Pointed Gourd Cultivation and Its Disease and Management

The production of pointed gourd ranges from 90 to 100 quintals per hectare annually, depending on the cultivation method. By employing proper cultivation techniques, yields ranging from 160 to 190 quintals per hectare can be achieved for up to four years. Pointed gourd is a highly favored vegetable in India, and currently, farmers are reaping substantial profits from its cultivation. Pointed gourd cultivation occurs year-round, predominantly in Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, as well as in select orchards in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Pointed gourd is abundant in vitamins and enjoys significant demand in the market. Let's delve into the process of cultivating pointed gourd.

Information on Pointed Gourd Cultivation:

Pointed gourd is cultivated as a cash crop and is renowned for its nutritious and healthful attributes. It contains essential nutrients such as vitamins, carbohydrates, and proteins, making it beneficial for human health. Apart from being consumed as a vegetable, its fruit is also utilized in making pickles and sweets.

Suitable Climate, Soil, and Temperature for Pointed Gourd Cultivation: Moderate and humid climates are considered ideal for achieving optimal yields of pointed gourd, although excessive rainfall is detrimental to its growth. Pointed gourd cannot be cultivated during the winter season due to susceptibility to frost damage. The average annual rainfall ranges from 1500 to 2000 millimeters. Fertile, loamy, well-drained soil with a pH between 6 to 7 is preferable for pointed gourd cultivation. An average temperature of 25-30 degrees Celsius is necessary for the proper germination of pointed gourd seeds.

Varieties of Pointed Gourd:

1. Kashi Alankar - This variety of pointed gourd is renowned for its high yield. It is primarily cultivated in the eastern and central regions of India. The upper part of its fruit is light green in color and appears quite tender. Approximately 200 to 250 quintals of yield can be obtained per hectare from this variety.
2. Swarn Alaukik - In this variety of pointed gourd, seeds are found in lesser quantities inside the fruits, and the fruit is round in shape with a light green color. The fruit of this variety is used in making sweets. It yields around 250 to 300 quintals per hectare.
3. Rajendra Parwal 1 - This variety of pointed gourd was discovered by Rajendra Agricultural University in Bihar. Its fruits are slightly elongated and large, with a green upper part. It yields approximately 160 to 180 quintals per hectare.

Preparing the Field for Pointed Gourd Cultivation:

Before sowing pointed gourd seeds, the field should be adequately prepared. To achieve this, the field should be deeply plowed with a plow turning the soil 1 to 2 times. This ensures the complete destruction of residues from previous crops. After plowing, the field should be left open for a few days to receive ample sunlight. To further loosen the soil, it should be plowed deeply 2 to 3 times using a cultivator. Then, water should be applied to the field, and ridges should be formed. Once the soil is well prepared, plantlets should be transplanted into the field using saplings.

How to Pointed Gourd Cultivate: Pointed gourd plants can be transplanted into both flat and raised beds. In flat soil, plantlets are planted in prepared beds. There should be a distance of 4 to 5 meters between the beds. For raised beds, plantlets should be planted at a distance of one meter, with a spacing of one and a half to two meters between the beds. Support should be provided to the planted plantlets using wooden stakes to facilitate their growth.

Best Time for Planting: The months of June and August are considered the most suitable for planting pointed gourd saplings. Additionally, planting can also be done in October and November.

Irrigation for Pointed Gourd Plants: Pointed gourd plants do not require excessive irrigation. The first watering should be done immediately after planting the seedlings, and the second watering should be done at an interval of 10 to 15 days. Watering for plants planted on raised beds should be done using the drip method. During the rainy season, the need for watering the plants reduces.

Quantity of Fertilizers and Manure: For a good yield of pointed gourd plants, the timely application of appropriate fertilizers and manure is essential. While preparing the field, mixing 10 to 12 tractor loads of old cow dung into the soil thoroughly is recommended. Chemical fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be spread during the final plowing of the field. Nitrogen can be applied at a rate of 70 to 80 kilograms per hectare, phosphorus at 50 to 60 kilograms per hectare, and potassium at 30 to 40 kilograms per hectare. Additionally, 15-20 kilograms of urea fertilizer should be applied during plant growth.

Diseases and Pest Control:

1. Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease causes the extraction of sap from the plant's leaves, resulting in their drying up and falling onto the ground. To combat this disease, a solution consisting of Folicur Chlorothalonil 40.0% W/W + Difenoconazole 4.0% W/WSC, 25 milligrams mixed with 16 liters of water, should be sprayed twice within a span of 15 days.
2. Leaf Miner: This pest burrows into the leaves, creating streaks within the leaf tissue, which impedes the growth of shoots and results in the appearance of white streaks on the leaves. To control this pest, a solution of Abamectin 1.9% E/C, 6 milliliters, and Diafenthiuron 50% W/P mixed with 16 liters of water should be sprayed.