Female reproductive organs in self-compatible almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb) Lauranne and fertilization patterns

Morphological characteristics of the ovary of the self-compatible variety Lauranne of almond, Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb (syn, Prunus amygdalus Batsch.), are described. Scanning electron microscopy and cytological observations show that the ovule is anatropous pendent with its elongated micropyle facing the obturator. This obturator originates from the carpellary margins and extends lengthways in two lobules, each one leading to one ovule. Pollen tubes grow over the obturator and one or several pollen tubes reach the micropyle. Under our field conditions, pollen tubes reach the base of the style 5 days after pollination and the micropyle 2 days later. Various types of ovule penetration are described. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.