- Pusa Naveen is a popular, high-yielding bottle gourd (lauki) variety developed by IARI. It produces straight, long, cylindrical, medium-green tender fruits measuring 25 to 40 cm. It matures early, with the first harvest ready in 50 to 60 days after sowing, and is well-suited for both summer and rainy (kharif) seasons.
Key Plant and Fruit Traits
- Fruit Shape: Long, straight, and nearly cylindrical. Fruit Size: 25–40 cm in length. Maturity: First picking in 50–60 days. Seasons: Summer (Jan–March) and Monsoon/Kharif (June–July).
- Cultivation and Care Climate: Thrives in warm, sunny conditions with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. Soil: Well-drained, sandy loam soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Sowing: Plant seeds 1 to 1.5 inches deep, spaced 45–60 cm apart on trellis systems or ground beds. Support: Climbing vines require a strong trellis, net, or overhead frame for proper fruit development.