Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Gourd Prooduction
Gourd Prooduction
Ornamental Gourd
Production in Kentucky
Amanda Ferguson Sears, Joe Masabni, Kenny Seebold, Ric Bessin, Tim Woods, and Terry Jones
Plant Spacing Irrigation Lagenaria will probably not com-
When using a planter, 2 to 3 lb of seed pletely mature until fall. These gourds
Gourds, like many other vegetable
are required per acre. If planting by hand, can be removed from the vine when the
crops, may require supplemental water
the amount of seed required may be less. stem and the tendrils near the fruit are
during the growing season. In Kentucky,
Large fruited gourds will have 125 to 150 completely brown. It is best to allow them
there will be at least two to four weeks
seeds per ounce, while small gourds have to stay on the vine until after the first
when plants could be stressed from lack
300 to 400 seeds per ounce. Seeds germi- hard frost, or until the vine has died.
of adequate water. During the growing
nate in five to seven days at 75° to 80°F. Luffas should be left on the vine until
season, 1 to 2 inches of water per week is
Cucurbita pepo seeds should be plant- the stem is completely dry and the gourd
adequate. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation
ed 1 to 2 inches deep and 6 to 12 inches is turning brown on both ends. At this
is ideal for irrigating gourds. Overhead
apart. Rows should be placed 6 to 8 feet point, you should be able to squeeze the
irrigation may wet the leaves excessively,
apart. When the plants germinate, thin gourd and feel that the shell and the soft
which can lead to disease problems. Also,
them to one plant every 3 feet in the row. interior have separated. When shaken,
do not water late in the day because this
This is also the correct distance if you seeds should rattle.
could promote diseases. Toward the end
are using transplants. If you are planting With any gourd species, it is impor-
of the season, withhold water to ripen
in hills, sow three to four seeds per hill tant to handle the fruit carefully as you
gourds and allow the fruit to harden off.
every 3 feet in the row. As germination harvest it. Cut the stems with sharp
shears or a knife. Avoid bruising or
occurs, thin this number to two or three Pollination Requirements scratching the fruit to keep disease from
seeds per hill. Cucurbita pepo produces Gourds are a monoecious plant,
vines that are 10 to 12 feet long. entering or decay from beginning.
which means they have separate female
Lagenaria types may have vines that
grow as much as 20 to 30 feet and must
and male flowers on the same plant. This Curing and Storing Gourds
means that insects must carry the pollen
be 4 to 6 feet apart within the row, with Cucurbita pepo gourds will usually
from the male flowers to the female flow-
10 to 15 feet between rows. Within two last only one season, while a Lagenaria
ers to have fruit set. Flowers remain open
months the entire area will be filled with gourd can last many years once dried. To
for only one day, which means that the
vines. dry the Lagenaria gourds, they need to
bees need to be present then for proper
When growing Luffas, rows are 6 to 9 be placed in an area of good ventilation.
pollination to occur. It takes from eight
feet apart with plants spaced 4 to 5 feet This could mean putting them on slotted
to 10 visits per flower to achieve pollina-
apart within the row. shelves or on wooden pallets. The water
tion. One strong hive is recommended
Gourds climb well and can be trained inside the gourds will begin to evaporate.
for every one to two acres of gourds
to grow up a trellis, fence, or tree easily. If you do not give the fruit proper space,
planted. For growers with less than one
Growing the fruit this way leads to a it will become moldy and will be more
acre of plants, wild bees should be able to
straighter fruit and one which is less likely to rot. The colors of the fruit will
accomplish the task of pollination.
likely to rot before it matures. However, begin to fade to a pale green, light brown,
The hardshell gourds, or Lagenaria,
very large gourds, such as the African or ivory color. Mold may form on the
bloom only at night. Although the exact
kettle, should not be grown on a trellis outside, eating away the epidermis. It is
pollinator is not known, it is believed that
because its tendrils could not support its possible to wipe the surface with a mild
the job is done by a night flying moth.
immense weight. disinfectant at this stage to prevent mold
Others speculate it is accomplished by a
growth and mottling of the gourd shell.
bee or even the cucumber beetle.
Pruning Gourd Vines With most types of gourds, the fruit will
Growers need to be especially careful
Pruning Lagenaria vines can lead to be considered dry when it loses weight
when spraying insecticides because these
an increase in the number of fruit borne and rattles when shaken.
can also adversely affect good insects
per vine. When the vine reaches 10 feet, It is not as easy to cure ornamental fall
such as your pollinators. Do not spray
remove the end of the main stem. The gourds, they usually just rot. To dry them,
during the time of day when bees are
main stem will have mostly male flowers; store them in a cool area and leave them
active. The best time to spray would be in
the lateral shoots will be mostly female. alone. Eventually they will lose their
the late afternoon or early evening.
On Luffa gourds, the first three to four color and dry into a thin walled gourd.
To preserve the bright colors temporarily,
lateral shoots are removed to increase Gathering and Maturity the gourds can be polished with a light
yields.
Gourds must remain on the vine until furniture wax or a light salad oil. Using
they are fully mature. Mature fruit will shellac will clog the gourd’s pores, and it
have a deep solid color and a hard rind. will not be able to properly dry.
Cucurbita pepo will be the first gourd to After either type of gourd has been
mature. This will occur in late summer. properly dried, it is ready to be used in
They can be harvested once their stems any fashion you so wish.
turn brown and the tendrils next to them
are dry. Immature gourds will not con-
tinue to color up or harden once picked.
Preparing Luffa Table 3. Chemicals labeled for insect control use on gourds.
Chemical Rate Comments
Harvest the Luffa from the field when
Acramite 50 WS 0.75 to 1.0 lb/A Mite control as a foliar spray
they have dried on the vine or after the
Admire 2F 16 to 24 fl oz/A Post-transplant drench for control of cucumber beetles
first killing frost. They should be stored in and aphids
a dry, warm, well-ventilated area. Store on Capture 2EC 2.6 to 6.4 fl oz/A Cucumber beetles, cutworms, plant bugs, squash
racks or in mesh bags. Cut several inches bugs, and squash vine borers
off of the stem end. Turn the gourd up- Oberon 2 SC 7 to 8.5 fl oz/A Mite control as a foliar spray
side down and gently tap it against your Platinum 2SC 5 to 8 oz/A Aphid control as a post-transplant drench
palm to dislodge the seeds. Submerge the Pounce 3.2EC 4 to 8 oz/A Cucumber beetles, cutworms, plant bugs, squash
gourd in a container of warm water for bugs, and squash vine borers
Sevin 80 S 1.25 lb/A Cucumber beetle control as a foliar spray
five to 20 minutes. Drain the gourd and
Venom 20 SG 0.44 to 0.895 lb/A Whitefly and aphid control as a foliar spray
make a shallow cut the length of the outer
1.13 to 1.34 lb/A Whitefly and aphid control as a soil drench
shell. Peel back the shell and lift out the
sponge. Cut the sponges to the desired
sizes and work out the remaining seeds.
Put them in the washing machine on usually begin entering the stem at ground used as soon as squash bugs are found to
the short hot cycle with soap and a little levels around mid-June. Treat for squash be active in the field.
bleach. Allow to dry. vine borers beginning the third week Cucumber beetles feed on the tender,
in June and repeat three to five times at young seedlings as they emerge from the
Insect Control weekly intervals.
A weekly application of an insecticide
soil, but usually these are not as serious as
on cucumbers and cantaloupes. Treat for
Growing ornamental gourds for com- starting when the vines begin to run is cucumber beetles as plants emerge and
mercial sale is a new crop for Kentucky. suggested. After harvest is complete, repeat as necessary. Occasionally, cucum-
Insect and disease control recommenda- deep tillage or removal of crop residue ber beetles will feed on the developing
tions are those for cucurbits. The infor- will help to delay and/or reduce infesta- rind of the gourd, scarring the fruit.
mation provided here is also available in tion the next spring. If bacterial wilt-susceptible cultivars
Vegetable Production Guide for Commer- Squash bugs harm gourds by remov- are grown, cucumber beetle control
cial Growers (ID-36) in a more condensed ing plant sap and transmitting a bacte- should begin as soon as plants emerge
form. rium that causes yellow vine decline. For (similar to cucumber or cantaloupe);
Gourds are subject to the same insects this reason, early squash bug control is otherwise, control only when moder-
that attack cucumbers, muskmelons, and very important, particularly when the ate populations are present. As squash
squash. The principal insects affecting plants are small. Squash bug adults begin bug is a vector of yellow vine decline, it
gourds are aphids, cucumber beetles, to fly into (cucurbit) gourd fields about should be controlled on varieties that are
squash bugs, and squash vine borers. The the time vines begin to run. Fields should susceptible to yellow vine decline once
most serious of these insect pests are the be monitored regularly for the insects. plants emerge. Systemic insecticides used
squash bugs and squash vine borers. Both Egg clusters are found on the underside for cucumber beetle control as a drench
of these insects can cause severe wilting of leaves in the angle formed by the veins. immediately following transplanting have
and death of the plants. Because gourds Eggs are brown, spindle shaped and been shown to control cucumber beetles
require insects for pollination, fields in about 1/16-inch long. Fields should be for three to five weeks and to suppress
bloom should only be sprayed in late treated when adults are present or when squash bugs. However, control of squash
afternoon to minimize bee losses. eggs are found hatching. Timing is im- vine borer should start when gourd vines
Insect control is essential on most portant as larger nymphs are much more begin to run and continue on a regular
cultivars to control bacterial wilt spread difficult to control with insecticides than basis.
by the striped and spotted cucumber small nymphs. After harvest is complete, If other insects or diseases become a
beetles. deep tillage or removal of crop residue problem, get them diagnosed promptly
Squash vine borers can be serious will help to delay and/or reduce infes- and properly so changes in the control
in some plantings. Squash vine borers tation the next spring. To prevent the programs can be made, if necessary. Also,
must be controlled on a preventive basis; transmission of the bacteria that causes be sure to harvest ornamental gourds
once they are inside the stems, there is yellow vine decline, controls should be promptly upon maturity and before frost.
no effective control. Squash vine borers
Disease Management Table 4. Disease-management chemicals labeled for gourds in Kentucky.
Product Rate/A per: PHI FRAC
Gourds get a number of diseases that Product Target Diseases App. Season (days) Group
attack all parts of the plant. Under favor- Acrobat Downy mildew 6.4 oz 32 oz 0 40
able conditions, these diseases can cause 50WP1
considerable damage to foliage and fruit. Aliette Downy mildew 2-5 lb See foot- 33
Diseases that occur on gourds are essen- WDG2 note 2.
tially the same as those common to other Apron XL Pythium damping-off 0.085-0.64 - 0 4
fl oz/cwt3
cucurbits, such as cantaloupe, cucumber,
Cabrio EG4 Alternaria blight, anthracnose, 8-16 oz 64 oz 0 11
pumpkin, squash, and watermelon. Use downy mildew, gummy stem
an approach that integrates cultural and blight, powdery mildew
chemical methods to get the best control Dithane DF Anthracnose, downy mildew 2-3 lb 19 lb 5 M2
of diseases on gourds. Flint4 Downy mildew, powdery mildew 1.5-4 oz 8 oz 0 11
Manzate Downy mildew 2-3 lb 18 lb 5 M2
Disease Management Tips 75DF
Maxim Seedborne diseases (except 0.08-0.16 - 0 12
• Take advantage of the benefits offered Pythium) fl oz/cwt3
by crop rotation. Don’t plant gourds or Nova 40W5 Powdery mildew 2.5-5 oz 1.5 lb 0 3
other cucurbit crops continuously in Penncozeb Anthracnose, downy mildew 2-3 lb 19 lb 5 M2
the same place. A number of diseases, 75 DF
particularly those caused by soilborne Phosporous Downy mildew see label n/a 0 33
acids6
pathogens, can be suppressed by ro-
Pristine4 Alternaria blight, anthracnose, 12.5-18.5 oz 74 oz 0 7/11
tating gourds each year to land not downy mildew, gummy stem
planted to cucurbits for two to three blight, powdery mildew
years (or more if possible). Procure Powdery mildew 4-8 oz 40 oz 0 3
• Purchase high-quality seed to avoid 50WS5
1 Acrobat must be tank mixed with another fungicide that is effective against downy mildew.
problems with seed-borne pathogens. 2 Do not exceed seven applications per season; Do not exceed 3.75 lb of product per application in
Avoid saving seed, if possible, to mini- the following counties: Hart, Logan, Marshall, Warren (use of Aliette is restricted to protect freshwa-
mize the risk of carrying pathogens ter mollusks and their habitat).
3 cwt=hundredweight (100 lb of seed).
over. If saving seed, harvest from 4 Do not make more than four applications of FRAC group 11 fungicides per season; do not make
sound, disease-free fruit. back-to-back applications of these products.
5 Do not make back-to-back applications of FRAC group 3 fungicides.
• Plant into warm, well-drained soils. 6 Phosphorous acid generating products (PAGs) include Fosphite, Helena ProPhyt, Phostrol, and
This will help reduce the incidence of Topaz. See product labels for rates.
damping-off by creating an unfavor-
able environment for pathogens that
cause damping-off and by promoting
Table 5. Disease-management chemicals labeled for gourds in Kentucky.
rapid emergence of seedlings.
Product Rate/A per: PHI FRAC
• Plant into areas where air movement
Product Target Diseases App. Season (days) Group
is good and where shading is minimal.
Quadris1 Alternaria blight, anthracnose, belly 11-15.4 fl oz 2.88 qt 1 11
Space plants to promote good air rot, downy mildew, gummy stem
circulation. These steps will promote blight, powdery mildew
rapid drying of soil and foliage, which Reason Alternaria blight, downy mildew 5.5 fl oz 22 fl oz 14 11
in turn will make conditions less fa- 500SC1
vorable for many diseases. Ridomil Pythium damping-off, cottony leak 1-2 pt 2 pt 0 4
Gold EC2
• Avoid planting gourds near tobacco or
Ridomil Downy mildew 2 lb 8 lb 5 4
other cucurbit crops. Insects such as Gold /
aphids thrive on tobacco and cucur- Copper
bits and carry viral pathogens that will Serenade Downy mildew, gummy stem 2-6 qt no limit 0 n/a
also infect gourds. Many fungal and ASO3 blight, powdery mildew
bacterial diseases are common to all Tanos1 Alternaria blight, anthracnose, 8 oz 2 lb 3 11/27
downy mildew
cucurbits and could move from one Ultra Pythium damping-off, cottony leak 2-4 pt 4 pt 0 4
crop to another. Flourish2
• Control insects. Cucumber beetles 1 Do not make more than four applications of FRAC group 11 fungicides per season; do not make
vector the pathogen that causes bac- back-to-back applications of these products.
2 Apply Ridomil Gold or Ultra Flourish (same active ingredient) to soil prior to planting; do not apply
terial wilt, and aphids carry several to foliage. Product must be incorporated mechanically or by irrigation water (or rainfall) after ap-
important plant viruses. plication.
3 Approved for use in organic production systems (OMRI-approved).
• Use fungicides wisely. Fungicides are a “shot-hole” appearance to the leaf. Le- Choanephora Fruit Rot (Wet Rot)
an important part of any good disease sions on stems are tan, shallow, and oval- High moisture and warm tempera-
management program but should not to-diamond shaped. Lesions on fruit first tures favor this disease, characterized by
be relied upon solely. Take care to read appear as sunken, circular, water-soaked a wet rot of blossoms and later the blos-
and follow the labels of the fungicides areas that expand with age (particularly som end of fruit. White fungal growth
being used. This will ensure safe and after harvest). Under humid conditions, can be observed, along with profuse
effective applications of these prod- lesions may blacken and become cov- sporulation that is black in color. The lat-
ucts and will also help prevent the ered with a pinkish mass of spores. The ter has a distinct, bristly, or whisker-like
buildup of fungicide-resistant patho- pathogen, Colletotrichum orbiculare, can appearance. The pathogen, Choanephora
gen populations for certain high-risk be seed-borne and can survive on plant cucurbitarum, survives on numerous
fungicides. Use a fungicide seed treat- residue in soil or on volunteer cucurbits. hosts in the field and is spread by wind,
ment or purchase fungicide-treated rain, and insects.
Management. Rotation away from suscep-
seed to avoid losses to damping-off in
tible crops for at least a year (two years Management. Fungicides have not been
cold and wet soils.
is preferable), along with deep plowing effective in managing Choanephora fruit
• Control weeds in and around the
of crop residue after harvest, will reduce rot. Steps taken to improve air movement
area where gourds are planted. Along
inoculum levels in soil. Regular applica- within the field may help suppress the
with competing for light, moisture,
tion of fungicides will also provide good disease by decreasing periods of wetness
and nutrients, weeds harbor insects
suppression of anthracnose (see “Chemi- on susceptible plant parts.
and plant pathogens that may attack
cal Control” on page 8 for recommended
gourds.
materials). Cottony Leak
Common Diseases Bacterial Wilt Caused by species of Pythium, a soil-
Alternaria Leaf Blight borne fungus, this disease is character-
Bacterial wilt, caused by Erwinia ized by a soft, wet rot and the presence
Alternaria leaf blight (ALB) occurs tracheiphila, appears initially as a sud- of profuse, fuzzy (cottony) growth of
mainly during rainy and warm periods. den wilt of the vines in small sections, mycelium, or fungal threads, covering
Lesions appear on older leaves first, and progressing later to large-scale collapse of part or all of infected fruit.
are small and yellow-brown in color. vines. Feeding injury caused by cucum-
These lesions will expand to large, brown ber beetles, the sole vector of the patho- Management. Crop rotation can be of
areas that can coalesce, causing the leaf gen, is often visible on stems and leaves limited value in managing cottony leak;
to take on a cupped appearance. Heavy associated with collapsed vines. The however, practices that promote good soil
defoliation due to ALB often results in causal agent of bacterial wilt overwinters drainage can minimize losses to this dis-
sunscald on fruit. The causal agent, Alter- in and is spread by cucumber beetles. ease. In poorly drained soils, a pre-plant
naria cucumerina, can survive for up to application of Ridomil Gold or Ultra
two years in crop residue. Management. Prevention is through con- Flourish will help suppress cottony leak
trol of the cucumber beetles (see “Insect (see “Chemical Control” on page 8).
Management. Rotation away from suscep- Control” on page 4). Rescue treatments
tible crops for two years, along with deep (after infection) are of no help in control- Damping-off
plowing of crop residue after harvest, ling bacterial wilt.
This disease can occur before or
will reduce inoculum levels in soil. Avoid
Belly Rot after germination of seed and is caused
overhead irrigation, or water early in the
primarily by one or more species of soil-
day to minimize the length of time that Caused by Rhizoctonia solani, a soil- borne Pythium. Damping-off is favored
foliage stays wet. Regular application of borne fungus, this disease is character- by cool, wet soil conditions.
fungicides will also provide good sup- ized by sunken, water-soaked areas (or
pression of ALB (see “Chemical Control” lesions) that are tan-to-brown in color on Management. Crop rotation can be of
on page 8 for recommended materials). the portions of fruit in contact with soil. limited value in managing damping off;
Lesions tend to form large, dry craters as however, practices that promote good
Anthracnose they age. soil drainage can minimize losses to this
Anthracnose is a common disease disease. Avoid planting when soil tem-
in Kentucky, particularly in warm, wet Management. Crop rotation can be of lim- peratures are cool for prolonged periods
growing seasons, and can affect all plant ited value in managing belly rot; however, of time. Seed treatment with Apron XL
parts. The disease can progress rapidly on deep turning will encourage decomposi- (0.085-0.64 fl oz/100 lb of seed) is an
foliage and can cause serious losses dur- tion of crop residue (and the pathogen) in effective means to control damping-off
ing periods of warm and rainy weather. soil. Certain fungicides (see caused by Pythium spp. Commercially
Lesions on leaves start out as small, cir- “Chemical Control” on page 8) are available seeds are treated with this
cular spots that later expand to roughly labeled for control of belly rot; however, material by the manufacturer. In poorly
0.5 inch in diameter. Typically, cracks results tend to be inconsistent with soil- drained soils, a pre-plant application of
will appear in the center of lesions or the applied materials. Ridomil Gold or Ultra Flourish will help
centers will drop out completely, giving suppress damping-off (see “Chemical
Control” on page 8).
Downy Mildew Gummy Stem Blight (Black Rot) leaves or shaded portions of the plant
Downy mildew, caused by Pseudo- This is a very destructive disease of cu- and appear as talc-like colonies on upper
peronospora cubensis, is a devastating and curbits and is favored by warm and rainy and lower leaf surfaces. As the disease
fast-moving disease of cucurbits and oc- weather. Caused by Didymella bryoniae, progresses, the entire leaf surface will be
curs in Kentucky mainly in late summer gummy stem blight can occur on all plant colonized by the fungus and symptoms
to early fall. High humidity or rainfall parts—leaves, stems, and fruit (black will develop on stems and fruit. Severely
and moderate-to-warm temperatures rot). Lesions on leaves are circular and infected leaves will become necrotic and
favor disease development. Downy mil- tan-to-brown in color, and can expand die within a short period of time, result-
dew first appears as pale- to bright-yellow quickly. Leaf veins affected by gummy ing in defoliation. Powdery mildew is
spots on the upper surface of leaves in the stem blight will appear water-soaked and most severe after fruit-set and in densely
crown area of the plant; these spots may orange-brown in color. Lesions on stems planted fields.
be irregular or “blocky” in appearance. and vines are water-soaked initially, Management. Resistance to powdery
As lesions expand and the number of orange-brown in color, and may exhibit mildew in gourd varieties is not well
lesions increases, leaves become necrotic a gummy, amber colored exudate. Older described. Powdery mildew can be
and plants will appear scorched. On the lesions tend to form tan colored cankers. controlled through the preventive ap-
undersides of leaves, lesions will be wa- Lesions on fruit begin as small, water- plication of fungicides (see “Chemical
ter-soaked and slightly sunken; profuse soaked spots that later expand and may Control” on page 8 for registered materi-
sporulation (light to dark gray or even exude a gummy ooze. Lesions on all plant als). Insensitivity to DMI fungicides such
purple in color) will be evident when parts will contain numerous black fruit- as myclobutanil (Nova), and to the QoI
humidity is high. ing bodies (pycnidia). The gummy stem fungicides (Cabrio, Flint, Pristine, Quad-
blight pathogen is seed-borne and can ris), has been documented in the United
Management. Downy mildew can cause
survive in infected crop debris. States, and growers should monitor crops
near-total defoliation of a susceptible
crop in less than a week under favor- Management. Prompt destruction of crop closely for reduced efficacy when these
able conditions; waiting to treat for this residue by deep-turning can be effective, materials are applied.
disease after symptoms appear can result as can a two-year rotation away from sus- Virus Diseases
in severe losses. Crop rotation is of no ceptible crops. Fungicide seed treatments
value in managing downy mildew be- are important in reducing outbreaks of Diseases caused by viruses are com-
cause the pathogen moves into Kentucky gummy stem blight caused by seed-borne mon on cucurbits in Kentucky, especially
from the south each year. Selecting sites inoculum. As with anthracnose, regular during warm weather and later in the
with good air movement will reduce the application of fungicides will also provide season (when insect populations tend
length of time that leaves stay wet and, good suppression of gummy stem blight to be higher). Cucumber mosaic virus
therefore, decrease favorable conditions (see “Chemical Control” on page 8 for (CMV), Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV),
for the downy mildew pathogen. A good recommended materials). Resistance to and Watermelon Mosaic Virus 2 (WMV-
fungicide program, applied on a timely the benzimidazole fungicide, thiophan- 2) are among the most common viral
basis, is an effective means to manage ate-methyl (Topsin M), QoI fungicides pathogens. Symptoms include stunting,
downy mildew (see “Chemical Control” such as azoxystrobin (Quadris) and pyra- mosaic patterns on leaves, and leaf distor-
on page 8 for recommended materials). clostrobin (Cabrio) has been documented tion. Aphids are the primary vectors for
Resistance to mefenoxam (Ridomil Gold, in the southeastern United States. Care the major viruses that attack cucurbits in
Ridomil Gold Bravo, Ridomil Gold/Cop- should be taken when using these materi- Kentucky.
per, and Ultra Flourish) is common als, as insensitive strains of D. bryoniae Management. Eliminate weeds within a
in populations of the downy mildew will not be controlled by these products. 150-foot border around the field, and use
pathogen, as is resistance to QoI (qui- a barrier crop of corn around the plant-
nine-outside inhibitor) fungicides such Powdery Mildew ing. Avoid planting near other cucurbit
as azoxystrobin (Quadris), pyraclostrobin Powdery mildew, caused primar- crops or near tobacco, which may serve
(Cabrio), and fenamidone (Reason); grow- ily by Podosphaera xanthii, is the most as a reservoir of one or more viruses.
ers should monitor the performance of prevalent and devastating fungal disease Research has demonstrated that applica-
these products closely. Protectants such of cucurbits in Kentucky. Favored by tions of stylet oil every two to three days
as mancozeb (Dithane DF) work well but warm, dry conditions, powdery mildew can slow the spread of virus within a field.
must be applied prior to infection for best can cause large-scale defoliation which
effect. reduces yields (size and quality) and
increases the likelihood of sunscald on
fruit. Symptoms appear first on older
Chemical Control The best choice for the “backbone” of In the case of fungicides with specific
a fungicide program should be the least- modes of action, avoid sequential applica-
Thanks to the introduction of new
expensive and efficacious protectant fun- tions with the same product or products
classes of chemistry in recent years,
gicide that can be obtained. In the case of with the same mode of action. Repeated
there are more products now for use
gourds, products containing mancozeb exposure to such products increases the
on gourds than ever before. Fungicides
(Dithane, Manzate, and Penncozeb) fit risk of resistance development in fungal
and bactericides, though, should not be
this description. Begin the spray program pathogens. Given the number of products
relied upon as the sole means of control
with mancozeb, and then alternate other on the market that have the same active
for any disease and should be integrated
products with mancozeb (or tank-mix ingredient or have the same mode of
into a comprehensive management
with mancozeb), being careful to observe action, it can be difficult to decide which
program that includes other practices.
seasonal limits for each product. Early products can be used sequentially in a
For best effect, most disease-control
in the season, mancozeb can be used spray program. Manufacturers of fun-
products need to be in place prior to
exclusively for the first few sprays; begin gicides have begun to address this issue.
infection by a particular pathogen, and
applications of other products as the crop Fungicides that are at risk for develop-
regular applications of these materials are
increases in size, if conditions begin to fa- ment of resistance will list a Fungicide
important to achieve good control. How
vor disease development, or if symptoms Resistance Action Committee (FRAC)
“regular application” is defined depends
of a particular disease appear. code, along with specific resistance
upon the weather and disease pressure.
Resistance management is a criti- management guidelines, on the product
For example, under highly favorable
cal issue facing agricultural producers label. FRAC has classified the active in-
conditions for disease, a grower should
around the world. Misuse of fungicide gredients found in fungicide products by
consider applying fungicides on a five- to
products can lead to the development of their mode of action and assigned them a
seven-day schedule; when disease pres-
insensitivity (resistance) to certain active group number, called the “FRAC group.”
sure is low or when conditions don’t favor
ingredients in populations of fungal plant Fungicides within the same FRAC group
disease, this schedule could be stretched
pathogens, leading to a partial or com- share the same active ingredient or have
to 10 to 14 days. Spray equipment should
plete loss of efficacy. The risk of resistance the same mode of action even if they
be calibrated and configured properly to
to a particular active ingredient depends belong to a different chemical class. Thus
ensure good coverage.
upon the mode of action of the com- it is not necessary to memorize mode of
Growers should consider that cucur-
pound in question. Mancozeb, for exam- action for each fungicide that is being
bits in Kentucky are affected by a number
ple, is a “multi-site inhibitor,” and affects used; instead, use the product’s FRAC
of fungal diseases, and a spray program
multiple biochemical mechanisms within code to decide how each fits in a season-
needs to address all potential pathogens.
target fungi. This means that the risk of long spray program. Careful adherence
Fortunately, it’s possible to build a fun-
fungi becoming insensitive to mancozeb to resistance management guidelines will
gicide program that will provide reason-
is very low, making products containing go a long way in delaying or preventing
able control of most, if not all, of the
mancozeb good choices for tank-mix or the development of resistance to valuable
fungal diseases that occur on cucurbits in
rotational partners with specific mode disease management tools.
Kentucky. Disease-specific products can
of action fungicides, such as Quadris or
be used to supplement the fungicide pro-
Nova. Fungicides with specific modes of
gram in situations when certain diseases,
action affect single biochemical mecha-
such as downy or powdery mildew, ap-
nisms within target fungi, and the risk of
pear and are not suppressed adequately
these fungi becoming insensitive to such
by the existing program.
fungicides is relatively high compared to
multi-site inhibitors.
Weed Control that gourds are relatively shallow-rooted
and cultivation should be done shallowly
Control weeds by using mulches or to prevent root pruning. After harvest,
through shallow cultivation. Cultivation destroy crop debris and establish a cover
is limited to hand pulling when vines crop to reduce potential weed and dis-
are large. On younger plants, remember ease problems in future crops.
Yield Expectations Table 7. Ornamental gourds—estimated per-acre costs and returns, direct market.
Quantity Unit $/Unit Total Your Farm
and Returns GROSS RETURNS
A grower might expect around 900 African Kettle Gourd 900 Large gourds 5.00 4500.00
to 4,000 hard shell Lagenaria gourds
(swan, birdhouse, kettle, snake) per acre VARIABLE COSTS
depending on the type. For the small Production
miniature or ornamental gourds that Transplants 605 plants 0.10 60.50
weigh 3 to 4 ounces each, a grower might Lime 0.5 ton 12.12 6.06
expect 20,000 to 30,000 per acre. Fertilizer 1 acre 85.00 85.00
Gross returns may vary from $1,000 Herbicides 1 acre 34.25 34.25
to $5,000 per acre, depending on cul- Insecticides 1 acre 51.87 51.87
tural techniques, variety, and marketing
Fungicides 1 acre 56.25 56.25
method. Total out-of-pocket costs for
Machine variable costs 1 acre 57.42 57.42
seed, fertilizer, herbicides, insecticides,
Pollination 1 hire 40.00 40.00
fungicides, land preparation, and irriga-
Irrigation 90 hrs 0.40 36.00
tion will usually be about $700 to $800
per acre. Harvesting, handling, and Black plastic/drip lines 1 acre 300.00 300.00
storage may require around 80 hours of Total Production Cost 727.35
labor. For gourds requiring washing and Harvesting and Marketing
packing in half-bushel boxes there will Plastic disposal 18 hrs 8.00 144.00
be an additional expense of about $2 per Plastic disposal fee 1 acre 10.00 10.00
box. Hired Labor:
Season and market conditions greatly Harvest 80 hrs 8.00 640.00
affect returns. When production is high, Marketing cost (10% of gross) 10% of gross 450.00
anticipated markets become scarce or Total Harvest & Marketing Cost 1244.00
may disappear, leaving product unsold. Interest on Variable Costs 60.72
For thick-shelled gourds, profit can TOTAL VARIABLE COST 2032.07
increase considerably by crafting them
(painting, wood-burning, carving, etc.). RETURN ABOVE VARIABLE COSTS 2467.93
FIXED COSTS
Depreciation of machinery & equipment 109.97
Depreciation on irrigation system 159.94
Taxes on land 5.00
Insurance 22.50
TOTAL FIXED COSTS 297.41
Per acre return above variable costs at various prices and yields for Cucurbita pepo.
½ bu boxes/acres
$/Box 150 200 250 300 350 400 450
5.50 -703 -633 -562 -491 -420 -305 -278
6.50 -570 -453 -338 -222 -106 10 126
7.00 -502 -364 -225 -87 51 190 328
7.50 -435 -274 -113 48 209 369 530
8.00 -367 -184 -1 182 366 549 732
9.00 -233 -5 224 452 680 908 1136
10.00 -98 175 448 721 994 1267 1540
Harvesting and marketing cost adjusted for yield. Return shown is an estimate
of funds available for operator and unpaid labor, debt payments, and overhead.
Returns will depend on the amount of hired labor used.
10
Authors
• Amanda Ferguson Sears, Joe Masabni, and Terry Jones
Department of Horticulture
• Ric Bessin
Department of Entomology
• Kenny Seebold
Department of Plant Pathology
• Tim Woods
Department of Agricultural Economics
11
Where trade names are used, no endorse-
ment is intended, nor criticism implied of
similar products not named.
Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative
Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, M. Scott Smith, Director of Cooperative Extension Service, University of
Kentucky College of Agriculture, Lexington, and Kentucky State University, Frankfort. Copyright © 2007 for materials developed by University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension.
This publication may be reproduced in portions or its entirety for educational or nonprofit purposes only. Permitted users shall give credit to the author(s) and include this copyright
notice. Publications are also available on the World Wide Web at www.ca.uky.edu.
Issued 3-2007