Prevalence of apomixis in Jatropha: Is it significant?

Abstract

In the present study, we aimed to estimate the upper limit of apomixis occurring in Jatropha under field conditions. We used unlinked microsatellite and AFLP markers on progeny arrays of six individuals which were designed to facilitate the detection of apomixis events more efficiently than previous reports. With 5-7 microsatellite markers, 5 of 90 progenies were identical to their maternal parent. With additional 8 AFLP loci, only 1 of 90 progenies was found identical to its maternal parent. Our results indicate that apomixis may not be a significant mode of reproduction in Jatropha as reported earlier although it is not non-existent.

Keywords:

• Biodiesel
• Jatropha
• apomixis
• AFLP
• SSR

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank to Dr Leena Srivastava, Vice Chancellor, TERI School of Advanced Studies for her kind support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.