Sure, I can write an article on “Improved varieties of bottle gourd.”
Bottle gourd, also known as Calabash gourd or Lauki, is a popular vegetable crop in many countries. It is grown for its edible fruit, which is used in a variety of culinary dishes and also has many medicinal properties. There are many varieties of bottle gourd, and over the years, many improved varieties have been developed through breeding and selection techniques.
The improved varieties of bottle gourd have better yields, disease resistance, and other desirable attributes compared to the traditional varieties. Some of the improved varieties of bottle gourd are:
1. Pusa Naveen: This is a popular hybrid variety of bottle gourd developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. It is high yielding, with an average fruit weight of 1.5-2 kg. The fruits are dark green, cylindrical in shape, and have a smooth surface.
2. Pusa Summer Prolific: Another hybrid variety from India, Pusa Summer Prolific is known for its high yield and disease resistance. It produces fruits that are light green, straight, and cylindrical in shape. The fruit weight is around 1-1.5 kg.
3. Arka Bahar: Developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Arka Bahar is a high yielding variety of bottle gourd that produces fruits that are dark green, long, and slender. The fruit weight can range from 1-2 kg. It is resistant to some common diseases of bottle gourd.
4. DMR-410: Developed by the Indian Vegetable Research Institute, DMR-410 is a hybrid variety that is known for its high yield and disease resistance. It produces fruit that is cylindrical in shape, pale green, and smooth in texture. The fruit weight can range from 1-2 kg.
5. Swarna: An improved variety from Bangladesh, Swarna is a high yielding variety of bottle gourd that is resistant to some common diseases. The fruit is cylindrical in shape, light green, and smooth. The fruit weight can range from 1-2 kg.
Improvement in bottle gourd varieties has led to significant increase in yield and profitability for farmers. These improved varieties are also resistant to various diseases which makes them highly desirable in areas where certain diseases are prevalent. Additionally, the improved varieties have better taste and texture, which is important to its consumption.
In conclusion, bottle gourd is an essential vegetable crop grown worldwide, and the introduction of improved varieties has boosted its production, disease resistance and agronomic traits. As more research is conducted, the ancient fruit continues to be of importance for its nutritional benefits and medical values.