Gametophytic Incompatibility

In GSI systems callose deposition is not evident on the stigma but is very conspicuous in the pollen tube. Sometimes the callose deposition occurs even in the germpore, inhibiting pollen germination. In the Poaceae, the rejection reaction is completed within a few minutes after pollination and subsequent rejection or acceptance takes 10 minutes with the exception of Poaceae and Oenothera, the recognition/rejection reaction in GSI system occurs after the pollen tube has grown about two third the length of the style.

Genetically the recognition factor on the male side has been attributed to the male gametophyte; the proteins incorporated during pollen wall development in the intine are involved. Since in GSI systems the rejection reaction is comparatively delayed, is also possible that the synthesis or activation, and release of the recognition substances are also delayed and they occur in the pollen tube. In some species the tubes show reduced level of carbohydrates and starch.