Developing Descriptors for Dioecious Momordica Species for Germplasm Characterization and Evaluation

Momordica L. is a genus of tropical wild and underutilized vegetables of medicinal importance. The descriptions of morphological and agronomic traits would unravel their potential for successful utilization. A set of highly discriminating descriptors and descriptor states for the dioecious Momordica species of India comprising M. dioica, M. sahyadrica, M. subangulata ssp. renigera and M. cochinchinensis is proposed. The descriptors are proposed based on a study of morphological variability in over 667 herbarium specimens and 164 live collections of India.