EFFECTS OF CONTROLLED SELF-POLLINATION AND CROSS-POLLINATION ON FRUIT SET, EMBRYO VIABILITY AND POMOLOGICAL TRAITS IN THE SELF-COMPATIBLE ALMOND cv ‘TUONO’

Effects of controlled self-pollination and cross-pollination in the self-compatible almond cv ‘Tuono, was assessed on fruit set, pomological traits and embryo viability.
The average fruit set percentage obtained in 2 years was 25.6% after cross-pollination, higher than after self-pollination, 19.2 %. The development of embryos, tested in vitro 11 weeks after pollination, showed significant differences between self and cross-pollination with ‘Marcona’. However, the levels of viability are similar for mature embryos.
Effects of pollination type were apparent also at the seed level.
The rate of reduction for pomological traits after self-fertilization, as compared to cross-pollination, is 22%, 6% and 6% for nut weight, thickness and length, respectively.
These differences in performance between self and cross-pollination could be linked to inbreeding consequences.

III International Symposium on Pistachios and Almonds

A. Oukabli, A. Lansari, D.E. Walali-Loudiyi, A. Abousalim

Prunus dulcis, self-compatibility, pollination, fruit set, embryo rescue, pomological traits

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2002.591.66