Tropical and subtropical vegetables (2+1)

Area and production

Ash Gourd
Scientific name : Benincasa hispida
Family : Cucurbitaceae
Chromosome number : 2n=24
Origin : Java and Japan
Common name : Wax gourd

Area and production
In India, presently it is grown in area of 2497 ha with annual production 15326 tonnes having the productivity of 6.13 /ha. It is mainly grown in North India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, where it is used in the preparation of Petha sweet. Agra Petha is famous all over India. Ash gourd is cultivated throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including south China.