AbstractAmong the available sources of cytoplasmic male sterility only the A1source has so far been exploited for breeding commercial hybrids of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum(L.) R. Br.). The influence of this source was studied by comparing the combining ability of five pairs of lines that differ in their cytoplasmic source. The effect on the expression of the traits, though modified by environment, was significant. The manifestation of cytoplasmic effects on general combining ability (GCA) was different for various traits. In general, the A1cytoplasm showed a positive influence on GCA estimates for plant height, grain yield, and a negative influence on days to flowering. The variable magnitude of cytoplasmic effects on the GCA of lines indicated that such effects were the result of interaction between cytoplasm and nuclear genes.
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