For centuries, scientists have been baffled by the mystery of self-incompatibility in roses. Self-incompatibility prevents plants from fertilizing themselves, and has been a major obstacle in rose-breeding. Now, a new study has shed light on the genetic mechanisms of self-incompatibility in roses, offering hope for revolutionizing rose-breeding.

The team of researchers, led by the University of Oxford, identified the gene responsible for controlling self-incompatibility in roses. By studying the genetic sequences of over 1,000 rose varieties, the team was able to pinpoint the gene that determines the plant’s ability to fertilize itself. This gene, called S-RNase, acts as a sort of “molecular lock” that prevents a plant from self-fertilizing.

The discovery of this gene could have huge implications for rose-breeding. By manipulating the S-RNase gene, breeders could create roses that can self-fertilize, eliminating the need for cross-pollination and making it easier to breed new varieties. This could open up new possibilities for rose-breeding, allowing breeders to create more varieties with unique shapes, colors, and fragrances.

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source: Phys.org