Gametocidal genes: biological mechanisms owing to hybrid dysgenesis in crop breeding, challenges and innovation

Past research has identified unique characteristics of gametocidal genes, leading to theories such as the dual-mechanism and restriction-modification models to explain the mechanisms. However, recent research suggests that complex genetic factors such as transposable elements and epigenetics may account for the phenomenon. Future work towards mapping these genes is hopeful: innovations in sequencing, bioinformatics and genomic data have improved the ability to precisely identify the elusive gametocidal genes.