Luffa Breeding

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

All About Luffa
Cultivar and Germplasm Releases
- Germplasm Releases
  - To obtain germplasm releases, fill out the germplasm release form, return to copies to:
    - Mr. Billy Houghteling
    - Office of Technology Transfer
    - 920 Main Campus Drive, Venture II Building, Suite 400
    - North Carolina State University
    - Raleigh, NC 27606
  - For faster response, mail the 2 copies as above, and also fax a set to Mr. Billy Houghteling at 919-515-3773
- Luffa Cultivar List
- Seed Companies
  - Seed Companies - Luffa
Extension Publications
Images from Research Program
Research areas
- Germplasm Exploration and Evaluation
- Germplasm evaluation
  - Hormones vs sex expression
  - Sponge yield and quality
- Seed production methods
  - Seed germination treatments
- Sponge quality
  - Sponges from green fruits
  - Stain removal from sponges
Publications (by subject)