The development of the Sf -specific primers SfF/R allowed the introduction of the Sf -specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the identification of the Sf allele in almond seedlings. To verify if this technique could be used for early selection of self-compatible seedlings. Self-compatibility of 128 seedlings from two F1 families: 'Glorieta' (S1S5) x 'Falsa Barese' (S1Sf) and 'Primorskiy' (S5S9) x 'Lauranne' (S3Sf) was tested using three approaches: fruit set in the field after self-pollination, stylar ribonuclease analysis and leaf DNA amplification by Sf -specific PCR in the laboratory. Results showed that self-compatible seedlings could be identified by PCR. In addition, the three approaches showed a good fit among them. The Sf allele was identified in most seedlings of the first cross. Segregation for self-compatibility in the second family using PCR was also verified. This Sf -specific PCR technique results in 2 to 3 years gain regarding the other two.