Recent advances in plant cytoplasmic male sterility and fertility restoration

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a maternal genetic trait widely found in higher plants. CMS is not only a favorable material for studying the interaction between mitochondrial and nuclear genes, but also an important basis for the utilization of plant heterosis, with its molecular mechanism the focus of current research. Evidence suggests that mitochondrial genes are closely related to CMS. With the continuous development of molecular biology and genetics, many plant fertility restoration (Rf) genes have been mapped and cloned, further elucidating the molecular mechanisms of plant CMS and Rf. This review summarizes the recent research advances in CMS and Rf-related genes in plants, and explores the application of the CMS/Rf system in breeding.