Background

Apomixis is a novel asexual process where sexual reproduction is bypassed during seed development and meiosis is suppressed.

Objective

The conversion of sexual reproduction mode in maize, wheat, barley, rice, soybeans to an apomictic form. To be accomplished by mapping and isolating the genes controlling displosporous apomixis in Tripsacum dactyloides (eastern gamagrass) via a positional cloning approach with their eventual transfer to cereal crops via genetic transformation technologies.

Results

Will ultimately revolutionize current methods used in the production of hybrid seed and lead to a more efficient use of heterosis in such hybrids.

Expected economic benefits

Development of an apomictic corn through transgenic methods to be first goal following a successful cloning of the apomixis genes. The apomictic hybrid corn will reduce or eliminate production costs, enhance hybrid purity, and reduce seed costs to the grower. Additionally, if genes controlling apomictic expression in corn can be transferred into self-pollinated cereal crops such as wheat, rice, sorghum, and soybeans, dramatic changes in world agriculture would be achieved.

Transfer of expected findings

Transferred to the private seed industry and eventually to farmers in the form of a seed product. USDA Office of Technology Transfer to be used to facilitate the technology and generate patents to keep the technology in the public domain.