Genetic control of apomixis.
Since end 2003, a joint project between the ANU, CIMMYT, the
French " Institut de Recherche pour le Développement" (IRD)
and three seed companies (Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Groupe
Limagrain, and Syngenta), has focused on understanding the mysteries
of apomixis, the asexual reproduction of plants through seed.
The aim of the collaboration is to isolate the components of apomixis in order
to transfer the trait to crops such as maize, wheat and rice. The inherent
reproductive characteristics of apomictic plants offers the long-term possibility
of delivering superior hybrid crop traits such as disease resistance and higher
yields to the resource-poor farmers of the world.
Particularly, the RSBS group is focused on trying to isolate
the different components of embryo development in sexual and
apomictic species.
For further information on the project contact Enrico Perotti
or see:
http://www.cimmyt.org
http://www.rsbs.anu.edu.au/CollaborativeLinks/CIMMYT/ApomixisRSBS.php
Active Patent. Means for identifying nucleotide sequences involved in apomixis (IPC C12Q_001/68; A01H_005/00).
Leblanc O, Grimanelli D, Hernandez RM, Alva Galindo P, Soriano Martinez AM, Perotti E. (2008) Seed development and inheritance studies in apomictic maize-Tripsacum hybrids reveal barriers for the transfer of apomixis into sexual crops. International Journal of Development (in press)
Dwivedi S, Perotti E, Ortiz R. (2008) Towards molecular breeding of reproductive traits in cereal crops. Plant Biotechnology Journal 6: 529-559.
Perotti E, Leblanc O. (2006) Capturing apomixis for crops. In: France and the CGIAR: delivering scientific results for agricultural development. Ed. D Rocchi. The World Bank, Washington, USA.
Grimanelli D, Perotti E, Ramirez J, Leblanc O. (2005) Timing of the maternal-to-zygotic transition during early seed development in maize. The Plant Cell 17: 1061-1072.
Grimanelli D, Garcia M, Kaszas E, Perotti E, Leblanc O. (2003) Heterochronic expression of sexual reproductive programs during apomictic development in Tripsacum. Genetics 165: 1521-1531.
Grimanelli D, Leblanc O, Perotti E, Grossniklaus U. (2001) Developmental genetics of gametophytic apomixis. Trends in Genetics 17(10).
Grimanelli D, Leblanc O, Perotti E,
Gonzalez-de-Leon D, Savidan. (1998) Mapping of diplosporous apomixis in Tripsacum:
one gene or several genes? Heredity 80: 33.
Grimanelli D, Leblanc O, Perotti E,
Gonzalez-de-Leon D, Savidan. (1998) Non-Medelienne transmission of apomixis in maize Tripsacum hybrids caused by
a transmission ratio distortion. Heredity 80: 40.
