Growth ofTrifolium pratense L. pollen tubes in compatible and incompatible styles of excised pistils

The stigma and style portions of red clover pistils were culturedin vitro after cross- (genetically compatible) or self- (incompatible) pollination. Pollen tubes grew through styles in which they were compatible and, in some treatments, through styles which were incompatible.Boric acid, calcium nitrate and a carbohydrate in the medium, and moderate-to-cool temperatures generally enhanced pollen tube growth of compatible and incompatible matings. Several plant hormones at high concentrations inhibited pollen growth with compatible matings and did not retard the incompatibility mechanism. Application of high temperatures to the flower heads during the period of anthesis retarded the incompatibility mechanism. This temperature treatment affected the styles and not the pollen. In one of three experiments the application of relatively large amounts of pollen to the stigma rendered the incompatibility mechanism less effective.