Genetics of fertility restoration in A2-based cytoplasmic genetic male sterility system in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)

The three short duration cytoplasmic genetic male sterility (CGMS) hybrids developed using A(2) (Cajanus scarabeoides) cytoplasm-based male sterile lines (CORG 990047A, CORG 990052A and CORG 7A) and the restorer inbred AK 261322 and their segregating populations (F-2 and BC1F1) were subjected to the study of inheritance of fertility restoration in pigeonpea. The fertility restoration was studied based on three different criteria, namely, anther colour, pollen grain fertility and pollen grain morphology and staining. The F-2 and BC1F1 populations of the three crosses, namely, CORG 990047A x AK 261322, CORG 990052A x AK 261322 and CORG 7A x AK 261322, segregated in the ratio of 3:1 and 1:1, for anther colour (yellow:pale yellow), pollen grain fertility (fertile:sterile) and for pollen grain morphology and staining. The above study confirmed that the trait fertility restoration was controlled by single dominant gene. This finding can be utilized for the identification of potential restorers, which can be further used in the development of CGMS-based hybrids in pigeonpea.

Automated summary

This study investigated the inheritance of fertility restoration in pigeonpea using three short duration cytoplasmic genetic male sterility (CGMS) hybrids. The results showed that fertility restoration is controlled by a single dominant gene, which can be used for identifying potential restorers and developing CGMS-based hybrids in pigeonpea.