This archive report was first published on 7 September 2019.
By ANN MACHARIA, September 7, 2019
Tree tomatoes, also known as tamarillo, are a unique crop that has gained popularity in Kenya. With proper care and management, they can thrive in well-drained soil and produce delicious fruits.
The tree grows to an average height of 3.5-5 meters, depending on the variety. The crop takes about nine months to mature, with peak production usually occurring in the first to second year.
There are several varieties of tree tomatoes grown in Kenya, including Goldmine, Ruby Red, and Solid Gold. When choosing a variety, it's essential to consider factors such as ecological conditions, resistance to pests and diseases, and customer preferences.
Tree tomatoes are eaten raw, unlike regular tomatoes that can be cooked. They grow well in areas with adequate sunlight and well-aerated soil. Waterlogged areas can result in the death of fruits, so it's crucial to ensure good drainage.
The ideal spacing for tree tomatoes is three-by-three meters for inter-row and inter-crop distance. During transplanting, a mix of well-decomposed farmyard manure and 200g of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) should be applied.
Continuous fertiliser application during the growing period is essential to keep the crops healthy. Foliar organic fertilisers can enhance faster and stronger growth of crops.
After two months, a slurry made from farmyard manure and water should be applied to supply nutrients to the plants. Watering should be done at least three times per week, although the crop is mainly rain-fed in Kenya.
Management practices include training the crop while still young to prevent breakages and pruning after achieving a height of about 3-4 feet. Weeding should be done regularly to prevent pests and diseases from harbouring in weeds.
Mulching is also essential to conserve moisture, control soil erosion, and control weed germination. The crop is relatively resistant to diseases, but it can be affected by powdery mildew, fusarium wilt, and early blight.
These diseases can be controlled using copper-based chemicals and other management practices. Pests such as thrips, whiteflies, and aphids can be controlled organically using neem extracts, chilies, and marigolds.
With proper management practices, harvesting of the fruits can be done for five years continually. Ripe fruits are egg-shaped, with skin colours ranging from deep purple to orange, bloody red, or yellow.
Currently, a kilo of the fruit is retailing at between Sh100 and Sh150. The fruits are also used to make juice, increasing their shelf-life.
