Fruits
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://kalroerepository.kalro.org/handle/123456789/13977
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Effect of Agro-Ecological Zones on Predacious Mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and Pest Mite Eutetranychus africanus (Acari: Tetranychidae) Populations in Citrus Orchards of Kenya(Persian Journal of Acarology, 2022-07-15) Kiptoo, J.J.; Mutisya, D.L.; Ndegwa, P.N.; Irungu, L.; Godfrey, R.; Oduor, G.R.; Kiptoo, G.J.; University of Nairobi ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization ; Machakos University ; Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology ; CABI ; Egerton UniversityPhytoseiidae mites' survival and reproduction depend on optimal environmental factors. A total of five different agroecological zones (AEZs) were surveyed twice each year from 2017 to 2019 in Kenya. In Eastern Kenya sample farms were small scale citrus orchards in the counties of Machakos [Low Midlands-Four (LM4)] and Makueni [Upper Midlands-Three (LM3)]. In the Coastal Lowlands-Four (CL4) similar small-scale citrus plots were sampled in Kwale, while in the highland Rift Valley region sample sites were ADC-Suam orchards of Kitale of the Lower Highlands-Two (LH2), where the large-scale farms were under citrus crop culture. The fifth site sampled was Baringo area of the Low Midlands-Five (LM5) where small plot citrus crop dominated the sample sites. Out of 68 fields of repeat surveys, 40% of citrus plots yielded varied diversity of phytoseiid mites. The major pest from the sites was citrus brown mite, Eutetranychus africanus. In this study, population fluctuation of phytoseiid mites was observed under different climatic conditions of temperature, relative humidity, dew-point and citrus plant age (in years). On the major pest E. africanus, three factors were evaluated for correlation and significance to infestation levels on the citrus crop. Of the three evaluated factors of temperature, citrus tree age and phytoseiid density in the orchards, temperature parameter did not significantly influence the pest mite (E. africanus) infestation levels for all combined AEZs factors. In the present case studies of specific AEZs, older trees led to higher pest mite density while low phytoseiid numbers correlated inversely to higher E. africanus infestation levels on the citrus trees. The information here could be used proactively to plan for management of E. africanus as the major pest in citrus orchards in specific agro-ecological zones.Item Evaluation of Plantain Varieties on Yield Parameters in Murang’a County, Kenya(East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation, 2022-02-16) Njuguna, J.K.; Gathambiri, C.; Wepukhulu, S.; Muniu, F.; Mugii, P.; Kinaga, P.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationPlantains are commonly grown in the coastal region of Kenya. However their demand in urban areas particularly in Nairobi has been increasing thus triggering demand for suitable varieties by farmers in medium altitude zone. A study was therefore initiated to determine the suitable varieties for this zone in order to meet the requirements and demand of the producers and consumers. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate the performance of various plantain varieties in a medium altitude zone of Murang’a, Kenya. Consequently, three plantain varieties locally known as “Mkono wa Tembo”, “Bokoboko” and “Kampala” sourced with others from Kilifi, Busia, Kisii, Nyeri and Tharaka Nithi Counties were evaluated at KALRO HRI (1450m a.s.l) which is located in Muranga County. The design used was Randomised Complete Block (RCBD) with three replicates. Data on bunch weight, fingers per bunch, finger length and finger thickness were collected at full maturity stage. “Mkono wa Tembo” variety had significantly (P= 0.0006) higher mean bunch weight (43kg) than Kampala (24.5kg) and Bokoboko (16.6kg). Similarly, “Mkono wa Tembo” variety had significantly more fingers per bunch (119) than “Kampala” (85) and “Bokoboko” (59). For finger length, “Mkono wa Tembo” variety had significantly (P=0.0027) longer fingers (25.9 cm) compared to “Bokoboko” (20.1) but almost same size with “Kampala” (25.8 cm). On the other hand “Bokoboko” variety had significantly thicker fingers (17.8cm) than “Mkono wa Tembo” (13.0cm) and Kampala (13.6cm). “Mkono wa Tembo” therefore outperformed other varieties in all parameters considered apart from finger thickness which indicates its superior adaptability in this zone. Consumers normally prefer varieties with long and thin fingers thus “Mkono wa Tembo” and “Kampala” would go very well with consumers. In conclusion, “Mkono wa Tembo” variety was the most promising variety followed by “Kampala” variety for production in medium altitude zone of Murang’a.Item Genome Characterisation of Two Complete Coding Sequences of Tomato Mild Mottle Virus from Tree Tomato and their Distribution in Kenya(Springer, 2023-02) Kinoga, M.N.; Kuria, P.K.; Miano, D.W.; Kiambi, R.G.; Mollov, D.S.; Grindstead, S.; Wasilwa, L.A.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization ; University of Nairobi ; U.S. Department of Agriculture ; National Germplasm Resources LaboratoryWe present here the first complete coding sequence of tomato mild mottle virus (TMMoV) infecting tree tomato in Kenya. A survey was conducted in three tree tomato-growing regions: Nairobi, Eastern, and Rift Valley. Leaf samples displaying mosaics, mottling, and malformation, were collected and analysed using high throughput RNA sequencing, which revealed the presence of TMMoV in the Eastern and the Rift Valley regions. Two coding sequences, MW537584 and MW537585 were assembled, and the HTS data were verified using RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that both of these Kenyan isolates were highly similar to the Ethiopian isolate (NC038920) with 97 and 96% sequence identity, respectively. Samples from two farms that tested positive for TMMoV, also tested positive for potato virus Y (PVY), making it difficult to associate the symptoms observed with TMMoV, PVY, or a co-infection of both.Item Kenya National of Agricultural Producers (KENFAP)(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2006) Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteThis survey would not have been possible without the support provided by the Kenya National Federation of Agricultural Producers (KENFAP), the German Technical Cooperation -Promotion of Private Sector development in Agriculture (GTZIPSDA), and the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA). The consultant would like to thank the management and staff of these organizations, data collection assistants, and all the interviewees (mango growers, traders, exporters, institutions, and persons visited) for availing the information and their time to make this survey a successItem Agri-business Development Support Project(ADSP) October-December 2001(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2001) Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteThe purpose is to commercialize new superior varieties and crop management technologies to contribute to increased yield and income at the farm level. During the quarter, the following activities were carried out: 13 fruit farmers (8 men and 5 women) were trained in nursery and orchard management and 70 pamphlets on mango production distributed to equip the farmers with the required knowledge to established nurseries and undertake mango production as a commercial enterprises. The training was done in Meru and Kibwezi. Two varieties Apples and Ngowe established in commercial plots in Meru and Kibwezi. A workshop on post harvest handling processing and utilization of banana and passion fruit was held on 26th October, 2001 in Kihara and Kangema. 360 farmers and traders were trained.Item Agri-business Development Support Project (ADSP) July-Sept 1999(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 1999) Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteWorkshop at Eldoret - About 60 farmers received training in two-day workshop held on 24th and 25th June 1999 in horticulture - fruits, vegetables, and flower production, crop protection, post-harvest handling, marketing, and breeder rights. Workshop at Masongaleni (Kibwezi) - About 32 farmers received training in a two day workshop held on 16th and 17th September 1999 in horticulture - mango, citrus, banana, papaya, and Asian vegetable production, crop protection, mango grafting, and papaya plants raising.Item Information Technology and Information Response Initiative (ATIRI): ATIRI Manual guidelines and proposal format 2000(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2001) Kamau, G.M.; Karanja, G.M.; Ndubi, J.M.; Ireri, J.W.; Kimani, I.W.; Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteIn the face of declining agricultural production and rising levels of poverty and food insecurity, KARl has sought to increase its potential impact. This is through shifting much of its adaptive research on-farm and through intensifying its work with partners. The partners have become the bridges through which more farmers, particularly small scale producers, are reached. These interactions and approaches have served to heighten the relevance of KARl's research programme. They have also induced a greater responsiveness to the practical issues facing farmers, with the result that there is an increasing stock of field tested recommendations. However, coverage remains limited and relatively few of the improved methods have spread beyond the confines of communities that are the focus of intensive on-farm activities by KARl and partner organizations.Item Effect of Pollinator Visitation Frequency to Flowers on Fruit Development and Yield of Butternut (Cucurbit moschata)(Finyange N.Pole, 2012) Pole, F.N.Squash butternut (Cucurbita moschata) is a monoecious annual crop whose stem is long-running or short and bushy, soft to hard or round to angular. Adventitious roots are also commonly formed at its nodes. It has solitary flowers with lemon yellow to deep orange colour. The fruits, young shoots and flowers are used as vegetables, while seeds are roasted as snack foods.Item The Papaw or Papaya(1948) Greenway, P. J.; AmaniThe genus Carica, to which the papaw or papaya C. papaya L. belongs, contains some twenty-two species, all of which are found in the warmer parts of America. Originally it was included by botanists in the families Passifloracere and Cucurbitacere, but it was transferred by the German botanist, H. Grafzu Solms, to the family Caricacere; he found the family name on that of the generic name Carica. Besides Carica the family contains the genera Jaracatia found in America, and Cylicomorpha in Africa.Item Cultivation of Papaw and Production of Papain(1943/1944) Sanders, F.R.Papain is a product obtained from the pawpaw or papaya (Carica papaya L). Ceylon and adjacent countries are the most important producers of papain, although some is produced in the West Indies, particularly in Jamaica and Trinidad, while in recent years the production of this article has been taken up in Tanganyika, chiefly in the Northern Province. Much of the production from the West Indies was shipped to the United States, which in prewar years also imported considerable quantities from Japan (26,000 lb. in 1939). The bulk of the papain produced in Ceylon is marketed in Europe.Item A Preliminary Note on the "Woodiness" Disease of Passion Fruit in Kenya(September 1939 ) Nattrass, R.M.; Department of Agriculture Kenya ColonyAs a garden or ornamental plant, passion fruit (Passifiora edulis) has been grown in Kenya for a number of years, but large-scale cultivation for the manufacture of juice is a comparatively recent development. It was first planted on a commercial scale in Trans Nzoia in 1933 and in Sotik a few months later. The area devoted to this crop has since been considerably extended and is now approximately 1,000 acres, the chief districts being Trans Nzoia, Sotik, and, to a lesser extent, the neighbourhood of Nakuru. The" woodiness" disease appears to have attracted attention early in the life of the industry." Small leaf" was responsible for some loss in Trans Nzoia as easly as 1935. In the Annual Report of the Department of Agriculture for 1936 Ill" woodiness" is recorded as a new plant disease for Kenya and its virus nature is indicated. Early in 1938 Dr. Storey, of the East African Agricultural Research Station, Amani, visited the Colony and obtained material from Trans Nzoia with which he subsequently proved that the disease was caused by a virus which could, under certain conditions, be transmitted by pruning and handling with contaminated hands and knives. In Trans Nzoia the disease has spread extensively and has now assumed alarming proportions. How the disease originated is not known, but it has possibly always existed on some wild host and passed thence to the cultivated passion fruit. It is unlikely that mechanical transmission carries the disease beyond the confines of a single plantation, but thereItem Diseases of Papaw and their Control(1948) Wallace, G.B.; Department of Agriculture, TanganyikaIt is considered that disease in papaw will seldom be a serious problem if attention is paid to the choice of site and to field operations such as planting and irrigation. The tree quickly responds to environment and culture. Parasitic fungi are often, although not always, associated with disease in the plant; they can be controlled by repeating spraying, but so far as possible they should be prevented. Cultural conditions which encourage healthy growth have been dealt with in an article by one of us'(GBW) on cultivation of the crop [3].Item The Establishment and Running of a Papaw Plantation(1948) Wallace, G. B.; Department of Agriculture, TanganyikaThe preparation of this section has for certain reasons devolved upon the present writer, who wishes, however, to acknowledge much information. given by Mr. JVR Brown, Senior Agricultural Officer, Moshi, Mr. JK Robertson, Agricultural Officer, Arusha, and Mr. A. Ghikas of Narumu Estate, Moshi. The subject of papaw cultivation and papain production has already been described in this journal by Sanders and Robertson [3], and some of the information below has been taken from their statements. The papaw is a common and popular fruit, but in recent years it has also become an important plantation crop on account of the papain obtained from the latex in the fruit. The crop is now well established in the Northern Province of Tanganyika Territory, and to a less extent in other parts of East Africa. It is essentially a non-native crop, and does not lend itself to cultivation by Africans, chiefly on account of the care required, but also because of the. necessity for flue-drying. Papaws were first grown for latex in Tanganyika in the late twenties, but it was not until the late thirties that their cultivation became extensive. The output from the territory for the period September, 1946, to August, 1947, was 2,573 cwt., valued at 053,851. The high price for the product was the chief incentive to the industry; this reached a maximum of Sh. 30 per pound in 1947. A fall in price in the latter half of 1947 to Sh. 21 per pound caused a slowing down in the planting of new fields. The crop suffered during the past year from unfavourable weather, and a repetition of this in 1948 would discourage many growers; that is, however, considered to be unlikely. The establishment of a papaw plantation makes considerable calls on labour, but while high prices have been the rule, sufficiently high wages have been paid to attract the labour force required. As regards the outlook for this crop, the most important factor would appear to be the price of the product. Such factors as markets, weather, labour, pests and diseases are most unlikely to affect the maintenance of a considerable acreage under the crop in EastItem Pineapple Experiment in Zanzibar(July, 1944) Tidbury, G. E.; ZanzibarManurial and spacing experiments with pineapples, which have been carried out for four years, indicate that, under Zanzibar conditions, dressings of sulphate of ammonia cause increases in the number and size of fruits produced. The effect of sulphate of ammonia on the number of fruits produced became negative for the second ratoon crop, but positive again· after partial re-planting. Dressings of sulphate of potash which caused decreases in yield in the first year became of positive value and caused yield increases by the fourth year. These are greatest when nitrogen is also present.Item Notes on the Cultivation of Passion Fruit in Kenya(1937) Wolryche, J.E.A; Rongai, Kenya ColonyAt a time when large number of farmers are considering planting passion fruits, it may be as well to point out a few of the things to be avoided. The company which I am be connected with first started putting in passion fruits about four years ago in the Trans Nzoia, and since then we have learn by experience some some of the snags that can be avoided. Conditions in Kenya certainly appear admirable for the growth of passiflorine edulis, if one judges by the way uncared -for vines ramp all over the place and produced heaps of fruits; but plantation conditions are different, and it does not necessarily follow that the vines will do equally well.Item FAO-Kenya-Survey of the Potential Irrigation Potential of the Lower Tana Basin Vol 7 Appendices(Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, 1967) Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United NationsItem Observations on the Possibility of Producing Two Crops of Apples a Year in the Kenya Highlands(1988) Odhiambo, H.O.; National Pyrethrum and Horticultural Research StationProduction of deciduous fruit trees in the Kenya highlands is heavily dependent on natural chilling to break bud rest; thus, fruit production follows the natural pattern of weather. In this mode of production, flowering occurs once every year, leading to the production of only one crop. Due to incomplete natural conditions and long periods of high solar radiation in the tropics, delayed defoliation is a major factor limiting fruit yields (Epenhuijsen, 1976; Denis, 1985; and Erez and Lavi, 1985). Dormancy-breaking chemicals, such as tar oil, winter wash, and nitrocellulose, are often used to enhance the effect of natural chilling to break bud rest (Ruck, 1975 and Lavi, 1985). However, the use of these chemicals by small-scale farmers in Kenya is limited because they are prohibitively expensive. Some cultural practices, such as defoliation, pruning, and other methods, have been reported to be effective substitutes for natural chilling (Ruck, 1975; Notodimedjo et al., 1981) and chemical treatment (Ruck, 1975) in overcoming dormancy and delayed foliation. In Indonesia, defoliation of apple trees soon after harvesting reportedly leads to bud break and flowering during the expected dormant season, thus allowing the production of more than one crop per year (Notodimedjo et al., 1981 and Verheij, 1985). Similarly, defoliation has been reported to overcome prolonged dormancy during the normal fruit season (Ruck, 1975).Item Insect Pests in the Coast Province of Kenya I-Mango(1960/1961) Wheatley, P.E.; Department of Agriculture, KenyaA wide range of insect pests attack mango. But generally speaking the damage they cause. Although sometimes considerable. is not so severe as on the majority of tree crops on the Kenya coast and insecticidal control measures have been rarely employed in the past. However. The recently developed trade in air freighting mangoes to Europe has created a market for a very high grade of fruit unblemished by fungal or insect attack. Insect blemishes are normally caused by scale insects and the internal quality of the fruit is unimpaired. Therefore the need for insecticidal control measures for scale insects on mangoes depends not only upon the severity of infestation. But also upon the type of fruit which one is trying to produce. The local East African market at present does not discriminate between fruit with and without minor blemishes, but the luxury Covent Garden trade very definitely does and if fruit are to be grown for this latter market, spraying may be necessary even for very low scale infestations.
