Pigeonpea hybrids – A review

The present review focuses on international and indigenous research efforts in developing pigeonpea hybrids for harnessing higher productivity per se, strengthening of seed research and seed production. Hybrid vigour and exploitation of heterosis for earliness, uniformity in maturity, better partitioning and yield potential of hybrids has been reviewed critically. Availability of male sterility, genetic as well as cytoplasmic and genetics of male sterility have been evaluated. Development and diversification of male sterility system led to release of hybrids viz., ICPHB, PPH4, IPH732 and AKPH 4101 etc. Due to lack of effective seedling markers, hybrids based on GMS have limited scope, however, efforts are on in stabilizing cytoplasmic male sterility and its use in development of hybrids with increased yield potential in pigeonpea.