Characterization of diversified cytoplasmic genetic male sterile (A) and restorer (R) lines of pigeonpea for good heterotic combinations

The study encompassed characterization of 45 newly identified stable CGMS (A) and 26 restorer (R) lines of different genetic backgrounds grown in augmented design during kharif 2008. All the A and R lines exhibited enormous phenotypic variability. ‘CMS GT 731’ (142 days), ‘CMS GT 723’ (143 days) and ‘CMS GT 721’ (144 days) among A lines and ‘GTR 71’ (143 days) among R lines were the earliest in maturity. ‘CMS GT 726’, ‘CMS GT 731’, ‘CMS GT 701’, ‘CMS GT 721’, ‘CMS GT 725’, ‘CMS GT 729’, ‘CMS GT 737’ and ‘CMS GT 738’ among A lines and ‘GTR 71’, ‘GTR 74’, ‘GTR 66’ and ‘GTR 68’ among R lines evinced early flowering lines having good nicking. On account of having different seed colour, seed size and growth habit, the newly identified lines were grouped according to maturity, growth habit, seed size and seed colour making it feasible to select good nicking A and R lines to develop situation specific hybrids as per consumers’ preference.