Factors Affecting Successful Wide Crossing in Pigeonpea

Six diverse pigeonpea cultivars and five wild species were involved in wide hybridization. The overall crossability among Cajanus strains used as females indicated maximum pod set (6.5%) with C.cajanifolia, followed by 2.7% with R. aurea and 1.9% with C. platycarpa. Genotypic differences for corssability were observed in some specific pigeonpea wild species combinations. The maximum pod set (8.5%) was obtained when pollination was done immediately after emasculation between 08.00 and 10.00 hrs. Daily application of growth regulators twice a day to the pollinated bud and developing hybrid pod helped in retaining 16.4% pods upto two weeks.