Comparative Agro-Climatic Performance of a New Bitter Gourd Line and Indigenous Cultivars in District Peshawar

Abstract

Bitter gourd is a nutritionally and economically important crop. This study evaluates the performance and adaptability of a newly introduced bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) genotype, NARC-32573, collected from NARC Islamabad, and compared with two locally cultivated varieties, Peshawar Local-1 and Quetta Local. The trial was conducted at the Horticulture Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The objective was to identify a suitable germplasm for cultivation under the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar. Both quantitative and qualitative traits, including germination, vegetative growth, flowering behavior, fruit characteristics, and seed quality, were systematically evaluated. NARC-32573 consistently outperformed the local varieties in emergence, plant vigor, branching, vine growth, stem robustness, and fruit size. It also demonstrated earlier maturity, higher fruit set, and greater overall yield potential, indicating its superior adaptability to local conditions. In contrast, Peshawar Local-1 showed moderate performance, with longer internodes, darker leaves, and delayed maturity, while Quetta Local was the weakest, producing shorter vines, fewer fruits, and a comparatively lower yield. Qualitative attributes supported these findings; NARC-32573 was characterized by thicker stems, more shoots, larger fruit diameter, prominent wart size and density, and dark green skin color, along with uniform spindle-shaped fruits. Peshawar Local-1 exhibited distinctive features such as longer petioles and larger seed edges, whereas Quetta Local generally displayed smaller leaves, thinner stems, and shorter fruits. Overall, the results highlight NARC-32573 as a promising genotype combining superior yield, adaptability, and desirable fruit quality, making it a strong candidate for commercial cultivation in Peshawar.