Plant ' Moringa oleifera' the amazing agroforestry vegetable tree in kenya

Moringa oleifera also known as drumstick is grown in Kenya mainly for the local and export market. The trees are propagated by seeds as well as vegetatively through cuttings. The demand for these trees is increasing due to superior nutritional/ medicinal value and adaptability to harsh climates. The young pods contain protein, calcium, iron and vitamin C. Moringa oleifera leaves contain high amounts of Calcium, iron, vitamin A and C. Young leaves and the tender pods are prepared by cooking or pickling and eaten as vegetables. Young seeds are used as peas while mature seeds are eaten roasted like nuts. The pod is ground into powder natural water purifier.

These trees require warm to hot climates with temperature of 25-35ºC and well drained soils. Moringa oleifera resists drought for several months after establishment and is well adapted to low altitudes up to 100M. The root sprouts from the trees stumps are also used as propagation materials. Cuttings of about 1 metre are sown in previously prepared holes measuring 1× 1×1M at the onset of the rains. Cow dung paste is applied on top of the cuttings to prevent drying. Seeds for planting can be collected from well developed pods. The seeds are soaked in cow dung water mixture for one day to stimulate germination process and sown in a nursery bed 10cm apart.

Regular watering is vital for growth. At 4-6 months when seedlings are 30cm high they are transplanted in previously prepared holes as above. Manures and fertilizers are applied and mixed with the soil at sowing time.15-20kg farm yard manure, 4kg ash, 1kg bone meal or tsp per hole is mixed with the top soil before planting.3 months after transplanting moringa oleifera is cut back to 15cm to induce lateral branching. In the first year the flowers are removed from the trees to enhance production of more flowers. Produce harvesting starts about 8 months after transplanting seedlings. Moringa oleifera should be harvested into clean well aerated containers such as plastic crates. Moringa oleifera trees products are then sorted graded and packed for the market.

Growing Avocado trees in Kenya (persea Americana)

Avocados fruits are grown for export and local market in Kenya. The plants are native to America but grows well in Kenya. Avocados are very nutritious with high protein and oil content. Climatic conditions requirements for growth of avocado fruits trees are altitudes of They perform well from 0-2100 m above sea level (asl). Varieties Tonnage and Simmonds  perform well in lowland with altitude  90 - 800 m. 'Hass' and 'Nabal varieties' are for 800-2100 m asl. 'Fuerte' and 'Puebla' do best at 1500-2100 m asl.  Well distributed annual rainfall of 1000-1200mm is required.The soils should be deep and free draining. Main varieties suitable for growing in Kenya  include:-   

Variety	Variety’s characteristics
Fuerte	Hybrid, Green, thin skinned pebbled fruits of very good flavor
Haas	Vigorously growing trees with black fruits. grows well in kenya
Nabal	Green fruits with good flavour.Bears in alternate years
Puebla	Dark green trees bearing round purple fruits. Used as rootstock

Avocado trees seedlings are grown in the nursery, from healthy egg sized seeds which are extracted from the fruits and planted in boxes, seedbed or 4kg containers. Grafting should be carried out when the seedlings reach pencil thickness. The wedge grafting method is the most successful. Grafting should be done when the root stock is still soft. The scion should be dormant at the time of grafting and should match the size of the rootstock. Wrap the grafting joint thoroughly to exclude water from the union. Planting of avocado trees is done at a spacing of 9m×9m.Dig planting holes 60cm ×60cm× 60cm separating top soil and subsoil. Mix the top soil with 20kg of well rotted manure, 120grams of double super phosphate fertilizer. Remove the seedling from the pot keeping the root and soil structure intact, and plant using the top soil mixture. The subsoil may be used to make a basin around the plant. Water and shade the avocado seedlings immediately after planting. Application of manure and fertilizer on growing avocado trees is done twice a year following soil analysis report, or the general guideline below:

Trees age	CAN	Double supers	Muriate of potash	manure
1-3  years	120 g	220 g	-------	15kg
4-5  years	220 g	450 g	-------	15kg
6-7  years	450 g	650 g	220gm	30kg
8-9  years	650 g	650 g	450gm	30kg
10-14years	900 g	1   kg	650gm	------
15 + years	1.3kg	1.2kg	650gm	------

Deficiencies in trace elements may occur in avocado fruits trees causing leaf discoloration. Leaf analysis can be done by agricultural laboratories for an accurate report.

Nutrient element	Deficiency symptoms	Control measures
Zink	Mottled leaves, light yellow patches between plant veins, abnormal Development of Growing shoots.	Application of 250g Zinc sulphate for each year of age up to 4.5kg along drip line
Manganese	--------------------	Spray manganese sulphate on Young plant leaves
Iron	Loss of green colour on tree leaves	Apply 360g iron chelate for Each year of age
Excess Chlorine	Avocado trees tip burns & plant root damages	Apply calcium, magnesium, Ammonium phosphate. Avoid chlorine fertilizers

Initial pruning of fruit trees can be done to give a good shape but latter pruning is limited to removal of of dead branches. It’s not easy to tell when fruits are ready for harvesting, and the recommendation is, pick a few fruits from the plant , keep at room temperature.Mature fruits  soften within ten days without shriveling. There are no major pests and diseases on growing avocado trees.For more information see http://www.journalofkenyanhorticulture.blogspot.com/2012/08/pruning-and-canopy-management-of.html

‘Moringa oleifera’ The wonder Agro-forestry vegetable tree in Kenya

                                       

Moringa agroforestry is increasingly being adopted by farmers in Kenya particularly in Mombasa, Kilifi, Baringo and Laikipia. This is an excellent food security solution as moringa is in full leaf by the end of dry seasons.The  plant   is easily propagated and recommended for homesteads for its food value. The leaves are nutritious vegetables, Flowers are a delicacy, eaten cooked and taste like mushrooms.Immature green pods are used like French beans and are quite popular. Mature ponds are eaten like peas or roasted like nuts. The seeds produce clear, odorless edible oil that resists rancidity. The seedcake that remains after oil extraction is used as a fertilizer or water purifier.  The roots are used as a condiment seasoning. Moringa agroforestry tree is becoming the most sought after vegetable tree due to its numerous medicinal and nutritional benefits.

Moringa oleifera originated from India and spread to the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Moringa oleifera agroforestry trees are very easy to grow, and they are propagated from seeds or cuttings. They grow very fast in a wide range of soils;They perform well even in poor soils, arid and semi-arid harsh climates. Flowering occurs only 8 months after planting.

In Kenya Moringa agroforestry tree products are sold by dealers in tropical medicine, including Jomo Kenyatta University of agriculture and technology. The products are scarce and in high demand. Therefore Moringa nurseries and farm forestry are excellent business opportunities in Kenya and other African countries. Moringa agroforestry tree nursery establishment is simple. Follow the directions below for Moringa propagation:-

• Make a soil mixture with 1:3 ratio of soil to sand.
• Fill poly tubes with the soil sand mixture.
• Plant 2-3 seeds per poly tube at a planting depth of about 2.5 cm.
• Water regularly but avoid excess moisture.
• Germination will take about 14 days.
• Thin to leave one vigorously growing seedling in every tube.
• Continue watering regularly to ensure enough moisture to facilitate growth.
• Seedlings will take 4-6 months in the nursery.
• Transplant or sell after 4-6 months when seedlings are 60-90 cm in height.

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