Evaluation of Dolichos (Lablab purpureus L.) Germplasm for Pod Yield and Pod Related Traits

Fifty seven pole type vegetable dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus var. typicus) germplasm lines collected from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Pondicherry were evaluated in a replicated experiment at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, for pod yield and pod -related traits during 2006-08. Significant differences were recorded for all traits studied. IIHR 177 was the earliest to flower in 43 days and pods matured in 65 days. IIHR 6 recorded maximum pod length (16.5 cm) , and, ten-pod weight was maximum in IIHR 7 (122 g). Pod width was high in IIHR 11 (4.05 cm). Number of pods per plant ranged from 10 to 91, with the maximum in IIHR 159. Maximum pod-yield was recorded in IIHR 150 and IIHR 159 (576.0 g/plant). Six different pod-colors (green, light green, purple, purple green, pink and creamy- white) were recorded. Maximum number of lines (52.63%) had green pod. The present study indicates existence of a wide range of variability for pod characters, namely, pod-maturity, pod -length, tenpod weight, number of pods per plant and pod- colour. High yielding lines with different pod types can serve as potentially useful parents in further breeding.