Genetics of fertility restoration of the A 4 cytoplasmic-nuclear male sterility system in pearl millet

摘要

Inheritance of fertility restoration of the A₄ system of cytoplasmic-nuclear male sterility in pearl millet was investigated using six crosses between two diverse male sterile lines (A-lines) and three diverse restorers (R-lines). The segregation pattern of male sterile (S) and male fertile (F) plants observed in F₂, and BC₁ in two seasons at ICRISAT, Patancheru, indicated the dominant single-gene control of male fertility restoration. The segregation pattern in BC₁F₂ progenies derived from the fertile BC₁ plants evaluated for one season provided further evidence for the single-gene control. The season did not have much effect on fertility restoration. The information on the single-gene control of fertility restoration will help in diversifying the restorer genetic base of the A_4?CMS system and enhance R-line breeding efficiency in pearl millet.