Research

Self-incompatibility in Prunus (Rosaceae)

Most Prunus (Rosaceae) fruit tree species, including almond, sweet cherry, Japanese apricot, and plum, exhibit a homomorphic gametophytic self-incompatibility system in which the specificity of self/nonself-recognition is controlled by products encoded within the S locus. During pollination, a self-incompatibility (SI) reaction is triggered when the same ‘S allele’ specificity is expressed in both the pollen and pistil. We have succeeded in identifying the pistil S determinant (S-RNase) and pollen S determinant (F-box protein, SFB) genes and in developing PCR-based S genotyping and a marker-assisted selection system for self-compatible individuals. We are currently working to elucidate the distinct molecular recognition mechanism of the SI system in Prunus.

Figure 1 2D-PAGE of stylar proteins of sweet cherry

References

  • Yamane, H. and R. Tao. 2009. Molecular basis of self-(in)compatibility and current status of S-genotyping in rosaceous fruit trees. J. Japan. Soc. Hort. Sci. 78: 137-157.
  • Tao, R. and A.F. Iezzoni. 2010. The S-RNase-based gametophytic self-incompatibility system in Prunusexhibits distinct genetic and molecular features. Scientia Horticulturae 124: 423-433.