Ivy gourd, commonly known as kundru, tendli, or tindora, is a popular vegetable crop grown in many parts of India. It is valued for its tender fruits, climbing growth habit, and ability to produce continuously for several months. Ivy gourd is mainly propagated through vine cuttings rather than seeds, and choosing the right variety plays an important role in getting good yield and quality fruits. Although it is not as widely classified into varieties as some other crops, several improved selections and types are grown by farmers across different regions.
The most common types of ivy gourd are broadly divided into two main groups:
Green-fruited type
White-striped or variegated type
The green-fruited type is the most widely grown across India. These fruits are uniform green, smooth, tender, and preferred in most markets. They are used for curries, stir-fry, pickles, and traditional dishes. This type produces fruits throughout the year under warm conditions and gives high yields if properly managed.
The white-striped type, also known as variegated ivy gourd, has light-colored stripes on the fruit surface. These fruits are attractive and sometimes fetch good prices in local markets. They are slightly bigger in size compared to the plain green type and remain tender for longer. Many farmers grow this type for variety in appearance and better market acceptance.
Over the years, several improved selections and region-specific varieties have been developed by agricultural institutes and farmers. Some notable ones include:
1. CO-1 (Tamil Nadu)
This is a popular improved variety known for its high yield and uniform fruit size. The fruits are green, smooth, and suitable for long-distance transport. CO-1 is resistant to several pests and performs well under warm, humid conditions.
2. Konkan Bahar (Maharashtra)
A widely grown selection in the Konkan region, this variety is known for its vigorous growth, early fruiting, and long production period. Fruits are medium in size with good taste and cooking quality.
3. Tindora Green Selection (Gujarat & Rajasthan)
Farmers in western India grow local green selections that offer consistent yield and good adaptability to dry climates. These varieties tolerate heat and require less irrigation.
4. Malenadu Local (Karnataka)
This is a well-known local type grown in the hilly regions. It produces tender fruits with good flavor and is adapted to high-rainfall areas.
5. Kerala Local
Grown widely in Kerala, this type has a climbing growth habit, soft skin, and high-quality fruits suitable for daily cooking.
Apart from these, many farmers grow local landraces that have been passed down through generations. These local varieties are well adapted to regional climates, resist pests better, and maintain good taste.
Because ivy gourd is mainly vegetatively propagated, farmers often select the best-performing vines from their fields and multiply them. This practice naturally leads to many region-specific varieties that perform well locally.
In simple words, ivy gourd has two major types—green and white-striped—and several improved selections like CO-1, Konkan Bahar, and local regional varieties. By choosing vigorous, disease-free, and high-yielding varieties, farmers can get continuous harvest and better market returns from ivy gourd cultivation.
