Examining self-compatibility in plum (Prunus domestica L.) by fluorescence microscopy

Abstract

Self-compatibility in 18 European plum cultivars was examined using the method of fluorescence microscopy. According to selfcompatibility, cultivars were divided into two groups: self-compatible and self-incompatible. In self-compatible cultivars the number of pistils, where pollen tubes reached the base of the style varied from 32.00% (Anna Sp?th) to 91.18% (Wangenheims Fr?hzwetsche). Mean number of pollen tubes at the base of style in these cultivars ranged from 0.52 to 3.97. Cultivars were considered self-incompatible if pollen tubes stopped their growth in the style along with forming characteristic swellings at their tips. Of the studied cultivars, 13 were found to be self-compatible: Wangenheims Fr?hzwetsche, Cacanska Lepotica, Valjevka, California Blue, Cacanska Rodna, Italian Prune, Stanley, Pozegaca, Herman, Bluefre, Jelica, Ruth Gerstetter and Anna Sp?th, while 5 were found to be self-incompatible: Cacanska Rana, Zimmers Fr?hzwetsche, Cacanska Najbolja, Pacific and President.