Molecular and embryonic evidence of apomixis in cassava interspecific hybrids (Manihot spp.)

In cassava, apomixis could fix hetereozygosity and prevent the transmission of systemic pathogens which complicate vegetative propagation of the crop. Evidence from maternal inheritance of RAPD markers and the structure of the embryonic sac in large progeny sets of two distinct genotypes have further confirmed that apomixis occurs in cassava. Here, we have built on an earlier report of apomixis in cassava in four ways (1) we estimated the rate of faculative apomixis in the range of 2% (2) we detected the occurrence of apomixis in a second genotype, derived form a different interspecific cross; (3) apomictic behavior was demonstrated in an F-1 individual and (4) embryonic evidence showed that the mode of apomixis is aposporic. Since apomixis was detected in an F-1 interspecific hybrid it is possible that genes for apomixis could be transferred directly to cultivated cassava from a wild relative.