This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
Effective Control of Pests and Diseases ¶
Micro-organisms in the soil are beneficial, but some nematodes can harm plants. To eliminate nematodes, drench the soil with nematicide or use solarisation by covering moist soil with polythene paper for eight weeks.
Monitor your crops regularly to control pests like cut worms, aphids, fruitfly, caterpillars, and mites. Use foliar application of micronutrients like boron to sweeten watermelons.
Grace Ruiru, Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, recommends checking for pests during early stages and using nematicide or solarisation to control nematodes.
Best Crops to Cultivate in Mwea ¶
Mwea is well-suited for rice production, but other crops like cotton, wheat, watermelon, and green grams can also thrive in the black cotton soils.
During dry seasons, make use of the rainy seasons and dig ponds to store water. This will ensure constant yields and financial benefits.
Sillus Oduor, Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, suggests using the rainy seasons to plant crops and storing water in ponds for irrigation.
Where to Get Tissue Culture Bananas ¶
Tissue culture bananas are available from Kalro (Coffee Research Institute). These bananas are disease and pest-free, making them ideal for planting.
Grace Ruiru, Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, recommends tissue culture bananas for their disease and pest-free status.
Advice on Eucalyptus Trees ¶
Eucalyptus trees can be planted around coffee bushes to provide shade and mitigate against excessive temperatures and heat stress.
When choosing a tree to plant, consider its rooting system and ensure it does not compete with coffee for nutrients and resources.
Grace Ruiru, Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, recommends planting eucalyptus trees in areas with degraded soil, marginal lands, and waterlogged areas.
