Overcoming self-incompatibility through the use of lectins and sugars in Petunia and Eruca

Abstract

Treatment of stigma with a lectin (Con A/PHA) before pollination was effective in overcoming self-incompatibility in Petunia hybrida, a gametophytic self-incompatible system, and Eruca sativa, a sporophytic self-incompatible system. Treatment of pollen with glucose/N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (tested only with Petunia) was also effective. These results suggest the involvement of pollen lectins and specific sugar components of the pistil in self-incompatibility recognition. © 1985 Annals of Botany Company.