MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF LOCAL POPULATIONS OF Physalis minima L. (Ban tipariya) IN BIHAR

Abstract

The characterization and identification of different genotypes of a plant is very necessary for its further studies and utilization of plant genetic resources. Physalis minima L. or ‘ban tipariya’is an important medicinal and fruit plant of the Indian subcontinent which occurs in many forms in India including Bihar. But it is considered a weed and despite its immense importance, there is not enough knowledge about different genotypes of the plant in Bihar. The present article gives a list of characters, based on literature and careful survey of plant in Bihar, which can be used to identify different genotypes of ban tipariya plant, particularly in Bihar. Around 47 characters, 13 measurable and remaining observable, have been considered for scoring variations. The plant showed some variations in many of these characters which were significantly different from standard documented description of the plant. Two types of plants were identified based on height namely dwarf and tall type. Similarly, based on stem morphology two types of plants were identified-pubescent and glabrescent. The plants can also be categorized based on calyx, corolla and fruits into at least four types. The work will facilitate the development of a descriptor for this important plant for not only the plants growing in Bihar, but internationally.