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Winged bean

Article · February 2022

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Praveen Kumar Singh Jitendra Kumar Tiwari

Indian Agricultural Research Institute Indira Gandhi Agricultural University
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 P K Singh*, J K Tiwari, Veena Joshi,
Prospects Sandeep Kumar Lal, Selvakumar R,
Jugender Kumar, Anil Kumar and
Indra Mani

Winged bean – A nutritionally rich underutilized

vegetable crop

Winged bean [Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC] is a protein rich, underexploited

leguminous vegetable of the tropics. Winged bean grows abundantly in hot and
humid equatorial countries. In Asia, the major producing countries are India,
Burma, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indo-China, China
and is also extending to Papua & New Guinea. It has high nitrogen fixing capacity
with multiple nodules present in the root system and the leaves contains superior
quality of protein. This underutilized vegetable has an ability to fight malnutrition
and provide dietary supplementation. A considerable amount of diversity exists in
the germplasm lines of winged bean, thus providing scope for the plant breeders
to seek for improvement of the seed, vegetable, tuber yield and quality aspects.
This promising vegetable offers resistance towards the adverse impact of abiotic
stresses and can withstand marginal upland conditions. It can be introduced
in the marginal upland areas as a source of income, especially for resource-
poor households in these regions. It has been observed that proteins present
in legumes have low nutritive value, which is mainly attributed to low amounts
of sulphur-containing amino acids, less digestible proteins and anti-nutritional
factors. Thus, winged bean is recommended for commercial cultivation to enhance
diversity in field conditions and improve soil health. When it reaches the plate of
hungry people, it leads to improvement in human health and consequently helps
in solving the malnutrition problems.

T he winged bean is popularly known as ‘One Species biodiversity in sustainability, socio-economic resilience
Supermarket’ because of its high nutritionally rich and human health has resulted in re-diversifying
green pods, tuberous roots, leaves, immature and mature agro-biodiversity through utilization of neglected and
seeds. Leaves are eaten like spinach, flowers as salad, underutilised crop species. Realizing the importance of
tubers as raw or processed food and seeds are used in such crops, the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS)
different forms of processed food. Owing to its vining constituted a committee in 1974 to carry out ‘an extensive
nature and nitrogen fixation ability, it used as a cover survey of underexploited tropical plants’ as possible
crop and also incorporated into rotation or intercropping crops for the future and winged bean was identified for
systems. As such, winged bean could be a good promotion among agricultural research communities
candidate for diversifying with exceptional merits.
diets to improve nutritional Despite the good qualities
security, based on complex and international attention,
and more sustainable winged bean cultivation
agricultural systems. Besides could not be extended to
nutritional qualities, winged the non-traditional areas in
bean is a potential climatic our country.
resilient crop for adaptation Recognising the
in suboptimal weather importance of the crop
conditions, like drought, amid changing climatic
flood, heat and biotic stresses conditions and increasing
as compared to other major health awareness among the
staple crops. human society, winged bean
Increasing awareness is considered as one of the
about the role of agro- Field view of winged bean in its vegetative stage future crops which is likely

16 Indian Horticulture
 shape that emits an aroma which is
similar to asparagus.
The diversity of this crop has
been observed in Papua, New Guinea,
Mauritius and India, but maximum
variation occurs in Papua and New
Guinea. In India, it is grown mainly in
eight states, including Assam, Manipur,
Mizoram, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and
Karnataka by the tribals as a backyard
crop. The encouraging results of trials
provide a ray of hope for its successful
cultivation in North Indian plains also.
Winged bean fruits Winged bean in fruiting stage Nutritional significance
Winged bean has been recognized
to play crucial role in world food and nutritional security. as a crop having much promise for nutritional security
Recent technologies like genomics and phenomics tools in the coming decades. Winged bean tubers are notably
along with precision agriculture practices can play very rich sources of starch, protein, and B-complex vitamins.
important role in enhancing the crop productivity. Winged beans provide adequate amounts of proteins,
Winged bean belongs to the genus Psophocarpus, minerals and vitamins. In addition, thiamine, pyridoxine
legume family Fabaceae and sub-family of Papilionoideae. (Vitamin B-6), niacin, and riboflavin are some of the
The plants are herbaceous perennial but mainly grown
as annual. It is a vine crop with climbing nature and a Table 2. Nutritive value of winged bean (Psophocarpus
wiry stem, which attains a height of 4 m and above, if tetragonolobus) per 100 g
the stacking provided is tall enough. The stem is usually
Principle Nutrient value Percentage of RDA
green but certain varieties have stem with a shade of
purple, pink or brown. Leaves are trifoliate, alternate, Energy 49 Kcal 2.5%
subtended by a stipule oval to ovate on the entire margin. Carbohydrates 4.31 g 3%
The inflorescence is axillary, raceme and bearing many
Protein 6.95 g 12%
flowers. The calyx tube is long, inflorescence is axillary
and 4-10 flowered raceme. The height of the vines varies Total fat 0.87 g 3%
between 3 and 4 meters. The colour of flower varies from Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
white to deep purple, basically, blue, bluish white etc. Vitamins
Maximum flower opening is between 10 AM to 12 noon.
Folates 66 µg 16.5%
The plant bear pods of different length and shape. Based
on the shape, pods are of four types namely, rectangular, Niacin 0.900 mg 6%
semi-flat, and flat on sides, flat on suture. The pods are Pantothenic acid 0.059 mg 1%
4 angled, 15-22 cm long, 2-3 cm broad with each angle Pyridoxine 0.113 mg 9%
continued into a much crisped and papery wing. Pod
Riboflavin 0.100 mg 8%
wings may be undulated, dented or serrate. An individual
pod contains 5-20 seeds; the seeds are smooth, shiny and Thiamin 0.140 mg 12%
globular in shape with an average weight of 250 mg. They Vitamin A 128 IU 4%
burst out from ripe pods and the colour of seed changes
Vitamin C 18.3 mg 30%
to brownish at the time of ripening. Seeds are round in
Electrolytes
Table 1. List of winged bean varieties Sodium 4 mg <1%
Varieties Economic Seed yield Specific features Potassium 240 mg 5%
part (q/ha)
Minerals
AKWB-1 Green pods 10-12 It is dual purpose
and Seeds variety used as Calcium 84 mg 8%
vegetable and pulse.
Copper 0.051 µg 5.5%
IWB-1 Seeds 11-13 High yielding, medium
duration variety and Iron 1.5 mg 19%
test weight is 36-38 g.
Magnesium 34 mg 8%
IWB-2 Green pods 13-14 This variety is
and Seeds amenable for seeds, Manganese 0.218 mg 9%
green pods and fodder.
Phosphorus 37 mg 5%
Chhattisgarh Green pods 10-12 It is a dual purpose
Pankhiya and Seeds variety performing well Selenium 1.5 µg 3%
Sem-2 under backyard (badi Zinc 0.39 mg 3%
situation) at tribal
people of Chhattisgarh (Source: USDA National Nutrient Database)

January–February 2022 17
 temperatures,
A B
pests and diseases
to a greater extent
than other major
staple crops. The
diversification of
global food systems
with this vegetable
can prove to be an
effective instrument
in addressing the
extreme weather
patterns or the
effects of long-term
c l i m a t e ch a n g e
while tackling the
problem of dietary
imbalances being
C D faced by the world
in present era.
It is estimated
that food supply
must be doubled by
2050 to cope with
the adverse impacts
of climate change
and population
pressure on global
food systems. The
diversification of
A. Flowers of winged bean, B. Fruiting stage – in this stage it is used for staple crops and
vegetable purpose, C. Maturity stage, D. Seeds of winged bean the systems in
which they grow is
B-complex vitamins embedded in these beans. Some of essential to make future agriculture sustainable, resilient, and
the essential minerals such as iron, copper, manganese, suitable for local environments and soils. A recent analysis
calcium, phosphorus, magnesium is concentrated in conjures up a worrying picture of global food consumption
them. Manganese is utilized in the human body as a co- patterns and urges people to consume a broader range
factor for the powerful antioxidant enzyme, superoxide of food sources to combat malnutrition and global food
dismutase. Winged bean green leaves, are an excellent insecurity, which is expected to grow further. That implies
source of fibre, vitamin A, C and minerals. Hundred humans should consume more of the world's underutilized
grams of fresh leaves provide 45 mg of vitamin C (75% crops, also known as ‘potential’ or ‘minor’ crops.
of recommended daily value) and 8090 IU of Vitamin One notable feature of the winged bean is the
A (270% of RDA). potential for almost all parts of the plant to be eaten,
Fresh, young winged bean pods are one of the finest including leaves, flowers, tuberous roots, pods and seeds,
sources of folates. Hundred grams beans provide 66 µg whereas stems and leaves are used as fodder. It also serves
or 16.5% of daily requirement of folates. Folate, along well in crop rotation, because of the nitrogen fixation
with vitamin B-12, is one of the essential components of capability.
DNA synthesis and cell division. Adequate folate in the As with several underutilized crops, however, there
diet around conception and during pregnancy may help are anti-nutritional factors in winged bean (specifically
prevent neural-tube defects in the new-born baby. Fresh trypsin inhibitors), requiring thorough soaking, rinsing,
winged beans contain quite a good amount of vitamin-c and cooking of the dried beans, which may deter more
as 18.3 mg/100g, or 31%. Vitamin C is a powerful water- widespread acceptance of winged bean in human diet. It
soluble antioxidant, and helps in building immunity is also relatively high in vitamins A and C, calcium, and
against infections, maintaining blood vessel elasticity, and iron. In countries where protein deficiency is high, or
offers some protection against cancers when adequately access to meat protein is low, winged bean is a candidate
provided in the diet. Tender, immature pods of winged crop, which can enable diversification of human diet and
beans are one of the very low-calorie vegetables as 100g improve nutrition.
beans carry just 49 calories. The winged bean is largely a self-pollinated crop but
up to 7.6% cross pollination is reported. It is a short-day
Adaptation amid changing climatic conditions plant and maximum flower-bud opening is between 10 am
Winged bean can tolerate drought, flood, extreme to 12 noon. The exclusion of pollinating agents by

18 Indian Horticulture
caging winged bean plants resulted in significant yield nitrogen is top dressed at 40 to 60 DAS.
reduction and delayed fruit maturity. This indicated that
insect pollination is beneficial for fruit-setting in winged Weed control
bean. The stigma remains receptive up to 34 hours after Winged bean is a fast growing crop and provides
flower opening. Anther dehiscence occurs even before plant cover within one month of sowing. However, one
flower opening. Considering above facts, winged bean hand weeding at 15-20 DAS is required to control weeds
is considered largely as self-pollinated with a level of during early growth period.
cross pollination ranging from 0 to 7.6%. Flowers are Staking is a very important practice to obtain good
hermaphrodite and light blue coloured. and quality yield in winged bean due to indeterminate
stem growth. Several methods of stalking are in practice,
Cultivation depending on the uses of crop and availability of
resources. For instance, plants grown for tuber yield are
Soil and climatic requirements allowed to trail across the ground but if the legume is
The land is ploughed at a depth of 3-4 cm and a very grown exclusively for the pods, short stalks are used for
fine tilth is maintained. The purpose of land preparation continuous picking of green tender pods. The support of
is to provide the necessary soil conditions which enhance the vine is also essential for higher seed production.
the plant and root growth. The sandy to heavy clays soils,
well-drained sandy loam, rich in organic matter having Plant protection
a pH of 4.3-7.5 is preferred. Hot and humid climate is There are no major reports of insect-pest and disease
ideal for the cultivation of winged bean. It can tolerate incidence on winged bean in India. However, false
temperature range of 15.4–27.5°C and annual rainfall rust (Synchytrium psophocarpi), leaf spot (Pseudocercospora
between 700–4100 mm. Flowering is observed from mid- psophocarpi) are the important fungal diseases. Similarly,
September to October under short day conditions. Despite Maruca testulalis and Hermoceplachna signatipennis and root
prevalence of short day conditions, temperature above knot nematodes may affect the crop. Therefore, suitable
32°C or below 18°C inhibits flowering. The crop grows plant protection measures may be taken to minimize
well up to an elevation of 2,000 m. yield losses.

Method of sowing and seed rate Harvesting and Post-harvest management

Winged bean is mainly propagated through seeds, Harvesting the shoots and leaves is done while they
but stem cuttings can also be used under specific are still tender. Green pods can be harvested from about
circumstances. The recommended seed rate is 15-20 kg/ha. 10 weeks after sowing. Fresh pod and tuberous root yield
However, seeds have a hard seed coat and should be 5-10 t/ha each, whereas seed yield ranges from 1-1.5 t/ha.
pre-soaked for 1 - 2 days. The seeds are sown at a depth Winged bean can be stored in plastic bags, tightly tied
around 3 – 4 cm, which germinate within 5-7 days after at the neck to keep them fresh. The shelf life of the pods
sowing. Optimum mean temperature for the growth of can be increased to 4 weeks under storage temperature
crop is 25°C and North-South orientation of trellis is best of 10°C and 90% relative humidity.
for proper exposure to sunlight. The optimum spacing
is 90 cm × 90 cm for commercial crop and 45 cm × 45 Future thrust and Prospects
cm for seed crop. A spacing of 30 cm × 20 cm can be The exceptional nutritional quality along with tropical
followed in case of dwarf types. adaptation makes winged bean a potential candidate for
cultivation in the tropical areas of the world. Past research
Time of sowing efforts were hampered by a lack of genetic resources and
Normally, the winged beans are sown with the onset knowledge upon which to build, critical infrastructure that
of monsoon in June-July. The crop grown for tubers should can spur research efforts. More importantly, efforts must
be sown in August- September, since early sowing results be made to collect, conserve and utilize the largely eroding
in profuse vegetative growth and may inhibit tubulisation. genetic resources and promote awareness among the local
people, particularly the young generation, of its existence
Integrated nutrient management thus, enhancing its utilization. The establishment of an
Being a leguminous crop, winged bean holds prolific enabling policy and financial assistance by government
nodulation capacity. This legume crop does not need agencies and support of non-governmental organizations
inoculation with nitrogen fixing bacteria for its vigorous will be critical to push forward research and development
growth, as it has ability to grow quickly and enriches the efforts. Yet, the nutritional potential of this legume demands
soil with nitrogen especially under ploughed conditions. such efforts. There is no doubt that renewed research efforts
Tropical soils are generally deficit in nitrogen but winged will thrust winged bean forward and transform this orphan
bean thrives well even in poor soils reflecting its ability legume crop into one of worldwide impact.
to fix the atmospheric nitrogen. In acidic soils, winged
bean reflects the symptoms of aluminium toxicity similar For further interaction, please write to:
to other legumes. The crop requires 20 tonnes/ha FYM P K Singh (Principal Scientist), Center for Protected Cultivation
and application of fertilizer dose of N:P:K at 50:80:50 Technology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New
Delhi 110 012. *Corresponding author’s email: pksingh128@
kg/ha. Full dose of P and K and split dose of nitrogen
gmail.com
is applied at the time of sowing while remaining dose of

January–February 2022 19

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