Believe it or not, hybrid technology is the only way to enhance pigeonpea yields

Abstract

Pigeonpea yields have remainedunacceptably low over the past five decades and efforts to break this plateau through breeding pure line cultivars did not succeed in its mission. Key successes in breeding stable cytoplasmic nuclear male-sterility (CMS) system, its fertility restorers, and development of an efficient hybrid seed production technology have led to the release of the world’s first commercial hybrid in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.].This hybrids has demonstrated 40-50% yield advantage over the best locally adapted varieties in different agro-ecological environments, giving a strong indication towards a breakthrough in the stagnant productivity of the crop. This paper discusses various issues related to genetic enhancement of productivity in pigeonpea.