Abstract
Growth and pod development of the winged bean, Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC, was studied to assess its value as a vegetable crop; the interrelationships of different yield-attributing characters were also examined. Good yields of dry shoots and pods plant-1 with high nitrogen contents of 3.5-4.5% qualify this species as a good quality fodder and vegetable crop; tubers grew very slowly during the period under study. Changes in the characteristics of pod development suggest their use as vegetable green pods up to 21 days and as green peas 21-35 days after anthesis. Beyond that stage, winged bean should be utilized as a grain legume. Correlation studies show interdependence among all agronomic characteristics leading to pod weight. No such correlation for protein contents suggests that selection of large-seeded, long-podded lines should be possible without affecting nutritional quality.
