Study of Self-Incompatibility in some Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Genotypes Using Classic and Molecular Methods

Apricot has specific role in fruit production industry of Iran. Asian and Iranian-Caucasian apricots show the high level of S-RNase-based self-incompatibility results in low bearing and yield of trees. In order to determine self-incompatibility in some apricot cultivars and genotypes، an artificial field pollination test and molecular experiments using specific primers were conducted. Pistil length، ovary thickness and pollen germination percentage were determined. Results of pollen germination percentage showed no male-sterility in these genotypes. The cv. Shahroodi and genotype C had the highest percentage of fruit set as well as pistil length and ovary thickness. Considering the results of field pollination test and molecular experiments، cvs. Badami، Shahroodi، Shekarpareh and Daneshkadeh as well as genotype C were self-incompatible and only genotype D was self-compatible. The cvs. Badami، Daneshkade and genotype C were cross-incompatible.