Usefulness of Morphological Characterization for Developing DUS Descriptors in Karanj (Pongamiapinnata (L.) Pierre)

An investigation was conducted in different predominant karanj populations located in Tamil Nadu, India primarily to collect, conserve and develop potential descriptors of Pongamiapinnata (L.) Pierre resulted in 23 descriptors and 67 descriptor states. Among the descriptors, 5 were qualitative viz., stem type, leaflet inter-vein space, pod flatness, pod tip: curvature of beak, pod margin, 8 quantitative descriptors viz., leaflet length, leaflet width, petiole length, rachis length, pod length, pod width, seed length and seed width, and 10 pseudo qualitative descriptors viz., tree habit, leaflet shape, terminal leaflet shape, terminal leaflet apex, terminal leaflet base, inflorescence colour, pod shape, pod colour, seed colour and seed shape. The characteristics of 23 descriptors with descriptor states, range of variability, type of assessment for crown, stem, leaf, inflorescence, pod and seed characters were highlighted. The results revealed significant variation in leaf, pod and seed morphology providing basis for future research in DUS testing of karanj.