Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Self-incompatibility (SI) is a widespread genetically controlled mechanism in angiosperms that prevents self-fertilization, thereby promoting outcrossing and maintaining genetic diversity.
It is classified into two primary systems based on the genetic origin of the pollen's S-allele phenotype: Gametophytic Self-Incompatibility (GSI) and Sporophytic Self-Incompatibility (SSI).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement (I) is correct:
In the Gametophytic Self-Incompatibility (GSI) system, the incompatibility phenotype of the pollen grain is determined entirely by its own haploid genome (the specific S-allele it carries after meiosis).
It is not influenced by the diploid genotype of the parent sporophytic plant that produced the pollen.
For example, if a diploid plant has the genotype \(S_1S_2\), the pollen grains it produces will be either \(S_1\) or \(S_2\).
An \(S_1\) pollen grain will act as \(S_1\) on the pistil, and an \(S_2\) pollen grain will act as \(S_2\).
If the pistil is \(S_1S_3\), only the \(S_2\) pollen can successfully germinate and fertilize the ovule, while the \(S_1\) pollen is inhibited.
Statement (II) is incorrect:
Gametophytic self-incompatibility was first described by East and Mangelsdorf in 1925 in the species Nicotiana sanderae.
The study of self-incompatibility by Hughes and Babcock (1950) in Crepis foetida and by Gerstel (1950) in Parthenium argentatum actually marked the first discovery and description of the Sporophytic Self-Incompatibility (SSI) system.
In the SSI system, the pollen phenotype is determined by the diploid genotype of the parent plant, rather than the pollen's own haploid genotype, due to the deposition of parental S-proteins in the exine during pollen development.
Thus, Statement (I) is correct, while Statement (II) is incorrect.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, the most appropriate choice is that Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.