ABSTRACT
Malabar gourd originated from the highland regions of Latin America, from Mexico to Chile, where it is still widely cultivated. Malabar gourd, also known as fig-leaf gourd and black-seeded gourd, is a type of squash grown for its edible green leaves, fruits and seeds. Its fruits are an excellent source of vitamin A and C and a good source of carbohydrates and folic acid. Malabar gourd is a warm season crop mainly grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Malabar gourd crop can be grown on a wide range of soils; however, it grows best on well-drained sandy loam to loam soil rich in organic matter. The seed rate of Malabar gourd depends upon soil fertility, irrigation facilities and sowing method. A number of insect-pests and diseases attack the Malabar gourd crop during the growing season. Some of the insect-pests and diseases along are: red pumpkin beetle, leaf miner, fruit fly, powdery mildew, and anthracnose.
