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.

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Hydroponics fodder technology innovation arrives in Kenya

Kenyan livestock farmers are growing fodder in 8 days using an innovation called hydroponics fodder technology. Kenyan livestock farmers can now grow high quality animal feeds for maximization of livestock yields. These sounds too good to be true yet it’s tested and proven. The high yielding hydroponics fodder technology innovation is fast spreading in the country, offering Kenyan livestock farmers round supply of nutritious green fodder. Hydroponics fodder technology has a cycle of eight days producing up to 50 kgs of the fodder in a 20 by 10 feet space, enough to feed 20 mature cows or 120 goats all year round. Christened by Kenyan livestock farmers as hydroponics fodder technology, due to its ability to grow fodder and other crops without the soil, it has been embraced by Kenyan livestock farmers as a solution to land scarcity, as a factor of agriculture production is continually becoming limited in the face of population pressure and skyrocketing cost of commercial feeds. 

The innovation has been in existence for the last 50 years globally. Kenyan livestock farmers are just piloting the innovation with majority of about 2 million livestock farmers in Kenya yet to try it.  Hydroponics fodder technology innovation application involves germination of seeds in nutrient rich growth media solutions instead of soil, producing nutritious grass/ root combination. Hydroponics fodder technology versus ordinary cattle feed pasture production requires minimal space and the resulting pasture has is more nutritious. A greenhouse with trays stacked on is required for this innovation. Hydroponics fodder is grown under controlled environment in a six to 10 day cycle. Barley is the most preferred by the innovation due to its superior performance. Grains develop roots and green shoots to form a dense mat. Carbon dioxide addition cuts the growing time to four days and increases production by upto 25 percent.

144M² greenhouse can hold about 1800 trays and produce an average of 1200kg per day using only 800 to 1000 litres of water. This amount of fodder can be used to supplement 100 heads of cattle or 500 heads of sheep or goats per day.

Kenyan livestock farmers have found the following advantages in hydroponics fodder technology innovation:-

Hydroponics fodder technology innovation has ability to save water as its biggest advantage. It requires about two litres of water to produce one kilo of fodder compared to 80 to 90 litres required to produce one kilo of green grass. Hydroponics fodder technology also saves Kenyan livestock farmers the agony of expensive fodder storage facilities because the innovation guarantees a constant supply of high quality fodder.

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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

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

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Plant pest/disease control and management in organic farming

The overall objective of the natural agriculture system is to provide long-term benefits to the people and their environment.

1. Biological disease control: naturally derived fungicides used in organic farming includes

a)      Bacteria Bacillus Subtilis-these are naturally occurring bacteria which was isolated from the soil and is applied either as a foliar plant feed, seed treatment, or directly to the soil.

      How it works to control the pathogens

·        Colonies of B. subtillis takes up space on the roots leaving less area for occupation by disease pathogens.

·        Feeds on plant exudates which also serve as food for disease pathogens, depriving of their major food source, inhibiting their ability to thrive and reproduce.

·        Combats pathogenic fungi through the production of a chemical that inhibits the growth of harmful organisms. 

2. Manufactured Fungicides: Fungicides allowed for use in organic farming include Bordeaux mixture, copper hydroxide and sodium bicarbonate for control of fungi.
3. Some naturally derived pesticides are not allowed in organic farming and this includes nicotine, sulfate, arsenic and strychnine.
4. Compost tea contains a mix of beneficial microbes which may attack or out do certain plant pathogens, but variability among formulation and preparation methods may contribute to inconsistent results or even dangerous growth of toxic microbes in compost teas.
5. Soil-less growth media like peat moss which is sterilized beforehand is used to control the plant disease organisms in organic farming.More information The East African

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Pests’ management strategies under organic farming

These management strategies consist of methods for prevention of attacks by insects, mites and vertebrates like birds, from reaching damaging levels in organically grown crops.

1.      Crop rotation: Prevents build up of harmful insects and diseases by providing different plant hosts. It also helps a variety of natural predators to survive which helps in pests’ control.

2.      Nutrient management: Good nutrient management enables plants to grow vigorously and resist pest attack

3.      sanitation: Good sanitation removes pests habitats such as crop debris

4.      Beneficial organisms: Provision of habitats for beneficial organisms. This can be done by reducing the use of pesticides that kills the beneficial insects.

5.      selection of resistant varieties which have inbuilt prevention or tolerance of attack

6.      Crop protection using physical barriers such as row covers

7.      Crop diversification through companion planting or establishment of poly-cultures .An example is planting main crop with garlic or onions as they are repellants due to their strong smell.

8.      Biological pests’ control: This involves the use of beneficial organisms to reduce plant pests’ population in organic farming. Examples of beneficial insects includes lady birds, praying mantis, lace wings, pirate bugs, parasitic wasps and predatory mites which are effective for controlling other mites.

9.      Use of naturally occurring pesticides. NB: Synthetic substances are prohibited in organic farming. Pesticides with different mode of action should be rotated to minimize development of pesticides resistance. Naturally derived pesticides allowed for use on organic farming includes:-

·        Bacillus thuringiensis( a bacterial toxin)

·        Pyrethrum(chrysanthemum extract)

·        Spinosad (a bacterial metabolite)

·        Neem ( a tree extract)

·        Rotenone ( a legume root extract)

Synthetic pesticides allowed for use in organic farming includes insect pests control soaps, horticultural oils for insect management depending where the plant is are exported. European Union, America and Asia have different standards. Read

http://www.organicfarmermagazine.org/biopesticides-safe-for-eu-imports/

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Plant nutrition guidelines

A healthy plant is essential to sustain productivity. Plant health is dependent on the nutritional status of the soil. A constant supply of water is required to move nutrients and support growth. Nutrition should be closely monitored  with regular soil and leaf analysis. Key steps in plant nutrition and irrigation include regular soil sampling, correct fertilizer use and timely irrigation practices. Sampling requires the use of a trowel and putting the soil in a plastic bag. Pick the soil from different points in the farm using a W or Zigzag pattern. Sample at the right time i.e. not immediately after fertilizer and manure application, or when the ground is too dry or too wet.

Sample at the right depth and submit the soil sample for analysis immediately. The results will indicate the required nutrition interventions on your farm. The required crop nutrients are classified into macro and micronutrients meaning required in large and small quantities respectively. The macronutrients required by crops are:-

·        Phosphorus(P) is required at sowing or transplanting

·        Nitrogen(N)is required for growth and development

·        Potassium(K) is essential for flowering and fruiting

Micronutrients required by crop include zinc, iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium.

All these elements can be supplied from a combination of manure or manure and inorganic fertilizer. Add manure or compost to your farm regularly for good crop nutrition.

Composted material that combines plant and animal waste is better as it provides more nutrients to the crop. To make compost, collect vegetable and animal waste or manure and arrange in layers, alternating chopped woody material and fresh material and keep the material moist. Turn the layers regularly in order to aerate the compost heap and achieve even composting forcomposition takes some weeks and can be quickened by adding microorganisms such as EM and or trichoderma. Compost can be improved by use of earthworms which is called vermicomposting.inorganic fertilizers supplement Compost and manures.Improper use of fertilizers will lead to nutrient deficiency or toxicity causing reduction of yields and environmental pollution. Remember Plant nutrients supply and health is dependent on the nutritional status of the soil.(read  plant extracts special TOF Nr. 17 September 2006).

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Plants nutrients management in organic agriculture

Climbing beans

An organic agriculture practitioner needs to manage the soil well in order to grow a healthy crop.This involves management of soil life, nutrients, and structure. Plants need nitrogen phosphorus and potassium for good growth. Plants also need micronutrients and symbiotic relationship with fungi and other organisms. To manage the fertility in organic agriculture the following techniques are allowed.

1. Use of compost manure: Compost manure making involves use of organic residues which have been rotted by the action of bacteria and other organisms over a period of time. Benefits of using compost manure in agriculture includes:-
• Improvement of the soil structure allowing aeration, good drainage and reduced erosion
• Improvement of soil fertility by adding nutrients and making it easier for plants to take the up nutrients increasing agriculture productivity.
• Improvement of the soil ability to hold water helping in water retention in the times of drought.
• Reduction pests and diseases

2. Crop rotation: This agriculture practice alternates building soil fertility level and growing crops which utilize the nutrients. In addition it prevents build up of pests and diseases by providing different plants hosts, helping a variety of natural predators to survive which controls the pests.
3. Use of green manure: Legumes which fix nitrogen from the atmosphere through symbiotic relationship with rhizobial bacteria are dug into the ground before they flower.
4. Intercropping: wider spacing between the organic crops may be required to avoid competition with the legume.
5. Crop residues can be ploughed back into the ground. Different organic plants yield different amounts of nitrogen.
6. use of well decomposed animal manure applied in moderation at the right time is allowed
7. Use of certain allowed processed fertilizers to provide nutrients such as seed meal and rock phosphate. Greensand which is a naturally occurring form of potash provides potassium to plants, can also be used in organic agriculture system for soil fertility improvement.For more information read http://www.organicfarmermagazine.org/ 

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Certification process for organic farming in Kenya

It is a must for all producers and processors of organic products for export to register their enterprises, with an accredited and certified body by European commission. Inspection is first and foremost carried out by the certified body before registration. The farms/firms must undergo this exercise in order to be awarded an organic certificate. The farm applies for inspection by filling a form from the European Union accredited body. The accreditation body then sends an inspector who carries out the exercise taking into account the following:-

1.      The surrounding of the farm .For example if the location is near a quarry or a factory, this can cause rejection due to dust and fumes emitted which cause contamination of the produce.

2.      Inside the farm the inspector checks

v     The Soil: The soil is checked for heavy metals like lead, mercury etc.

v     Source of water: The water must be fresh and of good quality, from a well, river, rain etc. The water is tested for heavy metals, macrobiotic matter, pesticides, etc.

3.      The inspector interviews the owner, manager or the workers who are expected to be aware of the organic laws. The owner should not own another enterprise producing a similar crop under conventional agriculture.

4.      Seed and seed treatments must be organic and if unavailable conventional seeds can be used. The seed must however not be GMO or chemically treated.

5.      Seedlings if grown under organic conditions are allowed to be used in production.

6.      Fertilizer and plant protection scheme. The following are recommended to be in use

v     Inputs from organic production

v     Natural or naturally derived substances

v     Low solubility mineral fertilizers

7.      Documentation system: Good record keeping is a requirement for certification

8.      Map of the farm: There must be a map indicating the location in case the inspector wants to visit the enterprise without notice.

9.      The storage facility: In case the storage is away from the farm, the facility should also be inspected

10.  Packaging and labeling of the produce: the containers must be well sealed to avoid contamination.

If the inspector is satisfied with all the above conditions, he/she presents the findings to the registration committee for approval. If the committee approves the enterprise, the owner is issued with an international number and later organic farming certificate is issued. The certificate is thereafter required to be renewed annually.For more information read http://www.organicfarmermagazine.org/ 

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Organic farming system in Kenya

This is an agriculture system which excludes or strictly limits the use of manufactured fertilizers, pesticides, plant growth regulators such as hormones, livestock antibiotics and food additives. Genetically modified organisms or GMOs and their products are prohibited in organic farming.
The seed therefore must  not be GMOs or chemically treated.Organic agriculture therefore is a farming system which involves using a variety of techniques to achieve good plant and animal yields without harming the natural environment or the people who live and work in it. The natural farming system does not mean going back to traditional methods .Organic agriculture takes the best traditional methods and combines with modern scientific knowledge. The farmers’ use all the available knowledge, techniques and materials to work with nature. Therefore the farmer creates a healthy balance between nature and farming, where crops and animals can grow and thrive.  Kenya exports most of its crop to Europe and therefore the EUREGAP or good agricultural practices are supposed to be adhered to. The following are some of the regulations that should be observed in organic agriculture, in order to acquire European Union certification.

The following rules and regulations shall apply to organic plant farming in accordance with law EC 834/2007 of the European Commission.

a)      Organic plant farming shall use tillage and cultivation practices that maintain or increase soil natural matter, enhance soil stability and biodiversity, prevents soil compaction and soil erosion.

b)     The fertility and biological activity of the soil shall be maintained and increased by multi-annual crop rotation which includes legumes and other green manure crops and by application of livestock manures or organic material both preferably composted from natural materials.

c)     The use of biodynamic preparations is allowed.

d)     Fertilizers and soil conditioners may only be used if they have been authorized for use in this system of farming

e)     Mineral nitrogen fertilizers shall not be used.

f)      All plant growing techniques used shall prevent or minimize any contribution to the contamination of the environment.

g)     The prevention of damage caused by pests, diseases and weeds shall rely primarily on protection by natural enemies, choice of species and varieties, crop rotation, cultivation techniques and thermal processes.

h)     In case of an established threat to a crop, plant protection products may only be used if they have been authorized for use this system of farming under article 16

i)     For the production of products other than seed and vegetative propagation material, only organically produced seed and propagating material shall be used. to this end the mother plant in case of seed and the parent plant in case of vegetative propagation material shall have been produced in accordance with The rules laid down in this regulation for at least one plant generation, or two growing seasons in case of  perennial crops.
j)   Products for cleaning and disinfection in plant production shall only be used if they have been authorized for use in organic farming.
 For more information read http://www.organicfarmermagazine.org/ 

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Youth in Agriculture Motivation and Government Policy

Involvement of youth in agriculture is not only a good idea but crucial for agricultural economies sustainability. Most African economies heavily depend on farming to earn foreign exchange, for employment of 70% of the population, to provide raw materials for agro-industries and for food security among the citizens. Therefore youth in agriculture campaign is necessary for succession and sustainability of the industry. It goes without saying that absence of young people in agricultural activities points to a future economic disaster for Africa and most developing countries ,confirming an African proverb which says that, ‘‘a herd without calves is headed for extinction’’. The future of the farming industry is in the hands of the young people. It is vital that young people are involved in the industry early in life.

But in reality, traditionally and economically little is done to seriously involve youth in agriculture, until later in life when most likely they have developed other priorities. In this case farming becomes a supplementary activity without its due importance. According to the African tradition inherited land is not released to the young people for farming until later in life when they get married, yet land is a principal factor of production in farming. This practice is mainly responsible for propagation of traditional subsistence farming which lacks  vision and innovation leading to low returns. Governments’ policies to encourage ownership of land by the young people should be  formulated urgently. This will enable the industry to absorb young people at the height of their talent, energy, optimism and innovativeness. Involvement of young people in farming should employ a multi-sector approach for success.

 
This can be achieved through integration of youth in agriculture policy with education policy, young people employment policy and the policies of all relevant government sectors. Agricultural extension services should also be modernized to embrace information and communication technologies. The traditional extension methodologies like field days are no longer effective for reaching the youth in agriculture. Use of information and communication technology will modernize and change the face of farming, improve farm income and improve food security to the communities. The information and communication technology should be used to deliver extension services, provide accurate market information and to link the youth in agriculture with consumers of their farm produce. This will give youth in agriculture comparative advantage and a superior position in the market place.

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Fresh mushrooms preservation technology

Food availability at all times is an important step towards ensuring food security for sustainable development and climate change adaptation. Fresh mushrooms undergo chemical and physical changes when stored.The changes affect appearance, flavour and ordour due to enzymatic activities, oxidation and bacterial spoilage leading to post harvest food loses. Generally refrigeration preservation technology reasonably increases shelf life; however, the produce is very susceptible to chilling injury. Freezing causes irreversible damage to the tissues. Processing technology is an important option for preservation of fresh mushrooms. Sun drying preservation technology is a commonly used technology  in preservation of fresh mushrooms. 

Fresh straw mushrooms are cut longitudinally before drying.Another alternative is hot air drying  in an oven which can  be done at 40ºC then gradually increasing the temperature to 45ºC.Drying at 45ºC takes a period of 8 hours resulting to a product 10% of the original weight.Shiitake variety is usually sun dried gradually or in special driers with adjustable heat starting from 30ºC increasing gradually by 1-2ºC every hour, then 12 hours at 50ºC and 60ºC for 0ne hour to increase the luster of the cap.Canning is still considered the best technology for fresh mushrooms preservation. The procedure starts by sorting, trimming, washing of fresh produce, followed by blanching in boiling water for two minutes. Branched produce is then filled in cans and 2% brine solution added. The entrapped air is removed and the cans sealed. They are then sterilized or pasteurized for 30-60 minutes under pressure at 121ºC-130ºC, or one hour in boiling water. The cans are then cooled rapidly.

Pickling is yet another mushrooms preservation technology which involves sorting, washing, and blanching for 5 minutes in boiling water, then placing in cold water to cool.They are then transferred to a jar or wide mouthed bottle and brine, a little vinegar, vitamin C or citric acid added to give the product an appealing look. The jar is then closed loosely and steamed for one hour, and then the lid is tightened after cooling the contents. Last but not least, paste making preservation technology involves soaking fresh mushrooms in 40-50% brine solution for 10-15 days. The contents are then blended until there is liquid paste. The resulting paste is put in a cheese cloth to drain excess liquid, and then the paste is put in a wide mouthed bottle. Steam for one hour and the delicacy is ready to eat.

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Hydroponics, Aquaponics & Aeroponics farming technologies

Kenya’s forest cover has progressively reduced from 10% at independence in 1963 to less than 3% presently. This situation is a result of massive deforestation, particularly for farming without replacing the plants. This has had a huge negative effect on the water towers and subsequently food security. Africa and the entire world are just waking up to the reality of the impacts of climate change. This means there is urgent need to adapt our agriculture practices to climate change, by departing from traditional methods of farming. Hydroponics, Aquaponics and Aeroponics are innovations whose time has come, and they are invaluable for global poverty and hunger alleviation. 

These modern farming systems are advantageous in that they conserve water and minimize use of pesticides on plants. They are also environment friendly and inclined to organic farming and the resulting produce is low in agrochemicals residue, healthy to consume and fetches better prices in the market. These systems are vital for addressing most of the current global challenges of the agriculture industry

The word hydroponics is derived from two Greek words hydro and ponos which means labour. Rather than growing plants in the soil media, hydroponics involves growing plants in a nutrient-rich solution. In hydroponics the growing medium is a pH adjusted water solution. The plants nutrients dissolved in the water and are absorbed easily by the plants. According to proven research findings, plants roots absorb nutrients easier when dissolved in water than when in the soil. In some cases inert media are used to hold the roots e.g. sand, gravel, perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, coir, coconut husks, sawdust and peatmos .Hydroponics method of farming is economical in that it requires reduced water, reduced fertilizer and pesticides leading to consumer friendly produce with minimal chemical residue levels, which commands better market prices.

Furthermore hydroponics requires minimal space and can be easily practiced in urban areas. Hydroponics system therefore addresses food security by providing  affordable, locally-grown vegetables. For small holders with limited land, the modern system is ideal. Hydroponics system is not only low cost and easy to use, but can be optimized for high yields using minimal resources. Furthermore pests and diseases are easy to control without the use of pesticides, crops are easier to harvest, there’s no nutrients leaching, and the water can be reused.

quaponics is similar to hydroponics the difference being growing of plants is combined with fish farming. The fish’s waste provides rich organic manure to the plants which in turn provides oxygen for the fish, a typical symbiotic relationship. In ancient China and Thailand, the Aztecs are known to have practiced aquaponics farming system whereby rice farming was done alongside fish farming. 

Last but not least aeroponics is growing of plants in the air in which case the roots are suspended in a closed space and sprayed with a nutrient rich solution and then left to grow in no medium.  It saves a lot of water in addition to easy control of pests and diseases. This leads to healthy organic produce.For more information read the following links 

1. http://yagrein.blogspot.com/2013/01/green-house-farming-technology.html
2. Hydroponics and Plant Nutrients
3. Shirley Cox

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