Development of new cytoplasmic-genetic male-sterile lines in pigeonpea from crosses between Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.and C. scarabaeoides (L.) Thouars

J Appl Genet. 2008;49(3):221-7. doi: 10.1007/BF03195617.

Abstract

Exploitation of hybrid vigour is quite possible in cross-pollinated crops. However, pigeonpea is a grain legume crop with a moderate level of cross-pollination (20-70%), which is mainly aided by insect pollinators. As a first step, hybrids based on genetic male sterility (GMS) were developed in pigeonpea, but the hybrid seed production technique is not farmer-friendly, because in the hybrid seed production plot 50% of the population, which are male-fertile in the female rows, have to be eliminated in time before contamination. This requires skilled labour and is a time-consuming process, which increases the cost of hybrid seed production. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop cytoplasmic-genetic male-sterile (CGMS) lines in pigeonpea through wide hybridization, which would be very suitable for hybrid seed production. Two CGMS lines, viz. CORG 990052 A and CORG 990047, were developed by interspecific hybridization of Cajanus cajan and C. scarabaeoides. Restorers were identified and three CGMS-based pigeonpea hybrids were developed. The hybrid COPH 3 is found to be promising in Tamil Nadu State, India.

MeSH terms

  • Cajanus / classification
  • Cajanus / genetics*
  • Cajanus / growth & development
  • Crosses, Genetic*
  • Cytoplasm / genetics*
  • Hybrid Vigor*
  • Hybridization, Genetic
  • India
  • Infertility / genetics*
  • Seeds / genetics*
  • Seeds / growth & development