Pollen viability, self-incompatibility, and a very singular S-allele structure between the reasons for the limited potential productivity of traditional Basque cider apple varieties

Cider regions conserve a broad diversity of traditional cultivars for which knowledge has hardly evolved. Key aspects of their reproductive biology are barely known, hindering improvement in orchard management and resulting in highly variable yields. In this study, we characterized key aspects of the reproductive biology of some traditional apple cultivars from the Basque-style cider-producing area in northern Spain (Basque Country and Navarre). We tested for pollen quality, self-compatibility, and cross-compatibility (S-genotyping). The pollen quality was good except for Urtebete, Errezila, Reineta Encarnada, and triploid varieties. Self-pollination results confirm the need for pollinators, as only Moko and Txalaka showed certain self-compatibility. Regarding S- genotyping, the population proved very singular, with an atypically high frequency of S26, a frequent allele within crabapples, and the appearance of a novel unpublished allele (S60). The knowledge generated for this variety pool will contribute to a better choice of suitable pollinators, preventing the use of popular crabapple varieties that are demonstrated to be partly incompatible with them, and will lead to an increase in potential yields in the region.

Automated summary

This study investigated the reproductive biology of traditional apple cultivars in the Basque-style cider-producing area in northern Spain. The results showed that some varieties have good pollen quality, while others are not suitable for self-pollination. Furthermore, the study identified rare S26 and novel S60 alleles in the region. These findings will contribute to improving orchard management and increasing potential yields.