Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting Rf-1 gene, or the gene that restores the BT type cytoplasmic male sterility which is employed in hybrid rice breeding. More specifically, the invention provides a method of detecting Rf-1 gene by making use of the fact that a plurality of PCR markers present near the locus of Rf-1 gene are linked to said locus. Specifically, the invention genotypes a plurality of PCR marker loci present in the neighborhood of Rf-1 gene based on the fact that the locus of Rf-1 gene is located between novel PCR markers S12564 Tsp509I and C1361 MwoI on chromosome 10 of rice, whereby estimation of the presence or absence of Rf-1 gene and selection of Rf-1 gene homozygous individuals can be performed in a convenient and accurate way.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a marker for detecting a polymorphism in a plant genome using a transposable element and a method for producing thereof. The method for producing a marker for detecting a polymorphism in a plant genome is characterized in that it comprises preparing primer for nucleic acid amplification using a base sequence of transposable element and/or adjacent region thereto in plant genome.

Abstract: A herbicide useful for controlling weeds belonging to genus Echinochloa such as barnyardgrass, a method for controlling such weeds and novel microorganisms which can be used as an effective ingredient of the herbicide are disclosed. The present invention provides a herbicide comprising as an effective ingredient a microorganism belonging to genus Ustilago. The present invention also provides a method for controlling weeds by utilizing a microorganism belonging to genus Ustilago. The present invention also provides Ustilago trichophora B-171 (FERM BP-3968). The present invention further provides Ustilago trichophora B-174 (FERM BP-3969). The present invention further provides Ustilago trichophora B-185 (FERM BP-3970).