Analysis of self-(in)compatibility in apricot cultivars using fluorescence microscopy

Abstract

Self-incompatibility is a common feature in fruit species of the genus Prunus, especially in sweet cherries and almonds. In apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.), although cultivars of the European ecogeographical group are generally considered self-compatible, recent studies indicate that self-incompatibility is relatively frequent. Self-(in) compatibility was investigated in 36 apricot cultivars. Growth of pollen tubes in the style of the pistils was examined by means of fluorescence microscopy. Cultivars were considered self-compatible if at least one pollen tube reached the ovary in the majority of pistils. In self-incompatible cultivars, the cessation of growth of pollen tubes in the style was accompanied by the formation of characteristic swellings. Of the cultivars examined, 22 were self-compatible and 14 were self-incompatible.