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Chayote / Squash

इस्कुस (Iskus)
📖 Sechium edule L.
Verified Agricultural Data (NARC) Vegetables 📅 Falgun (फागुन) – Kartik (कार्तिक) 🌡️ 14–26°C ⚗️ pH 6.0–6.8 ⏱️ 120-150 days
Growing Season & Schedule
🌱
Recommended Growing Window: Falgun (फागुन) – Kartik (कार्तिक)

Iskus is a perennial vine planted from sprouted mature whole fruits during Magh to Falgun. Harvesting begins in 100 to 120 days (Shrawan through Mangsir) producing abundant fruits, tender shoots, and edible tuberous roots.

Description & Overview
Iconic perennial vigorous vine in Nepal mid-hills (1,000-2,200m). Produces bountiful fruits, tender young edible shoot tips (मुन्टा), and starchy tuberous roots.
Details & Agronomic Insights
🌟 Positive Attributes & Health Benefits

Very low in calories, high in water content, folate, manganese, and dietary fiber. Fruits and leafy shoots (dudhilo munta) provide anti-inflammatory and diuretic benefits.

⚠️ Precautions & Adverse Notes

Peeling raw chayote secretes a clear sap containing an anesthetic-like resin that can temporarily cause dry tingling skin on hands (peel under cold water or wear gloves).

🐛 Major Diseases & Pests

Fruit Fly, Powdery Mildew, Root Rot during waterlogged monsoon, and Aphids on tender shoots.

💊 Disease & Pest Solutions
  • Construct a high, strong bamboo scaffold (mandap) to keep vines airy and well aerated.
  • Ensure hill slopes have good drainage trenches to prevent root fungal rots.
  • Spray wood ash and neem oil on shoot tips against aphids.
🧪 Fertilizer & Nutrition Recommendations

Chayote is a heavy feeder. Apply 20-30 kg compost/FYM per pit each spring along with 100g Urea, 150g DAP, and 100g MOP per root crown.

Planting & Cultivation Guide
🌱 Planting Method Direct Seeding
📏 Seed Depth 2.0 cm
↔️ Seed Spacing 30.0 cm
📐 Row Spacing 60.0 cm
🪱 Soil Type Well-drained fertile loam
💧 Water Requirement High (800-1100 mm, moisture-loving)
☀️ Sunlight 6 hours partial/full sun
🧪 NPK Dose 100:60:40 NPK kg/ha
Climate & Altitude Requirements
⛰️ Altitude Range 100–2000 m
🗺️ Suitable Regions Terai, Mid-Hills
🌡️ Temperature Range 14–26°C
⚗️ Optimal pH 6.0–6.8
Harvest Information & Yield
⏱️ Maturity Days 120-150 days
📦 Expected Yield 15 - 25 t/ha
🔍 Harvest Indicators:

Harvest when crop reaches optimal market maturity and full color

Seasonal Calendar — रोप्ने पात्रो
Activity / कार्य Start Month (BS) End Month (BS) Region / क्षेत्र Gregorian Window
🌱 Sowing असोज (Ashwin) कार्तिक (Kartik) All Nepal September - November
🌾 Harvesting मंसिर (Mangsir) माघ (Magh) All Nepal November - January
Quick Reference
Verified
🌱 Method Direct Seeding
📅 Season Falgun (फागुन) – Kartik (कार्तिक)
⏱️ Matures 120-150 days
💧 Water High (800-1100 mm, moisture-loving)
☀️ Sunlight 6 hours partial/full sun
🪱 Soil Well-drained fertile loam
🗺️ Regions Terai, Mid-Hills
🌡️ Temp 14–26°C
⚗️ pH 6.0–6.8
📏 Depth 2.0 cm
📦 Yield 15 - 25 t/ha
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