Selfed Seedset in A_3 -system Single-cross Hybrids of Pearl Millet

摘要

millet single-cross hybrids developed on the A_1-system cytoplasmic-nuclear male-sterile (CMS) lines are more susceptible to ergot and smut than are open-pollinated varieties (Thakur 1987). A narrow 'flowering window', longer protogyny (Thakui et al.1991), and supposedly inadequate male fertility restoration in such hybrids increase their susceptibility to both diseases. The net result of longer protogyny and/or inadequate male-fertility restoration is reduction in selfed seedset. We investigated the extent of the seedset problem in A_1-system hybrids (that included two of the most widely grown commercial hybrids in India) by comparing with the seedset in hybrids developed on their counterpart maintainer lines (B-lines).