Fertility restoration in cytoplasmic genic male sterile line of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] derived from Cajanus scarabaeoides

Abstract

For commercial exploitation of heterosis, efficient and stable cytoplasmic genic male sterility system is developed using first CGMS line GT-288A1B alongwith fertility restoration mechanism from interspecific hybridization. To identify perfect pollen fertility restorers, 543 derivative lines of Fs and F6 populations of Cajanus scarabaeoides x Cajanus cajan and 1365 germplasm accessions were used as pollen parent on stable cytoplasmic genic male sterile line GT-288A during kharif 1997 to 2003. The F1 progenies of all the crosses were evaluated during kharif 1998 to 2003 for their pollen fertility. The promising pollen fertility restoring parents were advanced and purified through selection and selfing. Finally eighteen -fertility restorers were identified and characterized.