Apomixis in Manihot esculenta and in its interespecific hybrids

Abstract

The objective of this work was to study cytogenetic and morphology of the embryonic sac of clones EB1 (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and EB12 (F₃ of M. esculenta x M. glaziovii Muell), of F₁ and F₂ hybrids of M. neusana Nassar x M. esculenta and of the wild species M. neusana, to verify the phenomenon of apomixis. Ovules were observed by the clarification method. Aposporic apomixis was observed in the EB12 clone, in the F₂ hybrid and in M. neusana. The embryonic structure of Manihot was demonstrated and two embryonic sac were observed in the same ovule of F₂