Winter environment increases self seed yield in self-incompatible (SI) Petunia hybrida clones

Summary SI inbreds of P. hybrida and crosses between self-incompatible (SI) petunia plants were brought to flower under winter and summer glasshouse conditions. SI response, as measured by self seed, ranged from zero seed set under both conditions to low or zero seed set during the summer and high seed set during the winter. Some plants produced comparable seed yields during either pollination time. Increased expression of pseudo-self-compatibility (PSC) during the winter months was attributed to a breakdown of the Si system by the low light conditions of Minnesota winters (45°N). Genotypic differences within and between populations in the winter provided differences facilitating selection for increased SI. These differences were masked in some populations by the summer environmental conditions. The use of simulated or natural low light conditions as a technique for selecting for SI should increase selection efficiency.Scientific Journal Series Paper Number 10,499 of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station.