Development of a cytoplasmic nuclear male-sterility system in pigeonpea using C. scarabaeoides (L.) Thouars.

The phenomenon of heterosis has been successfully exploited for the genetic enhancement of yield in a number of cereal and horticultural crops. In pigeon pea, significant yield gains have also been demonstrated through genetic male sterility-based hybrid technology. These hybrids, however, could not create the expected impact due to difficulties encountered in their large-scale seed production. To overcome this bottleneck, a cytoplasmic-nuclear male-sterility system was developed from a cross between Cajanus scarabaeoides, a wild relative of pigeon pea, and a short-duration pigeon pea cultivar. The results of F1 and backcross generations including the maintenance and fertility restoration systems of this newly-developed cytoplasmic nuclear male-sterility source are discussed.