This document is an assignment on the production technology of spine gourd (Momordica dioica), detailing its botanical characteristics, nutritional value, medicinal properties, climatic requirements, soil preferences, and cultivation practices. It emphasizes the crop's high nutritional, medicinal, and economic value while also discussing planting, irrigation, training, and weed control methods. Additionally, specific varieties such as 'Indira Kakoda 1' and 'Arka Neelachal Shree' are highlighted for their resistance to pests and favorable attributes.

1. An
Assignment On
Production Technology Of Spine gourd
SUBMITTED TO:-
Dr. K. D. Desai
A.C.H.F., N.A.U.,
Navsari 396 450.
SUBMITTED BY:-
Parmar. Manishkumar N.
2020217018
III SEM, M.Sc. (Horti)
VEGETABLESCIENCE

2. Introduction
Botanical name : Momordica dioica Roxb
Family : Cucurbiticeae
Chromosome number : 2n = 28
11

3.  Spine gourd, popularly known as kankad and
kartoli.
 Its vines are annual. The crop planted, once
will give yield at least three to four years or
so.
 The tubers are left in situ and they over
winter.
 Spine gourd is underutilized vegetables of
high nutritional, medicinal and economic
value.
 Spine gourd, popularly known as kankad and
kartoli.
 Its vines are annual. The crop planted, once
will give yield at least three to four years or
so.
 The tubers are left in situ and they over
winter.
 Spine gourd is underutilized vegetables of
high nutritional, medicinal and economic
value.
22

4. Origin
Spine gourd is believed to have originated in
India.
 It is, indigenous dioecious, perennial
vegetables, are grown for their nutritious fruits.
Spine gourd is believed to have originated in
India.
 It is, indigenous dioecious, perennial
vegetables, are grown for their nutritious fruits.
33

5. Distribution
It is widely grown in tribal areas of Bihar, Bengal,
Orissa and Maharashtra for delicious fruits.
 It is available as a wild during rainy season.
Owing to cleaning of forests, people have started
to domesticate it in coastal Orissa.
There is a large area of spine gourd in bolangir
district, at harishankar in western part of orissa.
It is widely grown in tribal areas of Bihar, Bengal,
Orissa and Maharashtra for delicious fruits.
 It is available as a wild during rainy season.
Owing to cleaning of forests, people have started
to domesticate it in coastal Orissa.
There is a large area of spine gourd in bolangir
district, at harishankar in western part of orissa.
44

6. Botany
Kartoli is an important dioecious and minor
cucurbit.
Plants are semi perennial creeper, dioecious, leaf
lamina ovate, oblong with basal lobes round at
base, stems angular, long tuberous root.
Spine gourd shows good variability in shape and
size of the leaf, fruit shape and colour.
The fruits are small, 2.5 to 5 cm long, ovoid
ellipsoidal, densely echienate with soft spines.
Seeds are slightly compressed 3.0-7 .0 mm long.
Kartoli is an important dioecious and minor
cucurbit.
Plants are semi perennial creeper, dioecious, leaf
lamina ovate, oblong with basal lobes round at
base, stems angular, long tuberous root.
Spine gourd shows good variability in shape and
size of the leaf, fruit shape and colour.
The fruits are small, 2.5 to 5 cm long, ovoid
ellipsoidal, densely echienate with soft spines.
Seeds are slightly compressed 3.0-7 .0 mm long.
55

7. Sex expression
 In its first season of growth, an F1 hybrid between a
tetraploid female and diploid male produced only male
flowers while in the following season it also produced
many female flowers.
 Sex expression had changed from dioecious to
monoecious. One female branch of the hybrid produced
hermaphrodite flowers, which were smaller in size and
deep yellow in colour like those of diploid plants.
 No fruit set occurred in hermaphrodite flowers and only
sterile pollen was produced.
 In its first season of growth, an F1 hybrid between a
tetraploid female and diploid male produced only male
flowers while in the following season it also produced
many female flowers.
 Sex expression had changed from dioecious to
monoecious. One female branch of the hybrid produced
hermaphrodite flowers, which were smaller in size and
deep yellow in colour like those of diploid plants.
 No fruit set occurred in hermaphrodite flowers and only
sterile pollen was produced.
66

8. Nutrition composition
Moisture 84.1g
Calcium 33mg
Protein 3.1 g
Phosphorus 42 mg
Fat 1.0g
Iron 4.6 mg
Minerals 1.1 gMinerals 1.1 g
Carotene 162 mg
Fibres 3.0 g
Thiamin 0.05 mg
Carbohydrate 7.7 g
Riboflavin 0.18 mg
Energy 52 cal
Niacin 0.6 mg
77

9. Medicinal properties
The unripe fruits act as appetizer and astringent.
 The ripe fruits are sweet, oily and laxative.
The seeds are used for chest problems and
stimulate urinary discharge.
The roots contain a triterpenoid saponin, which
give water and can be used as a substitute for
soap.
Spine gourd, quite useful in removing piles,
migraine, excess sweating, cough and stones, etc.
The unripe fruits act as appetizer and astringent.
 The ripe fruits are sweet, oily and laxative.
The seeds are used for chest problems and
stimulate urinary discharge.
The roots contain a triterpenoid saponin, which
give water and can be used as a substitute for
soap.
Spine gourd, quite useful in removing piles,
migraine, excess sweating, cough and stones, etc.
88

10. Climate
Spine gourd grows in warm and humid climate
with 25-350C temperature and an average
rainfall of 150 - 250 cm.
 Plants remains dormant during winter season.
Frost or severe cold especially below 5 0C, is
unfavorable for the crop.
The crop can with stand water stress but not
water logging.
Spine gourd grows in warm and humid climate
with 25-350C temperature and an average
rainfall of 150 - 250 cm.
 Plants remains dormant during winter season.
Frost or severe cold especially below 5 0C, is
unfavorable for the crop.
The crop can with stand water stress but not
water logging.
99

11. Soil
A well drained sandy loam and fertile soil is
best suited for cultivation of spine gourd.
There should be ample organic matter in the
soil.
Diara cultivation can also be used for its
cultivation.
An optimum soil pH is 6.0-7.0.
A well drained sandy loam and fertile soil is
best suited for cultivation of spine gourd.
There should be ample organic matter in the
soil.
Diara cultivation can also be used for its
cultivation.
An optimum soil pH is 6.0-7.0.
1010

12. Sowing
 Land preparation : It should be done by 4-5
ploughing and planking. A well ploughed and leveled
field helps to maintain a healthy plant stand and also
reduces the weed flora.
 Recommended spacing to be followed (if staking is
not practiced) is, 1-2 meter between two ridges and
60-90 cm between two plants. If staking is practiced,
this spacing may be reduced according to your
cultivation requirements.
 Land preparation : It should be done by 4-5
ploughing and planking. A well ploughed and leveled
field helps to maintain a healthy plant stand and also
reduces the weed flora.
 Recommended spacing to be followed (if staking is
not practiced) is, 1-2 meter between two ridges and
60-90 cm between two plants. If staking is practiced,
this spacing may be reduced according to your
cultivation requirements.
1111

13. Basins preparation
Some times basins (45 cm x 45 cm) are prepared
In the field for planting of seedlings/root cuttings/
tuberous roots.
It must be filled with 5 kg leaf mould, compost,
150 g single super phosphate and 50 g muriate of
potash each along with 3 g furadon and 75 g neem
cake.
Irrigate the basin lightly a day before planting so
that soil becomes workable.
Some times basins (45 cm x 45 cm) are prepared
In the field for planting of seedlings/root cuttings/
tuberous roots.
It must be filled with 5 kg leaf mould, compost,
150 g single super phosphate and 50 g muriate of
potash each along with 3 g furadon and 75 g neem
cake.
Irrigate the basin lightly a day before planting so
that soil becomes workable.
1212

14. Indira Kakoda 1
• Spine gourd genotype RMF 37 identified as variety “Indira
Kakoda 1” by Central Variety Release committee (CVRC) for
5 state i.e. Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Orissa
and Maharashtra during Group Meet held at PAU,
Ludhiana (Punjab) from May 5-6, 2006.
• It is resistant to all major pests, green fruit are attractive, dark
green and contain 12-14 % protein.
Arka Neelachal Shree (Selection) :-
• High yield, good appearance, high market preference.
• Devloped through clonal selection at CHES,
Bhubaneswar.
Varieties
Indira Kakoda 1
• Spine gourd genotype RMF 37 identified as variety “Indira
Kakoda 1” by Central Variety Release committee (CVRC) for
5 state i.e. Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Orissa
and Maharashtra during Group Meet held at PAU,
Ludhiana (Punjab) from May 5-6, 2006.
• It is resistant to all major pests, green fruit are attractive, dark
green and contain 12-14 % protein.
Arka Neelachal Shree (Selection) :-
• High yield, good appearance, high market preference.
• Devloped through clonal selection at CHES,
Bhubaneswar.
1414

15. Planting
Seeds : Seed have long period of dormancy and low
germination rate (50 %) further plants raised from seeds
show 50 : 50 male and female population and bear
fruits quite late (2-3 years).
 Male and female plants can only be recognized when
plants start flowering and fruiting. Due to imbalance in
male and female plant ratio, yield decreases drastically.
 In general 10 % male plants are needed in the field for
better pollination and fruit setting. Hence, propagation
by seeds is not possible.
Seeds : Seed have long period of dormancy and low
germination rate (50 %) further plants raised from seeds
show 50 : 50 male and female population and bear
fruits quite late (2-3 years).
 Male and female plants can only be recognized when
plants start flowering and fruiting. Due to imbalance in
male and female plant ratio, yield decreases drastically.
 In general 10 % male plants are needed in the field for
better pollination and fruit setting. Hence, propagation
by seeds is not possible.
1515

16. Tuberous root : underground tuberous roots are
planted to take an early crop. Plants of 2-3 years old
develop more number of tuberous roots.
 Due to dioecious nature of crop tuberous roots of male
and female plants should be collected separately, which
can be recognized easily by seeing flowers and fruits.
The tuberous roots should be size of 80-120 g for
multiplication.
 For enough planting material large tubers should be cut
into pieces keeping at least two eyes in each piece. The
cut tubers must be treated with 0.2 % dithane M-45 and
seradix B no.1 powder and keep in shade for 30
minutes.
Tuberous root : underground tuberous roots are
planted to take an early crop. Plants of 2-3 years old
develop more number of tuberous roots.
 Due to dioecious nature of crop tuberous roots of male
and female plants should be collected separately, which
can be recognized easily by seeing flowers and fruits.
The tuberous roots should be size of 80-120 g for
multiplication.
 For enough planting material large tubers should be cut
into pieces keeping at least two eyes in each piece. The
cut tubers must be treated with 0.2 % dithane M-45 and
seradix B no.1 powder and keep in shade for 30
minutes.
1616

17.  Stem cutting : Two node stem cuttings of spine gourd are
collected from the identified, disease free and insect free
vines.
 These should be planted in sand beds (with rooting powder,
seradix-b), in August-September when temperature and
humidity are conducive. The planted cuttings should be
regularly watered in morning and evening
 The cuttings are rooted 15-17 days after planting in sand
beds in nursery. Then rooted cuttings are transplanted in the
main field or in pots for further growth. The best time for
planting of tuberous root is February under irrigated
conditions and first fortnight of June in rainy season and
first week of July for cutting.
 Stem cutting : Two node stem cuttings of spine gourd are
collected from the identified, disease free and insect free
vines.
 These should be planted in sand beds (with rooting powder,
seradix-b), in August-September when temperature and
humidity are conducive. The planted cuttings should be
regularly watered in morning and evening
 The cuttings are rooted 15-17 days after planting in sand
beds in nursery. Then rooted cuttings are transplanted in the
main field or in pots for further growth. The best time for
planting of tuberous root is February under irrigated
conditions and first fortnight of June in rainy season and
first week of July for cutting.
1717

18. Enough soil moisture is essential for, early
sprouting, vine growth and also for flowering
and fruiting.
Irrigation should be given once in 10 days
depending upon the soils and climatic
condition. Irrigation is given at 4-5 days
interval during dry season.
No irrigation is needed in rainy season to the
crop. When crop is over, vine dries and
dormancy is commenced then no need to
irrigate the crop.
Enough soil moisture is essential for, early
sprouting, vine growth and also for flowering
and fruiting.
Irrigation should be given once in 10 days
depending upon the soils and climatic
condition. Irrigation is given at 4-5 days
interval during dry season.
No irrigation is needed in rainy season to the
crop. When crop is over, vine dries and
dormancy is commenced then no need to
irrigate the crop.
1818

19. Interculture
Two to three shallow hoeing is done
commencing 15 days after planting.
It keeps the soil loose and give proper
development to root and shoot system of the
plant. After each irrigation soil in the ring/ pits
should be kept loose for proper aeration and to
maintain the moisture for longer period. After
each hoeing, earthing up is necessary.
Two to three shallow hoeing is done
commencing 15 days after planting.
It keeps the soil loose and give proper
development to root and shoot system of the
plant. After each irrigation soil in the ring/ pits
should be kept loose for proper aeration and to
maintain the moisture for longer period. After
each hoeing, earthing up is necessary.
1919

20. Training/staking:
 In order to prevent fruits from direct contact to soil which
may caused rotting, it is better to train the vine on bamboo
stakes or on bower.
 Staking at 5-6 feet height should be done for higher yield of
spine gourd after the first top dressing of fertilizer. The
branches of spine gourd should spread easily, because each
and every node bears flowers after 8-10 node from the base.
Staking is given by keeping 3 bamboo small branches in a
triangular position 30 cm away from centre. Sometimes
bowers are prepared at a height of 5 ft.
 Placing cemented poles or bamboo poles followed by cris-
cross wire netting. Training on bower or staking must be
started just after 30 cm of vine length from the ground level.
 In order to prevent fruits from direct contact to soil which
may caused rotting, it is better to train the vine on bamboo
stakes or on bower.
 Staking at 5-6 feet height should be done for higher yield of
spine gourd after the first top dressing of fertilizer. The
branches of spine gourd should spread easily, because each
and every node bears flowers after 8-10 node from the base.
Staking is given by keeping 3 bamboo small branches in a
triangular position 30 cm away from centre. Sometimes
bowers are prepared at a height of 5 ft.
 Placing cemented poles or bamboo poles followed by cris-
cross wire netting. Training on bower or staking must be
started just after 30 cm of vine length from the ground level.
2020

21. Weed control
 Weeding should be started after the plants have sprouted and
well set in the field. In early stage weed uprooted carefully so
the plant should not be uprooted or damage.
 Then subsequent weeding is done before top dressing of
fertilizer i.e. 35 and 55 days after planting.
 Generally manual weeding is done to control the weed from
the crop.
 Application of alachlor or butachlor @ 2.0 kg a.i./ ha give
effective control.
 Pre-emergence/ planting application of stomp 30 C @ 1 kg
a.i./ha followed by hoeing/ weeding 35-40 days after planting
and 60 days after planting is advisable to escape the critical
period of crop weed competition.
 Weeding should be started after the plants have sprouted and
well set in the field. In early stage weed uprooted carefully so
the plant should not be uprooted or damage.
 Then subsequent weeding is done before top dressing of
fertilizer i.e. 35 and 55 days after planting.
 Generally manual weeding is done to control the weed from
the crop.
 Application of alachlor or butachlor @ 2.0 kg a.i./ ha give
effective control.
 Pre-emergence/ planting application of stomp 30 C @ 1 kg
a.i./ha followed by hoeing/ weeding 35-40 days after planting
and 60 days after planting is advisable to escape the critical
period of crop weed competition.
2121

22. Nutritional requirement
 The farm yard manure/compost @ 20-25 tones/ha should be
incorporated in soil at final land preparation or apply in pits.
Fertilizer dose of 60:40:40 kg, N:P:K/ha is recommended
for maximum and economic yield from the crop. Mix full
dose of phosphorus and half of potash in the pits at the time
of planting.
 Full amount of nitrogen should be given into three splits.
First split dose (20 kg/ha) of nitrogen should apply 15-20
days after planting. Second split of nitrogen (20 kg/ha)
along with half of potash (20 kg/ha) should be given as
second top dressing 35-40 days after planting. Rest of the
nitrogen (20kg/ha) apply as third top dressing 55-60 days
after planting.
 The farm yard manure/compost @ 20-25 tones/ha should be
incorporated in soil at final land preparation or apply in pits.
Fertilizer dose of 60:40:40 kg, N:P:K/ha is recommended
for maximum and economic yield from the crop. Mix full
dose of phosphorus and half of potash in the pits at the time
of planting.
 Full amount of nitrogen should be given into three splits.
First split dose (20 kg/ha) of nitrogen should apply 15-20
days after planting. Second split of nitrogen (20 kg/ha)
along with half of potash (20 kg/ha) should be given as
second top dressing 35-40 days after planting. Rest of the
nitrogen (20kg/ha) apply as third top dressing 55-60 days
after planting.
2222

23. Plant protection measures
Epilachna beetle (Epilachna sp.) : The grub and
adult cause severe damage to the leaves. They
feed on the green matter between the veins giving
a lace-like appearance to the attacked leaves.
Some time larvae attack on roots. Maximum
damage is observed from mid june to august.
Control : 100 g carbaryl 50 % WP dissolved in
100 liters of water and spray alternatively at 15
days intervals.
Epilachna beetle (Epilachna sp.) : The grub and
adult cause severe damage to the leaves. They
feed on the green matter between the veins giving
a lace-like appearance to the attacked leaves.
Some time larvae attack on roots. Maximum
damage is observed from mid june to august.
Control : 100 g carbaryl 50 % WP dissolved in
100 liters of water and spray alternatively at 15
days intervals.
2323

24. Fruit fly : (Dacus cucurbitae) : fruit fly lays
eggs in flesh of tender fruit and after
emergence of larvae, they eat flesh inside and
fruit start decaying.
Control: spray 50 g carbaryl - wp 50 %
dissolved in 250 litres of water and add 1.25
kg jaggery and spray evenly on whole plants.
Fruit fly : (Dacus cucurbitae) : fruit fly lays
eggs in flesh of tender fruit and after
emergence of larvae, they eat flesh inside and
fruit start decaying.
Control: spray 50 g carbaryl - wp 50 %
dissolved in 250 litres of water and add 1.25
kg jaggery and spray evenly on whole plants.
2424

25. Powdery mildew : (Erysiphe cichoracearum): it
is a severe disease of spine gourd. Powdery
mildew first appears on the under surface of the
older leaves, as white fluffy circular spots, which
increase in size and number, coalesce and
eventually cover both the surfaces. Severely
attacked leave become brown and shriveled. The
fungus attacks the leaves, stem and fruits. Spray
0.03% karathane at weekly interval for effective
control of the disease.
Powdery mildew : (Erysiphe cichoracearum): it
is a severe disease of spine gourd. Powdery
mildew first appears on the under surface of the
older leaves, as white fluffy circular spots, which
increase in size and number, coalesce and
eventually cover both the surfaces. Severely
attacked leave become brown and shriveled. The
fungus attacks the leaves, stem and fruits. Spray
0.03% karathane at weekly interval for effective
control of the disease.
2525

26. Downy mildew (Pseudoperenospora cubensis):
• Symptoms appear as yellow to brown angular
spots on the leaves with downy growth on the
lower surface. In severe case it attacks the stems,
petioles and tendrils.
• It causes heavy defoliation and insipid taste in
maturing fruits.
• Humid climate is more favorable than the dry
climate for the growth of the fungus.
Control : Spray 0.2% solution of dithane Z78 or
blitox at weekly interval twice.
Downy mildew (Pseudoperenospora cubensis):
• Symptoms appear as yellow to brown angular
spots on the leaves with downy growth on the
lower surface. In severe case it attacks the stems,
petioles and tendrils.
• It causes heavy defoliation and insipid taste in
maturing fruits.
• Humid climate is more favorable than the dry
climate for the growth of the fungus.
Control : Spray 0.2% solution of dithane Z78 or
blitox at weekly interval twice.
2626

27. Root rot (Pythium sp. Rhizoctonia solani,
phytophthora parasitica) : It consists of rapid
shrinking and darkening the cortical tissues.
• Fungi are soil inhabitant and inoculums is built up
there.
• Generally they are active at low temperature
while rhizoctonia may be severe at higher
temperature.
Control : Soil treatment with formaldehyde two
weeks before sowing
Root rot (Pythium sp. Rhizoctonia solani,
phytophthora parasitica) : It consists of rapid
shrinking and darkening the cortical tissues.
• Fungi are soil inhabitant and inoculums is built up
there.
• Generally they are active at low temperature
while rhizoctonia may be severe at higher
temperature.
Control : Soil treatment with formaldehyde two
weeks before sowing
2727

28. Harvesting
The fruits are ready for harvesting from 50-60
days after planting of tuberous roots/vine
cutting. The fruit should be harvested at green
stage (30-35 days after flowering).
Spine gourd fruits attain marketable maturity,
15-20 days after pollination .
The fruits are ready for harvesting from 50-60
days after planting of tuberous roots/vine
cutting. The fruit should be harvested at green
stage (30-35 days after flowering).
Spine gourd fruits attain marketable maturity,
15-20 days after pollination .
2828

29. Yield
• Plant yield varies from 1.0 kg to 2.0 kg. The
average yield is 120-200 q/ha.
2929

30. Storage
• Fruits can be stored for 1-2 days in well
ventilated ordinary room condition.
• In cold storage fruits may be kept in good
condition at temperature of 0 °C to 2 °C with
high humidity (90-95%) for 3-4 days.
• Fruits can be stored for 1-2 days in well
ventilated ordinary room condition.
• In cold storage fruits may be kept in good
condition at temperature of 0 °C to 2 °C with
high humidity (90-95%) for 3-4 days.
3030

31. Seed production
 Spine gourd is generally propagated by tuberous roots and stem
cuttings. For this purpose good spine gourd vine which has medium
sized fruits (10-15 g), dark green in colour, tough and false spines,
quick edible maturity (30-35 days after flowering); minimum yield
potential (2 kg/ plant) and resistant to epilachna beetle and fruit borer
should be selected.
 Two node cuttings from mature vines are collected and planted in sand
beds. The planted cuttings should be regularly watered in morning and
evening. The cuttings are rooted 15-17 days after planting. Then
rooted cuttings are suitable for the planting in main field.
 The tuberous roots of selected genotype are collected after crop is over
and cleaned then planted in the field for production purpose. Some
times the tubers of new genotype are stored in refrigerators and reused
as planting material for the next year production.
 Spine gourd is generally propagated by tuberous roots and stem
cuttings. For this purpose good spine gourd vine which has medium
sized fruits (10-15 g), dark green in colour, tough and false spines,
quick edible maturity (30-35 days after flowering); minimum yield
potential (2 kg/ plant) and resistant to epilachna beetle and fruit borer
should be selected.
 Two node cuttings from mature vines are collected and planted in sand
beds. The planted cuttings should be regularly watered in morning and
evening. The cuttings are rooted 15-17 days after planting. Then
rooted cuttings are suitable for the planting in main field.
 The tuberous roots of selected genotype are collected after crop is over
and cleaned then planted in the field for production purpose. Some
times the tubers of new genotype are stored in refrigerators and reused
as planting material for the next year production.
3131

32. Land Requirements
Land to be used for seed production of ash gourd shall be free of volunteer plants.
Field Inspection
A minimum of three inspections shall be made, the first before flowering, the second
during flowering and fruiting stage and the third at the mature fruit stage and prior
harvesting.
Contaminants Minimum distance (meters)
Foundation Certified
1 2 3
Fields of other varieties 1000 500
Fields of the same variety not
conforming to varietal purity
requirements for certification 1000 500
Isolation
3232

33. Factor Maximum permitted (%)*
Foundation Certified
1 2 3
Off types 0.10 0.20
VI. Seed standards
Factor Standard for each class
Foundation Certified
Specific requirements
Foundation Certified
1 2 3
Pure Seed (minimum) 98.0% 98.0%
Inert matter (maximum) 2.0% 2.0%
Other crops seeds (maximum) None None
Weed seeds (maximum) None None
Germination (minimum) 60% 60%
Moisture (maximum) 7.0% 7.0%
For vapour-proof containers (maximum) 6.0% 6.0%
3333