Self-compatibility in some apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) genotypes

Self-incompatibility is believed to be a common attribute among the most of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars. This research was conducted during 2015 and 2016 growing seasons to explore the selfcompatibility of 22 apricot genotypes (18 Iranian and four European) based on the field and microscopic examinations. Final fruit set following self-pollination in the field ranged from 1.16% in ‘Aybatan’ to 62.0% in ‘San Castrese’ cultivars which showed significant differences among evaluated apricots. The results revealed self-compatibility in the new Iranian promising apricot hybrid, ‘AD731’, as well as reconfirmed self-compatibility in the European cultivars; ‘Canino’, ‘San Castrese’, ‘Palumella’ and ‘Cafona’. In all cases, fluorescence microscopy information supported the self-compatibility results obtained from the field, when at least one pollen tube entered the ovary by 96 hours after the controlled pollination. In addition, all other 17 apricot genotypes showed self-incompatibility feature. The hybrid ‘AD731’ showed self-compatibility attribute, therefore further research on this genotype will warrant its future use in apricot breeding programs as well as to be considered as promising genotype for being released as a new cultivar.