Delineating taxonomic identity of two closely related Vigna species of section Aconitifoliae: V. trilobata (L.) Verdc. and V. stipulacea (Lam.) Kuntz in India

Vigna trilobata (L.) Verdc. and V. stipulacea (L.) Kuntz. of section Aconitifoliae were studied based on morphological characters to address taxonomic delineation. We have attempted to resolve the identities of these two species by studying a representative set of collections (125 accessions) across diverse eco-geographical zones of India. Agro-morphological traits were recorded for 47 descriptor states to differentiate the two species. Remarks on some additional characters not reported in earlier studies were highlighted with an aim to facilitate field identification of these taxa and use in their genetic resource management. Key diagnostic characters essential for delineating identities of these two species were presented.