Pod growth and seed composition in two genotypes of Lablab purpureus

Pod and seed growth, and seed composition (protein, fat, carbohydrate, ash, total soluble solid, TSS) of two genotypes (DS-52 and DS-106) of Country bean (Lablab purpureus L.) were investigated to assess the stage of physiological maturity (PM), time of harvest of vegetable pod and seed germination at PM. Pod and seed growth were observed at 0, 5, 12, 19, 26, 33, 40, 47 and 54 days after flowering (DAF). Pod size increased gradually with increasing ages (DAF) and reached maximum at PM. Pericarp fresh weight reached maximum at around 33 DAF (approximately 7.61 g and 7.07 g per pod in DS-52 and DS-106 genotypes, respectively). Seed dry weight also increased with aging reaching maximum at 40 DAF i.e. PM (1.34 and 2.12 g dry wt/pod for DS-52 and DS-106, respectively). Seed crude protein content at PM was about 28.0% (mean of two genotypes). Total soluble solids (TSS) of seed increased with progression of age reaching peak at 54 DAF (30.40% brix in DS-52 and 29.60% brix in DS-106 genotype). Variation in other nutrient contents also existed. Seeds were not germinated until 33 DAF and attained 88.5% germination at PM. It may be concluded that the PM of seed attained at 40 DAF with standard germination capacity and green fruits may be harvested for vegetable pod around 40 DAF with good nutrient contents in these genotypes of Country bean.