ABSTRACT
The cucurbits form a distinct group of species with many similarities in botany, cultural requirements and susceptibility to insect-pests and diseases. Long melon popularly known as Kakri or Tar Kakri is also one of them. It is a warm season crop chiefly grown in tropical, subtropical and milder zones of India. It is used as salad, pickle and cooked as vegetable. The important varieties of long melon developed in India along with their characteristic features are: arka sheetal and Punjab long melon-1. Long melon is sown on raised beds, in furrow, trenches, or pits. Irrigation depends upon the soil, growing season and prevailing weather conditions. Among the irrigation systems, drip irrigation is the most efficient method for long melon crop. Long melon being monoecious in sex form requires pollination to produce fruits. Several visits of pollinators on the day that a flower is open are often required to ensure appropriate pollination and fruit setting.
