Epigenetic regulation of reproductive development and the emergence of apomixis in angiosperms

Apomictic plants reproduce asexually through seeds by avoiding both meiosis and fertilization. While apomixis is genetically controlled, individual loci contributing to its expression have yet to be identified. Here, we review recent results indicating that RNA-dependent DNA methylation pathways acting during female reproduction are essential for proper reproductive development in plants, and may represent key regulators of the differentiation between apomictic and sexual reproduction.

► Reproductive development requires epigenetic silencing pathways affecting DNA methylation. ► ARGONAUTE proteins are essential to megasporogenesis in Arabidopsis and maize. ► Activity of DNA methyl transferases is compromised in apomictic ovules. ► The RdDM pathway controls parental contributions to Arabidopsis early embryos.