Breeding Pearl Millet Male-Sterile Lines

Numerous sourmi of cytoplasmifigcnic male-steriliy ore now atloilabke in pearl millei. Although an understMdurg of thegenetic control of mdasteri1it.v in pearl mill& is far from clew, research indicates that it is due to an interaction between sterili~inducingf aor or factors in the cytoplasm and multipk major genes and modifiers in the nucleus. Environmentalfactors, such as temperature and relatiw humidity, are also assumed to afftd the expression of male-sterility. TiJt 23A, cytoplasm has been extensively used to breed diverse mde-sterile Iines at several leading research centers because of its more stable sterility across seasons and sites, and because there are a number of agronomically good lines that can be used as donors. Since the Tift 23A1 cytoplasm has been extensively used to breed diverse male-sterile lines because of its more stable sterility across seasons and sites, the availability of agronomically good lines that can be used as donors. Since the Tift 23A1, cytoplasm has been shown not to be associated with susceptibility to downy mildew, genetic diversification with this cytoplasm will continue to be major objective in breeding male-sterile lines in India.1930 In most male-sterile breeding programs the common objectives will be to breed for dwarf plant height, early to medium maturity, large seeds, improved seed yield and combining ability, stable sterility, and appropriate combinations of resistance to diseases. Characterization of the nature and magnitude of cytoplasmic diversity should receive increased attention to identify alternative sources and systems to diversify the cytoplasmic base of male-sterile lines. Better understanding of the inheritance of male-sterility and the environmental factors affecting its expression will contribute significantly to the efficient utilization of diverse genetic materials in breeding male-sterile lines and to the management of male-sterile lines under commercial production