IJorRG 09-05:A promising ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula Roxb.) selection from North East India

Abstract

Ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula Roxb.) belonging to family Cucurbitaceae is a tropical and subtropical vine crop which is cultivated and consumed as vegetable. Twelve varieties including two check varieties (National check) were evaluated at the Horticulture Experimental Farm, AAU, Jorhat during Kharif season of 2009-2010 to 2011-2012 consecutively for 3 years to select the best performing ones under on station trials. The crops were raised at a recommended spacing of 2.0 m between rows and 1.0 m between plants and fertilized at the rate of 10t FYM, 20:30:30 kg N, P₂O₅ and K₂O per ha respectively. Three best performing selections along with the check varieties were tested in multilocation trials at different agro-climatic zones of the state through different KVKs and in farmers field also.  The investigation revealed that the variety, RG 09-05 produced the highest mean yield of 111.7 q/ha over the National check variety, Arka Sujata whose mean yield was 82.5 q/ha. There was 35.4% increase in yield over the best check variety, Arka Sujata.  The duration of the selection for its flowering was 45-50 days after sowing. Organoleptic taste indicated less cucurbitacin content in this variety as compared to others. Furthermore, the variety was moderately resistant to fruit rot as compared to others under field condition and was preferred more by the consumers. Based on the performance studies, the variety has been included in the AICRP trials for testing its adaptability throughout the country. The variety may be recommended after thorough study of other characteristics and be utilized in the crop improvement programme.