Genetic Diversity Assessment of Winged Bean [Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.] Genotypes

Abstract

An underappreciated legume with significant nutritional and agricultural potential, especially in tropical areas, is the winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.). The presence of anti-nutritional chemicals, extended maturation times, and unpredictable growth habits prevent its widespread cultivation despite its high protein content, nitrogen-fixing capacity, and adaptability to a variety of agro-ecological conditions. Using Mahalanobis D2 analysis, this study attempts to evaluate the genetic divergence and grouping patterns across forty genotypes of winged beans. Over the course of two consecutive Kharif seasons (2022–2024), the experiment was carried out at the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding's Experimental Farm, SASRD, Medziphema, Nagaland. Sixteen agronomic characteristics were assessed using a randomised block design with three replications. Tocher's approach was used to divide the genotypes into five clusters. Cluster I had the most genotypes (33), while Cluster IV and V had just one and two genotypes, respectively. With inter-cluster distances ranging from 10.8 to 42.24, significant genetic diversity was evident. The characteristics that contributed most to genetic divergence were tuber weight, tuber diameter, and days to first flowering. The findings demonstrate how hybridisation between distinct parental genotypes from various clusters may lead to genetic improvement. Breeding efforts may be improved and the use of winged bean germplasm as a sustainable food source can be encouraged by increasing studies on its genetic diversity. With the goal of raising production potential and improving the economic viability of this nutrient-dense legume, this study offers insightful information for future crop modification techniques.