Ash gourd also known as white gourd, winter melon or fuzzy melon. It is native from Southeast Asia. It is a rich source of Fat, protein, carbohydrates and fibre. Ash gourd have several medicine properties. As it contain low calories, it is good for diabetic patients. It is used to treat constipation, acidity and to kill intestinal worms. Popular "Petha" is made from Ash gourd.

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.

PAG-3 (2003): The medium-length vines have green leaves. The fruits are appealing, spherical, and of average size. From planting until harvesting, 145 days pass. Fruits weigh 10 kg on average and produce 120 q/acre on average.

POPULAR VARIETIES DEVELOPED BY ICAR IIHR BANGLORE

Kashi Surbhi: Fruits oblong, ellipsoid, rind greenish white, flesh white; Average fruit weight 10-12.kg; Fruits are suitable for long distance transportation; It has yield potential of 240 q/acre (Kharif season) and 210-200 q/acre (summer season).

Kashi Dhawal: This variety is derived from a local collection. The vine length is 7.5-8 m. Fruits are oblong, flesh white, thickness 8.5-8.7 cm, seed arrangements linear, average weight 11-12 kg crop duration 120 days and yield 230-240 q/ha. This is suitable for preparation of Petha sweets due to high flesh recovery.

Other States variety

CO 1, CO 2, 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@20kg along with neem cake@40kg/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
Sow two seeds per hill on one side of bed which is 3 m wide and use spacing of 75-90 cm.

Sowing Depth
Seeds are sown at depth of 1-2 cm.

Method of Sowing
Seeds are directly sown on bed.

Seed Rate
Seed rate of 2 kg is sufficient for one acre land.

Seed Treatment
To protect seeds from soil borne fungus, treat seeds with Carbendazim@2gm/kg of seeds. After chemical treatment, treat seeds with Trichoderma Viride@4gm/kg of seeds or Pseudomonas fluroscens@10gm/kg of seeds.

Fertilizer Requirement (kg/acre)

Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)

Overall it required Nitrogen@40kg in form of Urea@90kg/acre, Phosphorus@20kg in form of SSP@125kg/acre and Potash@20kg in form of MOP@35kg/acre. Apply half dose of Nitrogen and full dose of Phosphorus and Potash at time of bed preparation. Apply remaining dose of Nitrogen when crop is at flowering 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.

Depending upon climate, soil type, in summer season provide irrigation with interval of 7-10 days. In rainy season provide irrigation depending upon rainfall frequency. 

• Pest and their control:

Leef beetles: If infestation is observed, to controlled take spray of Malathion 50EC@1ml/ltr or Dimethoate 30EC@2ml/lit of water.

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

• Disease and their control:
  

Powdery Mildew: Patchy, white powdery growth appear on upper surface of leaves also on main stem of infected plant. It parasitizes the plant using it as a food source. In severe infestation it causes defoliation and premature fruit ripening.
If infestation is observed take spray of Dinocap@1ml/lit or Carbendazim@0.5gm/lit of water.

Downy mildew: If infestation is observed, take spray of Mancozeb or Chlorothalonil@2gm/ltr 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.

For seed production purpose, sow seeds in February-March month. Disease or unwanted crops are remove 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.

1.Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana

2.Department of Agriculture

3.Indian Agricultural Research Instittute, New Delhi

4.Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research

5.Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare