Self-Compatibility in Several Clones of Oil Olive cv. Leccino

Abstract

The olive cv. Leccino was found to be self-incompatible in many studies. During a clonal selection trial it was found that several clones show satisfactory fruit set also on isolated branches. Studies were carried out for 5 years in order to evaluate fruit set ability of the selected cv. Leccino clones as well as viability and germination of pollen in vitro and in vivo. Fluorescent microscope observations showed that, independently of the degree of fruit-set recorded under field conditions, the pollen tube was capable of reaching the ovary in 3 clones. In the other clones, as well as in the standard cv. Leccino, the pollen tube penetrated only a short distance into the style. Bagging trials showed that (in 3 out of 5 years) clones 3, 4, 6 and 9 were the ones with the most constant selffertility. The results obtained suggest that 'Leccino' clones may vary widely in self-compatibility according to the year.