1 P a g e CABBAGE PRODUCTION

Transcription

1 1 P a g e CABBAGE PRODUCTION

2 2 P a g e Production of cabbages in Kenya 1. Cabbages are mainly rain fed in Kenya and produced for domestic /local market consumption. 2. Cabbages are grown predominantly in many parts of Kenya. Many varieties thrive in highland regions including; Mt.Elgon,Kapsabet,Bungoma, Molo,Elburgon, Njambini, Meru and Nyahururu etc Scientific name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata Family: Cruciferae

3 3 P a g e Factors to consider when choosing a variety 1. Head size 2. Head weight 3. Yield potential 4. Pest and disease tolerance/resistance 5. Market availability 6. Preferences

4 4 P a g e Soil & climate for cabbage production 1. Well drained, fertile, sandy loam rich in organic matter with PH of is ideal for cultivation 2. For early crop sandy loam soils are considered best. For late maturity crop clay loam soil/heavy soils are best 3. Optimum temperatures for seed germination: 25-30ºC 4. Optimum temperatures for growth & head formation in Cabbage is 15-20ºC 5. Heat tolerant varieties of Cabbage can form compact head under tropical conditions in day temp. of 30-35ºC

5 5 P a g e Propagation Seed tray method Nursery bed method

6 6 P a g e Nursery There are two techniques currently for raising seedlings; use of seed trays and use of normal ground as shown in the picture. Sowing should be done in well controlled & protected nursery A nursery raised with a width of 1m. The soil should be well prepared into a fine tilth and sowing lines of 10cm and 2-3cm depth made. The seeds be placed on the soil 2cm apart to take between plants per sowing line. The seedbed can be covered by use of dry grass/gunny bags and watered gently to avoid splashes Cover removed after 4 days, ensure watering is done very early in the morning and frequently

7 7 P a g e Nursery management-cabbage/cole crops 1. During nursery stage expect soil borne pests and diseases that you need to protect the seed from. 2. Damping off is also a common issue that prevents development of seedlings. 3. Expect infestation of cutworms after transplanting is done After transplanting DAY Products Dose/15l-20l water Pests/Diseases 10 Score 20ml Leaf spots and powdery mildew 20 Match 25ml DBM/Aphids 30 Karate 20gms Spodoptera spp 40 Actara 8gms Whiteflies/Aphids 50 Thiovit Jet 80gms Powdery Mildew 60 Ortiva 20ml Leaf spots 60 Match 25ml DBM

8 8 P a g e Soil characteristics Field selection 1. Well drained soils, with high organic matter and exhibit high water holding capacity 2. Soils with ph more than 6.8 should be adjusted by broadcasting hydrated lime 2-3 days prior to planting. Cabbage crop husbandry 1. Transplant seedlings when 10-15cm tall or have 5 or 6 leaves 2. Water the bed the previous day before transplanting them to their permanent position. 3. Transplant the cabbage plants in the evening to minimise shock- keep as much soil around the roots as you can. 4. Spacing can vary depending on market requirement but standard spacing of 60X60 recommended 5. Apply 8-10 MT/acre well decomposed farm yard manure and mix well with the soil 6. Apply base fertilizers rich in phosphorus on the planting hole such as N:P:K at a rate of 10gms per hole 7. Top-dress 3-4 weeks after transplanting with nitrogenous fertilizers 8. Irrigation should be done early or mid-morning

9 9 P a g e Fertilizer requirement will depend on the soil analysis done prior to planting. However the following is a guide 120: 60: 60 kg NPK/acre 1. Split applications is the most recommended. 2. 1st split of CAN at 10gms per plant. First top dressing (15-20 Days after Transplanting); 50 kg of C.A.N/Acre. 3. 2nd split to be applied two weeks later at 5g per plant, avoid excessive nitrogen application as it causes slip heads. Second top dressing (40-45 Days after Transplanting): 100 Kg of Ammonium Sulphate/ acre +30 kg of MAP/ acre. 4. Top dressing should be applied in bands and after each application earthing up of plants is necessary 5. Cabbage has shallow root system and hence requires frequent & light irrigations especially during head formation.