Lagenaria siceraria is that the scientific name for upo or gourd vine. It’s a tropical vegetable with a high saccharide content extensively created. The oil from the seed kernel could also be extracted and utilised in hair care merchandise.
Upo, typically called gourd vine in English, could be a giant inexperienced vegetable fruit ingested as a substantial meal. This upo could also be utilised in ginisa or cooked gourd vine with tomato, garlic, and meaty pig flavour, adding texture and flavour to the dish. Vegetables overgrow and demand tons of attention once it involves harvest. When the day of fruit is set to marketable size, it unremarkably takes fifteen days or sixty to eighty days from seeding.
Nature’s means of expressing joy is via vegetables. This text discusses the way to plant Upo properly. So, let’s get this party started.
About Upo
This gourd, which is alleged to own originated in southern Africa, was primarily cultivated, possibly for containers instead of food. They were transported from Asia to terra firma around 8000 years ago, with genetic studies.
Bottle gourds occur in various forms and sizes, starting from long and snake-like to spherical. However, the one shown is that the most well-liked in Southern California. They’re going to grow significantly more significant, however as they develop, they’re going to become quite bitter. The gourd’s shell eventually hardens, and it turns hollow, permitting it to be used as a instrumentality or implement, or sliced decoratively.
You may eat the young shoots and leaves likewise. Kampyo, or dried strips of gourd, square measure standard in Japan and square measure oft used as edible bindings to stay different things along. gourd vine is that the common name, and calabash is that the scientific name. This vegetable could also be found in a very type of recipes all round the world, however it’s most well liked within the Philippines.
Upo Planting :
Let’s get the proper things done quicker and learn the way to plant Upo.
Step 01.
Bottle gourds square measure commonly direct seeded, though seedlings may be transplanted. Planting distances vary from three to ten meters. Plant the seeds on mounds throughout the year and in furrows with two seeds per hill throughout the season. Seven days when emergence, skinny off poor seedlings and keep just one plant per hill, at a spacing of 1 meter between hills. A skinny coating of soil ought to be applied to the seeds.
Step 02.
Plant on ridges or higher than furrows throughout the year to keep seedlings from decaying because of floods. One-half compost or plant food, one half clay soil, and one half change state rice husk should be utilised in a ready media. It is also potential to utilise a ready-mixed industrial spermatophyte medium. Fill ready medium into plastic baggage, portlets, or spermatophyte trays.
Step 03.
Before sowing, water the potting material; one pre-germinated seed per portlet should be planted. Place the spermatophyte trays/portlets within the shade for the present. Water, the seedlings PRN, to stay healthy. Cut back the watering frequency and expose the seedlings to direct sunshine to harden them. Fifteen days when emergence or once true leaves have shaped, transplant one spermatophyte per hill at a spacing of 1 meter between hills.
Step 04.
When potential, transplant within the afternoon or on cloudy days. Straightaway plant any hills that are lost. The expansion of gourd vine necessitates well-drained sandy dirt soils. Acidity, alkalinity, and salinity square measure only too abundant for it. The hydrogen ion concentration level ought to be between five.5 and 6.5. once soil conditions are not ideal, feminine flower output suffers considerably. It will be cultivated in nearly any atmosphere, though excessive rain is dangerous. The perfect temperature varies between thirty and 350 degrees throughout the day.
Step 05.
Prepare the sphere as long as possible to supply time for weeds and former crop stubbles to degrade. Once the temperature is scorching, many male blooms grow, lowering yield. Upo could also be planted at any time of year; however, the most straightforward months for yield and profit square measure October to Dec and should to July. At one-week intervals, plough and harrow two to three times alternately. At a depth of fifteen to twenty cm, plough. Harrow the sphere doubly to interrupt up the clods and level it out. A well-pulverized soil permits for higher aeration and root production.
Taking Care of Upo
Practice appropriate cultural management and cleanliness to avoid insect pest damage and disease infection. The yellow beetle is the most prevalent insect pest in upo, while fruit rot is the most common disease. Follow the management techniques for specific diseases or pests outlined in the Insect Pest and Disease Management Guide for Lowland Vegetables in the event of disease infection or pest infestation.
Upo flowers generally bloom in the afternoon. Insect pollinators are important for fruit growth, thus they should be protected. Pesticides should not be applied in the afternoon. To avoid waterlogging during the rainy season, make sure there is enough drainage. During the dry season, furrow irrigation at weekly intervals is advised. To preserve moisture and reduce watering during the dry season, use rice straw around the base of the plants as a mulch.
Bottle gourd should be cultivated in a sunny, open environment. Apply a thick layer of coco peat and well-rotted manure on the top of the plant in equal parts. During the growth season, repeat this process 2-3 times. The development of the bottle gourd plant needs a lot of irrigation. It needs a constant supply of moisture.
Regularly stopping and pinching the climber ensures a highly loyal and finely planted plant.
FAQ
What month do you start planting?
Upo may be planted at any time of year, but the best months for yield and profit are October to December and May to July. Prepare the field as soon as possible to provide time for weeds and previous crop stubbles to degrade. Plough and harrow two to three times at one-week intervals.
Is it necessary to peel upo?
The gourd should be cut lengthwise. Peel the skin using a peeler or a paring knife. Remove the spongy flesh with a spoon and discard if the inside is “too spongy” and has ripe seeds. Cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, uncovered, or until the upo is soft yet crisp and the shrimp are done.
Is it safe to eat upo if you have diabetes?
Lauki, also known as bottle gourd, is suitable for people with diabetes since it contains a lot of water and fibre. For people with diabetes, it is one of the healthiest veggies. When you drink lauki ka juice, your blood sugar levels will decrease.
Why is upo so sour?
The poisonous tetracyclic triterpenoid chemicals termed cucurbitacins, which are responsible for the bitter taste, are found in the Cucurbitaceae family, of which bottle gourd is a part. There is no known antidote for this toxin. Thus practitioners simply treat the symptoms.
How long can you keep upo in the fridge?
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in a jar with a tight-fitting cover.
Closing words
To summarise, we may say that there are several ways to say Upo. And that Upo does not necessitate a great deal of attention. One of the fascinating facts about Upo (bottle gourd) is that it is one of the oldest vegetables ever harvested! As a result, we can conclude that growing upo/bottle gourd is one of the most simple and relaxing crops to grow.
Upo, also known as bottle gourd, is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family and is native to the arid tropics. Upo is a plant with short days and long nights, which encourages the production of more female flowers. It’s ideal to plant when blossoming coincides with the long, chilly evenings of November to January, then harvest throughout the dry months of the year for the highest yield.
As a result, you may utilise these instructions and information to assist you in planting Upo. Taking advantage of the seasons is as simple as planting your seeds according to the instructions above.
Good Luck!
