Seed-use gourds, also known as seed-utilized gourds, are a type of cucurbit crop specifically grown for seed collection. Gourd seeds can be used in health products and cosmetics, making their cultivation economically beneficial. Below, we'll introduce the cultivation and field management practices for seed-use gourds.
1. Site Selection
Choose sandy loam soil with good thickness, looseness, fertility, water retention, and irrigation conditions. Previous crops should ideally be field crops like maize or wheat. Deep plow to a depth of 25-28cm, combined with autumn plowing. Apply high-quality farmyard manure as base fertilizer and prepare the soil mechanically in spring.
2. Sowing
Sow when the soil temperature stabilizes above 13°C, typically between April 25th and May 15th. Plant in pits, with 1-2 seeds per pit, at a depth of 2.5-3cm and cover with soil to a depth of 1-1.5cm. Ensure even sowing depth and spacing, with rows perpendicular to the slope, at a density of 3500-4000 plants per acre. Sow seeds evenly, without over or under sowing, and press down firmly. Mulch should be laid neatly, and the soil should be compacted.
3. Inter-row Cultivation and Weeding
After seedlings emerge, perform the first inter-row cultivation and weeding at a depth of 16-18cm. During cultivation, the dry teeth should be as close to the film edge as possible without pulling or damaging the seedlings. Perform the second inter-row cultivation and weeding when the vines have grown to 5 leaves.
4. Irrigation and Fertilization
From emergence to fruit setting takes about 35-40 days. When the young fruits are firmly set and reach the size of a chicken egg, apply fertilizer and irrigation promptly at a rate of 15kg of urea per acre. After fruit setting, apply additional fertilizer twice with irrigation, at a rate of 6kg of urea per 667m² each time. Irrigate 5 times throughout the entire growth period to improve yield and quality.
5. Hand Pollination
If there is a lack of natural bee sources, manual pollination should be conducted. From 6 to 10 in the morning, remove the corolla from the male flowers and pollinate the stigma of the female flowers starting from the second or third flower. Use the stamen to touch the pistil of the female flower a few times. This process should be completed by ten in the morning, and each plant can pollinate 1-2 female flowers.
6. Pest and Disease Control
Aphids and powdery mildew are the primary pests and diseases and should be treated attentively. Spray 800-1200-fold dilution of zinc phosphide or other specific insecticides for aphids. For powdery mildew, use fluosilicic acid or sulfur suspension, spraying once every 10-15 days for a total of three times.
Above are the introduction and management practices for cultivating seed-use gourds. Since seed-use gourds mature at different times, the fruits that mature first are usually more experienced, with fully ripened fruits yielding the highest and best quality.
