The Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding

Genetic analysis was carried out to determine the inheritance of male fertility restoration in wheat using two exotic lines PWR 4099 and PWR 4101. PWR 4099 was used as male to cross three CMS lines viz., Pusa arar/2046 A, Pusa 11/2019 A and Pusa 20/2046 A, while Pusa 9/2041 A and Pusa 20/2046 A were crossed with PWR 4101. The source of cytoplasm of all the CMS lines, except 2046A, which carries Triticum araraticum cytoplasm, was not known. Based on the observations recorded on pollen and floret fertility, the F₂ segregants were categorised into completely fertile, partially fertile and completely sterile classes. The genetic analysis in F₂ generation revealed that two dominant genes in PWR 4099 control male fertility restoration. Of these, one has major effect. While PWR 4101 carried a single dominant gene for fertility restoration. The kernel colour (red) in both the restorer lines was found to be under monogenic dominant genetic control. The independent segregation pattern for inheritance of kernel colour and fertility restoration indicated that genes for fertility restoration and kernel colour are not linked. The information acrued from the study will be useful in breeding amber colour restorer lines for the development of heterotic wheat hybrids with desirable kernel colour.