The Site of the Self-incompatibility Mechanism in Tradescantia pallida

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Cytochemical and ultrastructural investigations were carried out on unpollinated, self-pollinated and cross-pollinated pistils of Tradescantia pallida. A protein secretion was found to occur on the unicellular papillac of the stigma in increasing amounts towards the base of the cells. The active cytoplasm of the cells seemed to be responsible for this secretion. Compatible cross-pollination resulted in pollen tube growth through the secretion and down the stylar canal, whereas self-pollination resulted in pollen tube growth being halted at the base of the stigma. It is suggested that the secretion may play an important role in the self-incompatibility response.