Studies on fertility restoration and extent of heterosis in CMS based pigeonpea hybrids

Studies on fertility restoration in newly developed CMS lines and extent of hybrid vigour in pigeonpea hybrids help in developing elite pigeonpea hybrids specifically suited for commercial exploitation. An investigation was taken up during kharif, 2013 at College Farm of Agricultural College, Mahanandi with 24 pigeonpea hybrids and ‘Asha’, a popular variety. The study identified pigeonpea lines, ′ICPL 20098′, ′ICPL 20123′, ′ICPL 20137′ and ′ICPL 87119′ as complete restorers while ′ICPL 20108′ and ′ICPL 20186′ as partial restorers. Present investigation also revealed presence of significant levels of heterosis in pigeonpea hybrids for yield and yield component characters. Concerning individual trait, maximum heterosis over mid parent, better parent and standard check were observed for seed yield per plant, followed by number of secondary branches and podsper plant. High heterosis, more than 100 per cent, over the check, ‘Asha’; more than 50 per cent over mid-parent; and more than 30 percent over better parent, was noticed in the hybrids, ′ICPH 3762′ and ′ICPH 3474′. These promising mid-late hybrids with improved per se performance, high fertility restoration and heterosis for seed yield and other major yield attributing traits are identified here for large scale commercial cultivation. However, further assessment of performance need to be made over seasons and locations to gain information on stability in performance, prior to large scale adoption.