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 A₂ (Cajanus scarabeoides) cytoplasm-based male sterile lines (CORG 990047A, CORG 990052A and CORG 7A) and the restorer inbred AK 261322 and their segregating populations (F₂ 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 F₂ and BC₁F₁ populations of the three crosses, namely, CORG 990047A × AK 261322, CORG 990052A × AK 261322 and CORG 7A × 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.