The process of meiosis involves genetic shuffling that dilutes the desirable traits of sexually reproducing crops. Identification of a mutation in which shuffling does not occur is a step forward for plant breeders. Some plants can reproduce clonally through their seeds, resulting in offspring that are genetically identical to the mother plant. This unusual breeding system is called apomixis, and is known from more than 400 wild species, including dandelions, blackberries and various grasses. It does not occur in the major crops, which reproduce sexually. But it would greatly boost the efficiency of plant breeding if apomixis could be introduced into them.
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