Identification and Screening of Restorers and Maintainers for different CMS Lines of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.)

For the evolution of new pearl millet hybrids with diverse cytoplasmic background suitable for specific areas and condition,there is a need for diversified CMS sources among locally adaptable lines and identification of locally adaptable restorers.The present study was undertaken to screen the male sterile and restorer lines among the crosses of five male sterile lines andthirty inbreds of pearl millet. Five isogenic alloplasmic male sterile lines (ICMA 94111A, 81A, ICMA 88004A, PT 5054Aand 732A) were crossed with thirty inbreds in line x tester design, so as to obtain 150 F1 hybrids. F1’s were categorized asrestorers (>80 % pollen fertility), partial restorers (20 to 79 % pollen fertility), partial maintainers (10-19 % pollen fertility)and maintainers (