Abstract
The S-allele-associated proteins (S-proteins) in the styles of the Japanese pear (Pyrus serotina Rehd. var. culta Rehd.) were purified by cation exchange chromatography. Their inhibitory action on the growth of incompatible pollen tubes (pollen tubes bearing the same S- allele as in the style from which the S-proteins were prepared) was characterized in vitro. Germination and tube growth of self-pollen (pollen from the same cultivar from which the S-proteins were prepared) decreased dose-dependently when the S-protein was added to the medium. Tube length was reduced to 10% that of compatible pollen tubes (pollen tubes bearing the S-allele different from that in the style from which the S-proteins were prepared) at 1.5 µg µl1. S-proteins from Shinsui (S 4 S 5 ) also inhibited growth of cross-incompatible Kosui (S 4 S 5 ) pollen tubes, but not of compatible Chojuro (S 2 S 3 ) pollen tubes. After inactivation of RNase of the S- protein, the inhibitory action of the S-protein disappeared. These results indicate that the S-protein acts directly to inhibit growth of incompatible pollen tubes in Japanese pear styles, and that the RNase activity of the protein is essential for the biological function. However, small amounts of proteins that co-migrated with the S-protein may also play some roles in the inhibition. This is the first report on the selective inhibitory action of S-proteins in Rosaceae.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 11 April 2000 / Revision accepted: 28 September 2000
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hiratsuka, S., Zhang, SL., Nakagawa, E. et al. Selective inhibition of the growth of incompatible pollen tubes by S-protein in the Japanese pear. Sex Plant Reprod 13, 209–215 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004970000058
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004970000058