Central cell-produced salvagers promote fertilization recovery and interspecific hybridization

Angiosperms face frequent fertilization failure in natural environments. To address this challenge, angiosperms have evolved fertilization recovery mechanisms to ensure successful reproduction. The central cell secretes pollen tube attractants to mediate fertilization recovery, but the molecular mechanisms remain poorly defined. In this study, we identified two central cell-produced peptides SALVAGER3 (SAL3) and SAL4 that attract pollen tubes when synergid cell-controlled attraction is compromised. Loss of SALs reduces the ovular capacity for fertilization recovery. These central cell-derived peptides attract interspecific pollen tubes in Arabidopsis thaliana, promoting the chance of interspecific hybridization during fertilization recovery. Collectively, this study not only expands our mechanistic understanding of central cell-mediated fertilization recovery but also highlights its function in overcoming interspecific barriers.