Re: Re: HYB: air pods, another thought
- Subject: Re: [iris] Re: HYB: air pods, another thought
- From: D*@cabq.gov
- Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2003 09:27:06 -0600
- List-archive: <http://www.hort.net/lists/iris/> (Web Archive)
Perhaps these "air pods" are indeed the result of self pollination, or some
sort of stimulation from foreign pollen. As far as I know (correct me if
I'm wrong), Iris are generally self incompatible (or at least produce seeds
much better if outcrossed). Maybe for some reason pollen tubes are growing
and stimulating pod development but seeds are not actually getting
pollinated? I've never really understood the mechanisms involved in self
incompatibility, but it is very common. My understanding is that something
to due with enzymes either triggers or prevents the pollen from growing on
the stigmata, depending on the source of the pollen. It is a common trick
to use foreign pollens (from other unrelated groups of plants) to stimulate
selfing pollen to grow. In Mesembryanthemaceae and Cactaceae pollen from
one family to the other, or from Portulacaceae, or even from Dandelions
sometimes works. Maybe in Iris there is some mechanism (or foreign
pollen?) that is allowing the pollen to germinate and stimulate some sort
of trigger for fruits to develop, but the pollen is still not allowed to
finish its ultimate purpose??????????
Just a thought to throw on the table.
Dave
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