A Study on Sources of Cytoplasmic Genetic Male Sterility, Heterosis, and Combining Ability in Pearl Millet

Abstract

Because of its great genetic diversity and the availability of an effective cytoplasmic genetic male sterility system, pearl millet has been a popular crop in recent years. Due to the protogynous character of its flowers; Pearl millet is a highly cross-pollinated crop with an out crossing extent of more than 85%, making it very heterozygous and diverse. The authors of this work investigate the genetic bases for male sterility, heterosis, and combining ability in pearl millet by looking at its cytoplasm.