Know How to do Ridge Gourd Cultivation, Disease and Management

Information about Ridge gourd is a vital and nutritious vegetable. Its cultivation is widespread in India. Oil is also extracted from the dried seeds of Ridge gourd. Due to the high water content in the fruit, its flesh remains cool. There is a demand for torai in markets ranging from small towns to big cities. It is a cash crop abundant in calcium, iron, phosphorus, and vitamin E.

Enhanced Varieties of Ridge gourd:

1. Kalyanpur Green Smooth: This particular variety has been meticulously chosen by Chandrashekhar Azad Agriculture University, Kanpur. Its fruits exhibit a medium size, cylindrical shape, and slender profile. The yield potential for this variety ranges from 350 to 400 quintals per hectare.
2. Kashi Divya: Bred by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute Varanasi this cultivar features vines reaching 4-5 meters in length and light green leaves measuring 20-25 cm. Ready for harvest 45-50 days after planting it boasts a production capacity of 130-160 quintals per hectare.
3. Swarna Prabha: Developed by ICAR Ranchi this variant yields fruits of medium size, measuring 20-25 cm in length, with an average weight of 150-200 grams. Harvestable 70-75 days post-sowing, its production capacity stands at 200-250 quintals per hectare.
4. Pant Smooth Ridge gourd-1: Cultivated by Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, this strain showcases elongated green fruits. They are ready for harvesting 25 days after fruit set, with a production capacity ranging from 140 to 170 quintals per hectare.

Soil and Climate:

Ridge gourd can be cultivated in various types of soil with good water retention capacity. For optimal yields loamy or sandy loam soil is preferred. A pH range of 6-7 is considered ideal for cultivation. Warm and humid climates are essential for its growth. It can be planted during both the summer and monsoon seasons. The optimal temperature for cultivation ranges from 32 to 38 degrees Celsius.

Sowing Time for Ridge gourd: The summer crop of Ridge gourd is typically sown between February and March, while the monsoon crop is sown from June to July. Approximately 3-5 kilograms of seeds are needed per hectare for sowing. The torai crop is ready to yield fruit within 70-80 days.

How to do Ridge gourd Cultivation:

Ridge gourd cultivation employs the furrow method. Initially, the field undergoes plowing and leveling. Then, furrows are created vertically. Subsequently, seeds are sown at a distance of 50-60 cm on both sides of the furrows, with ridges measuring 45 cm and furrows 30-40 cm deep. It's recommended to plant at least one to two seeds per spot, and upon germination, thinning out to one plant is advised. Utilizing ridge planting in the field enhances yields by improving soil temperature and moisture retention, leading to superior seed germination and weed prevention, ultimately boosting productivity.

Fertilizers and Manure: To enhance yields of Ridge gourd, incorporate 20-25 tons of well-decomposed cow dung manure per hectare, along with 30-40 kg of nitrogen, 25-30 kg of phosphorus, and 25-30 kg of potassium per hectare. Apply half of the nitrogen and the full amount of phosphorus and potassium to the field at the time of sowing. The remaining half of the nitrogen should be applied near the roots as top dressing 30-40 days after sowing.

Irrigation for Ridge gourd: Irrigation is typically unnecessary for the rainy season crop of Ridge gourd. However, if there is a moisture deficit in the field, irrigation should be provided. The yield of the summer crop relies on irrigation. Irrigation should be conducted at intervals of 4-5 days during the summers.

Harvesting and Storage: The harvesting of Ridge gourd should always be done in a tender state. Delayed harvesting can lead to the formation of tough fibers. The fruits should be harvested at intervals of 6-7 days. A total of 8 harvests can be carried out for this crop. To keep the fruits fresh, they should be stored in cool and shaded areas and sprinkled with water from time to time.

Read More... How to Do Grow Bitter Gourd Cultivation in India, Bitter Gourd Diseases and Control

Pest and Disease Management:

1. Whitefly: These pests feed on plant sap and their excretions on leaves promote the growth of black sooty molds. Moreover, they transmit the yellow mosaic virus from one plant to another. Control To manage them, seeds should be treated with 3 grams/kg of imidacloprid 70 WP or thiamethoxam 70 WS before sowing. Additionally, about 20 days prior to planting, two rows of maize should be sown as a border crop around the field.
2. Leaf Miner: The larvae of this insect tunnel into the leaves, consuming leaf tissues and disrupting photosynthesis. Control - To prevent infestation, spray 4% neem seed kernel extract.
3. Powdery Mildew Disease: Caused by Sphaerotheca fuliginea and Erysiphe cichoracearum fungi, this disease causes affected leaves to turn brown and wither prematurely, resulting in leaf loss and vine death. Control - To prevent its spread, remove and destroy infected plant parts. Additionally, before sowing, seeds should be treated with 2.5-3.0 grams of thiram and carbendazim per kg of seed.