Reproductive biology of the tamarillo, cyphomandra betacea (Cav.) sendt. (solanaceae), and some wild relatives

Abstract

Aspects of the reproductive biology of the tamarillo, Cyphomandra betacea (Cav.) Sendt., and some wild relatives, are described. Pollen of C. betacea stored at room temperature appeared to remain viable for up to 1 week, but at 4°C was viable for several weeks. Flowers, seeds, and fruit of 10 taxa are described. Most taxa were found to be self-incompatible. All manifestations of the incompatibility reaction suggested that a gametophytic system of self-incompatibility is operating in these species, as it does in other members of the Solanaceae. Fruit weight was significantly correlated with seed number in C. betacea. © Crown copyright 1991.