Apomixis: an enigma with potential applications

Abstract

Apomixis has been the focus of research in plant sciences in recent years with lot of scope for crop improvement. It results in clonal progeny without fertilization, having maternal genetic constitution. The impact of introducing apomixis in crop plants could be significant mainly for its use in fixation of hybrid vigour. Because of epigenetic barriers, introgression of apomixis from a close relative to a sexual crop plant by conventional plant breeding methods could not generate expected results. Recent developments in plant molecular biology and biotechnology can help in developing potential strategies. This article summarizes various aspects of apomixis research that are being followed in India and abroad.