Developing Descriptors for Dioecious Momordica Species for Germplasm Characterization and Evaluation

Abstract

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.