Indian Society of Genetics & Plant Breeding
In pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) several sources of cytoplasmic male-sterility (CMS)
are available. This investigation was undertaken to study the combining ability of
alloplasmic isonuclear lines and to quantify the magnitude of heterosis in hybrids
based on different CMS sources. Such information is ultimately helpful in determining
the relative chances of success with any CMS source. The lines with A3 and A4
cytoplasms were significantly better general combiner for grain yield than the lines
retaining either Al male-sterile or fertile cytoplasm. Pollinators IPC 1173, IPC 1600,
IPC 1546 and IPC 390 proved their utility for breeding high yielding hybrids. None
of the pollinateitS proved to be good combiner simultaneously for all traits. Magnitude
of heterosis varied considerably within the hybrids retaining particular cytoplasm.
Heterosis was negative for days to flower and of the similar magnitude in the hybrids
grouped by their cytoplasmic source. Manifestation of cytoplasmic effects was higher
for heterosis for grain yield and plant height than heterosis for days to flower and
panicle length. The usefulness of A4 CMS source is discussed, in the light of results
obtained here and those already available, in pearl millet hybrid breeding programmes.
Keywords: Pennisetum glaucum - cytoplasmic male-sterility - male-sterility-inducing cytoplasm - general combining ability
Year: 1999
Volume: 59
Issue: 4
Article DOI: NA
Print ISSN: 0019-5200
Online ISSN: 0975-6906
O. P. Yadav info_circle
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