The sponge gourd is native to Indian sub-continent. The fruits of sponge gourd are having smooth and black seeds. It is commercially propagated by seeds. Inadequate germination of seeds is one of the important constraints in sponge gourd. The seeds should be soaked in water for one day before sowing enhances germination. An average of 1.5-2.0 kg of seeds is required for one acre area. At present, the seedlings are raised in plug trays for transplanting. Foliar spraying of Ethrel @ 250 ppm at 2-4 leaf stage favours the production of female flowers. Generally, the seed yield will be 25 g/fruit during the summer season and 10 g/fruit during the rainy season. The certification procedures issued by seed certification department should be followed. The fully developed fruits are harvested at 65 days after anthesis and the seeds are separated by opening the pods. Fruits may be stored as such till next sowing. The dried fruits are cut for collection of seeds. These seeds are dried for one or two weeks in a cool, dry and dark place. The seeds can be viable up to four years.
Propagation Techniques, Sponge Gourd
Davis, Jeanine M. 1996. Luffa Sponge Gourd Production Practices for Temperate Climates. Vegetable production and Marketing News. 6(7). Texas Agricultural Extension Service.
Rajan, S. and Baby Lissy Markose. 2007. Tropical Vegetables. In. Propagation of Horticultural crops, Vol. 06. Horticulture Science Series. New India Publishing Agency, New Delhi. pp.107.
Singh, B., B. S. Tomar, M. Hasan. 2007. Plug-tray nursery raising technology for off-season cucurbits cultivation. ISHS Acta Horticulture 871: IV International Symposium on Cucurbits.
Wehner, T. C. and T. L. Wellington. 1997. Seed treatment effects on emergence of luffa sponge gourd. Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative Rpt. 20:63-64.
