High-yielding ash gourd

By Our Agriculture Correspondent

SCIENTISTS AT the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) of the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) at Pattambi have developed a high yielding ash gourd (Benincasa hispida) with good flesh thickness.

This gourd has been released for commercial cultivation by KAU recently.Christened ``Indu (AG-1)'', the improved and the first ash gourd variety to be released by KAU, has a yield potential of 24.5 tonnes per hectare, and a good flesh thickness (an average 5.27 cm). It produces on an average 2-3 fruits per plant with a mean weight of 4.82 kg.

The new variety was evolved through selection from a collection from Koyilandi in Kozhikode . It has been found to have field tolerance to mosaic in the initial field trials. However, mosaic incidence was noticed only in the later stages (after 75 days of sowing). It recorded high yields during field trials, and also outyielded all the three varieties tested along with it.

Its performance was tested in field experiments conducted in Thirussoor, Palakkad, Ernakulam and Malappuram districts of Kerala.

The variety was found suitable for raising in the vegetable growing tracts of Central Zone in Kerala.

This variety has recorded a high yield of 38.2 tonnes per hectare, and a single fruit reached a maximum weight of 13 kg. The duration of the crop is 120-135 days in the rainy season, and 105 -120 days in summer. It is ideally suited for cultivation in the high rainfall, warm humid tropics.

The high yielding ash gourd responds well to modern agronomic practices. Two to three seeds should be planted in each pit dug at an espacement of 4.5 x 2.0 m. Liberal quantities of farmyard manure (20-25 tonnes per hectare) should be added, and a basal dressing 35 kg nitrogen and 25 kg each of phosphorus and potash should be applied as basal dressing.

The remaining 35 kg nitrogen should be applied in two equal splits at vining stage and full bloom stage. The field should be regularly weeded, and irrigated to get a good crop.

Based on its superior yield, field tolerance to mosaic and good quality fruits, it has been recommended for release in XXII ZREAC meeting of the Central Zone held in July last year at RARS, Pattambi.

Ash gourd is an important cucurbitaceous vegetable of Kerala, and it is extensively grown during summer. It is cultivated in gardenlands, rice fallows and river beds.

There is high variability existing in the crop, which is not fully exploited. The crop has high yield potential and is highly remunerative.

But the incidence of mosaic is a serious problem. This new variety will go a long way in meeting the aspirations of commercial growers in Kerala.

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