Self-fertilization in homozygous and heterozygous self-compatible almonds

In homozygous self-compatible genotypes 100% of the pollen grains are potentially able to grow through their own pistil, and thus the rate of self-fertilization could be higher than in heterozygous self-compatible genotypes. To evaluate the advantages of growing homozygous self-compatible almonds, pollen tube growth along the pistil at different times following self-pollination, and fruit set were studied in four homozygous and four heterozygous self-compatible seedlings. The results showed important differences between homozygous and heterozygous individuals for the percentages of pollen tubes in the third section of the style at 24 and 48 h, the pollen tube growth rate being higher in the homozygous. Twenty-four hours following self-pollination only the homozygous individuals showed pollen tubes in the ovary. However, at 72 and 96 h those values were similar for both genotypes, suggesting that space and availability of nutrients become the main limiting factors, overcoming the genetic interactions between pollen and pistil. In general, fruit set was similar in homozygous and heterozygous individuals. Interestingly, one of the homozygous individuals showed problems of fruit development, which might be explained by its inbred origin.