Nucellar embryony

Nucellar embryony (notated Nu+) is a form of seed reproduction that occurs in certain plant species, including many citrus varieties. During the development of seeds in plants that possess this genetic trait, the nucellar tissue which surrounds the megagametophyte can produce additional embryos (polyembryony), which are genetically identical to the parent plant. These nucellar seedlings are clones of the parent. By contrast, zygotic seedlings are sexually produced and inherit genetic material from both parents. Zygotic and nucellar embryos can occur in the same seed, and a zygotic embryo can divide to produce multiple embryos.[1]

Most commercial citrus varieties produce mainly nucellar seedlings.

Nucellar embryony is important to the citrus industry, as it allows for the production of uniform rootstock which yields consistent results in fruit production. However, this trait can interfere with progress in cross-breeding; most commercial scion varieties produce mainly nucellar seedlings which do not inherit any of the traits of the "father" plant.

See also

• Apomixis

References

1. Aleza, P.; Juárez, J.; Ollitrault, P.; Navarro, L. (2010). "Polyembryony in non-apomictic citrus genotypes". Annals of Botany. 106 (4): 533–545. doi:10.1093/aob/mcq148. PMC 2944972. PMID 20675656.

External links

• Roose, Mikeal L. "Molecular Genetic Analysis of Nucellar Embryony in Citrus" (PDF). Citrus Research Board 2000 Annual Report. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2006-10-26.
• Kepiro, Joseph L.; Mikeal L. Roose. "Molecular Genetic Analysis of Nucellar Embryony (Apomixis) in Citrus Maximus x Poncirus Trifoliata Using AFLP". Plant & Animal Genomes XI Conference. January 11–15, 2003, Town & Country Convention Center, San Diego, CA. Archived from the original on 2006-10-10. Retrieved 2006-10-26.