(IPPM) in Vegetables - Vegetableipmasia.org

Resource Manual on IPPM in Vegetable
World Education Philippines, Inc.
5. LUFFA SPONGE GOURD
a. Introduction
Luffa sponge gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca Mill) is an
annual tropical or subtropical vine known for its fruit.
The fruit can be eaten at the green or immature stage,
but it is more commonly used at the mature stage for
the sponge. The skin of the fruit, or gourd, is initially
green and turns brown at maturity. As the gourd
matures, a dense fibrous network of cellulose forms
inside the fruit, and this is what is harvested and used
as a sponge. The fibrous network provides support for
the fruit and serves as a mechanism for seed dispersal.
The sponge has a variety of commercial purposes
including personal hygiene products, household
cleaning products, steam engine filters, craft items,
insulation, padding for saddles, and immobilizing
agents in biotechnology.
b. Selecting Seeds and Producing Transplants
Presently, one of the most difficult aspects of entering into commercial luffa sponge
gourd production is obtaining large volumes of high quality seed. Many of the luffa seeds
sold for home gardens produce small, low-quality sponges with weak fibers. Once the
desired quality of the luffa sponges has been produced, the seeds must be saved. It must
also be remembered that luffa gourds cross- pollinate easily. Thus, to maintain the same
high quality luffa that is close to the original, different luffa cultigens must not be grown
within 450m of each other.
Luffa seed germination is often slow and sporadic. To obtain good plant quality
standards, luffa gourds should be produced from transplants. 1) Soak seed in warm water
for 24 hours prior to seeding. 2) Sow seeds, two to three per cell, in flats. 3) Thin to one
plant per cell after the first true leaves appear. 4) Grow for 4-6 weeks in a greenhouse at
about 149-158˚C. 5) Luffa should be transplanted outdoors after all danger of frost is
past.
c. Site Selection and Fertilization
Luffa gourds require a well-drained soil in a location where they will have full sun and
good air circulation. Conduct a soil test prior to planting and follow lime and fertilizer
recommendations for cucumbers. Two or three times during the growing season add
9-11kg nitrogen per acre as a side-dress or through the
drip-irrigation system.
d. Planting and Trellising
To speed growth in the spring in cooler climates, luffa
gourds should be grown on raised beds with black
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