19 - Loofah: Luffa spp.

Abstract

Publisher Summary Loofahs are of two types: (1) the angled loofah (ridge gourd), Luffa acutangula L. Roxb. and (2) the smooth loofah (smooth gourd), Luffa cylindrica. They are annual and largely monoecious, bearing ridged, and smooth fruits respectively. Immature loofah fruits are used as vegetables and mature fruits are used for fiber. Gourds produce long, cylindrical fruits, 10–40 cm in length and 6–10 cm in diameter. The ridge gourd has fruit with about 10 distinct longitudinal acutely angled ribs. Loofahs are a good source of carbohydrates, vitamin C, and minerals; the fibres are used for industrial purposes. Luffa cylindrica, Luffa acutangula, Luffa echinata and Luffa graveolens are the important species of Luffa; the first two are commercially grown in several countries and are of economic importance. Luffa cylindrica flowers in the morning (4–8 a.m.) while Luffa acutangula flowers in the afternoon and evening (5–8 p.m.). South and south-east Asia are the centers of diversity of Luffa. There is no systematic approach to Luffa improvement. For genetic improvement and development of new varieties of Luffa, population improvement—especially mass selection and recurrent selection methods—can be employed. Pedigree selection is also used to develop new varieties. Gynoecious lines are available in Luffa and can be used for the production of hybrids. Ethrel can be sprayed on monoecious lines to regulate the female and male flower array and the production of hybrid seeds.