Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia)

General Information

• Common Names: Bitter melon, Karela, Bitter squash.
• Family: Cucurbitaceae.
• Origin: Tropical Asia, particularly India.
• Uses: Known for its medicinal properties, bitter gourd is rich in vitamins A, C, and iron. It is used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes, digestive disorders, and skin diseases.

Origin, Area, and Distribution

• Origin: Believed to have originated in India or Southeast Asia.
• Area: Widely grown in India, China, the Philippines, and tropical Africa.
• Major Growing States in India: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar.
• Distribution: Cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions globally.

Climate

• Temperature: Thrives in warm climates, with an optimal temperature of 25–30°C.
• Rainfall: Requires 50–100 cm of well-distributed rainfall.
• Sensitive to frost; best suited for regions with a long warm growing season.

Soil

• Grows well in well-drained sandy loam to clay loam soils.
• pH: 6.0–7.5.
• Requires soils rich in organic matter for optimal growth.

Improved Varieties

1. Pusa Do Mausami: Early maturing, medium-sized fruits, good yield.
2. Arka Harit: High yield, resistant to powdery mildew.
3. Coimbatore Long: Long, slender fruits, high productivity.
4. Priya: Medium-sized, dark green fruits.
5. Punjab Karela 15: High-yielding variety, medium-sized fruits.

Seed Rate: 4–5 kg per hectare. Requires more seeds as germination percentage can vary.

Cultivation Practices

Time of Sowing

• Summer Crop: February–March.
• Rainy Season Crop: June–July.
• Winter Crop: October (in regions with mild winters).

Land Preparation

• Plough the field 2–3 times to prepare a fine tilth.
• Incorporate 10–15 tons of farmyard manure (FYM) per hectare.

Sowing Method

• Direct sowing or transplanting can be practiced.
• Soak seeds in water for 12–24 hours to enhance germination.
• Spacing:
  • Row-to-row: 1.5–2 m.
  • Plant-to-plant: 50–75 cm.

Fertilizer Requirements (Per Hectare)

• Basal Dose: 100 kg N, 60 kg P₂O₅, 60 kg K₂O.
• Apply half the nitrogen and the full dose of phosphorus and potassium at planting.
• Top-dress the remaining nitrogen in two splits during the growing season.

Irrigation

• Requires regular irrigation, especially during flowering and fruiting.
• Frequency: Every 7–10 days during dry periods.
• Avoid over-irrigation to prevent waterlogging.

Weed Management

• Perform 2–3 manual weedings during the crop cycle.
• Use mulch to suppress weed growth and retain soil moisture.

Training and Pruning

• Train vines on trellises or stakes for better growth, air circulation, and fruit quality.
• Prune lateral branches to encourage healthy fruiting.

Harvesting and Yield

• Harvesting:
  • Harvest fruits when they are tender and green (immature stage).
  • Picking should be done regularly to promote continuous fruiting.
• Yield: 10–15 tons per hectare, depending on the variety and management practices.

Physiological Disorders

1. Fruit Cracking: Caused by irregular irrigation or rapid growth. Management: Maintain uniform soil moisture.
2. Deformed Fruits: Due to poor pollination or nutrient deficiencies. Management: Enhance pollination by attracting bees and ensuring balanced fertilization.
3. Yellowing of Leaves: Can result from nutrient deficiencies or pest infestations. Management: Apply appropriate fertilizers and control pests.

Pests and Diseases

Common Pests

1. Fruit Fly: Lays eggs inside fruits, causing damage. Control: Use pheromone traps or neem-based sprays.
2. Red Pumpkin Beetle: Feeds on leaves and seedlings. Control: Apply neem oil or recommended insecticides.

Common Diseases

1. Powdery Mildew: Whitish powdery growth on leaves. Control: Use sulfur-based fungicides.
2. Downy Mildew: Yellow spots on upper leaf surfaces with white fungal growth underneath. Control: Apply copper-based fungicides.
3. Mosaic Virus: Causes stunted growth and mottling on leaves. Control: Use resistant varieties and control aphid populations.