Propagation and cultivation of Gac plant
The plant can be cultivated from seeds or root tubers, and grows as dioecious vines (separate male and female plants). Rooted vine cuttings can also be used for propagation and are more reliable than production from seeds, which can be affected by dormancy and a long lead time into production. Furthermore, several seedlings need to be planted in the one pit so that the male plants can be removed once they are identified as male at flowering, as only a few are needed for pollination. Alternatively, it is possible to graft female scion material onto the main shoot of the unwanted male plant, making it productive.
Hybridisation studies using several Mormordica species including Gac and studies on the effects of plant growth regulators on Gac indicate that new varieties with bisexual flowers will be possible, overcoming some of the difficulties currently associated with Gac production.
Approximately 2–3 months after planting, flowering occurs. Pollination is chiefly carried out by insects rather than wind and hand pollination results in a higher fruit set than open pollination. It takes approximately 5 months after flowering before the ripe fruits can be harvested. One plant can produce 30–60 fruits in one season, although this may depend on factors such as climate and plant age, yet to be described.
Hybridisation studies using several Mormordica species including Gac and studies on the effects of plant growth regulators on Gac indicate that new varieties with bisexual flowers will be possible, overcoming some of the difficulties currently associated with Gac production.
Approximately 2–3 months after planting, flowering occurs. Pollination is chiefly carried out by insects rather than wind and hand pollination results in a higher fruit set than open pollination. It takes approximately 5 months after flowering before the ripe fruits can be harvested. One plant can produce 30–60 fruits in one season, although this may depend on factors such as climate and plant age, yet to be described.
Male flower
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Female flower
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Other:
+ Assessing the potential for a Gac (Cochinchin gourd) Industry in Australia can be downloaded from here.
+ More information can be found in our review paper of Gac fruit (see publications) or click here to download a poster of our project.
+ Assessing the potential for a Gac (Cochinchin gourd) Industry in Australia can be downloaded from here.
+ More information can be found in our review paper of Gac fruit (see publications) or click here to download a poster of our project.