**5.2 Development of multi-parent population using cytoplasmic male sterile system (CMS)**

The selected good parents from study 2 and study 3 were evaluated to determine their effectiveness in a breeding scheme through line × tester (North Carolina II) mating design. General combining ability for agronomic characteristics and full fertility restoration ability was tested under A2 form of CMS which is easily transmissible to the progeny. The use of such derived progenies helped to exploit diverse nuclear backgrounds to enhance stability. The use of CMS-derived crosses/progenies has improved; grain sets, hundred seed weight, germination capacity and vigor which are components of drought resistance. This will permit selection for drought resistance but guarantee essential gene recombination necessary for the stability and adaptability of breeding lines.
