Pollen fertility restoration studies in three CMS lines carrying Cajanus cajanifolius cytoplasm under four diverse environments

Stability of pollen fertility was studied in 102 pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] cross-combinations in four environments. The data, as revealed by aceto-carmine test, showed that pollen fertility of the hybrids varied considerably across the locations and three CMS lines used in crosses. None of the testers maintained complete male sterility, but partial male sterility restoration was frequent. The stability analysis revealed that nine hybrids derived by crossing ICPA 2043, four by ICPA 2047, and three by ICPA 2092 were highly stable for fertility restoration across four environments. Seven genotypes viz., AKT 8811, BSMR 736, TV 1, BSMR 846, PHULE T-04-1-3-1, ICPL 20106 and ICP 3514 were identified as potential male parents for breeding pigeonpea hybrids with stable fertility restoration.