Description
Thumba Karawila is a species of flowering plant in the Cucurbitaceae/gourd family. It is widely consumed as a vegetable in Sri Lanka. Different types of plants provide differently shaped fruit: oval, cylindrical, and spherical. Below are the plant varieties listed by the Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka.
- Female plant varieties – Thumbika / Golika / Wisal / Kesara / Chandu
- Male plant Varieties – Parakum, wishma
- Hybrid: Female -Chandu, male – Wishma
Planting requirements
Planting season: Sow seeds during September to October and March to April. If additional water is available, planting can occur in mid-December after the heavy rains. In areas with irrigation, planting can be done year-round.
Planting conditions:
| Propagation | Seeds, seedlings and tubers |
|---|---|
| Planting method | Seedlings can be easily obtained using stem cuttings. Stem Cuttings with 2-4 inter-nodes are suitable for planting. When propagated by tubers, obtain tubers with a few eyes after the dormancy period of about 4 months from the previous season. Cut those tubers into about 40g pieces and plant them in a sand nursery. If the seeds are sown, store the seeds obtained from the previous season under normal conditions for about 9 months plant 4 seeds in one place, and remove the other seedlings at a ratio of 6:1 – 10: 1 |
| Soil | For optimal growth, maintain soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Prior to planting, loosen the soil to 20-30 cm depth and incorporate organic matter to enhance structure and nutrients. Avoid heavy clay soils, as they impede root development and nutrient absorption |
| Water | Regular irrigation is required |
| Light | Plentiful sunshine |
Growing conditions:
| Temperatures | Lowland dry zone temperatures are suitable |
|---|---|
| Soil | Spiny gourd prefers well-drained soils such as sandy loam, loam, or well-drained clay. Good drainage prevents root rot. Enrich the soil with organic matter like well-rotted compost or aged manure to boost fertility and plant health |
| Water | Provide adequate water to ensure plants do not wilt. In dry zone areas, regular irrigation is crucial, especially during prolonged dry spells |
| Pruning | Not required |
| Weed Control | When seedlings are young, carefully uproot the weeds around them and then use a shovel to remove them without harming the base of the seedlings |
Harvesting
Optimal Size: Harvest the fruits when they are young and tender, typically when they reach about 2 to 3 inches in length. At this stage, they are firm but not overly mature, which ensures the best flavor and texture.
Regular Harvesting: Frequent harvesting encourages continuous fruit production. It's advisable to check the plants every few days during the growing season to collect ripe fruits.
Use of Tools: Employ a sharp knife or scissors to cut the fruits from the vine carefully. This helps prevent damage to both the fruit and the plant during the harvesting process.
Gentle Handling: Handle the harvested spiny gourds gently, as they can be delicate and prone to bruising. Proper handling is crucial for maintaining their quality post-harvest.
Curing
Spiny gourd does not require a curing stage.
Storage
After harvesting, store the spiny gourds in a cool place away from direct sunlight. For optimal taste, it's best to use them within a few days of harvest. Can also be Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer.
Protecting your plants
Pest control
Pest type:
- Epilacna larvae
Symptoms:
- The larvae are pale yellow and covered with branched spines. The larvae and adult beetles feed on the leaf tissue.
- Infestation can stunt the growth of seedlings and mature plants.
Control method:
- Spray neem oil
- Introduce natural parasitoid ladybird beetles.
Disease Control
Disease type:
- Root rot
- Downy mildew
Symptoms:
- Root rot: This is a disease caused by fungi or bacteria. Wilting, yellow, or sparse foliage can be seen.
- Downy mildew: Discoloured blotches on the upper leaf surface. These may be pale green, yellow, purple, or brown, depending on the plant affected.
Management:
- Maintaining good drainage in the field
- Removing diseased vines to avoid infection spreading
- If necessary apply fungicides recommended by the Department of Agriculture
Sources
In addition to our General List of Sources (link), we used these specific references:
