Collection, Characterization and Identification of Elite Genotypes of Wild/Semi-Domesticated Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia var. muricata) for Utilization and Conservation

Abstract

Fifty genotypes of wild/semi-domesticated bitter gourd collected from major bitter gourd growing tracts of India were characterized for various qualitative, quantitative and biochemical traits to record the existing variability and genetic resources available for utilization and conservation. Wide variability was observed for fruit and seed characteristics. The preliminary screening of accessions under natural field conditions for their reaction to powdery mildew and viral infection resulted in the identification of five accessions viz., IC 213312, AC-16/1, AC-16/4, AC-16/9, and AC-16/21 as potent resistant sources. Principal component analysis grouped the entire collection into four genetically diverse clusters irrespective of the origin or place of collection of accessions. The four better performing wild/semi-domesticated genotypes of bitter gourd viz., AC-16/1, AC-16/16, IC 467681 and JJNS-15/65 should be further tested in large-scale yield trials and recommended for commercial cultivation, especially for homestead farming.