ABSTRACT

Apomixis in Plants presents a comprehensive review of different aspects of asexual seed formation in plants. This is important in plant research since apomixis could greatly facilitate breeding in important crops. It is also interesting theoretically because it carries problems related to genetic variation and evolution to its extreme.

The book features a broad selection of topics, including a historical review of ideas and landmarks in the field; comparisons with other types of asexual reproduction in higher plants and with related phenomena in animals and related plants; a presentation of cytology and embryology of apomicts and the diversified terminology in the field; views on the genetic background of apomixis and environmental effects on its expression; and the interrelation between apomixis and other traits. Additional topics covered include classical and modern theories of sexual versus asexual reproduction; geographical and taxonomical trends in apomicts; ecological implications of apomixis, and a review of future possibilities for using apomixis in plant breeding. Apomixis in Plants is an important reference volume for researchers and students in all areas of botany, ecology, and plant breeding.

chapter 1|3 pages

Introduction

chapter 3|11 pages

Parthenogenesis in Animals

chapter 5|31 pages

Mechanisms of Apomixis

chapter 6|27 pages

How Apomixis is Regulated

chapter 8|18 pages

Variation and Evolution of Apomicts

chapter 9|22 pages

Taxonomic Considerations

chapter 11|43 pages

Ecological Implications of Apomixis

chapter 12|19 pages

Geographical Trends

chapter 13|37 pages

Apomixis and Breeding