As a versatile vegetable, bottle gourd has been used in various cuisines for millennia. It can be added to stews, curries, and soups or cooked to make a puree. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. In this article, we will explore the varieties of bottle gourd and their unique characteristics.
1. Pusa Naveen
Pusa Naveen is an early maturing variety of bottle gourd that produces fruit within 50-60 days. It has a light green color, smooth surface, and cylindrical shape. It is popular for its high yield and suitability for cultivation in the winter season.
2. Arka Bahar
Arka Bahar is a late maturing variety of bottle gourd that produces fruit within 70-80 days. It has a dark green color, okra-shaped surface, and thick flesh. It is resistant to various pests and diseases, making it ideal for cultivation in adverse environmental conditions.
3. Pusa Summer Prolific
Pusa Summer Prolific is a heat-tolerant variety of bottle gourd that produces fruit within 50-60 days. It has a light green color, club-shaped surface, and thin flesh. It is resistant to viruses and inclement weather conditions.
4. Coimbatore Selaiyur
Coimbatore Selaiyur is a hybrid variety of bottle gourd that produces fruit within 65-75 days. It has a light green color, elongated shape, and narrow neck. It is resistant to various pests and diseases, including powdery mildew, and favors warm and humid environments.
5. Hybrid White Round
Hybrid White Round is a hybrid variety of bottle gourd that produces fruit within 50-60 days. It has a snowy white color and round shape. It is resistant to various pests and diseases and requires adequate moisture during cultivation.
In conclusion, the varieties of bottle gourd available offer diverse characteristics from early to late-maturing plants, heat-tolerant, cold season and resistant to pests & diseases. Understanding the different varieties helps identify the best plant for a given environment.