Genotype × Environment Interaction for Fertility Restoration and Yield Traits in Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) Hybrids

In cytoplasmic genetics male-sterility (CGMS)-based hybrid seed production technology, instability of fertility restoration is one of the prime causes behind instable yield performance of hybrids over the wide range of environments which makes better hybrids adaptive to only a specific environment. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the stability of fertility restoration and yield traits of 10 promising CGMS-based pigeonpea hybrids during 2012–2013 at three different environments of India. The results revealed a significant variability among hybrids for fertility restoration and yield traits over the environments. All the hybrids except ICPH 3494 and ICPH 3491 exhibited high (> 80%) pollen fertility and fully male-fertile plants across the environments indicating complete fertility restoration in these hybrids. Hybrids ICPH 2671, ICPH 2740, ICPH 3933, and ICPH 3461 were stable for pollen fertility, fertility restoration, and for days to maturity except ICPH 3461. Hybrids ICPH 2671, ICPH 2751, and ICPH 3461 were stable for number of pods plant−1, whereas ICPH 2671, ICPH 2740, ICPH 3933, ICPH 3461, and ICPH 3762 were stable for grain yield plant−1 with high mean, unit regression coefficient, and non-significant deviation from the regression line. The varying fertility status of hybrids across the environments indicates that fertility restoration is sensitive to environmental conditions.