Performance of Momordica balsamina under traditional and trellis systems: comparison of antioxidant activity and momordin distribution across plant parts

Momordica balsamina L. is an underutilized cucurbit valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties; however, limited information is available on its agronomic performance and phytochemical potential under improved cultivation practices. This study evaluated the performance of M. balsamina under traditional and trellis production systems during 2022 and 2023 in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven replications, along with comparative antioxidant activity and momordin distribution across plant parts. Eleven morphological and yield-related traits were recorded, while antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) and momordin content were quantified in the roots, stems, leaves, fruits, and seeds of M. balsamina and M. charantia . The study demonstrated that trellis cultivation significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) improved vegetative growth and yield compared with the traditional production system. Trellis-grown plants developed more branches, longer vines, larger leaves, and better fruit characteristics, all of which led to a >25% increase in fruit number and marketable output. They also bloomed and fruited earlier. Organ-specific variation was found in biochemical tests; fruits and seeds accumulated the highest momordin concentration, while leaves and fruits showed the maximum antioxidant activity. M. balsamina continuously surpassed M. charantia in momordin concentration and antioxidant activity across all plant sections. Marketable fruit output was favorably correlated with the number of primary branches, fruit number, and fruit diameter, according to correlation analysis. Principal component analysis revealed that the first two components explained 84.10% of the overall variability, but stepwise regression found the number of primary branches, vine length, fruit width, and fruit number as the major yield factors, explaining 96.4% of yield variation. The findings suggest that this underutilized cucurbit has potential as a functional food source with valuable bioactive compounds, with significant potential for dietary diversification, health care, and sustainable cultivation in semi-arid regions.