Influence of Diverse Cytoplasmic Systems on Performance of Pearl millet Hybrids

Abstract

Seventeen cytoplasmic male sterile lines of pearl millet were crossed with genetically' diverse pollinators to investigate the inlluence of CMS systems on the performance of resultant hybrids. The data werc recurded for fertility/sterility reaction both undcr bag and open pollination on grain yield and days to 50% tlowering. Results show that As, A4, Pb60 IAv• AI and Pb502AG CMS system lincs can be exploited to produce isonuclear male sterilc lines. whereas A2, 81Acgp. A3 and AI CMS systems arc better seed parents. producing superior grain hybrids. In general, M.S. lines Pb 60 IAv and HMS 14A produced early maturing hybrids. whereas rest of the hybrids on diverse CMS systems were .mid-late to late. CSSC 46-2 has maximum fertility restoration genes. where as H78/711 has maximum maintainer genes.