Apomixis: Evolution, Mechanisms and Molecular Perspectives

Apomixis is the development of a plant from a seed that does not require normal sexual reproduction or fertilization. There is no genetic recombination because the process does not include the fusion of the female and male gametes. The three kinds of apomixis that are typically recognized are apospory, diplospory, and adventitious embryony. The expression of apomixis involves the coordination of several independent phenotypes including the production of an unreduced embryo sac, and the development of an embryo from an unreduced and unfertilized egg cell. There are many potential agronomic advantages of apoximis including the development of pure lines, reduction in cost and time of breeding, avoidance of sexual reproduction complications and viral transfer in plants, conservation of heterosis, and easy hybrid seed production. This book provides comprehensive insights on the evolution, mechanisms and molecular perspectives of apomixis. A number of latest researches have been included to keep the readers updated with the latest concepts in this area of study.