Molecular identification of cytoplasmic male sterility based hybrid GTH 1 and its parents in pigeonpea

Abstract

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh] is an important food legume of India that has all pervasive consumers’ preference across the country. It is a rich source of protein, minerals and vitamins. Relative success in enhancing productivity of pigeonpea has by and large remained futile and the productivity of pigeonpea has remained static around lesser than one ton per hectare. Recently hybrid technology has given a new ray of hope for breaking yield plateau [1, 2]. Restricted availability of genetically pure seed of the released varieties is the major yield limiting factor. Conventionally genetic purity of seed is ascertained by conducting grow-out-test (GOT) that relies on morphological attributes. Measurement of such attributes is not only time and resources intensive but is enormously sensitive to environmental conditions too.