The self-incompatibility system of the plant species Brassica is controlled by the S-locus, which contains S-RECEPTOR KINASE (SRK) and S-LOCUS PROTEIN11 (SP11). SP11 binding to SRK induces SRK autophosphorylation and initiates a signaling cascade leading to the rejection of self pollen. However, the mechanism controlling hydration and germination arrest during self-pollination is unclear. In th...

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Flexistyly is a sexual dimorphism where there are two morphs that differ in the temporal expression of sexual function and also involve reciprocal movement of the stigmatic surface through a vertical axis during the flowering period. The adaptive significance of flexistyly has been interpreted as a floral mechanism for outcrossing, but it may also function to reduce sexual i...

Breeding programs for horticultural tree crops focus on enhancing productivity, including developing tolerance to pests and diseases improving crop quality. Pollination services are often critical production, pollen parents can affect We do not know which produce highest quality offspring or, in self-compatible cultivars, how much of the comes from cross- versus self-pollination. quantified pro...

Pollination services are critical in entomophilous crops. Relationships between pollinator visits and fruit set mass complex optimal strategies to improve pollination poorly defined. We often do not understand what proportions of the crop result from self- or cross-pollination, how cross-pollination affects quality far cross-pollen is transported. quantified cross-paternity nuts partially self-...

Recently, genetically modified (GM) technology has been successfully used to reduce the cost and to enhance the profit in agriculture. Although GM technology brings many benefits for non-food crops, people still misgive the effects of GM products for the health and the environment. Furthermore, GM crops might affect food (non-GM) crops in the open environment. Hence, how to find strategies for ...

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Pollen limitation is a significant determinant of seed production, and can result from both insufficient pollen quantity (pollen shortage) and quality (mainly relating to self-pollination). For animal-pollinated tree species with large floral displays, pollen limitation may be determined by a balance between increased pollen quantity due to increased attractiveness for polli...