Differentiation of Self-fertility and Self-sterility in Prunus by Stamen Number/Pistil Length Ratio1

Abstract

The ratio of stamen number/pistil length (SN/PL) correlated with self-fertility in stone fruits; SN/PL is lower in self-fertile than in self-sterile cultivars. The SN/PL ratio is most reliable as a measure for fertility in Prunus domestica L. (plum), P. persica L. Batsch. (peach), P. armeniaca L. (apricot), and least reliable in P. avium L. (sweet cherry) and P. cerasus L. (sour cherry). The SN/PL ratio was relatively constant from year to year, with the greatest variation in sweet and sour cherry cultivars.