Browsing by Author "Tabu, R."
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Item Management of Biotic Constrains to Tomato Production by Farmers in Bungoma County, Kenya(Journal of Horticulture, 2022-07-23) Odhiambo, H.; Orayo, M.; Wayua, F.; Mulwa, J.; Havi, S.; Kamau, E.; Ochieng, V.; Ndambuk, J.; Tabu, R.; Wasilwa, L.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationA baseline survey on pest and disease management by tomato farmers was conducted in seven farming communities of Chemsis, Chesikaki, Bukonoi, Namtoholo, Chemondi, Kabomi and Kang’anga’ in Mt. Elgon sub- county. A total of 93 farmers were selected using the stratified proportionate sampling method and interviewed through structured questionnaires. Data collected included demographic characteristics, tomato varieties, sources of tomato seed materials, major pests and diseases management practices, farm record keeping and communication information transfer. The cultivated tomato varieties were Elgon Kenya F1, Cal J, Safari F1, Stricker F1, Rionix, Kilele F1, Rio Grande (Simlaw), Rio Grande (Seed Co), Terminator, Money Maker, Roma F1, Shanti F1, Pamela F1(Agrotec), Ranger F1 and Safa F1. Adult farmers (36 to 81 years) dominated tomato farming at 59% while youths (18 to 35 years) represented 41% of the respondents, 96.7% sourced tomato seeds from agrovets, 2.2% recycled their own seeds and 1.1% borrowed seeds from fellow farmers. The use of synthetic agrochemicals in managing pests and diseases stood at 55.9% and 45.8% respectively. About 16.3%, 10.3%, 7.9%, 4.8% and 4.8% of respondents planted tolerant varieties, practiced crop rotation, rouging, use of botanicals and indigenous knowledge to control pests respectively. Rouging, use of tolerant varieties, scouting and crop rotation were reported by 12.5%, 15%, 1.7% and 12.8% of respondents, respectively. However, 8.7% of respondents were not controlling pests and diseases whereas 3.5% relied on indigenous knowledge. About 14% of the respondents relied on other farmers for information. The study therefore recommends awareness creation on correct use of chemicals and use of safer alternatives. Future studies on the level of synthetic chemical residues in tomatoes produced in Bungoma county are necessary.Item Soil and Water Management – Grass Strip in Mango(KALRO-Horticulture Research Centre, 2024) Tabu, R.; Odhiambo, H.; Magogo, J.; Ndambuki, J.; Ochieng, V.; Kirigua, V.; Wasilwa, L.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationGrass strips are 1 m-wide strip of grass planted on terraces along contours to reduce the amount of water flowing down the slope and conserve soil. This technique can be practiced in wet and moist areas. Grass strips are planted with fodder grass such as napier or are left with natural grass, thereby providing fodder for livestock (cut and carry). Grass strips are widely used as vegetative barriers to reduce soil loss and increase infiltration and soil moisture. Due to increased soil moisture, there is more water available for the crops which leads to increased agricultural production. The grass is grown in alternating strips following contour lines. Depending on the grass used, the strips may provide fodder for livestock as well. Compared to other interventions grass strips can be easily crossed by oxen and ploughs. Grass strips can filter sediment, evacuate excess runoff, and can also withstand inundation. They may ultimately form into bench terraces.Item Tomato Sun Scald(Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), 2024) Odhiambo, H.; Ochieng, V.; Ndambuki, J.; Tabu, R.; Lelgut, D.; Kirigua, V.; Wasilwa, L.; Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research OrganizationSunscald is a condition that affects green tomato fruit that has been abruptly exposed to excessive sunshine due to pruning, natural spreading of the plant induced by a high fruit load, or diseased leaf loss.Item Use Contour Bunds for Soil and Water Conservation(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2024) Magogo, J.; Tabu, R.; Odhiambo, H.; Ndambuki, J.; Ochieng, V.; Kirigua, V.; Finyange, P.; Wasilwa, L.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationContour bunds, also known as contour bundling or contour ridges are stone or earthen walls built across a slope to prevent runoff. Making furrows parallel to the contours ensures that rainfall and runoff are spread evenly over a field. The earthen bund is formed by excavating a channel and creating a small ridge on the downhill side. Thus, contour bunds resemble narrow channel terraces commonly referred to as “fanya chini” terraces. This technology is highly suitable for areas with unpredictable rains, especially drought-prone areas. They are commonly used in hilly or mountainous terrain to minimise soil erosion and enhance agricultural productivity.
