Gourd Breeding

North Carolina State University began a breeding program on luffa (loofah) sponge gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca or Luffa cylindrica) in 1993.

The objectives of the program were to expand our knowledge of luffa genetics and breeding, collect and evaluate luffa germplasm from around the world, and develop improved breeding lines of luffa sponge gourd for use in North Carolina, the U.S., and areas around the world with similar environments.

Benincasa, wax gourd
Momordica, bitter gourd
Information on Luffa sponge gourd, Luffa ridge gourd
- Introduction
- Origin and History
- Biogeography and Germplasm Resources
  - Germplasm Exploration and Evaluation
- Uses
- Production
  - Sponge quality
    - Sponges from green fruits
    - Stain removal from sponges
- Breeding
  - Cultivar Types
    - NCSU Germplasm Releases
      - Available germplasm releases
      - Seed transfer agreement (pdf); the agreement is also available in MS Word
      - Example royalty agreement (pdf); the agreement is also available in MS Word
      - Images from Research Program
    - Luffa Cultivar List
      - Seed Companies
  - Flowering and Reproduction
    - Hormones vs sex expression
  - Qualitative Genetics
  - Quantitative Genetics
    - Inbreeding Depression
    - Heterosis
  - Breeding Objectives and Traits
  - Cultivar Development History
  - Breeding Methods
  - Mechanization
    - Yield Measurement
  - Defect Resistance
  - Disease Resistance
  - Insect Resistance
  - Stress Tolerance
- Seed Production and Sources
  - Seed germination treatments
- Biotechnology
- Pest Management
- Harvesting and Postharvest Physiology
- Marketing
- Production Costs
Publications (by subject)