Apomixis is an asexual mode of reproduction through seeds where progeny are clones of the mother plants. Naturally apomictic modes of reproduction are found in hundreds of plant genera distributed across more than 30 plant families, but are absent in major crop plants. Apomixis has the potential to be a breakthrough technology by allowing the propagation through seed of any genotype, including F1 hybrids. Here, we have summarized the recent progress toward synthetic apomixis, where combining targeted modifications of both the meiosis and fertilization processes leads to the production of clonal seeds at high frequencies. Despite some remaining challenges, the technology has approached a level of maturity that allows its consideration for application in the field.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00122-023-04357-3 | DOI Listing |
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Engineering high-frequency apomixis with normal seed production in hybrid rice.
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Henan Key Laboratory of Rice Molecular Breeding and High Efficiency Production, College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
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College of Agronomy, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Konjac Biology, Yunnan Urban Agricultural Engineering and Technological Research Center, Kunming University, Kunming, 650214, China.
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Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany.
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