Applications of Apomixis
Apomixis has been a very useful tool in agricultural biotechnology. Currently, two ways have been used to introduce apomixis into agronomically significant crops, that is the introgression of apomixis genes from natural apomicts and the introduction of synthetic apomixis by molecular engineering.
- The use of natural apomixis or introgression of apomixis genes in agriculture helps the development of pure lines faster.
- It ensures a reduction of cost for plant breeding and fast reproduction.
- Synthetic apomixis: It is caused by combining several components of apomixis to form an apomictic method of development, and has the potential to transform agriculture in the future.
- High-frequency synthetic apomixis has been observed in hybrid rice.
- The progeny of clonal plants with hybrid vigour can sustainably pass on across several generations.
Apomixis in Plants
Apomixis is the formation of an embryo without the fusion (mixing) of gametes. Apomixis example is Taraxacum officinale. The term was first coined by Albert Winkler in 1908 when he noticed a single female Alchornea ilicifolia plant producing seeds even when there were no male equivalents in the United Kingdom. In this article, we will learn about the apomixis definition, types, characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of apomixis in plants in detail.
Table of Content
- What is Apomixis?
- Apomixis Example
- Types of Apomixis
- General Characteristics of Apomixis
- Applications of Apomixis
- What are the Advantages of Apomixis?
- What are the Disadvantages of Apomixis?