Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Self-incompatibility (SI) is a genetic mechanism that prevents self-fertilization in hermaphroditic plants.
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) exhibits Sporophytic Self-Incompatibility (SSI), where the incompatibility reaction of the pollen is determined by the genotype of the sporophytic parent that produced it.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the characteristics of the Sporophytic Self-Incompatibility (SSI) system in Brassicas to find the incorrect statement:
- Option (A): In SSI, homozygotes for S alleles are normal components because codominance or dominance relationships allow plants to survive and reproduce under various compatible crosses, making this statement correct.
- Option (B): Reciprocal differences are very common in SSI because dominance relationships between S alleles can vary in the pollen and the pistil.
For example, if \( \text{S}_1 \) is dominant over \( \text{S}_2 \) in the pollen but codominant in the pistil, reciprocal crosses will behave differently.
This statement is correct.
- Option (C): The stigma of cabbage and other Brassicas is a dry stigma with a papillate surface.
Plumose (feathery) stigmas are typical of wind-pollinated grass species (Poaceae), not Brassicaceae.
Therefore, "Stigma surface is plumose" is incorrect, making this the correct answer for the "NOT correct" question.
- Option (D): Incompatibility groups in SSI can contain more than one genotype due to complex dominance interactions, making this statement correct.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The statement "Stigma surface is plumose" is NOT correct for the sporophytic system of self-incompatibility in cabbage.