Quality of a stress-sensitiveCucurbita pepoL. pollen

摘要

The quality ofCucurbita pepoL. pollen was studied using field pollinations and the fluorochromatic-reaction test. The extreme sensitivity of this pollen to dehydration and ageing is demonstrated. Controlled stress applied to mature pollen leads to the development of seedless fruits. Molecular signals seem to be involved in the induction of this parthenocarpy. These results indicate the existence of distinct sequences involved in the completion of the fertilization program of pollen. With pollen altered by stress, the fertilization process may be stopped at different stages of its completion. We bring evidence thatCucurbita pepoplants have developed special adaptations in order to compensate for the poor viability of their pollen.