome researchers.