Question

Why are some seeds referred to as apomictic seeds? Mention one advantage and one disadvantage to a farmer who uses them.

Answer 1

Hint: The formation of seeds is a part of the reproduction. The product of ripened ovule is seeds. Apomixis is the process of asexual production of seeds. The production of seeds without the fertilization is called apomixis. Apodictically produced offspring are genetically identical to the parent plant.

Complete Answer:
>The apomixis is defined as replacement of sexual reproduction by asexual reproduction without fertilization.
>Apomixis is a type of asexual reproduction that happens via seeds. The embryos are developed without fertilization.
>The apomixis does not involve meiosis.
>The seeds formed are called apomictic seeds which are clones of the mother plant.
>The apomixis produces the progeny which is exactly the same as the mother plant.

Advantage of apomictic seeds to farmer:
It reduces the cost of hybrid production.
There is no segregation of characters in the hybrid progeny.
It helps the farmer to keep using the hybrid seeds to raise new crops each year.

Disadvantage of apomictic seeds to farmer:
It reduces the genetic diversity because of lack of variations in asexual reproduction.
Mangosteen is classified as an apomictic plant. It produces apomictic seeds within the fruit.

Note:Apomixis and parthenocarpy are modes of asexual reproduction. The formation of seeds without fertilization is apomixis and the formation of fruits without fertilization is called parthenocarpy. The apomixis produces genetically identical mother cells. The parthenocarpy produces genetically identical offspring.