Stop Fruit Drop in Bottle Gourd (Lauki)- Why your Lauki flowers fall off
Fruit drop in bottle gourd (lauki) or bottle gourd fruit not growing is a fairly common problem, whether the plant is soil grown or hydroponic, and it could be caused by a variety of factors such as nutritional shortages, over-watering/under-watering, but we will focus on the latter here. The most prevalent cause of fruit and blossom dropping in bottle gourds is a lack of pollination.
Bottle Gourd flowers often bloom at night, and when there aren’t enough natural pollinators in our yard, along with night blooming, pollination gets a little tricky. To ensure optimal fruit conversion, we must hand-pollinate bottle gourd blossoms.
The distinction between male and female bottle gourd flowers
Female Bottle Gourd flowers have little bottle gourds forming at their bases right below the blossom, whilst male flowers do not have any fruit or miniature bottle gourds forming at their bases. It looks like any other flower. Some plants generate blooms with both male and female parts in a single blossom, whilst other plants develop separate male and female flowers for pollination. Flowers with both male and female parts are easier to pollinate because wind can transport pollen to the middle of the flower.
Male flowers usually appear first, followed by female flowers a few days later.
Male Bottle Gourd bloom = No fruit at the base
Female Bottle Gourd = Tiny bottle gourd at its base
How Do You Hand Pollinate Bottle Gourds?
To hand pollinate bottle gourd female flowers, first, take a male flower from the plant and remove its petals, exposing the central section (Anther) that holds pollen. Following that, we must gradually open the petals of the female flower in order to disclose its central region (Stigma). Gently touch the middle of the male flower against the middle of the female blossom a few times. If you apply too much power or are too kind, the female bloom may fall off.
One male flower can pollinate several female flowers, but if male flowers are plentiful, it is ideal to utilize a fresh male bloom for every bottle-gourd female. If male flowers are sparse, try pollinating 2-3 female flowers with one male flower.
Male flower petals removal from a plucked bottle gourd
- Male Flower Anther Exposed Bottle Gourd Female Flower Petals opened by hand in female bottle gourd flower
- Hand Pollination in a Bottle Gourd is in progress.
- Hand Pollination Completed by Gently Rubbing Against Female Flower
Following Hand Pollination
If hand pollination is successful, you may expect the tiny bottle gourd at the base of the female flower to grow larger in a day or two and be ready for harvest in about 10-12 days. Hand pollination for all flowers ensures optimal fruit production, but it also necessitates similarly balanced measures on other fronts such as nutrition, sufficient watering, adequate sunlight, and so on.
Bottle gourd applications include:
- Bottle gourd is a delicious soft vegetable with a delicate flavor that may be used to make both sweet and spicy meals.
- In India, it is cooked as a vegetable and used to make chops and koftas, as well as Halwa.
- Bottle gourd is a low-calorie health food that is high in vitamins, minerals, and water.
- Calabash has a significant cultural use beyond food. Calabash is utilized as a resonator in several string instruments in India. Wooden instruments like the Sitar, Veena, and others can have a calabash resonator at the end of the strings table called the Toomba.
Plant care for bottle gourds:
- Bottle gourds should be planted in open, sunny areas.
- Treat the plant with an equal mix of coco peat and well-rotted manure.
- Watering is essential for the growth of the bottle gourd plant. It demands a constant supply of moisture.
- The constant halting and pinching of the climber produce a highly faithful and sharply planted plant.
Troubleshooting bottle gourd plants
Immature gourds are falling: This is a regular problem. Baby gourds remain motionless, gradually shriveling up and falling off. This is usually due to a lack of adequate food or irrigation. Gourds decay while they are small: Gourds turn yellow, rot at the end, and eventually fall off. This could be caused to waterlogging or poor pollination.
FAQ
- What is Lauki or Bottle Gourd?
Lauki, also known as Bottle Gourd, is a vegetable commonly grown in India and other parts of Asia. It is a popular ingredient in many dishes and is known for its health benefits.
- What are the flowers of the Lauki plant?
The flowers of the Lauki plant are small and yellow in color. They bloom on long, slender stalks and are typically found near the base of the plant.
- Why do Lauki flowers fall off?
Lauki flowers may fall off for several reasons, including lack of pollination, inadequate water or nutrients, and pest or disease issues. Additionally, environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can also affect the health and longevity of Lauki flowers.
- How can I prevent my Lauki flowers from falling off?
To prevent Lauki flowers from falling off, it is important to ensure that the plant is receiving adequate water and nutrients. Providing regular fertilization and mulching can help to maintain soil moisture and fertility. Additionally, pollination can be encouraged by planting companion plants or attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- What are some common pests and diseases that affect Lauki plants?
Common pests that affect Lauki plants include aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Diseases that can affect Lauki plants include powdery mildew, downy mildew, and bacterial wilt. Proper pest and disease management practices, such as regular monitoring, sanitation, and the use of organic treatments, can help prevent or mitigate these issues.
- Can I grow Lauki in a container?
Yes, Lauki can be grown in a container. However, it is important to choose a large enough container with adequate drainage, as well as provide regular watering and fertilization. Additionally, Lauki may require support or trellising to prevent the plant from toppling over.
- What are some health benefits of Lauki?
Lauki is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a good option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.