Pusa Sandesh
An IARI open-pollinated variety with round, apple-green fruit about 600–800 g, favoured where the round type sells (kofta, raita) — a compact, early-bearing vine that crops in both seasons.
Quick facts
- Type
- Open-pollinated
- Season
- Zaid / summer
- Maturity period
- First pick ~55–60 days
- Expected yield
- 32–38 t/ha
- Suitable soil
- Loam
- Release
- Released by ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
About this variety
Pusa Sandesh is an open-pollinated bottle gourd from ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, that produces round, apple-green fruit of about 600–800 g. It suits markets and kitchens that prefer the round type for kofta and raita. The vine is compact and early-bearing and crops in both the summer and the rainy season. Being open-pollinated, its seed can be saved.
Key characteristics
Yield & maturity
Maturity period
First pick ~55–60 days
Expected yield
32–38 t/ha
Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.
Pest & disease considerations
Major diseases
- No special resistance claimed
Advantages & considerations
Why farmers may choose it
- Round fruit for markets and kitchens that prefer that type
- Compact, early-bearing vine; crops in both seasons
- Open-pollinated — seed can be saved
Things to consider
- The round type does not sell everywhere — check the local market preference first
- No special disease resistance — manage the melon fruit fly and mildews
Suitable regions
States this variety is recommended for — check locally, since a state can have more than one recommended zone.
- Uttar Pradesh
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Delhi