Refining tree selection criteria of Tree Bean (Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr.) based on farmer knowledge and consumer preference in Manipur, India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Tree bean (Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr.) is an indigenous fruit tree species of North-east (NE) India that yields pods of high economic value. for the preparation of many traditional recipes. In this study, we attempted to refine criteria for selection of superior genotypes of tree bean by developing a pod ideotype and matching it to 26 trees-selected by farmers in Manipur, India. The pod ideotype was developed based on seven pod characteristics, viz. seed size, pod length, seed number per pod, pod width, colour, aroma and harvest stage. T A significant variation was observed for all pod and seed traits amongst the selected trees. Pod width ranged from 23.4 to 33.0 mm, the number of seeds per pod from 7.6 to 19.1 and the seed diameter from 4.7 to 18.7 mm. The perentage of trees that possessed traits preferred by consumers ranged from 15.4% for colour to 73.1% for aroma. Out of the 26 trees that were identified, only one produced pods that were similar and two that were close to the ideotype. The need to refine selection criteria to include consumer preferences and farmer traits in tree domestication for enhancing marketability of products towards greater economic and social benefits is discussed.