Hybrid breeding in grain legumes: A success story of pigeonpeaK BSaxenaauthor.et alauthorThe nature and action of genes determining yield in cereals and pulses are more or less comparable. But the advances made in improving the yield levels through breeding in cereals are much higher than those of the legumes. Apart from other physiological differences \ many cereals and legumes, this differential yield advances may be attributed to comm!!rcial exploitation of hybrid vigour in the former. Although floral biology of some of the legumes permits limited out-crossing hybrid vigour for yield has not been exploited for commercial use in any other legume with the exception of pigeonpea. Recently, significant progress has been made to develop hybrid pigeonpea technology. This technology is based on cytoplasmicgenic male-sterility systems , developed through crosses between cultivated types with its wild relatives. Some of the hybrids have recorded up to 77% standard heterosis for grain yield. The technology for developing their maintainers and restoration of their fertility, and hybrid seed production has also been perfected. This paper discusses the scope, challenges, achievements, and prospects for hybrid pigeonpea.Pigeonpea2005Conference or Workshop Item