What are advantages of apomixis?

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Advantages-->
(i) They reduce the cost of hybrid breeding programmes.
(ii)Desirable traits can be maintained without losing superiority of hybrids over parent plant & replant these seeds again.

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Used in plant breeding improvement crop variety and increase crop. Yield

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Apomixis and Polyembrony:-

https://edurev.in/studytube/apomixis-and-polyembrony-/a2657e73-a9f2-40be-914c-e30876309bb4_p

Answer

Advantages of Apomixis

Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction that occurs in plants, where seeds are produced without fertilization. This process has several advantages, which contribute to the success and adaptability of certain plant species. In this response, we will discuss the advantages of apomixis in detail.

1. Genetic Stability and Clonal Reproduction:
- Apomixis allows plants to produce offspring that are genetically identical to the parent plant, ensuring genetic stability and consistency.
- Clonal reproduction through apomixis enables the perpetuation of beneficial traits, such as disease resistance or high yield, without the genetic variation associated with sexual reproduction.
- It eliminates the need for genetic recombination and re-assortment, which may introduce unfavorable characteristics or disrupt desirable gene combinations.

2. Adaptability and Colonization:
- Apomixis allows plants to colonize new habitats quickly and efficiently since it does not rely on the availability of compatible mates for reproduction.
- It facilitates the establishment of plant populations in challenging environments where sexual reproduction may be limited due to the absence of pollinators or harsh climatic conditions.
- By producing seeds without fertilization, apomicts can disperse and establish themselves in a wide range of ecological niches, increasing their survival and persistence.

3. Reproductive Assurance and Persistence:
- Apomictic plants have a reproductive advantage over sexual plants in unstable or unpredictable environments.
- They are not dependent on the presence of pollinators or specific environmental conditions for successful reproduction, ensuring reproductive assurance even in unfavorable circumstances.
- The ability to produce seeds autonomously enhances their fitness and persistence, especially in fragmented habitats or in areas with low population densities.

4. Rapid Seed Production:
- Apomixis allows for rapid seed production since it bypasses the time-consuming process of pollination and fertilization.
- This rapid seed production enables apomictic plants to exploit favorable conditions promptly and take advantage of short-lived opportunities for growth and reproduction.
- The ability to produce large quantities of seeds quickly enhances their capacity for colonization, competition, and adaptation to changing environments.

In conclusion, apomixis provides several advantages to plants, including genetic stability, adaptability, reproductive assurance, and rapid seed production. These advantages contribute to the success and persistence of apomictic plant species, enabling them to thrive in various habitats and ecological conditions.

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