Bitter gourd is an important vegetable crop of India known for its medicinal, and nutritional values. It helps in management of diabetes, detoxification of blood and liver, improves immunity. In India, Bitter gourd occupies an area of 107 thousand hectares with a production of 1.30 million tonnes per year.

1. Land is brought to a fine tilth by doing 2-3 ploughings followed by harrowing and cross-cultivation using a cultivator. 2.Prepare the furrows of 30-40 cm width opened at the recommended spacing (2-2.5 m). Prepare ridges/ beds on one side of the furrow.

Bitter gourd being a weak climber needs support for its growth. The plants trailed on the support (bower) continues to give yield for 6-7 months as against 3-4 months when trailed on the ground without support. Such vines are less susceptible to pests and diseases as they do not come in direct contact with the soil. In bower system, planting is done at a spacing of 2.5 x 1m. Furrows are opened up at 2.5 m and irrigation channels are laid out at 5-6 m distance. Wooden poles (3 m in height) are pitched on both the ends of alternate furrows at a distance of 5 m. these poles are connected with wires. The wires along the furrows are further connected with cross wires fastened at 45cm distance so as to form a network of wires. Seeds are dibbled at distance of 1 m along the furrow and covered lightly with soil. The vines take about 1.5-2 months to reach the bower height, hence the vines during the initial stages of growth are trailed on ropes till they reach the bower. Once the vines reach the bower height, the new tendrils are then trailed on the bower.

Summer season-February-March Kharif season-June-July Seed rate is 2-3 kg/acre. Dibbling of seed is done on the side of the ridge or bed facing the furrow

Weeding is done manually once during this stage to keep the field free of weeds.

1. Monitor at seedling stage for the incidence of insects and pests like Red pumpkin beetle and Leaf miner and spray recommended Pesticides/Insecticides. 2. For Red Pumpkin Beetle spray Cyantraniliprole @ 2ml/liter. Before applying, please check the product label for proper usage in different crops.

1. Look for the incidence of sucking pests such as Whiteflies, Aphids and Jassids and spray recommended Pesticides. 2. For control of sucking pests like whiteflies and aphids in vegetables, spray Solomon @ 200 ml/acre in 200 L water. Before applying, please check the product label for proper usage in different crops.

1. Look for the incidence of insects and pests like Mites, Whitefly and Cucurbit fruit fly and spray recommended Pesticides/Insecticides or Traps may be used. 2. For better control of Mites/Whiteflies and Cucurbit fly in vegetables, Spray Oberon and Alanto respectively. 3. To manage Cucurbit fly, prepare a bait and use erect Cuelure traps. Before applying, please check the product label for proper usage in different crops.

1. Monitor for the incidence of diseases Alternaria leaf spot, Downy mildew and Powdery mildew and spray recommended fungicides. 2. For better control of downy mildew in vegetables, Spray Infinito @ 600 ml/acre using 200 L water 3. For powdery mildew control in vegetables use Nativo @ 120 g/acre during early stages, followed by Luna Experience @ 200 ml/acre during fruiting stage using 200 ml of water. 4. For better control of Alternaria leaf spot in vegetables, Spray Buonos. 5. Bittergourd yellow mosaic virus Disease (BGYMV), spread by whiteflies. For control of sucking pest like whiteflies and aphids in vegetables, spray Solomon @ 200 ml/acre in 200 L water. Before applying the chemicals, please check the product label for proper usage in different crops.

If any deficiency symptom is noticed foliar spraying of that particular nutrient can be taken up. 1. Boron deficiency symptom in Bitter gourd 2. Sulphur deficiency symptom in Bitter gourd 3. Iron deficiency symptom in Bitter gourd 4. Magnesium deficiency symptom in Bitter gourd 5. Manganese deficiency symptom in Bitter gourd 6. Zinc deficiency symptom in Bitter gourd

1. The first picking starts after 55-60 DAS depending on the variety and season. 2. Bitter gourd is picked at 2-3 days interval. 3. Fruits are graded according to its size and color. 4. Long green fruits with short neck are generally preferred in the market. 5. Plastic crates, Bamboo baskets or wooden boxes lined with plastic sheet are used for keeping the harvested produce. 6. Before transporting, the produce is shifted to a shady or cooler place.

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