Ash gourd — 6Pests & diseases

• Fruit fly: non-chemical measures in the source

  Collect and destroy affected fruits. Fruit flies are fewest in hot weather and peak in the rainy season, so adjust the sowing time. Plough to expose the pupae. Set up cucurbit fruit-fly traps at 4 per acre. Neem oil 3% is also listed. Do not use copper or sulphur dust on these crops — they damage the plants.

  Pending expert review

  Source

  Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ash gourd – Plant protection (fruit fly), p. 97

  Region

  Tamil Nadu

  Last updated

  2026-11-04

• Nematode

  Apply neem cake at 30 g per plant as a spot treatment 10 days before sowing, and Pseudomonas fluorescens 2.5 kg/ha to the soil.

  Pending expert review

  Source

  Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ash gourd – Plant protection (nematode), p. 97

  Region

  Tamil Nadu

  Last updated

  2026-11-04

• Pests and diseases: ask before you spray

  The source lists chemical sprays for aphids, jassids, fruit borers and caterpillars, red spider mite, powdery mildew and downy mildew. Choose any product only with your local Horticulture or Agriculture Officer.

  Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use.

  Pending expert review

  Source

  Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ash gourd – Plant protection, pp. 96–97

  Region

  Tamil Nadu

  Last updated

  2026-11-04