Morphological Characterization of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) Genotypes Based on DUS Guidelines

Abstract

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is a commercially important and medicinally valuable cucurbit grown widely in tropical and subtropical regions. The crop is a rich source of bioactive constituents such as momordicin, cucurbitacin and momordicosides and its fruits are known for their diverse pharmacological and therapeutic properties. The present study evaluated 45 F1 hybrids, ten parental genotypes and one check variety, for 18 morphological traits under a RCBD with three replications at the Main Experimental Station, Department of Vegetable Science, ANDUA&T, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, during the zaid seasons of 2024–25 and 2025–26. Seedlings were raised in a controlled greenhouse nursery and transplanted into the field at recommended spacing. Observations were recorded as per DUS guidelines (PPV& FR), Act, 2001, using visual assessment (VS) and measurement (MG/MS). Considerable variation was observed across all traits, including plant vigour, stem and leaf morphology, flower colour, petiole length, peduncle length, ovary, fruit characteristics and seed morphology. The study revealed high genetic diversity among the evaluated genotypes, providing valuable resources for breeding programs aimed at developing improved bitter gourd varieties with enhanced agronomic, commercial and medicinal traits.