Breeding system and pollination biology of the semidomesticated fruit tree, Tamarindus indica L. (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae): Implications for fruit production, selective breeding, and conservation of genetic resources

Abstract

In this paper, we provide data on the breeding system of Tamarindus indica, examining fruit production as well as pollen tube growth under different controlled pollination experiments (open, cross and self
pollination). We discuss implications of the results for management for fruit production in Tamarind, conservation of genetic resources and the potential for selective breeding. Observation of the germination and the pollen tubes growth under various pollination modes show that the tamarind is an incompatible species partially. This incompatibility appears at the pre level zygotic (IE on the level of the stigmatic, style and ovary) and post zygotic by the abortion of seeds.