Reproductive Systems in Paspalum: Relevance for Germplasm Collection and Conservation, Breeding Techniques, and Adoption of Released Cultivars.

Carlos A. Acuña,Eric J. Martínez,Mario H. Urbani,Florencia Marcón,Francisco Espinoza,Camilo L. Quarin,Elsa A. Brugnoli,Alex L. Zilli

doi:10.3389/fpls.2019.01377

Carlos A. Acuña, Eric J. Martínez + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2019.01377

Copy DOI

Abstract

The objective of this review is to analyze and describe the impact that mode of reproduction in Paspalum has on germplasm conservation, genetic improvement, and commercialization of cultivars. Germplasm collection and conservation can now be rethought considering the newly available information related to how diversity is allocated in nature and how it can be transferred between the sexual and apomictic germplasm using novel breeding approaches. An inventory of species and accessions conserved around the world is analyzed in relation to the main germplasm banks. Because of the importance of apomixis in Paspalum species different breeding approaches have been used and tested. Knowledge related to the inheritance of apomixis, variable expressivity of the trait and techniques for early identification of apomicts has helped to improve the efficiency of the breeding methods. Novel breeding techniques are also being developed and are described regarding its advantages and limitations. Finally, the impact of reproductive mode on the adoption of the released cultivars is discussed.

Highlights

Paspalum L. is a large genus of the Poaceae with nearly 310 species that are mainly distributed in the Americas (Morrone et al, 2012)
Germplasm collection is expected to be more efficient if polyploid populations from contrasting environments are explored since the level of diversity depends on adaptation rather than geographical distances
Individual plant collections are suggested for most areas since monoclonal populations are common

Summary

Introduction

Paspalum L. is a large genus of the Poaceae with nearly 310 species that are mainly distributed in the Americas (Morrone et al, 2012). Modes of reproduction are highly variable within Paspalum, polyploidy and apomixis are common, affecting allocation of plant diversity among species and populations. The richness of information available for the genus allowed us to review the impact of mode of reproduction on germplasm collection and conservation, genetic improvement, and adoption of the released cultivars. Ploidy level and mode of reproduction have a great impact on species genetic diversity. Germplasm collection and conservation of the genetic variation contained within species are the basis for Paspalum Germplasm Conservation and Breeding selection as well as for plant improvement. Mode of reproduction of 72 Paspalum species has been determined; 22 reproduce exclusively by apomixis, 27 by sexuality and 23 reproduce by both reproductive paths, but at different ploidy levels (Ortiz et al, 2013)

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion