YYJYJ

1. CUCURBITS
• Cucurbits are belongs to the family
cucurbitaceae.
• They are widely distributed in the
tropics and warm temperate regions
of south, southeast and East Asia,
Africa including Madagascar, central
and south America.
• Cucurbits-term coined by Dr. Bailey

2. •The family is represented by about 120
genera and 800 specie.
•Cucurbits are mostly climbers and trailers,
are rarely woody.
•The most common uses of cucurbits are as
vegetables and fruits. They are valuable
sources of vitamins and minerals.
•Cucurbits is the largest group of summer
vegetable crops.
•Cucurbits are C3, plants.

3. •Flowering in cucurbits generally starts 40-
45 days after sowing (DAS)
•Sex ratio in cucurbits: 25-30:1 or 15:1
• Long day and high temperature promotes
male flower in cucurbits.

4. CLIMATE AND SOIL
•Cucurbitaceae family is warm season
vegetable.
•Optimum temperature for cucurbitaceae
family 18°C – 30 °C
•Sandy loam rich in organic matter with
good drainage and pH range from 6.5-7.5
are ideal for cucumber cultivation.
•This crop requires a moderate warm
temperature.

5. Sl No. Common Name Scientific name Chromosome. no
1 Cucumber Cucumis sativus 2n=14
2 Watermelon Citrullus lanatus 2n=22
3 Muskmelon Cucumis melo 2n=24
4 Ridgegourd Luffa acutangula 2n=26
5 Bittergourd Momordica charantia 2n=22
6 Pumpkin Cucurbita moschata 2n=40
7 Bottlegourd Lagenaria siceraria 2n=22
8 Round melon(Tinda) Pracitrullus fistulosus 2n=22
9 Summer squash Cucurbita pepo 2n=40
10 Winter squash Cucurbita maxima 2n=40
11 Spongegourd Luffa cylindrica 2n=26
12 Pointedgourd Trichosanthes dioica 2n=22
13 Snakegourd Trichosanthes cucumerina 2n=22
14 Ivygourd Coccinia grandis 2n=24
15 Chow Chow Sechium edule 2n=28

6. CUCUMBER
Scientific name - Cucumis sativus
Family – Cucurbitaceae
Chromosome number2n-2x-14
Origin/Native - India
•Plant produce yellow colour flower.
•Fruit are usually cylindrical.

8. Botanical name: Cucumis sativus L
Family: CucurbitaceaeChromosome number: 2n=14• Origin: India•
Ancestor : Cucumis harwickii• Importance of cropCucumber (Cucumis
sativus L.) is an edible cucurbit popularthroughout the world for crisp
texture and taste. Cucumber is a truly versatile vegetable because of wide
range of uses from salads to pickles and digestive aids to beauty
products. It is a very good source of potassium, an important
intracellular electrolyte. 100 g of cucumber provides 147 mg of
potassium. Cucumbers contains unique anti-oxidants in moderate ratios
such as B-carotene and a carotene, vitamin-C, vitamin-A, zea-xanthin
and lutein.

9. Basic informationDNPThermophilic crop2nd most widely cultivated
cucurbit after watermelon1st sequenced vegetable cropPrefers low temp.
than WM & MMMost common sex form: MonoeciousBitterness:
CucurbitacinsNew synthetic species: Cucumis × hytivus 2n=2x=38.1st
gynoecious F1 hybrid, Pusa Sanyog, developed in India in 1971.Economic
sex ratio of cucumber: 15:1.Induction of parthenocarpy in cucumber:
CholoroflurenolMetaxenia: Effect of pollen on fruit shape and other fruit
characteristics

10. Sowing (open conditions)Time-July-SeptJan-FebSeed rate - 3 - 5kg / h
* aSpacing - 1.5 * 0.5m or 1.5 * 1IrrigationDrip irrigationInline lateral
lines may be installed in the middle of beds. Distance between two
drippers - 30 cm and its discharge rate is 2 L/hour. Diameter of riser is
16mm.

11. Cultural practices1. Training & PruningBasic principle in
developing training system is to uniformly maximize the
leaf interception of sunlight throughout the
house.Staking in cucumber has been found to be very
effective in getting maximum yield and better quality of
fruits.•Types of training1. Single stem training (60x *
45cm)2. Umbrella system (60x * 60cm)3. V-system (60x
* 60cm)

12. Downy Mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis)SymptomsDisease
appears as irregular, numerous, small, yellow areas surrounded by
green tissues scattered all over the leaf lamina. It appears just like in
definite mosaic pattern particularly in cucumber. The yellow areas are
angular and bounded by veins. Symptoms on bitter gourd are light
brown while grayish brown on pointed gourd without prominent
yellowing on these hosts. In high humid weather, faint white downy
growth of fungus is observed.ManagementCrop should be grown with
wide spacing in well-drained soil.⚫ Air movement and sunlight
exposure helps in checking the disease initiation and development.
Bower system of cropping reduces the disease incidence.Field
sanitation by burning crop debris to reduce the inoculums.Seed
production should be preferably carried out in summer season because
summer crop is often free from disease.Use tolerant cucumber lines like
Summer Prolific.Protective spray of Mancozeb @ 0.25% at seven days
interval gives good control.⚫ In severe case one spray of Metalaxyl +
Mancozeb @ 0.2% may be given but it should not be repeated.

14. • Powdery Mildew (Sphaerotheca fuligena and Erysiphe
cichoracearum) Symptoms• Disease appears on all
foliar part as white to dull white, powdery growth. This
white growth quickly covers most of the leaf surface and
leads to heavy reduction in photosynthesis area. Plants
may wither and die. Growth of plant and fruits seized.
Transpiration rate is very fast from infected leaves.•
Management• Foliar sprays of Penconazole @ 0.05% or
Tridemorph @ 0.1% or Carbendazim @ 0.1%, give very
good control of the disease.Use tolerant line.

16. AnthracnoseCausal organism: Colletotrichum
lagenarium,>It is a destructive disease of cucurbits
occurring during warm and moist seasons➤ All
aboveground plant parts can be infectedSymptoms
vary among the three principal cucurbits
infected.>Leaf lesions begin as water soaked and
then become yellowish circular spotsChoose
anthracnose-resistant varieties if at all possible.
Resistant cucumber slicers include Dasher II,
Slicemaster, and Poinsett 76.Many pickling
cucumbers are tolerant or resistant, Score
andPremier..FungicidesAmong fungicides available
are chlorothalonil (Bravo), benomyl (Benlate), and
maneb and mancozeb formulations

17. Preparation of field
Plough the field four times and form
long channels at 1.5 m apart
•Season of sowing : - June or January to April
•Seed rate : - 2.5 - 3.5 kg/ha.
Seed treatment
Treat the seeds with Trichoderma viride 4
g/kg or Carbendazim 2 g/kg of seeds before
sowing.

18. Irrigation
Irrigate the field before dibbling the
seeds and thereafter once a week.
Application of fertilizers
Apply FYM 40 t/ha as basal and 35 kg of
N/ha at 30 days after

19. Disease
Downy mildew
Downy mildew can be controlled by
spraying Mancozeb or Chlorothalonil 2
g/lit twice at 10 days interval.
Do not use DDT, copper and
sulphur dust, as these are
phytotoxic

27. HARVESTING AND YIELD
Harvest can be done 45 days after sowing .
Yield : - About 8-10 t / ha can be obtained.

30. Disease
Alternaria leaf blight,
Caused by Alternaria cucumerina

31. Anthracnose,
caused by Colletotrichum orbiculare

32. Powdery Mildew
Caused by Erysiphe cichoracearum
Sphaerotheca fuliginea

35. Downy Mildew
Caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis

36. Physiologial Disorder
Calcium
Deficiency
•Calcium-
deficient plants
are stunted,
having distorted,
cupped leaves and
characteristic
interveinal
chlorosis.
• Symptoms
appear first on
new growth.

37. Iron
Deficiency
•Iron-deficient
plants are yellow
and stunted, with
the symptoms
expressed on the
young leaves
first.
•Affected leaves
have interveinal
chlorosis, with
the leaf lamina at
first appearing to
be a “healthy”

38. Nitrogen
Deficiency
•Nitrogen-deficient
plants are yellow
and stunted, with
the symptoms
expressed on the
older leaves first.
•In severe cases,
leaves eventually
turn brown and
die. Fruit may be
misshapen and few
in number.

39. Muskmelon
Botanical name :– Cucumis melo
Family :– Cucurbitaceae
Origin :– Tropical africa
Edible part :– Fruit
Chromosome no. 2n :– 24
Seed rate :- 1-2kg/ha
Muskmelon is also known as
“Wholesome food ”

40. Bottle Gourd
Botanical name :– Lagenaria siceraria
Family :– Cucurbitaceae
Origin :– South Africa
Edible part :– fruit
Chromosome no. 2n :– 22
Seed rate :- 3-5kg/ha

41. BOTTLE GOURDB.N. - Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.Family -
Cucurbitaceae Monoecious; DNPIsolation distance - F-800 mC-400 m2n =
22; Origin - S. AfricaBottle gourd or calabash is a delicately flavored, cucurbita
family vegetable. It is one of the chief culinary vegetables in many tropical and
temperate regions around the world.Bottle gourd is a fast growing, annual
climber (vine) that requires adequate sunlight for flowering and fruiting. It
can be grown under wide range of soils and require trellis to support
spread.Its intensely branched stems bear musky, deep green, broad leaves just
similar as that in pumpkins, and white, monoecious flowers in the summer.
After about 75 days from the plantation, young, tender, edible fruits evolve
that will be ready for harvesting.

42. CLIMATE AND SOILLoam or sandy loam soil is most suitable. Too much
acidic soil pH is not suitable (less than 5.5).Seed germination is fast at 25-
30°C. Night temperature of 18-22°C and day temperature of 3035°C is
optimum. Day temp above 40°C may causescorching of leaves.Optimum
temperature has higher proportion of female flowers and
fruits/plant.Higher temperature induces maleness.It is grown in summer
and rainy season. In summer, the crop is sown in Dec-Jan and in rainy
season in June-July.

43. VARIETIESArka BaharKalyanpur Hari Lambi – fruits
slightly dark green in colorNDBG 1 – gives early yield in
upland conditions ; highly preferred for diara
cultivationNDBG 4PBOG 1Phule BTG 1 - produces
comparatively more female flowers at basal
nodesPunjab Komal – variety with shortest duration
from fruit set to maturity, 70DASPunjab Long

44. Seed rate-3- 3.5 kg/ha 450-500 seeds/100 gSpacing - 2
x 1 m.After germination, the vine may be trained on
bower.20 t/ha FYM alongwith 100:50:50 kg/ha NPK is
to be applied. The first half dose of N must be applied as
basal while the other half 30DAS.The crop requires
frequent irrigation as high humidity is needed for
prolific bearing. During hot and humid weather,
irrigation after every third or fourth day is needed.Fruit
set can be improved by spraying the plants with MH
(400 ppm) alongwith 100kg N/ha.

45. The crop is ready for harvest approx. 60-70 DAS.
The fruits take 12-15 days after fruit setting to
reach marketable stage. Fruits should be picked
after every 3 4 days. Smaller and tender fruits
fetch a better price in the market.Yield - 20t/ha ;
hybrids - 40-50 t/ha

46. Pumpkin
Botanical name :– Cucurbita Moschata
Family :– Cucrbitaceae
Origin :– Peru , Mexico
Edible part :–
Chromosome no. 2n :– 40
Seed rate :– 1 – 2 kg/ha

47. Bitter Gourd
Botanical name :– Momordica Charantia
Family :– Cucurbitaceae
Origin :– South Africa
Edible part :– Fruit
Chromosome no. 2n :– 22
Seed rate :- 4.5-5kg/ha

48. BITTER GOURDAlso called Balsam Pear, Bitter
cucumber, bitter melonB.N.-Momordica charantia L.•
Family - Cucubitaceae2n = 22Origin - Indo -
BurmaGrown for its tender fruits.Turn to orange yellow
color when ripeCheratin - effective against diabetes.•
Monoecious nature• Fresh : dehyrated fruit ratio -
16:1Bitter principle - Momordicin• Fruits rich in Fe.

49. CLIMATE AND SOIL• warm season cropOptimum
temperature -25-30°C• Temperature <18°C - slow
growth, poor yield and >36°C, reduction in female
flowers.Long days - male flowersLow temperature
(20°C) and short days - female flowersSandy loam
soils are most suitable⚫ pH - 6.5-7

50. SOWINGJuly-Sept or Jan – FebSeed rate - 4-5
kg/haSeed treatment - thiram @ 2g/kg4 seeds/pit are
sown and later 2-3 may be retained. Instead of sowing
in the main field, the seeds can be sown in polythene
bags and can be shifted to pits in the main field after 15-
20 days.Spacing – 2 x 1.5 m -The crop should be
irrigated immediately after planting in summer and
subsequently at 2-3 days interval.

51. VARIETIESPusa Do Mausami – grows well in summer as well as rainy
seasonPride of SuratPride of GujaratArka HaritPusa Vishesh - suitable for
summer seasonPhule Green - MPKV, RahuriPhule Green GoldPriya - 40
cm long fruitsPreethi - whiteKalyanpur sona - stuffingPriyanka -
whiteCoimbatore Long white - extra long fruitsPusa hybrid - 1,2Konkan
Tara - export; from Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, MHMDU 1-
induced mutant; greenish white spiny fruitsCoimbatore Green - extra
long fruits upto 60 cmHarkani - from MPKV, RahuriRHR BGH 1 - from
MPKV, Rahuri; F1 hybrid; tolerant to downy mildew

52. 20 t/ha FYM alongwith 60:60:60 kg/ha NPK.•
Application of growth regulators at 2-4 leaf stage play
an important role in sex expression and sex ratio. MH
@ 50-150 ppm and CCC @ 50-100 ppm increase
female:male ratio. Ethrel @ 25 ppm increases female
flowers. MH @ 150-250 ppm when applied at 2 leaf
stage in 'Pusa Do Mausami' induces the formation of
female flowers.• Flowering - 45-55 DASFirst picking
could be taken 60-70 days after planting.Yield - 10-15
t/ha ; hybrids - 20-30 t/ha

53. RIDGE GOURD
B.N. Luffa acutangula Roxb.• Family -
Cucurbitaceae2n = 26Monoecious• Origin -
AsiaContains luffein.⚫ Commercially trained on
kniffin system.Fruits are ribbed and called kali
tori.Contains 18mg/100g Vitamin C.The genus
derives its name from the product 'loofah', which is
used in bathing sponges, scrubber pads, doormats,
pillows, mattresses and also for cleaning utensils.

54. CLIMATE & SOIL• Grows very well in warm
hot climate.• Optimum temperature - 25-
30°CHigher temperature >38°C produces male
flowers.Sandy loam soil, rich in OM is most
suited.Proper drainage is highly beneficial.⚫
pH-6.5-7

55. SOWINGTime - July-Sept; Jan - FebSeed
rate - 3-5 kg/haSpacing - 1.5 x 0.5 m or 1.5
x 1mSow 4 seeds/pit; retain only 2 healthy
seedlings.Seeds can also be raised in
polybags which further reduces seed rate to
1.5 kg/haVARIETIESPusa Nasdar -
suitable for summer and rainy seasonCO
1Satputia - hermaphrodite ; smaller fruits
in clusters pale green fruits

56. Konkan Harita - developed by Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, MH;
gives first harvest at 45 days after plantingPunjab Sadabahar - rich in
protein• IIHR - 8-high yielding, good market value, good cooking
quality especially stuffingPKM 1Pusa Sadabahar• Hisar
KalitoriGujarat Anand RG-1GJRGH - 1Pant Toria 1Arka SujatArka
SumeetSwarna ManjariSwarna UpharPusa NutanSurekha - hybrid

57. FYM @ 20t/ha alongwith 50:25:25 kg/ha
NPK. Half N as basal dose and the other
half 30 days after planting.• NAA (200
ppm) helps maintain sex ratio.• The crop is
ready for harvest in about 60-90 days after
planting. The fruit attains marketable
maturity about 5 7 days after anthesis of
female flower.Picking should be done after
every 3-4 days.Avg. yield - 10-15 t/ha•
Hybrids - 20-30 t/ha

58. Pointed Gourd
Botanical name :– Trichosanthus dioca
Family :– Cucurbitaceae
Origin :– India
Edible part :–
Chromosome no. 2n :– 22
Propagation – Vine Cutting @ 2000-
2500 cutting/ha.

59. Chow - Chow /Chayote
Botanical name :– Sechium edule
Family :– Cucurbitaceae
Origin :– Mexico
Edible part :– Fruit
Chromosome no. 2n :– 28
Single seededfruit in cucurbits
Most nutritious among cucurbits

60. CHOW CHOWB.N.-Sechium edule Swartz.
Family - Cucurbitaceae2n = 24Origin –
MexicoSingle seeded fruit• Most nutritious
among cucurbits.Perennial climbing vine
with tuberous roots; MonoeciousHigh
calcium content• Also called Chayote,
Choco, askasPropagation by fruits
(vivipary)Pear shaped fruits

61. Fruits, tubers, seeds and leaves have
been long used by the native
Americans.Seeds are even considered a
delicacy.Varieties - Round whiteLong
whitePointed greenBroad GreenOval
greenIn Bangalore, 2 types green and
creamy green are grown.Requires well
drained soil rich in OMpH-5.5-
6.5Spacing - 3.5 x 2 mPlants require
support by poles or trellis

62. Vines
start
flowering
in
3-4
months
and
production
is
continuous.In
Bangalore,
planting
is
done
all
around
the
year,
but
preferably
July.•
A
single
fruit
weighs
200-450
gYield
-
20-25
t/ha

63. Ash Gourd /Wax gourd
Botanical name :– Benincasa hispida
Family :– Cucurbitaceae
Origin :– Java/ Japan
Edible part :–
Chromosome no. 2n :– 24
Seed rate :- 3.5-4kh/ha
Longest storage life among cucurbits
Fruits at maturity have white waxy
surface

64. Water Gourd
Botanical name :- Citrullus lanatus
Family :– Cucurbitaceae
Origin :– Tropical Africa
Edible part :– Fruit
Chromosome no. 2n :– 22
Seed rate :- 3.5-kg/ha

65. Sponge Gourd
Botanical name :– Luffa cylindrica
Family :– Cucurbitaceae
Origin :– Assam
Edible part :–Asia
Chromosome no. 2n :– 26
Seed rate :- 2.5-3.5kh/ha

66. SPONGE GOURDB.N.-Luffa cylindrica Roem.•
Family - CucurbitaceaeFruits are smooth and
called ghia tori.Contains luffein.2n = 26Origin -
AsiaHas higher protein and carotene than ridge
gourd.MonoeciousAlso called towel gourd,
smooth loofah, vegetable sponge, dish cloth
gourd.

67. CLIMATE & SOILGrows very well in warm
hot climate.⚫ Optimum temperature -25-
30°CHigher temperature >38°C produces
male flowers.Sandy loam soil, rich in OM is
most suited.Proper drainage is highly
beneficial.pH - 6.5-7• Frost susceptible.

68. ⚫ Pusa Chikni – high yielding, early
maturing, bears flowers 45DAS, summer
and rainy seasonGujarat Galka 1• Pusa
Supriya - summer and kharif, improvement
over Pusa Chikni, ready for first picking at
47-55 DASRajendra Nenua 1HYBRIDS•
HaritaPGS 40• Divyanka• Azad Tarai 1, 2

69. FYM @ 20t/ha alongwith 50:25:25 kg/ha
NPK. Half N as basal dose and the other
half 30 days after planting.Ethrel (250
ppm) helps maintain sex ratio.The crop is
ready for harvest in about 60-90 days after
planting. The fruit attains marketable
maturity about 5 7 days after anthesis of
female flower.Picking should be done after
every 3-4 days.• Avg. yield - 10-15
t/haHybrids - 20-30 t/ha

70. SOWINGTime-July-Sept; Jan - FebSeed
rate-3-5 kg/haSpacing - 1.5 x 0.5 m or 1.5 x
1 m• Sow 4 seeds/pit; retain only 2 healthy
seedlings.Seeds can also be raised in
polybags which further reduces seed rate to
1.5 kg/haVARIETIESPusa SnehaPhule
Prajakta – MPKV, RahuriKalyanpur
HariChikni

71. Ridge Gourd
Botanical name :– Luffa acutangula
Family :– Cucurbitaceae
Origin :– Asia
Edible part :–
Chromosome no. 2n :– 26
Seed rate :- 5-6kg/ha

72. Botanical name :–
Family :–
Origin :–
Edible part :–
Chromosome no. 2n :–
Seed rate :-

73. Cucumber
Watermelon
Pumpkin
Bottle Gourd Bitter Gourd

74. Ridge Gourd
Pointed Gourd
Sponge Guard Ash Gourd