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Apomixis technology development-virgin births in farmers' fields?
Charles Spillane1, Mark D Curtis, Ueli Grossniklaus
1Institute of Plant Biology & Zürich-Basel Plant Science Center, University of Zürich, CH-8008 Zürich, Switzerland.
Nature Biotechnology
|June 4, 2004
Summary
Harnessing apomixis, asexual reproduction via seeds, offers agricultural benefits. Engineering this trait in crops could revolutionize plant breeding, despite past conventional breeding challenges.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Reproductive biology
- Agricultural science
Background:
- Apomixis is asexual reproduction through seeds, producing maternal clones.
- Over 400 apomictic species exist, but it's rare in crops.
- Conventional breeding has failed to transfer apomixis effectively into crop varieties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of engineering apomixis in crops.
- To discuss the feasibility of de novo apomixis creation in sexually reproducing plants.
- To highlight the importance of biosafety and IP management for apomixis technology adoption.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing knowledge on apomixis and plant reproduction.
- Analysis of the relationship between sexual and apomictic pathways.
- Consideration of genetic engineering approaches for apomixis induction.
Main Results:
- Apomixis engineering is a potential strategy due to the close relationship between sexual and asexual reproduction pathways.
- De novo engineering may be achievable in crops that currently reproduce sexually.
- Biosafety and intellectual property considerations are crucial for practical application.
Conclusions:
- Engineering apomixis offers a promising avenue for crop improvement.
- Overcoming limitations of conventional breeding through genetic engineering is feasible.
- Proactive management of biosafety and IP is essential for successful deployment of apomixis technology.