Tests of the heterosis model

Abstract

An alternative to the classical model of self-incompatibility indicates that genetic control of self-incompatibility could involve more than one locus and function through passive failure of incompatible pollen tubes rather than through their active inhibition. Both aspects of the alternative model have been tested and, in each case, the data support the classical single-locus oppositional interpretation rather than the alternative. On the basis of these data, and others now available, we conclude that, in the Solanaceae, and presumably also in some others, self-incompatibility is better explained by the classical interpretation. Several points, however, remain to be resolved.