Genetic Male Sterility in Pigeon Pea1

Six male‐sterile plants, found in two apparently unrelated sources in pigeon pea (Cajantis cajan (L.) Huth) did not produce pollen. Crossing success was normal, indicating that the plants were female‐fertile. White translucent anther color distinguished male‐sterile plants from fertile plants, which had yellowish anthers. A single recessive allele was responsible for the male sterility described here. Study of microsporogenesis revealed that tetrads in male sterile plants did not separate and they completely disintegrated. The tapetum and the intercellular wall of the two adjacent microsporangia persisted in the mature anthers. The potential value of male sterility in breeding programs is indicated.