Genetic inheritance and identification of molecular markers linked tomale sterility in African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

The demand for hybrid varieties of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) is on the rise due to the increased productivity and uniformity exhibited by F1 hybrids. To develop hybrids in marigold, male sterile line is essential, as emasculation is complex due to the unique flower structure of marigold. Inheritance of petaloid male sterility was investigated in a seed propagated line across six generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2), that confirmed a single dominant gene governing petaloid male sterility over multiple seasons. The marker CPSSR-39 exhibited clear and consistent segregation, following a Mendelian ratio 1:1 in F1 which is in accordance with the genes governing petaloid male sterility. This is the first report of genic petaloid male sterility with a linked marker marking a significant advancement in heterosis breeding of marigold.