Identification of Restorers and Maintainers for CMS lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Three cytoplasmic-genic male sterile (CMS) lines of rice having wild abortive (WA) cytoplasmic male sterility source were crossed with 60 genotypes to identify their restorer/maintainer nature. Most of the genotypes expressed differential fertility reactions when crossed with CMS lines. Among the genotypes tested, 16 were found to be common as effective restorers for all the three CMS lines. These genotypes may be tested for heterosis for development of rice hybrids. Three genotypes viz; Narendra Usar-3, CR2340-5 and Maleshiya produced completely sterile hybrids with all the three CMS lines which may be used in developing new male sterile lines.