In the present study we evaluated a core set of 254 cowpea genotypes for seven pod physical traits and shattering score using a modified weighted average screening system based on random impact assessment. There was substantial variability in all the pod physical traits and shattering score in the cowpea core collection indicating significant diversity of the material in respect of pod traits. Shattering score had a mean value of 5.39 with a range of 0–10. Out of 254 genotypes, 34 were resistant, 83 were moderately resistant, 82 were moderately susceptible and 55 were highly susceptible. Shattering score had significant negative correlation with pod length followed by pod weight, pod breadth, seeds per pod, pod wall weight and pod thickness. PCA concentrated 69.60% variability in the first two principal components with Eigen value of 4.49 for PC1 and 1.07 for PC2, mainly contributed by pod weight, pod length, pod breadth, pod thickness and pod wall weight. The conventional screening methods are based on level of shattering and do not take into account various types of shattering such as fissured, split, twisted or abscised. The present was aimed at identification of shattering resistant genotypes using a modified screening method based on weighted level averages. The study identified several genotypes highly resistant to pod shattering that can be used to develop shattering resistant cowpea varieties for sustainable cowpea farming and highlights the effectiveness of proposed screening method.

Western Himalayan region is a rich repository of common bean genetic resources evolved over generations of farmer selection. The bean variability encompasses various use categories such as dry, snap and shelled beans. The present study aimed to characterize 40 small-seeded red common bean genotypes collected from different districts of Kashmir valley as well as Poonch, Rajouri and Bhaderwah areas of Jammu which are world famous for their beans. Based on 5-year evaluation, there was substantial variability for various qualitative traits as well as quantitative traits. Among variability parameters, higher PCV and GCV values were recorded for plant height, seed yield per plant and number of pods per plant and low for days to maturity, seed length and pod length. High heritability was recorded for all the traits ranging from 78.72 to 94.87%. There was substantial variability in root traits scored in laboratory and greenhouse as well as canopy temperature depression and relative water content. Various genotypes were found resistant to bean common mosaic virus (WB-N-1, WB-N-11, WB-1318, WB-401, WB-451, WB-1634); anthracnose (WB-1634 WB-83, WB-258, WB-1282, WB-1304); angular leaf spot (WB-6, WB-1634, WB-258, WB-451, N-1 and N-10); Fusarium wilt (WB-341, WB-451, WB-N-1 and WB-1587) and Ascochyta blight (WB-6). Similarly WB-92 was highly resistant to shattering. The genotypes WB-341, WB-1634, WB-N-1 performed better under water stress, WB-N-1 and WB-1634 were resistant to multiple diseases and WB-1634 had better cooking quality. The genotypes identified can be used in bean improvement programmes and have also been submitted to NBPGR for long-term storage.