Tuta absoluta the new pest of tomatoes in Kenya

Tomatoes are the fourth most important horticultural crop in Kenya contributing Sh14 billion to the country’s economy annually.  The crop is seriously threatened by tuta absoluta the new pest of tomatoes in Kenya which destroys 50 to 100 % of the crop. The problems origin is said to be Ethiopia but the spread has been detected in parts of Meru, Kirinyaga, Kabete as well as Loitoktok. 

While addressing press in Sawela Lodge, Naivasha, Cabinet secretary for Agriculture Felix Koskei said that the Ministry for Agriculture, Kari and universities are collaborating to research on the problem in order to stop its spread. In 2004, tuta absoluta the new pest of tomatoes was added to the Mediterranean plant protection organization action list of pest recommended for regulation. As control measures, infested plants should be removed and residues disposed well in order to arrest the spread. 

The larval stages feeds on all tender plant parts including green and ripe tomato fruits’ irregular mines and galleries which can easily be seen on the plant characterize the presence of the monster. Tuta absoluta the new pest of tomatoes in Kenya can be controlled through field hygiene, crop rotation, effective weed control especially datura, solunum and nicotiana. Chemical control is by the use of pyrethroids for 30 consecutive days rotating insecticides for effective control.

Earn Ksh 592,000 per acre from broccoli growing in Kenya

14800plants per acre yielding heads weighing 1kg each, sold at 40/= per kg. Cost of production is about Ksh 148, 580 per acre. Gross income: 14800×40=Ksh 592,000.Net income: 592,000-148,580= ksh 443,420.Broccoli growing in Kenya is gaining momentum as more people discover the high nutritional value of the vegetable. The vegetable belong to cabbage family and management practices are similar. 

The crop is started in the nursery which is shaded and regularly watered. The seedlings should be transplanted when they have at least 4 true leaves. During field establishment, seedlings are spaced at 60cm between rows and 45 cm from plant to plant. At planting, up to 40 tons per hectare of manure is applied. 40grams of double superphosphate fertilizer is applied per plant and later top dressed with CAN at a rate of 20g per plant when plants are 20 cm high. 

Broccoli growing in Kenya requires a second top dressing with CAN fertilizer three weeks after the 1^st topdressing at a rate of 40 grams per plant. Keep the field free of weeds until the crop covers the ground. Major pests include diamond back moth, cabbage sawfly, cabbage aphids, cutworms etc. When growing broccoli in Kenya, serious diseases which should be controlled include black rot, ring spot, downy mildew.

Downy mildew is a severe problem in broccoli growing in Kenyan high altitudes. Crop rotation, use of certified seeds in addition to nursery and field hygiene are the major control measures against diseases while growing broccoli in Kenya. Maturity takes 80-90 days from germination. The crop should be harvested in clean containers.

Multi-storey Vegetable Garden technology in Kenya

Multi-storey vegetable garden technology in Kenya is a low input low labor farming activity. This involves establishing a garden container such as a large polythene sheeting or cereal bag. The practice is suitable in areas where land and labor are limited particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. The garden can be placed strategically on verandahs, flower beds or at the balcony of storey building.
Requirements: Multi-storey vegetable garden technology in Kenya

1.      Plot area 2ft x 2ft

2.      4 poles 2M long each

3.      1½ M black polythene gauge 1000

4.      4 litre empty hollow tin ( gallon)

5.      7 wheelbarrows manure

6.      7 wheel barrows top soil

7.      1 wheel barrow ballast

Procedure for Multi-storey vegetable garden technology in Kenya

1.      Measure an area 2ft x 2ft square and dig one foot deep if the garden is to be established on the ground.

2.      Place the hollow tin at the centre of the area.

3.      Secure 4 poles at the corners of the square area. Insert the polythene tube around the four poles.

4.      Fill the hollow tin with ballast and cover the tin.

5.      Mix manure and top soil thoroughly and then put the mixture between the hollow tin and the polythene paper.

6.      Gradually fill in the soil/ manure mixture avoiding interfering with the tin. Water the soil moderately.

7.      Lift up the tin without moving from centre position and refill with ballast.

8.      Repeat filling in topsoil/ manure mixture, watering of the soil moderately, lifting up the tin and refilling with ballast until the polythene tube is full. Leave it overnight to set

9.      Make holes spaced at ½ ft by ½ft diagonally –About 9 rows each with 16 holes will be made. Scoop the soil at the holes and plant the seedling, firming the soil around each plant. Water  at least twice a week.

NB: Multi-storey vegetable garden technology in Kenya uses any other bag for example 90kg, 50kg may be used in which case amount of the soil manure and ballast reduces. Benefits use of Multi-storey vegetable garden technology in Kenya.
Multi-storey vegetable garden technology in Kenya is a low input activity
Enables fresh vegetable supply throughout the year.
Contributes to dietary diversification.
Inexpensive to establish and can be a source of income.
Multi-storey vegetable garden technology in Kenya requires little water

Growing cabbages in Kenya for wealth and employment creation (Brassica oleraceae)

Cabbage is one of the most popular vegetables grown for cooking and use in salads in Kenya. The plant’s scientific name is Brassica oleraceae and it’s propagated from seed. The seed is widely available in seed stores across Kenya. This vegetable is grown under rain fed or  irrigated conditions. Cabbage is mainly used for cooking, in vegetable salad and as plant matter for livestock feed.The major market outlet is the local fresh market in rural and urban areas. 

Optimum temperature for cabbage growing are 16-20ºC. At temperatures above 25ºC head formation is reduced. The vegetable has high water requirement during growth period with 500mm rainfall considered optimal. Cabbage can grow in altitude ranging from 800 to over 2,000 metres. Soils should be well drained, high in organic matter, with high water holding capacity with optimum ph of 6-6.5.Cabbage varieties grown depend on market requirements and taste. Sugar loaf, Gloria F1 hybrid and Copenhagen market are considered as sweet tasting varieties. Classification according to the market:-

1. Processing: Large heads, firm white varieties like drumheads
2. Urban centres: medium to small heads e.g.  Copenhagen market, golden acre, Sugar loaf and Gloria F1 hybrid.
3. Rural areas: Normally plant medium to large heads e.g. drumheads, Copenhagen market, sugarloaf, golden acre, Gloria F1 hybrid. 
4. Kitchen gardens: Grow varieties with long harvest period e.g. sugar loaf and Copenhagen market. 

There are many cabbage varieties in Kenya but the most popular are Gloria F1 hybrid, Copenhagenmarket and golden acre. The growing of these vegetables should be started by raising seedlings on nursery beds. Plant seeds in raised or sunken beds for wet and hot areas respectively. The dimensions should be 1 meter wide and any desired length. Soil should be well prepared to a fine tilth before planting , then seeds drilled into the nursery bed as cabbage seeds are small.The seed rate is 300gm/ha. Healthy vigorous seedlings should be transplanted when they are 10-12cm high, about 4-6 weeks old. Soils low in organic matter requires 20 tons/ha of manure or 1-2 handfuls of manure per planting hole should be applied. D.A.P fertilizer is recommended @ 200kg/ha at planting. In acidic soils dolomitic limestone should be applied @ 500-1000kg/ha.In acid soils D.A.P fertilizer should be avoided and instead triple superphosphate, double superphosphate or compound N.P.K fertilizer should be used.

The plant should be topdressed with a nitrogen fertilizer at a rate of 100kg/ha when seedlings are established and a second topdressing at a rate of 200kg/ha when the leaves start folding. Have the soil tested for nutrient status where possible before planting. The field should be kept free of weeds during the vegetable’s growing season and mulching conserves moisture. Harvesting starts 1.5-4months after transplanting and lasts 4-6 weeks. The vegetable is ready when heads are firm.3-4 wrapper leaves should be left to cover the head and keep it fresh. Avoid bruising the head as it encourages rotting. 

Depending on variety, soil nutrient status, water availability and environmental conditions the vegetable yields range from 40-100tons/ha.Grade and pack cabbage vegetable heads in crates, arrange with stem end facing the outer wall of the crates for transportation. This will avoid bruising the vegetables head. Cabbage heads can store for sometime at 0ºC and 95% relative humidity. Varieties with good storability grow hard compact heads e.g. Copenhagenmarket cabbage variety. 

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