Utility of Informative SSR Markers in the Molecular Characterization of Cytoplasmic Genetic Male Sterility-Based Hybrid and its Parents in Pigeonpea

Pigeonpea is one of the most important pulse crops in the semi-arid tropical region, which is prone to several climatic uncertainties like unpredictable temperature, frequent drought and inconsistent rainfall. Additionally, during crop cycle pigeonpea also encounters a wide range of other biotic and abiotic constraints, ultimately leading to its fluctuating production and stagnant productivity. However, recently developed CGMS system has shown noteworthy impacts in enhancing pigeonpea productivity through exploitation of hybrid vigour. At present, A2-cytoplasm derived CGMS system has been well established in pigeonpea. Nevertheless, the commercial success of CGMS system relies largely on the continuous supply of genetically pure seeds of hybrids and corresponding parental lines. Traditionally, the genetic purity of seeds is guaranteed through conducting grow out test (GoT). In this context, DNA marker assays offer several advantages over conventional GoT especially in terms of time, space and money. Given its locus-specific and co-dominant nature, SSR or microsatellite marker is particularly suited for hybridity testing and purity assessment. Here we report a set of robust SSR markers, which could act as reliable molecular kit for ensuring the genetic purity of the CGMS-hybrid ‘IPH 09-5’ and its parental lines ‘PA 163A’ (A-or Male sterile-line) and ‘AK 261322’ (R- or Restorer-line).