SNAKE GOURD (Trichosanthes cucumerina)
Snake gourd is a common cucurbitaceous vegetable of Kerala.
Season
January-March and September-December are the main growing seasons.
Varieties: Kaumudi, Baby and TA-19
Seed rate: 3.0-4.0 kg/ha
Spacing: 2.0 m x 2.0 m
Sowing
Pits of 60 cm diameter and 30-45 cm depth are taken. Well rotten FYM and fertilizers are mixed with topsoil in the pit and seeds are sown @ 4-5 per pit. After two weeks remove the unhealthy plants retaining three plants per pit.
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) is applied in several split doses at fortnightly intervals.
Aftercultivation
During the initial stages of growth irrigate at an interval of 3-4 days. Irrigate on alternate days during flowering and fruiting periods.
Erect pandals for trailing snake gourd. Conduct weeding and raking of the soil at the time of fertilizer application.
Pests
The important pests attacking snake gourd are fruit flies, epilachna beetle and red pumpkin beetle. Control measures recommended for bitter gourd can be followed in this case also.
Diseases
The important diseases are downy mildew and mosaic. The control measures as stated under bitter gourd can be adopted.
Harvesting can be done only after 10 days (at least) of insecticide / fungicide application. The fruits should be washed thoroughly in water before cooking.
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