Intergeneric hybridizaton between Schlumbergera Lem. and Hatiora Britt. & Rose (Cactaceae)

Abstract

Post-pollination barriers to intergeneric hybridization between Easter cactus [Hatiora gaertneri (Regel) Barthlott, H. rosea (Lagerheim) Barthlott, and H. xgraeseri Barthlott ex D. Hunt] and holiday cactus [Schlumbergera truncata (Haworth) Moran and S. xbuckleyi (Buckley) Tjaden] were determined and procedures were devised for circumventing these barriers. Examination of Hatiora and Schlumbergera pistils at 72 hours after intergeneric crosses indicated no abnormalities in pollen germination or pollen tube growth in the upper style. Pollen tubes of Hatiora were arrested in the lower half of Schlumbergera styles and failed to enter the ovary. Schlumbergera pollen tubes exhibited normal growth ..