Self-(In)compatibility Systems: Target Traits for Crop-Production, Plant Breeding, and Biotechnology.

Area of Science:

• Plant reproductive biology
• Molecular genetics
• Agricultural science

Background:

• Self-incompatibility (SI) is a natural mechanism in flowering plants that prevents self-fertilization, promoting outcrossing and genetic diversity.
• SI is crucial for sexual reproduction in plants and has been historically utilized by breeders to manipulate crops.
• Recent decades have seen significant progress in understanding the molecular basis of SI systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the scientific progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of self-incompatibility (SI).
• To highlight patented applications and future prospects of SI in plant breeding and crop production.
• To explore the manipulation of SI for agricultural benefits.

Main Methods:

• Identification of specific S-determinants and modifier factors in different SI systems (sporophytic and gametophytic).
• Molecular studies enabling transitions between self-incompatibility and self-compatibility (SC).
• Application of marker-assisted breeding, transgene technology, and CRISPR gene editing for SI manipulation.

Main Results:

• Elucidation of distinct SI mechanisms in *Brassica* (sporophytic) and Papaveraceae, Solanaceae, Rosaceae, Plantaginaceae (gametophytic).
• Demonstration of intentional manipulation of SI/SC transitions through advanced breeding techniques.
• Established a basis for implementing new crop production and breeding practices using SI knowledge.

Conclusions:

• Molecular insights into SI have paved the way for practical applications in crop improvement, hybrid development, and overcoming reproductive barriers.
• Future research directions include further understanding SI systems, environmental interactions, and plant self/non-self recognition.
• Continued exploration of SI offers significant potential for advancing plant breeding and agricultural productivity.