Pigmentation of rice grain is controlled by Ra, Rc and Rd genes, and the expressions of these genes differ
among red-, purple- and white-pericarp varieties. The present study examined the grain yield and the
expression of Ra, Rc and Rd genes in non-waxy white-pericarp rice SA418 and waxy white-pericarp rice
SA419 and their respective red-pericarp and purple-pericarp mutants with waxy or non-waxy endosperm.
Significant variations in 100-grains weight and grain yield were observed among the tested
mutants. The Ra was expressed in purple-pericarp mutants, while the Rc was expressed in red-pericarp
mutants. The total phenolics, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins and total proanthocyanidins contents
and antioxidant activities in the bran part also differed among the mutants. Non-waxy red-pericarp
mutant M-69 had heavier 100-grains weight (2.86 g), contained more total phenolics (49.37 mg g1 bran
dry weight) and produced higher grain yield (6.93 t ha1) than white-pericarp rices SA418 (2.43 g,
2.89 mg g1 bran dry weight and 2.80 t ha1, respectively) and SA419 (2.62 g, 2.20 mg g1 bran dry
weight and 6.73 t ha1, respectively). Thus, the polished rice grain of M-69 can be used for staple food
consumption, and its bran parts are useful for producing health-promoting by-product.