On the development of descriptors in small bitter gourd ( Momordica charantia L. var. muricata (Willd.) Chakrav)

Small bitter gourd ( Momordica charantia L. var. muricata (Willd.) Chakrav.) is an under-utilized vegetable with ethnobotanical and therapeutic values, under domestication interphase. This taxon deserves a distinct crop status, owing to the existence of well-marked distinguishing morphological traits, unique flavour and taste apart from M. charantia var. charantia , wide variability within the taxon, preferential cultivation by the traditional farmers in Indian subcontinent and occurrence of distinct, named landraces. However, presently this crop is facing a threat of genetic erosion, restricting mostly at the homestead level throughout the region. In the present study, seventy-four small bitter gourd collections from across India were assessed for understanding morphological variability and their classification, and further devising key descriptors helpful for effective characterization and utilization. In order to describe it under a distinct taxon level, botanical description is also worked out. Morphological traits such as shape and lobing of leaf, shape and size of fruit, nature of tubercles and ridges, and size, shape and colour of seeds, besides robustness and extended growth period, showed remarkable character differentiation from cultivated bitter gourd. A set of 45 characterization and 35 evaluation descriptors have been developed, out of which 27 characterization and 26 evaluation descriptors are categorized under the minimum descriptor list.