Supplementary data for Contribution of reproductive developmental gene diversity to the morphological variability of panicle in African rice

<p>&nbsp;</p> <p>African rice, <em>Oryza glaberrima</em> Steud., is a crop closely related to Asian rice (Oryza sativa L.) and represents a valuable resource for enhancing biotic and abiotic resistance properties in rice cultivation. Despite extensive research on the genetic basis of panicle architecture in O. sativa, our understanding of the molecular genetic factors governing this essential trait in <em>O. glaberrima</em> remains limited. Furthermore, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding the intra- and inter-specific diversity of panicle development and architecture in relation to the domestication of rice species. To bridge these gaps, our study employed a comprehensive approach, including in silico analyses, candidate gene-based association analysis, genome-wide association analysis, and analysis of structural variants (SVs) present in GWAS sites. The findings of this study significantly contribute to our understanding of the molecular genetic factors underlying rice panicle development and architecture. Furthermore, they provide promising targets for future efforts to improve the panicle morphological traits of this essential crop.</p>