Effect on in vitro pollen growth of an isolated style glycoprotein associated with self-lncompatibility in Nicotiana alata

Abstract

The effect on in vitro pollen tube growth of an isolated style glycoprotein (S2-glycoprotein) associated with self-incompatibility in Nicotiana alata was investigated. Tube growth of pollen bearing the S2-allele was inhibited, but tube growth of pollen bearing other alleles was not affected. Inhibition showed a dose response effect. The percentage of pollen grains that germinated was not significantly affected by the S2-glycoprotein. Growth of S2-pollen in the presence of the S2-glycoprotein resulted in increased binding to the pollen of monoclonal antibody (PCBC3) which has a primary specificity for α-L-arabinofuranosyl residues. Growth of pollen bearing other alleles in the presence of the glycoprotein resulted in no increased binding of the antibody. © 1989 American Society of Plant Biologists. All rights reserved.