fvsu-011 • Ridge Gourd & Smooth Gourd

Ridge Gourd and Smooth Gourd are tropical plants believed to have originated in India. They are vegetables with a good source of carbohydrates, vitamin A, vitamin C and minerals. The fruits may be fried, boiled, stuffed, dried, and pickled. In addition, fiber from these gourds has domestic and industrial uses.

Ridge Gourd and Smooth Gourd belong to the Cucurbit family (cucumber, squash, etc.) with the scientific names Luffa acutangula (L.) and Luffa cylindrica Roem. They are annual monoecious (separate male and female flowers on same plant) cross pollinating, running vine plants, with smooth, simple, sharply angled 5-lobed leaves. Fruits vary in size and may be oblong or club-shaped with dark green or green color. Fruiting occurs in approximately 60 days. The vegetables thrive well under a hot to moderately warm and humid climate. Ridgegourd and smoothgourd are adapted to a variety of soils (sandy to moderately heavy) as long as the drainage system is good. Planting rate ranges from 3.5 - 4.5 lbs per acre at a depth of 0.6 - 0.8 inch.

Ridge Gourd and Smooth Gourd are moderately high-price vegetables. Currently imported from other states and the Caribbean, they are sold at the Dekalb International Farmer's Market (Atlanta area) at $1.00-1.50/lb.

Challenges

Ridge Gourd and Smooth Gourd are not currently produced in Georgia, but introduction and cultivation of these vegetables by small to moderate size farmers could possibly bring in additional income and provide a new commodity to Georgia's agriculture.

Current Research

Introducing and adapting these tropical vegetable crops for a temperate climate and developing low-input cultivation techniques is the major focus of Ridge Gourd and Smooth Gourd research currently in progress at the Fort Valley State University Agricultural Research Station. Field observational and increase studies are ongoing at this time using trellises. In these studies, researchers have determined that Ridge Gourd and Smooth Gourd can grow and produce in Georgia's temperate climate, with mid April to the first of May the most appropriate times for planting. Overall, these initial studies are very promising for the introduction of Ridge Gourd and Smooth Gourd to commercial cultivation in Middle Georgia, but additional research is needed.