Ac-DEVD-CHO (caspase-3/DEVDase inhibitor) suppresses self-incompatibility-induced programmed cell death in the pollen tubes of petunia (Petunia hybrida E. Vilm.).

Programmed cell death (PCD) is relevant to many aspects in the growth and development of a plant organism. In their reproduction, many flowering plant species possess self-incompatibility (SI), that is an intraspecific reproductive barrier, which is a genetic mechanism ensuring the avoidance of inbreeding depression by preventing self-pollination. This phenomenon enhances intraspecific variation; however, SI is rather a hindrance for some fruit plant species (such as plum, cherry, and peer trees) rather than an advantage in farming.

Caspase-like proteases and the phytohormone cytokinin as determinants of S-RNAse-based self-incompatibility-induced PCD in Petunia hybrida L.

S-RNAse-based self-incompatibility (SI) in petunia (Petunia hybrida L.) is a self-/non-self-recognition system underlying the pistil rejection of self-pollen. Using different methods, including a TUNEL assay, we have recently shown that programmed cell death (PCD) is a factor of the SI in petunia.