How Apomictic and Sexual Cenchrus Species Can Help Elucidate the Mechanisms Leading to Apospory 

Methods Mol Biol. 2026;2987:231-252. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-5001-1_16.

ABSTRACT

Reproduction of apomictic and sexual plants within Cenchrus, previously classified as both Cenchrus and Pennisetum, has been studied since the 1950s. Seventeen of approximately 108-120 Cenchrus species contain apomictic cytotypes. Apomictic cytotypes are polyploids and all are classified as developing via apospory. While most apomictic species in Cenchrus produce viable offspring that are highly maternally clonal, the ability for sexual reproduction has been retained. With advancement in molecular technologies, understanding the genetic composition, physical location, and genes associated with apospory has been forthcoming. Additional gains including whole-genome assembly of Cenchrus species to study the evolutionary mechanisms underlying apomixis are on the horizon.

PMID:41165987 | DOI:10.1007/978-1-0716-5001-1_16