Apricot self-compatibility

The level of apricot self-compatibility is assessed through artificial self-pollination of isolated flowers, analysis of pollen tube germination using fluorescence microscopy, and identification of specific S-alleles via PCR. Varieties are classified into self-compatible with a fruit set of 5–50%, partially self-compatible with a rate of up to 10%, and self-incompatible, where the fruit set does not exceed 1–2%.

The presence of the self-compatibility trait allows for the establishment of single-cultivar orchards and provides greater yield stability under adverse weather conditions that limit the activity of pollinating insects. Nevertheless, the apricot remains an entomophilous crop, so the presence of cross-pollination in the orchard contributes to an increase in volume and improvement in fruit quality even in self-compatible varieties.