Exploitation of heterosis through F1 hybrid in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.): The status and prospects

India is a world leader in exploitation of heterosis in F1 hybrids in different crops and vegetables. Pigeonpea is often cross pollinated species and with availability of male sterility it became amenable for F1 hybrid breeding. Initial efforts in hybrid development in pigeonpea started in the 1980’s with genetic male sterility (GMS) but for more than past two decades the thrust is on hybrids based on cytoplasmic-genic male sterility (CMS). Among five different available sources of cytoplasmic male sterility viz., A1 to A5, only A2 and A4 have been used in hybrid pigeonpea breeding. A wide range of variation in maturity, plant type etc. is now available in the CMS lines and fertility restorers (FR). Encouraging performance of the hybrids in evaluation trials has been recorded. Heterotic hybrids like AKPH 11303 and AKPH 11324 having more than 30 percent yield superiority will be useful for commercial exploitation. Various aspects of improvement of the parental lines, development of heterotic hybrids and hybrid seed production technology for better seed availability are reviewed.