First information on heterotic groups in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]

Abstract

To break the decades-old yield barrier in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] a hybrid breeding technology was successfully developed and the first two hybrids were recently released in India. In order to produce heterotic hybrid combinations, the first logical step is the identification and selection of genetically diverse parents with favorable alleles. In this context, the concept of classifying hybrid parents into different heterotic groups was developed and successfully used in maize and later adopted in other crops. Since hybrid technology in pigeonpea is new, the authors have made the first attempt to identify heterotic groups using SCA effects of 102 crosses generated from line 9 tester mating and evaluated them at four locations. Based on the performance of hybrids in terms of SCA effects, seven heterotic groups were constituted. Besides this, a scheme to use this information in breeding high yielding hybrids with specific or wide adaptation is also discussed herein. Genetic diversity between lines and tester showed positive association with the heterotic pools generated on the basis of SCA.

Genome-based establishment of a high-yielding heterotic pattern for hybrid wheat breeding

“…S4), the result of constant exchanges of lines between wheat breeding programs (17). Nevertheless, it reflects the typical scenario for many crops that are in the infancy of hybrid breeding, including rice (33), barley (34), pearl millet (35), and pigeon pea (36). Thus, the framework for the recognition of heterotic groups developed in our study represents a central step forward in the introduction of sustainable hybrid varieties to the market for several important crops, with the final goal of meeting the global challenges of an increasing demand for food, feed, and fuel.…”

Crop wild relatives of pigeonpea [ Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]: Distributions, ex situ conservation status, and potential genetic resources for abiotic stress tolerance

“…Concerted breeding efforts for this purpose have resulted in a number of promising advances, particularly the creation of early maturing varieties, and developments toward diverse high yielding hybrids (Saxena, 2005;Saxena et al, 2013;Saxena and Sawargaonkar, 2014). However, crop yield in most production regions is well below its potential and has been stagnant for a number of decades, with increased production during this time largely due to an expansion of harvested area (Saxena, 2005;Odeny, 2007;Jones et al, 2002).…”

Identification of stable restorers and genetics of fertility restoration in late‐maturing pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh]

“…(). Later on, for yield and yield components traits in pigeonpea, several reports were published on hybrid vigour (Saxena and Sawargaonkar ). Until, CMS was not reported, GMS‐based hybrids ruled and 35–60% heterosis was reported for yield (Saxena et al.…”

“…Recently, the other two released hybrids ICPH 2740 and ICPH 3762 from ICRISAT have the yield advantage of 25–30% in farmers' fields in comparison with other hybrids. These hybrids are resistant to both wilt and sterility mosaic diseases and recorded high yields in both pure and intercrop conditions in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand (Saxena and Sawargaonkar , Pazhamala et al. ).…”