Homomorphic Self-incompatibility

What is Homomorphic Self-incompatibility? – Definition?

In homomorphic self incompatibility, all the flowers have exactly the same structure. Self-fertilization inhibition depends on genetic or biochemical or physiological mechanisms. It has immense importance in crop plants.

It can operate in various ways like

  • Pollen grain does not germinate on the stigma of same flower
  • Even if germination occurs, germinated pollen cannot penetrate the stigma
  • If penetrates, pollen tube growth retardation or very slow rate of pollen tube growth
  • No release of male gametes from the pollen tube having normal growth.

There are two quite different types of homomorphic self-incompatibility. Generally, each plant possesses only one of these two.

Visit page heteromorphic self incompatibility, the another type of incompatibility.