Emerging molecular mechanisms for biotechnological harnessing of heterosis in crops

McKeown , P.C. and Fort, A. and Duszynska , D. and et al, . (2013) Emerging molecular mechanisms for biotechnological harnessing of heterosis in crops. Trends in Biotechnology. pp. 1-3.

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Abstract

Heterosis (often referred to as hybrid vigour) is defined as the capacity of F1 hybrid organisms to exhibit enhanced phenotypes compared to those observed in either parent [1]. Heterosis has been used for centuries to breed improved F1 hybrid plants and animals. In crop plants, heterosis effects can be observed for important traits such as yield [1]. Although inbred cereals can display heterosis, heterosis is particularly important for breeding programs involving outcrossing species such as Zea mays (corn) where it can increase yields by at least 15% [1]. The causal genes underlying heterosis in crops are now becoming accessible owing to recent rapid progress in next-generation sequencing technologies. Due to a converging set of scientific findings and technological advances, the emerging predictive and single gene heterosis systems have the potential to more rapidly generate superior crop varieties displaying heterosis effects.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	heterosis; hybrid vigour; F1 hybrid; overdominance; agricultural biotechnology; plant breeding
Author Affiliation:	Genetics and Biotechnology Laboratory, Plant and AgriBiosciences Research Centre (PABC), School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
Subjects:	Crop Improvement > Plant Breeding
Divisions:	General Other Crops
Depositing User:	Mr Siva Shankar
Date Deposited:	25 Jul 2013 03:11
Last Modified:	25 Jul 2013 03:11
Official URL:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2013.06.008
URI:	http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/11255

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