Development of a low-coverage whole genome sequencing screen for apomixis using a diverse set of Malus germplasm.

Low-coverage whole-genome sequencing identified 17 new apomictic Malus genotypes in a USDA germplasm collection, advancing tools for plant breeding.

• Why it matters: Understanding and detecting apomixis is crucial for preserving high-value hybrids and improving crop breeding, especially in eudicots where current methods face limitations.
• What they did: Researchers sequenced 55 Malus genotypes and 1,216 embryos at 3X and 6X coverage, combining sequencing with flow cytometry to identify clonal seed production.
• The result: This approach offers a cost-effective, rapid way to detect apomixis, enabling better visualization of reproductive modes and supporting genetic studies in diverse plant germplasm.