Abstract:

Apomixis is a natural trait of reproduction in which embryo is formed without the union of male and female gametes. It is defined as the asexual formation of a seed from the maternal tissues of the ovule, avoiding the processes of meiosis and fertilization, leading to embryo development. According to this international prevalent idea, only unreduced apomixis, nor reduced apomixis, is referred to it. Apomictic processes have been observed in more than 400 plant species spanning 40 different families in angiosperms and are most common in the Poaceae, Asteraces, Rosaceae and Rutaceae, but appears to be absent in important crops. This paper is concerned with some aspects of apomixis, such as cytoembryoic mode, distribution in angiosperms, new species or straits with trait of apomixes. The progress of genetics, molecular mechanism of apomixis, and its application prospect in agriculture and the ecological significance were discussed.

Key words: apomixis, apospory, diplospory, adventitious embryo, asexual reproduction, seed