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2/24/11 9:34 PM

Cabbage and Kale (info that overlaps)

1: Can it be produced in semi-arid climate/in Kenya?

YES.

In Kenya, cabbage and kale are among the most important vegetable crops grown by smallholder farmers, and their production faces several constraints, including insect pests

2: Describe the environmental conditions the crop can be grown in (the ones that fit the most to Kenyas environment)

Where experiment using intercropping was done, and growth was successful: Central Province of Kenya (latitude 10 05S, longitude 370 00E at an altitude of 1,525m above sea level). Rainfall is bimodal with temperatures mostly ranging between 130 C to 260 C. Cabbage and kale is commonly grown in the area and finds ready market from the nearby urban population, especially Nairobi. KARI-Matuga is located in southern part of Coast province of Kenya (latitude 40 18.95S, longitude 390 33.41E and 40m above sea level). Rainfall distribution is bimodal in pattern. Temperatures are generally high (25300C) throughout the year. It is a lowland region which experiences considerable food security problems, which are traceable to substantial yield losses in food crops, due to high insect pest populations

4: Outline of production chain

See below for in individual processes for cabbage/kale

5: Rotation schedule of the crop? Can it be intercropped

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella L. is an important pest of brassica vegetables in Africa (Ikin et al., 1993) and has become a target of more frenzied chemical spray regime (Mwaniki et al., 1998)Increasing production costs largely attributed to pest control of DBM have forced reassessment of the management strategy for the species. The trend now is to adopt an integrated and ecologically compatible management package. The components of such an integrated strategy should act interactively in suppressing the DBM population while slowing down the evolution of insecticide resistance and conserving natural enemies (Tabashnik et al., 1987). Herein lies the potential for the use of companion cropping. Increasing vegetational diversity in some agroecosystems, increases system stability and decreases the incidence of major insect pest outbreaks observed in some monocultures (Altieri and Letourneau 1982; Risch 1983, Risch et al. 1983; Andow 1991).

Irrespective of the mechanism involved, however, a mixed or intercropping regime will provide a greater total land productivity as well as insurance against the failure or unstable market value of any crop. In addition, crops in intercropping systems may improve soil fertility and the availability of alternative sources of nutritious products, as well as reducing the incidence of insect pest attack and thereby maintaining lower pest control costs (Risch et al, 1983). Its main drawback is that competition from the intercrop often, though not always, reduces crop yield. Lower quality produce becomes accepted on the proviso that is entirely insecticide-free.

what has been tested (in Kenya, in one particular experiment):

Sole cabbage

unsprayed Sole cabb Dipel

sprayed Cabb-mustard intercrop

Cabb-rape seed intercrop

Cabb-Cleome intercrop

Cabb-coriander intercrop

Cabb-tomato intercrop

Sole kale unsprayed

Sole kale Dipel sprayed

Kale-mustard intercrop

Kale-rape seed intercrop

Kale-Cleome intercrop

Kale-coriander intercrop

Kale-tomato intercrop

Results of experiment:

Results showed that sole crops of kale or cabbage supported significantly more DBM larvae or pupae compared to the intercrops, resulting in reduced damage of marketable yield in the latter, save for the intercrops involving tomato. Ethiopian mustard was the most attractive while tomato was the most repellent to DBM and could be used as a component of a pest management strategy for DBM.

What works:

Intercropped cabbage or kale had significantly fewer numbers of DBM larvae and pupae as compared to the unsprayed monocrops of kale or cabbage plots. Similarly, foliar damage and yield loss was more in monocropped than intercropped plots. Similarly, foliar damage and yield loss was more in monocropped than intercropped plots.

It would appear that all the test plants were less attractive to DBM when compared with the sole unsprayed cabbage or kale plots, with tomato intercropped plots being the least preferred by DBM larvae and pupae.

an effect that has also been demonstrated by intercropping garlic with cabbage

HOWEVER: However, the intercrop may also serve as essential food source or shelter for some stage in the life cycle of the pest or for part of the season, enabling the pest to increase and so attack the crop more severely. This negative effect was demonstrated by interplanting cabbage with garlic or tomato, which gave no substantial reduction of DBM infestation (Andrews et al., 1992).

6: Current post-harvest handling techniques used (with its production in semi-arid areas)

Cabbage


Cabbage is one of the most important vegetable in Kenya, and is grown by smallholder farmers for food and source of income.


Most farmers in the area especially those having land along the river valleys grow cabbages.

Cabbage is a biennial plant that grows best under full sunlight. The optimum mean temperature for growth and quality head development is 15-18C, with a minimum temperature of 4C and a maximum 24C. Generally, young plants are more tolerant to heat and cold than plants nearing maturity. For seed production cabbage plants need to pass through vernalisation: continous days with temperatures at 1.7-10 C before they start bolting. Broccoli and cauliflower produce seed without vernalisation. Cabbage grows well on a wide range of soils with adequate moisture and fertility. Soil pH in the range of 6.0-6.5 is preferred, but cabbage will tolerate a soil pH range of 5.5 to 6.8.

3: Nutritional Value and other benefits?

They are valuable as sources of vitamins and minerals, as well as a source of cash for smallscale farmers in rural and peri-urban areas

This food is very low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Thiamin, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Potassium, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Folate and Manganese.


production costs per head are normally low

Different types of cabbage produced: New improved varieties of cabbages are also being continuously released to farmers. Some are disease tolerant, hence need less pesticide use, some are higher yielding, some are earlier maturing, some are more tolerant to environmental stress, whereas others have better post-harvest qualities.

the highest yielding varieties were Gloria followed by Riana and Pruktor (Table 1). Green challenger and Fortuna produced the lowest yields. However in terms of taste the farmers preferred the sweet tasting Pruktor, Victoria and green challenger.

An overall farmers ranking based on their Table 1 Fresh yields own criteria (i.e. disease resistance, maturity period, compactness and size of head, taste and yield) showed that farmers preferred the varieties in the order of Riana > Pruktor > Gloria = Victoria > Green Challenger > Fortuna

These vegetables are grown mainly for the local market.

Cabbage is a heavy feeder, so to get good yields, proper fertilisation is necessary. To maintain growth, cabbage requires a consistent supply of moisture, and should as a general rule receive a minimum of 2.5 cm of water per week. Larger quantities may be required when cabbage is grown on sandy soils or when evapotranspiration is high.

Propagation and planting

Seedlings:

Practice crop rotation: site seedbeds on land not previously under crucifers, and preferably away from old crucifer fields

Use clean wooden trays to raise seedlings, use mixture of compost and top soil or forest soil for raising seedlings

Heat soil in the seedbed: place plenty of crop trash or straw and burn for at least 30 min, and after cooling, mix the soil with compost in equal proportions

Use certified disease free seed of resistant/tolerant cultivars

Mulch seedlings in the seedbed, if possible

Do not over water seedlings in the seedbed: water seedlings early in the morning and thin out seedlings to avoid plant congestion in the seedbed. Excessive watering is conducive to damping-off diseases, and extended wetness of seedlings favours development of foliar diseases

Seeds:

Treat own seed in hot water to prevent seed borne diseases such as black rot, black leg, black spot and ring spot is recommended where these diseases have appeared before (pls see further below the symptoms of the diseases). Hot water treatment of seeds helps reduce the seedborne pathogens. However, the specified temperature and time interval should be strictly followed in order to maintain seed viability. Use a good thermometer or better ask for assistance from qualified personnel from your local agriculturist office.

Recommended temperature and time for hot water treatment for broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale kohlrabi and turnip is 50C (122 F) for 30 minutes.

For more details on hot water treatment click here

Husbandry

Raised beds and conservation tillage

Cabbage is often planted on raised beds that are shaped from bare soil after ploughing and disking. This technique is popular on level soils where furrow irrigation is also used. Bed culture is also used in other areas to improve soil drainage or when plastic mulch is used. The trend has been toward increased use of conservation tillage, particularly on steeply-sloping soils prone to erosion. Producing cabbage using conservation tillage reduces the number of field passes by farm equipment, thus reducing compaction, preserving equipment and conserving fuel.

Conservation tillage systems cause minimum disturbance to the soil after the previous crop has been harvested. Crop residues are left in the field to reduce soil erosion, conserve moisture, inhibit weed growth, and act as green manure. There are several types of conservation tillage in use, as well as combinations of conservation and conventional tillage. However, in disease management, crop residues must be either removed from the field and destroyed or deeply ploughed to reduce sources of disease infection and spread.

Advantages of conservation tillage for cabbage production include less machinery, labour and fuel, as well as reduced soil erosion and compaction. Disadvantages of conservation tillage include lower soil temperatures, slower germination and emergence when direct sowing is used, slower early growth, delayed competition with weeds, higher incidence of root diseases, heavier crop residue, the possibility of more difficult planter operation, weed spectrum changes, and potential increase of soil insect pests or insects that spend part of their life cycle in the soil (e.g. cutworms, thrips, leafmining flies, grubs). Cultivation exposes these pests to desiccation by the sun heat and to predation by natural enemies

Monitoring

It entails regular field observation during the crop production cycle for pests, diseases, weeds and general aspects of crop health like nutrition and water requirements. Field monitoring methods are virtually the same, but most importantly, in the process is problem recognition. Thus it is very important to be able to identify pests and diseases and to differentiate a pest from a beneficial insect, a pest damage from disease damage, and a pest or disease damage from nutritional problems or physiological disorders.

Monitor fields regularly for pest and disease occurrence. Early detection of pests and diseases is important as outbreaks are easier controlled in the initial stages. Cutworms and other insects can do a lot of damage in just one or two days.

Scout for caterpillar presence: feeding damage and caterpillar excrement give an indication of their activity. Scouting can be done by walking in a zigzag pattern through the field.

Check for aphids and whether parasitised aphids (mummies) and natural enemies such as ladybird beetles and lacewings are present. Since aphid populations are often clustered, all portions of the field should be checked. For more information on natural enemies click here.

Scout for the major brassica diseases

Harvesting

Cabbage is often hand-harvested when heads are firm to the touch but before cracking begins. With hand harvesting, a given field is harvested two to four times to obtain heads of uniform size and maturity. Only one to three harvests of hybrid cultivars are required because of their greater uniformity. Use of uniform transplants and consistent growing conditions also helps reduce the number of harvests. Yields will vary with the season of production, cultivar, and production system used. With proper management, cabbage can produce 10-12 tons per acre. Generally, most fresh markets prefer heads that weigh on average 2-5 pounds (1-2,5kg). For processing into coleslaw or sauerkraut, or for long-term storage, larger-headed cultivars are used.

5: Rotation schedule of the crop? Can it be intercropped?

Intercrop brassica crops with trap crops or repellent plants, to reduce pest infestation. Tomato reportedly repels diamondback moth and Indian mustard acts as a trap crop. Intercropping brassicas with spinach, beans or dill reportedly reduces aphid infestation.

Cabbage when planted 14 days after tomatoes reduces the incidence of and damage by diamondback moth. Cabbage intercropped with tomato, coriander or garlic, combined with the application of neem seed kernel extract protects plants from diamondback moth in the field. Indian mustard, Chinese cabbage, and radish are good trap crops for controlling cabbage webworm, flea hopper, and mustard aphid when planted in every 15 rows of cabbage. The mustard row is either in the outermost or in the middle row to avoid caterpillars being blown by wind into the cabbage plants. To control cabbage head caterpillar, Indian mustard should be planted 12 days before transplanting cabbage. Do not plant cabbage where members of the cabbage family have been grown for 3 consecutive years to avoid serious problems of pests and diseases (especially soil borne diseases). Intercropping with certain combinations will have a beneficial effect on reducing pest damage in crucifer areas.


Cabbage is mainly sold fresh or as processed canned product. Processed products include those that are treated in vinegar, or fermented such as sauerkraut or kimchi. Fresh cut or lightly processed products include coleslaw and ready-to-eat salad mixes that contain shredded cabbage. Consumers generally prefer fresh green cabbage, when available, to stored cabbage. Much of the storage cabbage is grown for processing

Kale


best kale plants in Kenya originate from Kinale, a forested region north of Nairobi on the edge of the Rift Valley.



Exact chart is on infonetbiovision: per 100 of edible portion

Incredibly high in vitamin A (272%)

high in vitamin c (68%)

This food is low in Saturated Fat, and very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Dietary Fiber, Protein, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Folate, Iron, Magnesium and Phosphorus, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Potassium, Copper and Manganese


Many farmers growing kale retain their seed from local varieties from year to year. However, this traditional process carries risk of spreading seed-borne diseases, particularly black rot (bacterial) and Alternaria leaf spot (fungal). A good crop cannot be achieved without viable seed, and yet access to commercial varieties is limited. Most varieties are imported and expensive, and quality is still unreliable.


Spinach


YES

The market share of ALVs vis--vis other vegetable species, particularly kales, cabbages and spinach, has been on the upward trend, in the urban markets and increased consumption in rural areas too.

ALVS=African leafy vegetable

Varieties

"Early Hybrid No. 7": It is an upright, compact and prolific plant. The leaves are dark green, semi-savoyed, and comparatively large with short petioles. It is early maturing and highly productive. It is tolerant to downy mildew and has a very good regeneration ability.

"Bloomsdale Long Standing": It is an upright compact plant. It has thick fleshy leaves, which are dark green, savoyed, large and with very long petioles. It is vigorous and an exceptionally long standing variety.

"Giant Noble": It is a dwarf plant, fast growing but produces moderate yields. The leaves are smoth, thick, mid-green with short petioles.

"King of Denmark": It is a spreading plant, very prolific and vigorous. The leaves are smooth, thick, mid-green, medium sized with long petioles.

"New Zealand Spinach": It is a hardy, low spreading, branching plant. It has numerous leaves, which are triangular, thick, fleshy, dark green and are smaller than other varieties. The seeds are large. Prickly, and germinate slowly. It does well in hot, dry climates. It produces large amounts of greens over a long period hence best suited for kitchen gardens.


temperate climates

Optimum growing temperatures are 15-20C. Vegetative growth is retarded by temperatures above 27C. It does not suit the lowlands and grows best where the temperature varies between 10 and 20C or above 2000 m altitude. It is frost resistant. Soils should be light in texture, well-drained, rich in organic matter and with a pH 6-7.5 (EcoPort).

Seems a little too cool to work in Kenya.


Leaves are eaten raw or cooked. Tender young leaves can be added to salads, older leaves are cooked and used in soups etc

Nutritional value based on 2000 calorie diet per 100 g of edible portion

Low in carbs; low in fat

Substantial source of Iron, Calcium, Potassium, Vitamin C (when cooked), Riboflavin

HUGE source of vitamin A (raw: 188% even more when cooked: 210%)

Large source of Vitamin C (only when raw)

This food is low in Saturated Fat, and very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Niacin and Zinc, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.


Transplants are not used commercially, but are good for home gardens. All commercial production is direct seeded with little or no thinning. The seed is either broadcast or sown in rows on wide beds. There should be 5-15cm in between plants in the row. The distance between rows should be 30- 90cm. Spinach seeds need consistent soil moisture for proper germination (University of Georgia).

Whole plants with 8-10 leaves are harvested, the roots are cut one cm below the plant base and the product is sold in bundles of 10-15 plants (CAB 2006).

5: Rotation schedule of the crop? Can it be intercropped?

Summer crops may be intercropped with other vegetables to benefit from shade (CAB 2006). (only in summer spinach)

In temperate areas two types of spinach are recognised, the round seeded type, usually sown in the spring and harvested in the summer, and the hardier prickly seeded type sown end of summer or beginning of fall for use in the winter and spring. Spinach needs high doses of N and K as well as a regular water supply throughout the season for optimum yield and quality


Canning ALVs: post harvest handling of all the ALVs seems unfeasible. Although we know that these crops are critical in Kenya, and that they are produced and are a vital part of the Kenyan diet, there is no information on post-harvest handling. It doesnt seem feasible that there could be any post harvest handlingseeing as most most harvest handling has to do with drying out crops for storage, but ALVs should not and cannot be dried out. Preservation of these crops is normally through methods of refrigeration as well as keeping the vegetables wet. This type of vegetable, we know from our experiences, is not and cannot really be canned, or canned well. Post harvest handling doesnt really exist in Kenyaand given our specifically situation, we lack the methods and resources to properly post harvest/can the ALVs. We can look into how the ALVs are canned and that process, but it may be unfeasible. Will look into that process and outline it in final paper/draft

Product Enterprise: Cold Crop Viability in Othaya

(Spinach, Kale, Cabbage, Lettuce)

ALFs: African Leafy VegetablesBrett Promisloff

Ogol, C. K. P. O.; Makatiani, J.; Ahmed, K. Z.; African Crop Science Society, El-Minia, Egypt, 8th African Crop Science Society Conference, El-Minia, Egypt, 27-31 October 2007, 2007, pp 1029-1033, 31 ref.

URL: http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2010/20103268352.pdf

Wambani, H.; Nyambati, E. M.; Kamidi, M.; Mulati, J.; Ahmed, K. Z.; African Crop Science Society, El-Minia, Egypt, 8th African Crop Science Society Conference, El-Minia, Egypt, 27-31 October 2007, 2007, pp 355-357, 6 ref.

URL: http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2010/20103268248.pdf

Shiundu, K. M.; Oniang'o, R. K.; Rural Outreach Programme, Nairobi, Kenya, African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2007, 7, 4, pp unpaginated, 40 ref.

URL: http://www.bioline.org.br/pdf?nd07036

"New Agriculturist: Developments - Cleaning up Kenyan Kale." The New Agriculturist. Jan. 2007. Web. 25 Feb. 2011. Pruktor > Gloria = Victoria > Green Challenger > Fortuna(Table 1). Some of the characteristics of differentvarieties as reported by farmers are given in Table 1. Formarketing purposes, farmers prefer small headed varietiesbecause of low price and convenience of cooking atdifferent times. Farmer observations indicated that Rianaand Green challenger mature early compared to othervarieties.Riana and fortune were infested by insect pests morecompared to other varieties, while Gloria and Victoriawere affected with frost. Green challenger was resistantto insect pests while Pruktor was resistant to both frostand insect infestation (Table 2.). The major cabbageinsect pests were diamond back moth (Plutella xylostella),aphids and cutworms. Soft rot (Erwina caratova) andbottom rot (Rhizoctonia solani) were the major cabbagediseases. Farmers were exposed to new improvedvarieties and were able to select appropriate cabbagevariety for their region and season; the early maturingvarieties are suited to the short rain season and latematuring for the long rain season.

Table 1 Fresh yields (t ha-1) and farmers ranking of various cabbage varieties grown on farmers fields in Kaisagat,Trans-Nzoia during the 2004 and 2005 growing seasons

Variety Yield TasteOverallFarmerRanking

Key characteristics used in ranking by farmers

Gloria 99.5 3.5 3 Large head, many leaves, resistant to pest and diseases butsusceptible to frost, stores water (high H2O content hence flat),good market.

Riana 98 3.0 1 Green in colour, sizeable head, moderate maturity, resistant todrought, marketable and high yielding sugary, severelyaffected by insect pests.

Pruktor 95.9 2.3 2 Resistant to diseases, poor establishment, drought resistant,leaves fall off the head very easily (die back of basal leaves),marketable, sugary, high yield, medium head.

Victoria 86.6 2.5 3 Late maturity (slow growth rate), less resistant to drought,resistant to pests and diseases, not marketable, sugary, highyield, and medium head.

Fortuna 75.7 3.5 5 Large head, not resistant to pest and diseases, long shelf lifeperiod, forms head very fast, high growth rate, contains a lot ofwater flat taste and not marketable.

GreenChallenger

60.1 3.0 4 Many heads, early maturity, very small head with a sharp end,sweet tasting, small-(marketable), resistant to insect pest anddiseases. It splits heads during rainy season, droughtresistance.

LSD 27.9 2.5CV 28 56 Taste criteria 1 = Most preferred and 6 = Least preferredTable 2 Insect pests and frost damage on various cabbagevarieties grown on farmers fields in Kaisagat farm duringthe 2004 growing season

Variety Insect pest FrostGloria 2* 4Pruktor 1 1Riana 4 2Fortune 4 2Greenchalleger 1 3Victoria 2 4

* 5 - Very severe, 4 - Severe, 3 - Moderate, 2 - Lessresistant and 1 - Resistant.

Acknowledgements

The logistical support provided by the center Director,KARI-Kitale and the Soil Management Project staff ishighly appreciated. We are thankful to the financialsupport provided by the Rockefeller Foundation.

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zawadivillages.wikispaces.comzawadivillages.wikispaces.com/file/view/Product... · Web viewCabbage and Kale (info that overlaps) 1: Can it be produced in semi-arid climate/in Kenya?