Exploiting Genetic Variability for the Selection of Disease-Resistant, Early-Maturing, and Bold-Seeded Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Genotypes

The exploitation of genetic variability is fundamental for developing superior fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) cultivars with enhanced yield, seed quality, and disease resistance. A total of 750 fenugreek accessions conserved at ICAR–National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer, India, were evaluated during the 2022–23 and 2023–24 rabi seasons to characterize phenotypic diversity and identify elite donor genotypes for trait-specific breeding. Ten agro-morphological and yield-related traits, together with field resistance to downy mildew and powdery mildew, were recorded under replicated field conditions. Significant (P < 0.05) phenotypic variation was observed for all traits. Plant height, seeds per pod, test weight, and seed yield per plant exhibited the greatest variability, whereas days to flowering and maturity showed comparatively narrower variation. Disease reactions ranged from highly resistant to highly susceptible, indicating substantial genetic diversity for resistance; however, most highly resistant accessions displayed relatively lower yield potential, highlighting the challenge of combining disease resistance with productivity. Following single-plant selection and progeny evaluation, three elite donor genotypes were identified. AM-478-22 combined high resistance to powdery mildew (PDI 9.5%) with moderate resistance to downy mildew (PDI 26.1%) and produced approximately 14% higher seed yield than the standard checks. AM-281-2 matured in 125 days, approximately 15 days earlier than the check cultivars, while AM-378-5 consistently expressed bold seeds with a test weight exceeding 20 g and stable yield across seasons. These genotypes constitute valuable genetic resources for fenugreek improvement and provide promising donor parents for pyramiding high yield, earliness, bold seed size, and disease resistance in future breeding programmes