Journal of Plant Biochemistry & Physiology
Open Access

Biotechnological Approaches to Induce Apomixis in Crop Plants: Current Strategies and Innovations

Fekry Abbas^{* *}Correspondence: Fekry Abbas, Department of Botany, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo City, Tokyo, Japan, Email:

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Description

Apomixis, the ability of plants to produce seeds without fertilization, offers significant advantages for crop improvement, including the maintenance of desirable genetic traits and enhanced uniformity. Traditionally, apomixis occurs naturally in a variety of plants, but its application in agriculture has been limited due to the complexity of the trait. Recent advances in biotechnology are opening new paths for inducing apomixis in crop plants, offering potential developments in agricultural productivity and breeding efficiency.

Apomixis

Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction where seeds are produced without the fusion of male and female gametes. This process results in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent plant. In agriculture, the ability to produce clones through seeds could revolutionize crop production by ensuring that advantageous traits are consistently transmitted. However, apomixis is a complex trait controlled by multiple genes, making it difficult to control.

Biotechnological strategies for inducing apomixis

Recent biotechnological advancements have focused on both understanding the genetic mechanisms behind apomixis and developing methods to induce this trait in crops. Several strategies are being explored.

Gene editing and genetic engineering: One of the most promising approaches involves using gene editing technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 to modify genes associated with apomixis. Researchers are identifying key genes involved in the apomictic pathway, such as those regulating megagametogenesis or the development of the embryo sac. By manipulating these genes, scientists aim to introduce apomixis into crop plants where it does not naturally occur. For instance, gene editing has been employed to modify the expression of genes involved in ovule development, potentially triggering apomictic seed formation.

Molecular marker-assisted selection: This approach uses molecular markers to track genes associated with apomixis in breeding programs. By identifying and selecting plants with favorable genetic markers, breeders can accelerate the development of apomictic lines. This method relies on a deep understanding of the genetic basis of apomixis and its associated markers, which are increasingly accessible due to advancements in genomics.

Transformation and transgenic approaches: Genetic transformation techniques are being used to introduce genes that promote apomixis into crop plants. For example, researchers have successfully transformed plants with genes from naturally apomictic species, leading to the expression of apomictic traits in previously non-apomictic crops. This strategy involves complex techniques, including the use of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation or biolistic methods to integrate the desired genes into the plant genome.

Synthetic biology: Synthetic biology aims to design and construct new biological parts or systems to induce apomixis. By synthesizing genetic circuits that mimic the natural apomictic processes, scientists can create synthetic pathways that manage asexual seed production. This innovative approach requires a thorough understanding of both the apomictic process and synthetic biology techniques, offering a novel way to introduce apomixis into crops.

Recent innovations in research

Several recent innovations highlight the progress in inducing apomixis in crop plants. For example, research in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana has identified key genes involved in apomictic reproduction. These discoveries helps in applying similar strategies to economically important crops such as maize and wheat. In maize, efforts have focused on the manipulation of genes related to female gametophyte development. Scientists have achieved partial success in producing apomictic seeds, although complete apomixis has not yet been realized. Similarly, in rice, research has targeted genes involved in the development of the embryo sac, assured for inducing apomixis in this staple crop.

Conclusion

Biotechnological approaches for inducing apomixis in crop plants show immense potential for transforming agricultural practices. By capitalizing advances in gene editing, molecular markers, genetic transformation, and synthetic biology, researchers are making significant progress toward realizing the benefits of apomictic reproduction. As these technologies continue to evolve, they offer the potential to enhance crop breeding efficiency, ensure the consistency of desirable traits, and ultimately contribute to global food security. However, careful consideration of the challenges and ethical implications will be essential as we move forward in utilizing apomixis for agricultural innovation.