On the Nature of Intra- and Interspecific Incompatibility in Ulmus

Abstract

Efforts to introduce Dutch Elm Disease resistance into the American elm (Ulmus americana L.) through breeding with Asian elms has been hampered by sexual incompatibility. Controlled pollinations of Ulmus americana and the Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila L.) were studied in detail to gain insight into the nature of this incompatibility. Microscopic observations revealed that germination and early pollen tube growth were inhibited on the stigmatic surface following both intra- and interspecific incompatible pollinations. Both qualitative and quantitative differences in pollen inhibition on the stigmatic surface indicated that the inhibition may involve the action of an inhibitory substance. Detailed observations on callose deposition indicated that this β-1,3 glucose polymer may implement the inhibition.