Ac DEVD-CHO (caspase-3/DEVDase inhibitor) suppresses programmed cell death induced by self-incompatibility in pollen tubes of Solanum pennellii Correll

The processes of growth and development in plants involve programmed cell death (PCD). For members of the Solanaceae family, such as Petunia hybrid E. Vilm and Solanum pennellii Correll, the phenomenon of S RNase-based self-incompatibility (SI) is characteristic. This mechanism helps maintain population heterozygosity and prevents inbreeding. However, in breeding, SI is often more of a hindrance than an advantage. It has been proven that PCD is a key factor in gametophytic SI in S. pennellii. In the present study, by treating tomato stigmas with Acetyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-aldehyde (Ac DEVD-CHO) (a caspase-3/DEVDase inhibitor) at a concentration of 0.0625 mM two hours before self-incompatible pollination, it was possible to overcome SI. As a result, pollen tubes grew to the ovary, fertilization occurred, and fully developed seeds were formed.