Semi‐Vitro Methods in the Study of Compatibility in Birdsfoot Trefoil ( Lotus corniculatus L.) 1

In semi‐vitro cultures, there were no differences in emergence of pollen tubes from styles of birdsfoot trefoil ( Lotus cornlculatus L.) after cross‐ and self‐pollinations. These findings support the hypothesis that compatibility of a mating in birdsfoot trefoil is not determined by differential growth rates of cross‐ and self‐pollen tubes through the style. The differential in performance of pollen tubes is presumed to be manifested in the ovary. However, preliminary tests for chemotropic responses of pollen tubes to ovarian tissues have failed to reveal how this differential performance is regulated.