Stigma receptivity in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh]

Abstract

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh] is a partially out-crossed species and on average, the insect-aided natural out-crossing varies around 25-30% [1]. The pigeonpea breeders have used crop improvement procedures relevant to both self as well as cross pollination mechanisms. Since, hybridization is an integral part of genetic enhancement programmes, an adequate knowledge of pollination behaviour helps in deciding mating schemes. In pigeonpea, where hybrid breeding technology has been developed [2] , the duration of stigma receptivity of female parent plays an important role in enhancing the quantities in insect-aided seed production of hybrids and their parents. Therefore, a study was undertaken at ICRISAT to understand the stigma receptivity pattern in pigeonpea.