Variation in Seed Development Pattern in Lablab Bean Cultivars

Six locally cultivated types, collected on the basis of farmers' choice and having contrasting flower, pod and seed characters, were grown in the University farms on consecutive two years with 3 replications. Sufficient numbers of flowers were tagged on a particular blooming date and ten pods were harvested per replication on each of seven developmental stages starting from 7 days after anthesis (DAA) and at 7 days interval. Harvested pods and seeds were utilized for this development programme through fresh and dry seed weight, protein accumulation, germination, seedling vigour, etc. Enhancement in seed dry weight was noted up to 42 DAA in most of the genotypes. Highest germination was at 42 DAA for cultivars 2 and 4, and it was 49 DAA for others. Vigour index was enhanced consistently with progress in development up to 49 DAA. Stage VII (49DAA) was considered as stage of physiological maturity for major types and it was 42 DAA for cultivar 4. Potentiality for accumulation of soluble protein varied for individual types: it generally continued up to 42 DAA excepting for cultivar 1, for which it was 49 DAA. Genotype specific pattern was recorded for most of the characters studied.