Sponge gourd, locally called Chikni Tori, is one of the most loved vegetables in India. Whether served fresh from the garden to the kitchen or sold in bustling local markets, it enjoys consistent demand because of its tender texture, mild taste, and easy digestibility. Farmers appreciate it as a crop because it is quick-growing, adaptable to different climates, and fits well into seasonal rotations. However, until recently, only a few good F1 hybrid options were available for the spring-summer season, especially in the North Indian plains.
Recognising the need for a variety that could meet both farmers’ and consumers’ expectations, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) developed Pusa Shrestha (DSGH-9). This hybrid has been bred for early maturity, high yield, uniform fruit shape, and resilience in high-temperature conditions. With its release and notification for commercial cultivation, Pusa Shrestha is now offering farmers a reliable choice for boosting productivity and profitability.
Unique Features of Pusa Shrestha
Pusa Shrestha plants are annual, trailing vines with green, pubescent, angular stems. The leaves are medium-sized, orbicular, with moderate lobing, and arranged helically along the vine. The fruits are the real highlight, they are elongated and cylindrical, measuring around 27 cm in length and 13 cm in girth, with a smooth surface, superficial ribs, and thick skin. The flesh is white and tender, which is preferred by both consumers and vendors. Each fruit weighs about 120 grams on average and has both the stem end and blossom end rounded for an even, appealing look.
Early Harvest and Higher Yields
One of the biggest advantages of Pusa Shrestha is its early maturity. Farmers can begin harvesting in just 45–50 days after sowing during the spring-summer season. In official trials from 2021 to 2023, it recorded an average yield of 19.65 tonnes per hectare. Such a significant jump in yield means that farmers can earn more from the same piece of land while supplying the market earlier than competitors.
Suitable Growing Conditions
Pusa Shrestha can be grown successfully in both spring-summer and rainy seasons across the North Indian plains. It prefers well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and responds well to the addition of 20–25 tonnes of well-decomposed organic manure per hectare before field preparation.
For sowing, farmers need 2.5–3 kg of seed per hectare, with seeds treated with 2 g of Captan or Thiram per kilogram before planting. For the summer crop, sowing is done from mid to late February, while for the rainy crop, it is done towards the end of June. The recommended spacing is 3.5–4 meters between rows and 60–75 cm between hills.
Crop Management and Fertilisation
The crop needs a fertiliser dose of 100:80:60 kg of NPK per hectare. Half of the nitrogen should be applied at the time of field preparation, with the remaining half 30 days after sowing and just before flowering. Irrigation should be given through channels, with frequent watering during summer and lighter watering during the rainy season as per weather conditions. Earthing up is important to cover roots properly, especially in the rainy season. Two to three hoeing and weeding sessions help keep the crop healthy and vigorous.
Pest and Disease Control
Like any vegetable crop, sponge gourd is prone to pests and diseases, but timely management can prevent serious losses. Fruit flies can be controlled by removing and destroying affected fruits, using poison baits, and setting up light traps at night. Malathion sprays at 2 mL per litre of water can also help.
For powdery mildew, spray Bavistin at 0.1–0.2% twice at ten-day intervals, while downy mildew can be tackled with Ridomil (0.2%) or Dithane M-45 (0.2%) every eight days. Fusarium wilt can be controlled by drenching the soil around the plants with Bavistin. Any plants showing mosaic virus symptoms should be uprooted immediately to prevent the spread, and insecticide sprays such as Imidacloprid, Dimethoate, or Metasystox at recommended doses can reduce virus transmission.
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Care
Fruits should be picked while still immature for the best quality and market value. Regular picking encourages more fruiting and prevents over-maturity. On average, farmers can expect 19.65 tonnes per hectare in the spring-summer season. For post-harvest handling, fruits should be placed in plastic crates with fillers instead of gunny bags to prevent bruising during transportation.
Pusa Shrestha represents a major step forward in sponge gourd cultivation for North Indian farmers. Its early maturity, high yield, attractive fruit quality, and adaptability make it an ideal choice for commercial cultivation. With proper crop management, pest control, and post-harvest handling, it can help farmers achieve better profits while supplying the market with premium-quality produce. In a time when efficiency and quality are critical for farming success, Pusa Shrestha offers a solution that meets both demands.
