Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Machinery

Rising awareness of the health-promoting properties of plant-derived bioactive compounds has stimulated strong interest in vegetables with elevated anthocyanin content. Anthocyanins, as natural antioxidants, help alleviate oxidative stress, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and increase the functional value of human diets. This study aimed to improve the nutritional quality of winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) by enhancing the frequency and intensity of purple pod pigmentation through targeted selection. A genetic improvement program was implemented using a cross between a purple-podded parent (MDM 1.2) and a green-podded parent (PLB 2.3). Population selection from the F3 to F4 generations was…