Self incompatability articles from across Nature Portfolio

Self-incompatibility in diploid Arabidopsis relatives is determined by a dominance relationship that is epigenetically regulated. Using transgenic methods, this study demonstrates that the dominance relationship between subgenomes of the allopolyploid species Arabidopsis kamchatica underlies it’s self-compatibility.

Breakdown of self-incompatibility in plants is often attributed to S-locus mutations. Here, by crossing between populations of Arabidopsis lyrate that differ in their breeding system, the authors propose that a modifier unlinked to the S-locus causes self-compatibility by disrupting S-locus function.

Unlike wild Vitis species, which produce either female or male flowers, modern grapevine cultivars form hermaphrodite flowers for self-pollination. Here, the authors report that the VviPLATZ1 (plant AT-rich sequence-and zinc-binding protein1) transcription factor functions in controlling female flower morphology determination.

Plants have developed a variety of molecular ways to express self-incompatibility (SI) that promote outcrossing by preventing self-fertilization. A new study reveals that Citrus uses the S-RNase as the key molecule for expressing SI, giving us further evidence that the S-RNase system is widespread and evolved in an early branch of angiosperms.

Recognition between proteins encoded by genes duplicated from the self-incompatibility S locus causes intraspecific unilateral incompatibility in Brassica rapa.

A new player and mode of action has been discovered in the creation of a dominance hierarchy in the Brassicaceae self-incompatibility system.

The involvement of Ca²⁺ signalling in Brassica self-incompatibility has been a contentious topic. New evidence suggests that stigmas use Ca²⁺ to signal to incompatible pollen to prevent pollen hydration and self-seed set. Moreover, this may involve a glutamate receptor.