14 Unique Features of Round Gourd(Tinda) that make it suitable for Plant Breeding

      Round Gourd (Tinda) Unique Features 

An important vegetable commonly known as round melon, Indian squash, Indian baby pumpkin or apple squash is grown for its immature fruit. It is the only member of genus Praecitrullus. The most common and popular name of the vegetable in both Pakistan and India is Tinda. There are following features which support breeding:

1. A short duration crop with great diversity in phenotype traits. 
2. Monoetious plants that support cross pollination as compared to self pollination.
3. Identification of male and female flower is easier as compared to any other crop.
4. Emasculation is not required for the crop because male and female flowers are separate.
5. Male flower removal promote female flower similarly female flower removal promote male flower.
6. Germination percentage is approximately 100 percent in Tinda.
7. Crossing percentage is also very high as compared to major crops like wheat and cotton.
8. Seed setting is elevated and can store for many years with better viability.
9. Crop gives seeds within 90-100 days from sowing therefore under controlled condition you can achieve 4 crops in a year.
10. Insect pest problem is not so high as compared to other major crops.
11. Pathological problems which includes fungal and bacterial infestation is little bit problematic that could be controlled with frequent fungicides and bactericide sprays. 
12. Less space is require for breeding procedure as compared to other crops.
13. Foliar spray gives better result of fertilizer application as compared to fertigation.
14. Genetic diversity is never exploited up till know.

Referral Links:

1.  https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15427528.2017.1370626?scroll=top&needAccess=true&journalCode=wcim20
2. https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/tinda-indian-round-gourd-health-benefits-nutrition-uses-for-skin-hair-weight-loss-and-recipes
3. https://food.ndtv.com/ingredient/round-gourd-701159
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinda

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10 Important Medicinal Plants and their Uses

                                     Medicinal Plants

        Medicinal plants have secondary metabolites, recognized as a medical uses. These have various compunds like alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, glycosides, and coumarins. There are following plants have great importance in medical field:

1. Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi) is a great blood purifier and play role against malaria and dengue fever. It also save us from cold and flu.
2. Azadirachta indica (Neem) is an important medicine for diabetes patients to lower the insulin consumption and also decrease the allergic reactions.
3. Aloe barbadensis miller (Aloe vera) is historically used for healing and treating the skin after burning and radiation induced reactions.
4. Curcuma Longa (Termeric) is a great blessing that reduce the chances of breast cancer in women and also helpful against the alzheimer's disease.
5. Zengiber officinale (Ginger) is used to treat nausea, lower blood sugar level and reduce the risk of heart attack.
6. Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) is a blessing to prevent us from aging, respiratory infections, skin disorders and antioxidant properties.
7. Lavendula (Levender) consist of 47 known species have many medical uses which include treating of anxiety, healing of insect bites, insomnia and depression.
8. Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) is also used to treat anxiety, depression, alzheimer's disease and allergic conditions.
9. Aegle marmelos (Bael) is an effective medicine against inflammation, constipation, diabetes, and lowering the blood cholesterol level.
10. Mentha*piperita (Pippermint) is used in stomach relief, skin freshness and lowering body weight with removal of extra fats.