Collection and evaluation of Kartoli (Momordica dioica Roxb. ex. Willd.)

Abstract

A programme for survey, collection and evaluation of natural diversity available in Kartoli (Momordica dioica Roxb. ex. Willd.) was initiated during 1997 to 1999. Eighteen female genotypes of diverse nature and two male lines were collected from Vindhyachal hills of Mirzapur in the month of July-August. Collections were made in the form of mature seeds, tuberous roots and parts of the stem (above the ground) for multiplication. Considerable range of variation was recorded for all the characters. Considerable variability were recorded in fruit morphological traits including fruits shape (round, oblong), base (roundish, broad, conical), apex (narrowly round, roundish, conical round), colour at edible maturity (dark greenish, light yellowish) and taste (sweet). In the collection MD-18 (19) and MD (16) were considered best genotypes among the accessions available. MD-5 genotype yielded poor due to less number of branches.