Bitter Gourd Sowing Secrets Quiz

Explore essential facts about sowing, climate, soil, spacing, and pest management for successful bitter gourd cultivation. Perfect for beginners interested in horticulture and vegetable farming.

1. Correct Sowing Season

   Which is the most suitable season for sowing bitter gourd seeds in tropical regions?

   1. Late winter
   2. Early autumn
   3. Mid-monsoon
   4. Early summer

   Explanation: Early summer provides warm temperatures ideal for germination and vigorous bitter gourd growth. Late winter is typically too cold, mid-monsoon may lead to waterlogging issues, and early autumn may not allow enough time before colder weather returns.

2. Optimal Soil Type

   What type of soil is best for cultivating bitter gourd for healthy root and fruit development?

   1. Saline soil
   2. Heavy clay
   3. Well-drained sandy loam
   4. Gravelly soil

   Explanation: Well-drained sandy loam holds sufficient moisture while preventing waterlogging, benefitting bitter gourd roots. Heavy clay retains too much water, saline soil can damage the crop, and gravelly soil may lack nutrients and moisture retention.

3. Seed Spacing Importance

   Why is proper spacing (about 60 cm between plants) recommended when sowing bitter gourd seeds?

   1. To ensure good air circulation and reduce disease risk
   2. To prevent seeds from falling off the ridge
   3. So the soil can absorb more sunlight
   4. Because bitter gourd seeds are very small

   Explanation: Proper spacing helps prevent overcrowding, improves air flow, and lowers disease risks. The other options are not accurate: seed size does not dictate spacing, preventing seeds from falling does not require spacing, and sunlight absorption mostly depends on foliage, not just soil exposure.

4. Climatic Requirement

   What climate condition is most favorable for bitter gourd cultivation?

   1. Warm and humid
   2. Cold and wet
   3. Hot and arid
   4. Cool and dry

   Explanation: Warm and humid conditions encourage rapid growth and fruiting in bitter gourd. Cool, dry, or cold conditions can reduce growth rate, and hot arid climates may cause flower or fruit drop due to heat stress.

5. Pest and Disease Management

   Which common practice helps control powdery mildew in bitter gourd fields?

   1. Flooding the field regularly
   2. Using excessive nitrogen fertilizer
   3. Planting only during winter
   4. Applying recommended fungicides

   Explanation: Applying approved fungicides is an effective way to manage powdery mildew in bitter gourd. Flooding fields is not suitable for this crop, winter planting is less optimal, and excessive nitrogen can make plants more susceptible to diseases rather than prevent them.