Muhammed Ali Köse, Mehmet Yaman, Kadir Uğurtan Yılmaz, Yazgan Tunç , Ömer Atagül, Metin Gönültaş
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Embryo abortion, embryo culture, somatic embryogenesis, post-zygotic barriers, Prunus.
Embryo abortion in stone fruit species (Prunus spp.) represents a major physiological and genetic constraint that creates significant post-zygotic barriers in breeding programs. This phenomenon is associated with developmental asynchrony between fruit and seed tissues, particularly the delayed development of embryos in early-ripening cultivars, nutrient deprivation (starvation) resulting from endosperm and chalazal haustorium dysfunction, and programmed cell death (PCD). Furthermore, self-incompatibility, genetic deficiencies, and interspecific incompatibility are among the principal factors triggering embryo abortion. The most effective strategy for overcoming this limitation is embryo culture (embryo rescue), in which embryos are excised before losing viability and subsequently cultured under in vitro conditions. The success of this technique largely depends on the optimal stage of embryo excision (PF ≈ 0.5), the selection of an appropriate culture medium (½ MS or WPM), and a balanced plant growth regulator regime. Moreover, the integration of embryo rescue with somatic embryogenesis and synthetic seed technologies facilitates the propagation of rare hybrids and provides substantial support for modern fruit breeding programs. In conclusion, embryo abortion is a complex physiological and genetic challenge that constitutes a critical barrier to successful hybrid development. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms and the effective application of biotechnological approaches for its management are essential for enhancing the efficiency and success of contemporary fruit breeding programs.
Cite this paper: Ali Köse, M., Yaman, M., Yılmaz, K.U., Tunç, Y., Atagül, O., Gönültaş, M (2026). EMBRYO ABORTION IN STONE FRUIT SPECIES. Current Trends in Natural Sciences, 15(29), 19-29. https://doi.org/10.47068/ctns.2026.v15i29.003.
