Wax Gourd/ Ash Gourd

Common Name: Chal Kumra

Scientific Name: Benincasa hispida

Also known as white gourd, white pumpkin, ash gourd is actually a fruit but is referred to as a vegetable because it is cooked and eaten as a vegetable. In India, the ash-gourd is offered to the gods in religious ceremonies. It is also considered to be effective in warding off evil spirits and the evil eye.
Ash-gourd is loaded with nutrients. It's an excellent source of vitamin B1 (thiamine), a good source of vitamin B3 (niacin), and vitamin C. It is also rich in many minerals like calcium. Its high potassium content makes this a good vegetable for maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Ash-gourd is also useful in treating respiratory disorders like asthma, blood-related diseases, and urinary diseases like kidney stones.

Production technology of  Wax Gourd

Season:Ash gourd can be successfully grown during January-March and September- December. For rainfed crop, sowing can also be started after the receipt of the first few showers during May-June.

Seed rate: 0.75-1.0 kg/ha

Preparation of land: Pits of 60 cm diameter and 30-45 cm depth are taken at 4.5 x 2.0 m spacing. Well rotten FYM and fertilizers are mixed with topsoil in the pit.

Sowing: Seeds are sown at the rate of four or five per pit. Remove unhealthy plants after two weeks and retain two or three plants per pit.

Weeding: As and when necessary.

Manuring: Apply FYM @ 20-25 t/ha as basal dose along with half dose of N (35 kg) and full dose of

P₂O₅(25 kg) and K₂O (25 kg/ha).' The remaining dose of N (35 kg) can be applied in two equal split doses at the time of vining and at the time of full blooming.

After cultivation: During the initial stages of growth, irrigate at an interval of three or four days.Irrigate on alternate days during flowering and fruiting. For trailing, spread dried twigs on the ground.Conduct weeding, and raking of the soil at the time of fertilizer application. Earthing up may be done during rainy season.

Harvesting: Begins 65-75 days after planting.

Yield: 25-30 t/ha.

Pests: Fruit Fly, Epilachna Beetle, Aphids and Red Pumpkin Beetle are important pests affecting ash gourd. 

Diseases: Powdery Mildew and Mosaic are important diseases in ash gourd.

Precaution: Harvesting can be done only after 10 days (at least) of insecticide / fungicide application. The fruit should be washed thoroughly in water before cooking.