ASH GOURD

Ash gourd also known as white gourd, winter melon, fuzzy melon and petha kaddu. It is native from Southeast Asia. It is a rich source of Fat, protein, carbohydrates and fibre. Ash gourd has several medicine properties. As it contain low calorie, it is good for diabetics patients. It is used to treat constipation, acidity and to kill intestinal worms. Popular "Petha" is made from Ash gourd. Two type of ash gourds are available, purple green and green.

It can grow on variety of soils but gives best results when grown on sandy loam soils. Ideal pH range of soil is about 6 to 6.5.

CO 1: It is an early variety which has round shape fruits and is medium in size. The fruit has an average weight of 5-6kg. It gives an average yield of 85qtl/acre. The variety matures in 130-140 days.

CO 2: Released by TamilNadu Agricultural University, Combaitore. It has round shape fruits and has an average weight of 2-3kg. Flesh is light green in color. It is an early maturing variety which matures in 120 days. This variety gives more yield than CO 1 variety.

Other state varieties:

PAG 3: Fruits are medium in size and attractive. The variety is ready to harvest in 145 days. Gives average yield of 120 qtl/acre.

Pusa Ujjwal, Kashi Ujawal, MAH 1, IVAG 502

To bring soil to fine tilth, carryout ploughing operation for three-fourth time. Before last ploughing, add well decomposed cowdung@20 kg along with neem cake@40 kg/acre.

Time of sowing
In North India, it can be cultivated for two times. It is sown in February-March and also in June -July.

Spacing
Use plant to plant spacing of 150cm and row to row spacing of 100cm.

Sowing Depth
Seeds are sown at depth of 2.5 cm.

Method of Sowing
Seeds are directly sown on bed.

Seed Rate
Seed rate of 3kg is sufficient for one acre land.

Fertilizer Requirement kg/acre)

Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)

After sowing, carry out irrigation with interval of three to four days. Depending upon climate, soil type, in summer season provides irrigation with interval of 7-10days in vegetative stage. In rainy season provide irrigation depending upon rainfall frequency. Flowering and fruiting stage are critical for irrigation. Avoid water stress at this stage.

Depending upon weed intensity, carry out hand or hoe weeding operation. Mulching is best way to keep check on weed growth along with water saving.

• Pest and their control:

Leaf beetles: If infestation is observed, to controlled take spray of Malathion 50 EC@1 ml/litre or Dimethoate 30 EC@1 ml/lit of water

Aphid: If infestation is observed, take spray of Imidachloprid@0.5 ml/litre of water.

Downy mildew: If infestation is observed, take spray of Mancozeb or Chlorothalonil@2 gram/litre of water, two times with 10 days interval.

Depending upon variety, crop is ready for harvesting in 90-100 days. Depending upon market requirement, fruits can be harvested at immature or mature stage. Mature fruits are mostly stored for seed production purpose. Cut the fruits from vines with help of sharp knife.

Fruit can be stored for three months at temperature of 13-15oC with relative humidity of 70-75%

For seed production purpose, sow seeds in February-March month. Disease or unwanted crops are removed at time of flowering, fruiting and maturity stage. When fruits and stem surface give white waxy appearance, fruits are ready for harvesting. Seeds are separated and then wash with water. Wash seeds are dry and then clean before storing. Seeds are store in low temperature and low humidity conditions.