Progamic phase and fertilization inGasteria verrucosa (Mill.) H. Duval: pollination signals

A summary is given of the pollen tube pathway, the interactions during the progamic phase and the incompatibility system ofGasteria. Pollen coating substances stimulate pollen tube ovular penetration and fruit set in cases of cross-pollination. Pollen coating substances also stimulate the water supply of the pistil which completes the pollen tube pathway. These two types of signals are related to recognition reactions, as well as to the activation of the pistil. Because the pollen coating substance is of sporophytic origin, the incompatibility system type is discussed.