DUS characterization of winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus L.) germplasm through qualitative and quantitative traits

Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus L.) is a traditionally and economically vegetable crop with good nutritional and medicinal value.

Characterization was carried out by studying nine qualitative and six quantitative traits. Categorical differences among 27 germplasm lines including two checks viz. C.G. Chaudhari Sem-2 and U.P. local were observed in traits such as stem colour, leaflet shape, leaflet size, corolla colour, pod colour, pod shape, pod surface texture, seed colour, seed shape, tuber size, days to pod initiation, number of pods/plant, pod length, 100 seed weight and seed yield/plant. Several of these traits may be useful as genetic markers and in hybridization programme. Identified lines will be helpful for targeting productivity enhancement and attractiveness in winged bean.