Ash gourd (Benincasa hispida)
- Depending upon variety, crop is ready for harvesting in 90-100 days.
- Depending upon market requirement, fruits can be harvested at immature or mature stage.
- Mature fruits are mostly stored for seed production purpose.
- Cut the fruits from vines with help of sharp knife.
- The fruit yield can vary depending on variety and crop management. Average marketable yields are 20-25 t/ha. The harvested fruits can be stored for several weeks in ambient conditions. It will keep for 2-3 months in temperatures from 10 to 12°C and 50-75 % relative humidity. Avoid cutting and bruising the ash gourds when handling them.
