Autogamy Among Selected Peach and Nectarine Cultivars

Abstract

Self-compatibility and self-fertility in nectarine and peach [ Prunus persica(L.) Batsch] are nearly ubiquitous, except for J. H. Hale and some of its derivatives which produce sterile pollen (4, 5). Self-fertility, although essential may be insufficient for fruit set if there is inadequate transfer of pollen from anther to stigma. In a summary of the relevant literature, McGregor (9) states that "pollinating insects are of value even for the self-fertile peach cultivars." Seventeen peach cultivars averaged 40% less fruit set on limbs enclosed in bags to exclude insects vs. limbs exposed to open pollination (2). It is not widely appreciated, however, that these data also indicated considerable differences among cultivars in their degree of dependence on insect-mediated pollen transfer.