3G Cutting in Cucurbits
Cucurbits includes Cucumber, Sponge gourd, Bottle gourd, Bitter gourd, Snake gourd, Pumpkin, Ridge gourd and many more. There is increasing problem of low fruit set and if fruit sets; very small sized fruits are developed and are deteriorated in mother plant in cucurbits. This is the major problem faced by Farmers in present time. This problem arises due to rapid decrease in benifical insects and other pollinators as a result of hapazard use of chemical pesticides.

What is 3G Cutting?
3G simple refers to 3rd (Third) generation in any Crops. 3G cutting is a technique of promoting the growth of 3rd generation (Tertiary) branches by excluding 1st and 2nd generations. After seed germination, only one main branch continues to grow which is referred as 1st generation branch. The main branch gives another branch which is referred as 2nd generation branch. Further when 2nd generation branch gives rise to another branch it is referred as 3rd generation branch.
It is found that 1st and 2nd generation branches comprises much more number of male flowers rather than female flowers (14:1) in them. This creates false illusion of heavy flowering in farmers but results in very low fruit set. 3rd generation branch flushes with greater no of female flower in comparision to 1st and 2nd generation branches. So, with high number of female flowers and proper pollination, high fruit set per branch is seen per plant. This helps farmers to obtain higher yield/production per branch or plant. Therefore, the main focus should be kept on keeping 3rd generation branch.

Procedure of 3G cutting:
3G cutting is one of the most important inter-cultural operation that needs to be followed for gaining higher yield in Cucurbits cultivation. Following steps should be taken while performing 3G cutting:
• The main branch growing from the sown seed should be allowed to grow with proper maintenance and care.
• The tip portion of the main branch should be cut off about 4-5 inches when the branch reaches height of 7-8 ft (gourds) or 5-6 ft (cucumber and pumpkin) .
• The removal of apical portion promotes the growth of secondary branch.
• When the secondary branch reaches the height of 2-3 ft, its tip portion should also be removed as previous one. This promotes the growth of tertiary or 3rd generation branch.
• Now the 3rd generation branch should be allowed to grow with proper fertilization of nutrients and care.