Bottle Gourd Farmers Face Hidden Disease: Expert Tips to Combat Rot, Pests & Losses

• Bottle gourd fruits are rotting due to ground contact, soil moisture, and fungal attacks, causing significant financial losses to farmers.
• Agricultural expert Khulay Joshi advises timely fungicide application (Bavistin, Mancozeb) and continuous crop care to prevent rotting.
• Fruit flies lay eggs inside the gourd, spoiling it from within, while leaf hoppers suck sap, stunting plant growth.
• Calcium deficiency can also hinder proper fruit development and reduce overall production.
• Timely intervention with proper nutrition, medication, and regular monitoring is crucial to protect crops and farmer earnings.