Temperature-Sensitive Male-Sterility System in Pigeonpea

The present communication reports successful breeding of the first temperature-sensitive male-sterility system in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.). This material was derived from a cross involving Cajanus sericeus (Benth. ex Bak.), a wild relative of pigeonpea, and a cultivar (ICPA 85010). The selections demonstrated marked changes in the fertility status of the plants under field conditions in different temperature regimes. At ≥25°C the plants were completely malesterile, while at ≤24°C the same plants became fully male-fertile. These genotypes can be used to develop a two-line hybrid breeding system in pigeonpea.