The Regulation of Self-incompatibility by Reactive Oxygen Species in Non-heading Chinese Cabbage
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are recognized as key players in several physiological processes, including pollen tube formation. The blockage of self-pollination does not result from extensive damage to pollen grains caused by silica-induced ROS. Instead, high levels of ROS in the stigma may impair essential pollen development activities, such as in vivo Ca balance, carbohydrate metabolism, and cell wall remodeling. These critical processes can be inhibited by elevated levels of ROS in the stigma during self-incompatibility (SI) responses.