Bitter Gourd (Karela)
Basic Information
Feature | Details |
Botanical Name | Momordica charantia |
Family | Cucurbitaceae |
Origin | Indo-Burma region |
Chromosome Number | 2n = 22 |
Edible Part | Immature tender fruits |
Fruit Type | Pepo |
Pollination | Cross-pollinated, monoecious (M & F flowers separate but on same plant) |
Bitter Principle | Momordicin |
Rich in | Iron and vitamins |
Cultivation Details
Parameter | Recommendations |
Sowing Time | Jan–Feb (NE India), Feb–March (North), June–July (monsoon crop) |
Seed Rate | 4–6 kg/ha |
Spacing | 1.5–2.0 m (row) × 0.5–0.75 m (plant) |
Soil pH | 6.0–7.0 |
Temperature Range | 24–30°C optimal; >40°C induces maleness |
Irrigation | Every 6–8 days |
Fertilizer | FYM 20–25 t/ha + 60:30:30 NPK (kg/ha) |
Harvesting | Starts from 60–70 Days After Sowing (DAS) |
Pollinating Agents | Bees and other insects (entomophilous) |
Flowering and Reproductive Traits
- Monoecious Crop: Separate male and female flowers on the same plant.
- Sex Expression Affected By:
- High temperature (>40°C) = ↑ Male flowers
- High nitrogen levels = ↑ Male flowers
- Ethrel (150 ppm) promotes femaleness
- Cross-pollinated via insects; isolation distance: 800 m for hybrid seed production.
Varieties
(A) Selection Varieties
Variety Name | Special Features |
Pusa Do Mausami | Suitable for multiple season cultivation |
Coimbatore Long | Long green fruits |
Priyanka | Popular regional variety |
Harkani | Good fruit quality |
(B) Hybrid Varieties
Hybrid Name | Special Features |
Pusa Hybrid-1 | F₁ hybrid from IARI; vigorous and high-yielding |
Phule Green Gold | Green Long × Delhi Local (Public hybrid) |
Pusa Sandesh | New hybrid with attractive fruit, good keeping quality |
Konkan Tara | Suitable for export markets |
Preethi | Early fruiting hybrid |
Pusa Vishesh | High yield, attractive green fruits |
💡 Important MCQ Points
- Botanical name: Momordica charantia
- Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Origin: Indo-Burma
- Bitter principle: Momordicin
- Pollination type: Cross-pollinated (monoecious)
- Iron-rich fruit: Yes
- Flowering affected by temperature: Yes; ↑40°C → ↑Male flowers
- Pusa Hybrid-1: Hybrid from IARI
- Hybrid for export: Konkan Tara
- Fruits harvested: At immature stage (60–70 DAS)
- Isolation distance for seed production: 800 m
