Enhancement of Inpari 42 Rice Variety through Marker-Assisted Backcrossing for Aromatic Trait Integration and Agronomic Improvement in BC 1 F 1 Generation

This study aimed to enhance the Inpari 42 rice variety by integrating the aromatic trait through Marker-Assisted Backcrossing (MAB) while improving key agronomic characteristics in the BC 1 F 1 generation. The aromatic gene from Merah Wangi was successfully introgressed into BC 1 F 1 plants, confirmed through molecular analysis using the Bradbury marker, which detects mutations in the BADH2 gene responsible for fragrance in rice. Thirty BC 1 F 1 plants with a heterozygous mutation in BADH2 were identified, demonstrating the reliability of MAB in maintaining the aromatic trait across generations. Agronomic evaluations revealed that BC 1 F 1 plants exhibited intermediate flowering time, increased plant height, and longer panicles compared to the parental lines. Additionally, BC 1 F 1 plants showed enhanced tillering capacity, more productive tillers, and higher grain yield per plant, indicating the successful integration of desirable traits from both parents. The next step in this research is to conduct further backcrosses with Inpari 42 to develop a stable aromatic variety, combining the high-yielding characteristics of Inpari 42 with the aromatic traits of Merah Wangi. These findings highlight the potential of BC 1 F 1 lines for developing high-yielding aromatic rice varieties suitable for diverse agricultural settings.