ABSTRACT

Breeding constraints such as differences in chromosome number and genetic irregularities in meiosis and consequent lack of seed production are some of the probable causes of the slow development of new superior hybrids or varieties of forage crops in the tropics. However, when deviations from the normal plant life cycle (e.g., apomixis or asexual reproduction through seed) occur in important tropical forage species, these can be utilized effectively for the improvement of such grasses as Brachiaria, Cenchrus, and Panicum. Basic aspects of apomixis and methods of its use for the improvement of tropical grasses are discussed in the chapter by Burson and Young.