Self-compatibility in some apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) genotypes

Abstract

<strong>Self-incompatibility is believed to be a common attribute among the most of apricot (<em>Prunus armeniaca</em> L.) cultivars. This research was conducted during 2015 and 2016 growing seasons to explore the self-compatibility of 22 apricot genotypes (18 Iranian and four European) based on the field and microscopic examinations. F</strong><strong>inal fruit set following self-pollination in the field ranged from 1.16% in ‘Aybatan' to 62.0% in ‘</strong><strong>San Castrese' cultivars which </strong><strong>showed significant differences among evaluated apricots</strong><strong>. The results revealed self-compatibility in the new Iranian promising apricot hybrid, ‘AD731', as well as reconfirmed self-compatibility in the European cultivars</strong><strong>; ‘Canino',</strong><strong> ‘San Castrese',</strong><strong> ‘</strong><strong>Palumella' and ‘Cafona'.</strong><strong> I</strong><strong>n all cases, </strong><strong>fluorescence microscopy information supported the </strong><strong>self-compatibility</strong><strong> results obtained from the field, </strong><strong>when at least one pollen tube entered the ovary by 96 hours after the controlled pollination. In addition, all other 17 apricot genotypes showed self-incompatibility feature.</strong><strong> The hybrid </strong><strong>‘AD731' showed self-compatibility attribute, therefore further research on this genotype will warrant its future use in apricot breeding programs as well as to be considered as promising genotype for being released as a new cultivar.</strong>