Package of Practice for Cultivation of Cucurbits (Bottle gourd, Ridge gourd, Sponge Gourd, Bitter gourd, Cucumber and Pumpkin)
Cucurbits such as bottle gourd, ridge gourd, bitter gourd, cucumber, and pumpkin are important crops in India, grown extensively for their nutritional value and high market demand. By adopting scientific and improved farming practices, farmers can achieve better yields and profitability.
Agro-Climatic Requirements
Vine vegetables thrive in warm, dry climates with ample sunlight. Seeds of these crops generally germinate best at a daytime temperature of around 25°C, and optimal growth is seen in temperatures ranging between 25°C to 30°C. If temperatures exceed 30°C, male flowers tend to increase, which can lead to a decrease in female flowers, affecting yield negatively.
Sowing Season
| Season | Time |
|---|---|
| Kharif | June–July |
| Summer | January–February |
Seed Rate (kg/hectare)
| Crop | Kharif | Summer |
|---|---|---|
| Bottle Gourd | 2.5–3.0 | — |
| Ridge Gourd | 1.25–1.5 | — |
| Tinda | 3.5–5.0 | — |
| Bitter Gourd | — | 1.75–2.0 |
| Cucumber | — | 1.0–1.25 |
| Pumpkin | — | 3.0–4.0 |
Plant Spacing (cm)
| Crop | Row to Row | Plant to Plant |
|---|---|---|
| Bottle Gourd, Ridge Gourd, Bitter Gourd | 170 | 60 |
| Tinda | 150 | 60 |
| Cucumber | 130 | 50 |
| Pumpkin (Petha) | 250 | 60 |
Fertilizer Recommendation
Apply 15–20 tons of well-decomposed FYM per hectare before sowing. Use NPK fertilizers as per the schedule below (kg/hectare):
| Growth Stage | Nitrogen (N) | Phosphorus (P) | Potassium (K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| At field preparation | 40 | 100 | 100 |
| 20 days after sowing | 40 | — | — |
| Before flowering | 40 | — | — |
| After first harvest | 40 | — | — |
| Total | 160 | 100 | 100 |
Note: 40 kg N = 87 kg Urea, 100 kg P = 217 kg DAP, 100 kg K = 166 kg MOP
Plant Protection: Major Pests
Aphids and Leafhoppers:
-
Apply Phorate (Thimet) @ 12.5 kg/ha for protection up to 21 days.
-
Spray Endosulfan (Thiodan) or Oxydemeton Methyl (Metasystox) @ 2 ml/liter every 10–15 days.
Mites and Jassids:
-
Apply Sulphur @ 20–25 kg/ha or spray Dicofol (Kelthane) or Dinocap (Karathane) @ 1.5–2.0 ml/liter.
Fruit Fly Management:
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Destroy infected fruits and dried leaves by burning them in deep pits.
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Do not let fruits over-ripen on the plant.
-
Regular hoeing helps expose pupae to predators and sun.
-
Spray Malathion (2 ml/liter), Carbaryl (1.25 g/liter), or Quinalphos (Ekalux) @ 2 ml/liter.
Major Diseases and Control
Downy Mildew:
-
Spray Metalaxyl + Mancozeb (Ridomil) @ 1.5–2 g/liter.
-
Begin 21 days after sowing and repeat every 15 days (2–3 sprays total).
Powdery Mildew:
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Dust Sulphur @ 20–25 kg/ha during early morning or evening.
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Avoid applying during hot sunny hours.
Fusarium Wilt:
-
Practice crop rotation every 3 years to reduce soil-borne disease risk.
Viral Complex:
-
Control vector insects like whiteflies and aphids to prevent viral infections.
Note: The above recommendations are based on research and field studies. Crop performance may vary depending on climate, soil type, pest pressure, and management practices. Farmers are encouraged to consult their local agriculture extension officers for region-specific guidelines.
