English - The Organic Farmer - Maize

Trang chủ » Kh 500-33a » English - The Organic Farmer - Maize

Có thể bạn quan tâm

  • Login
    • Account
    • Sign Up
  • Home
    • About Us
    • Catalog
  • Search
  • Register RSS
  • Embed RSS
    • FAQ
    • Get Embed Code
    • Example: Default CSS
    • Example: Custom CSS
    • Example: Custom CSS per Embedding
  • Super RSS
    • Usage
    • View Latest
    • Create
  • Contact Us
    • Technical Support
    • Guest Posts/Articles
    • Report Violations
    • Google Warnings
    • Article Removal Requests
    • Channel Removal Requests
    • General Questions
    • DMCA Takedown Notice
  • RSSing>>
    • Collections:
    • RSSing
    • EDA
    • Intel
    • Mesothelioma
    • SAP
    • SEO
  • Latest
    • Articles
    • Channels
    • Super Channels
  • Popular
    • Articles
    • Pages
    • Channels
    • Super Channels
  • Top Rated
    • Articles
    • Pages
    • Channels
    • Super Channels
  • Trending
    • Articles
    • Pages
    • Channels
    • Super Channels
Switch Editions? Cancel Sharing: Title: URL: Copy Share URL English RSSing.com RSSing>> Latest Popular Top Rated Trending Channel: The Organic Farmer - Maize NSFW? Claim 0 X Mark channel Not-Safe-For-Work? cancel confirm NSFW Votes: (0 votes) X Are you the publisher? Claim or contact us about this channel. X 0 Showing 9 articles in the latest snapshot of channel 69473556 Channel Details:
  • Title: The Organic Farmer - Maize
  • Channel Number: 69473556
  • Language: English
  • Registered On: August 16, 2016, 10:19 am
  • Number of Articles: 9
  • Latest Snapshot: March 7, 2018, 1:46 am
  • RSS URL: http://theorganicfarmer.org/taxonomy/term/40/feed
  • Publisher: http://theorganicfarmer.org/category/maize
  • Description:
  • Catalog: //maize401.rssing.com/catalog.php?indx=69473556
Remove ADS Viewing latest articles Browse all 9 Browse latest View live ↧ $ 0 0

Farmers often ignore the short rains of between September to December yet it presents an opportunity to take advantage of the short season crops to boost their food reserves or build surplus for the market. The following are short season maize varieties that farmers can make use of.

They are bred for the medium and low altitude areas of up to 1600 metres above sea level and areas that receive around 800 mm of rain.

These short season varieties do well in areas that include Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Kisii, Homa Bay, Suba, Migori Rongo, Siaya, Bondo, Tinderet, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Narok, Sotik, Trans Mara, Muranga, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Machakos, Kitui, Mwingi.

1. WH507 - Company: Western Seed Co

Average yield 35 bags per acre. It matures in 4 months 120-135 days). Good for green maize (remains green longer). It has a big comb.

2. KH 500-33A - Company: Freshco

Average yield 35-40 bags per acre. Matures in 4 months (120-140 days). Good standability, Resistant to Maize Streak Virus (MSV) and smut disease. Flinty and white grain (resists weevil damage) tightly packed. Large cob and stalk. Good taste as green maize when roasted.

3. WH505 - Company: Western Seed Co.

Average yield is 30 bags per acre. Maturity is 4 months (120-150 days). Tolerant to drought. Tolerant to most leaf diseases.

4. KH 500-13A - Company: Freshco

Average yield is 35-40 bags an acre. Maturity 4 months (120-140 days). Tolerant to Maize Streak Virus, leaf blight and leaf rust. Good stalks for cattle feed. Good standability.

5. WH 403 - Company: Western Seed Co.

Average yield is 30-35 bags per acre. Good husk cover, Does not lodge (fall due to wind and weight). Maturity is 4 months (120-135 days).

6. WH 402 – Western Seed Co.

Average yield is 40 bags per acre. Slightly tolerant to  Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) disease. Maturity is 4 months (130-160 days).

7. Kh 500 - 43A – East African Seed Co.

Medium maturing, suitable for growing in medium to high altitude. Double Cobber. Good for roasting and has a sweet taste. Maturity is 100 days. Average Yield: 28-32 bags  / acre. The cobs are large and have tightly packed flint grains with a good husk cover. It is resistant / tolerant to Maize Streak virus and head smut.

8. DH 01 – Kenya Seed Company

Average yields of 16 bags per acre. Matures in 70-90 days. Long stay Green trait, drought tolerant, good level of tolerant to leaf blight, common rust and ear rot

9. DH 02 – Kenya Seed Company

Yields of 18 bags per acre. Matures earlier than DH 04, in 70-100 days. Tolerant to Maize streak virus. Tolerant to water stress. Has a long stay green trait.

10. DH 03 – Kenya Seed Company

Matures in 80-120 days with yields of 22 bags per year. A good level of tolerant  to blight and MSV. Good husk cover.  Has better stand ability. Good moisture stress tolerance.

11. DH 04 – Kenya Seed Company

Matures in 80-120 days with yields of up to 24 bags per acre. Short. Drought tolerant. Good husk cover and standability.

12. PH1 and PH4 -Kenya Seed Company

These varieties perform well altitude between 12 and 100 m above sea level. Recommended for growing in theLake region and the Coastal strip. Matures in 75-120 days with yields of 16 bags per acre. Has good husk cover. PH4 is tolerant to most leaf and ear diseases and water lodging.

13. DROUGHT TEGO – Dryland Seed Ltd

Tego is a drought and low nitrogen tolerant hybrid good standability. Good tolerance to major diseases (GLS, MSV and blight). Altitude zone: 1,000-1,600 meters. Good husk cover. Days to maturity: 125-134 days.

14. KDV1, KDV2 and KDV4 -Dryland Seed Ltd

Open pollinated varieties recommended for low to medium altitude areas. Early maturing; flowering in 45-52 days and maturing in 75-90 days. Drought tolerant. Good standability. Good husk cover. Yields: 10-17 bags per acre.

15. KH500-21A - Dryland Seed Ltd

Hybrid variety with short stature, good standbility. Early maturing - 100-110 days. Good husk cover. Resistant to maize streak virus (MSV) disease. Fairly resistant to head smut. Yields of nupto 28-32 bags per acre.

This list is not an all inclusive list. For more information, visit and inquire from seed companies and research institutions like KARI (www.kari.org). The website of seed companies;

http://www.kenyaseed.com/

http://drylandseed.com/

http://www.easeed.com/

http://www.freshcoseeds.co.ke/

http://seeds.seedco.co/kenya

>> Have you planted any of these varieties? How did it go? Leave a comment below!! 

Topic : Plant HealthMaizeMaize seed ↧ Search RSSing.com $ 0 0

Like metal drum silos used for grain storage, the PICS bag is sealed tightly and pests in the grains cannot survive for long as they are deprived of oxygen. This presents an opporunity for farmers to prevent post harvest losses, particularly of grains.

After every harvest, farmers usually have problems storing maize, beans, rice, sorghum, millet and other cereals. The problem is worsened by the fact that most of the pests have developed resistance to the common chemical pesticides in the market. Research has shown that in Africa, farmers lose more than 40 per cent of their crop harvest every year due to pests and lack of proper and efficient storage.

A new storage bag developed by Purdue University, which is being tested by icipe may be a solution to storage problems faced by thousands of farmers. The Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bag has been used by millions of farmers and consumers to protect the harvested grains in West and Central Africa. The bag has also been effective for storage of grains like maize and beans in East Africa.

The PICS bag is made of three layers of plastic material that deprive pests in stored grain of oxygen. It consists of two inner bags made of high density polyethylene material and an outer sack composed woven bag. The inner liners have walls of 80 microns thickness, which prevents air from moving across the wall of the bag. The outer woven bag enables easy handling.

The bag works in the same way as metal silos that are used for grain storage- insects cannot survive without oxygen since they use it to digest food to get energy for growth, development and reproduction. When the bag is sealed, the insects in the grains use up all the oxygen in the container while raising the carbon dioxide level. When the oxygen level in the container goes down, the insects cannot feed, their growth, development and reproduction is stopped. They eventually stop growing and die. Insects at larvae and pupae stage are the first to die, leaving the stored grain free of any pests. PICS bags also help preserve the quality of grains. Even after several months of storage, the quality of grain is as good as when it was put in the bag.

A PICS bag costs Ksh 300. Interested farmers can purchase them through Bell Industries Ltd, P.O. Box 18603 -00500, Nairobi Tel 020 6535 828/9 23688 703, 0733 764 562, 0722 806 861, email - Email:[email protected]

>>Tell us how useful this information is to your farming enterprise. Share your experience by email to [email protected], leave a comment below this article or SMS 0715 916 136.

Topic : Plant HealthMaizeMaize storage ↧ ↧ $ 0 0

Although yellow maize is more nutritious than white maize, Kenyans consider it food for poor people since it is often brought into the country as relief food for starving people. Yet it can be a food option for people, even as it is used majorly for livestock. 

Maize is a staple food for many millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa. Although white maize is more popular in most households, few know that yellow maize is more nutritious than white maize.

Yellow maize is not liked by most rural communities in East Africa. For many years, yellow maize was donated to Kenya from different parts of the world as relief food during the famine of the late 1980s, 1990 and late 2000. 

This made many people view yellow maize as food aid for poor people. Besides, many people think yellow maize is only used for livestock feed in Western countries and is therefore not meant for human consumption.  “There was no way we can eat feeds meant for livestock,” Joseph Makhanu, a farmer in Bungoma argues. Some people just do not like the taste of yellow maize. Most of the people interviewed by TOF say yellow maize has a sugary taste, which they do not like. Those who eat yellow maize say they harvest the crop early, when still green.

Yellow maize is nutritious

Despite the taste and the colour, yellow maize is nutritious. In fact, research has shown that yellow corn has a higher nutritional value than the ordinary white maize, due to its higher levels of lutein, carotenoids and vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency is very common in Africa and afflicts millions of children, resulting in diseases, blindness, and even death.

One large cob of boiled yellow maize contains almost 4g of protein, 3.5g of dietary fiber, about 30g of carbohydrates, 1.5g of fat and 3.6g of sugar and 100 grams of water. It contains no cholesterol and has about 126 kilo-calories. Yellow maize also contains both pro-vitamin A and non-pro-vitamin A carotenoids, which promote general growth and eye health. Here are more maize nutrition facts and information about the vitamin and mineral content in one large ear of yellow maize, when cooked without salt.

Although most people prefer white maize, it’s better to know that Carotenoids are mainly found in yellow maize. White maize has little or no carotenoid. This beta-carotene content is an important source of vitamin A.

Farmers are growing yellow maize

Jones Lusalia, a farmer in Kitale has a ¼ acre shamba where he grows yellow maize. He says that yellow maize matures faster than white maize. The main disadvantage, however, is that yellow maize is not popular in the market, compared to the white maize. He, therefore, grows most of his produce for his family’s use.

After harvesting, Lusalia keeps some grain for the next planting season. To do this, he must ensure he has good stores and bags to prevent rotting and damage by pests. This has been a challenge for him, but he is working to solve it.

Yellow maize is also good for livestock

After harvesting, yellow maize stalks can be used to provide fodder for livestock. The grains can also be used as poultry feed. This is an opportunity for Kenyan farmers. Instead of depending on imports, farmers can venture into the business and produce yellow maize, which is a source of nutrients for livestock.

To get the most out of the crop, the maize is harvested when green. The cob is used as a vegetable while the other parts are fed to livestock.

Yellow maize is planted in the same way as ordinary white maize. The maize is planted through direct seeding, preferably early in the season or as soon as soil and temperature conditions are favourable. Delay in planting always leads to reduced yields - there is a drop in yields by 1 – 2% every day if planting is delayed. Seeds are dropped in furrows or planting holes. For a pure stand of maize, the Ministry of Agriculture recommends a spacing of between 75cm by 30cm for all areas with adequate rainfall, resulting in a total population of about 44,000 plants per acre.

Good management

Yellow maize should be planted as soon as the seedbed is prepared. Like the ordinary maize, yellow maize is sensitive to weeds during the first 4-6 weeks after germination. The crop should be weeded twice until it reaches a height of one metre. In areas of low rainfall, irrigation should be done especially at the time of tasselling and fertilization. The maize can be intercropped with legumes as this increases yields.

Harvesting and storage

Yellow maize can be harvested when mature, when the leaves start yellowing. The maize can be left in the field until when the moisture levels fall to about 15-20%. However, care should be taken to protect the maize from pest attack. The yellow maize can also be harvested when immature for use as a vegetable. After harvesting, maize should be stored well to prevent attack by pests and diseases.

There are new metal silos that are effective against maize pests such as the larger grain borer. The silos are made out of galvanized flat iron sheets. The structures are airtight and can be used to store different types of grain.

>>Tell us how useful this information is to your farming enterprise. Share your experience by email to [email protected] or leave a comment below this article. You can also send an SMS to 0715 916 136.

Topic : Plant HealthMaize ↧ $ 0 0

Research has shown that maize seeds may contain the viruses that cause Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) disease and can transfer the disease through seeds to farms. This poses great danger to food security in the country and neighbouring countries.

As the Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLN) spreads across the country, the government, including research institutions, are working to understand how the disease came into Kenya and how it spread rapidly to almost all maize growing areas within a short period.

Efforts to combat the Disease

The government has set up a task force to carry out a survey in all maize growing areas across the country and recommend the best ways of controlling the disease. The task force is working with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MOALF), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (formerly KARI), the University of Nairobi (UON), The International Centre for Maize Improvement (CIMMYT) and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) to map the extent of the disease and come up with ways to combat it.

Although pests are known to be the major carriers of viruses causing plant diseases, there is no any conclusive study that can show that they are responsible for the rapid spread of MLN. Scientists are working to find out the extent of the damage caused by the disease. Long term solutions are awaited to protect the future of maize, a crop that more than 90 per cent of Kenya’s population depends on for food.

Infected commercial seeds may be a source of disease

As research continues, it is important to look at other possible causes of the fast spread of this disease. For example, there are two interesting studies, which can perhaps shed some light on one of the likely causes of transmission of the MLN disease in the country.

The studies - Effects of Seed Quality on the Proportion of Seed Transmission for Sugarcane Mosaic Virus in Maize (by Li, X.F Wang and G.H Zhou), and Seed Transmission of Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus (by Jensen S.G and David S. Wysong, and others) show that the quality of seed can contribute to the spread of MLN. This disease is caused by a combination of both Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus (MCMV) and Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV).

 

According to the study on transmission of MCMV through seeds, four seed samples of maize containing 11,000 seeds supplied by two seed companies had 17 infected seeds. One sample with 3,000 seeds had one infected seed. However, three seed samples with 8000 seeds were found to have 16 infected seeds. The remaining 21 seed samples with 31,000 seeds from other seed companies were free of the virus.

Percentage of diseases Determined

To find out the potential of the diseased seed in each seed sample to pass on the disease wherever they were planted, a simple calculation was done to determine the percentage of diseased seeds that were likely to pass on the disease. In the seed samples free of the viruses the seed transmission rate was 0.0%, while among the seed samples with MCMV, the least was in the first seed sample i.e. 1 out of 3,000 seeds indicating a seed transmission rate of 0.03% (i.e. 1 divided by 3,000 and multiplied by 100) and the highest was in the second seed lot at 0.33% (i.e. 10 infected seeds divided by 3,000 and multiplied by 100).

Estimated number of diseased seeds in one acre

 One acre of maize has approximately 42,000 seeds. Therefore, to get the number of seeds per acre that are likely to be infected and have the potential to pass on the disease, we have to go by what Jensen and his group found out. In the case of the first seed sample case scenario, 13 seeds per acre are likely to be infected (i.e. 0.03 multiplied by 42000 and divided by 100). In the second lot case scenario with 0.33% transmission, 139 seeds per acre are likely to be infected (i.e. 0.33 multiplied by 42,000 seeds and divided by 100). Farmers need to know that the likelihood of MCMV spreading among seed shows that seed contamination depends on how the seed farms are maintained and certified.

Seed with 10% rate of MLN infection certified

 Several technical staff in a number of seed companies in Kitale and Nairobi interviewed by TOF indicated that seed farms with up to 10 per cent infestation levels were being certified by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) to sell the maize as seed. This essentially means that in nominal seed crop yield of 1.7 tonnes per hectare, 170kg of seeds are at the risk of carrying some seeds with the virus. At a 1000 seed weight of 240gm, this 170kg of seeds are likely to have 0.7 million seeds and at a maximum seed transmission rate of 0.33% nearly 2310 seeds from among seeds produced in one hectare are likely to be infected and have the ability to spread the disease where such seed is planted. It is important to note that the seed transmission rates of 0 – 0.33% discussed above are for MCMV one of the two viruses responsible for MLN disease.

Seed transmission of SCMV virus

The second study that focused on transmission of SCMV virus showed that for every 42,000 seeds per acre, approximately 966 to 1,638 seeds could be infected and can transmit the disease where the seed is planted. This means that nearly 27,300 seeds from one hectare are likely to be infected and pass the disease if used as seed. The distribution and marketing of these seeds needs to be carefully monitored and controlled to prevent fast spread of the disease in the farms.

Insects pests spread the viruses

 The number of infected seeds per acre could look small compared to the large number of seeds sown in an acre. However, in a scenario where these spreads in the whole farm if there are pests like thrips and aphids, which act as carriers; this can cause major damage to the entire maize field in areas where such seed is planted.

In this regard, the level of disease infestation in the seed farms has to be revisited and it is therefore, recommended that more stringent measures put in place by Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) to ensure only clean maize seed is certified and sold to farmers. As the regulatory authority mandated to control the quality of seed in the country, KEPHIS should ensure that all maize seed it certifies is of the highest quality and does not contribute to spread of all diseases including MLN. KEPHIS should ensure that there is a high level of management in seed farms so that certified seed is not contaminated.

Already KEPHIS has taken measures to reduce the possibility of seed to transmit the disease. In a meeting with seed companies and other stakeholders held at KEPHIS headquarters on October 9 2014, the regulatory authority agreed that any seed with more than 1 percent infection will not be certified for sale to farmers. All imported seed would not be certified if it has any traces of both MCMV and SCMV pathogens.

Maize seed companies and contracted producers need to a high level of crop management to reduce the risk of spreading the disease. This may have implications on the seed cost but it will go a long way in reducing the potential losses incurred by farmers.

>>Tell us how useful this information is to your farming enterprise. Share your experience by email to [email protected] or leave a comment below this article.

Topic : Plant HealthMaize ↧ $ 0 0

Isolate a small portion of land whenever you want to try a new maize variety. Plant and observe it and only go into full production when sure that the variety can do well in your region. This avoids the risk of planting new varieties without the full knowledge of their performance.

Every year, many farmers plant the wrong maize seed varieties, ending up with poor yields for lack of correct information. Persistent advertising and promotion of certain maize seed varieties by seed companies is partly to blame for the problem. Another problem is that farmers usually ask local agrovet shops to sell them the best maize varieties. This approach is not effective because seed stockists will always recommend any variety especially that of stock that is not moving.

Farmers should therefore be very careful when choosing maize seed varieties to plant. The seeds are developed on the basis of altitude, rainfall, type of soil and temperature and other climatic conditions. To meet the needs of farmers in every climatic region, researchers have developed seed varieties that do well in those regions. It is therefore important for farmers to buy seeds that can do well in their geographical regions. It is also important that farmers seek for advice from extension officers, agricultural or research institutions before buying any maize seed.

Before adopting any new seed variety, it is important that farmers isolate a small portion of land, plant the variety and observe its characteristics. Check if the variety is prone to lodging (falling due to wind), if the ears open early before maturity, which allows water and rotting, the yield and any other negative characteristic. When you have established that the variety is good, proceed to large-scale production. We give this advice to caution farmers against buying new seed varieties (which may not have the desired qualities) as may be claimed by seed companies or seed stockists.

Good management of maize through the production phases is important. Low soil fertility, soil acidity, late land preparation and planting, poor weeding and even using the wrong planting methods can contribute to low maize yields. Farmers are Farmers are advised to grow maize varieties that do well in their agro-ecological regions as shown in the map below;

Below, we provide farmers with some of the new and alternative maize seed varieties:

 

  1. High altitude varieties - (Rainfall 1000 - 1500 mm, Altitude 1700 - 2300 m)

 

(i) Variety: ADC 600-23A - Company: Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC)

Qualities

● Average yield 43- 68 bags per acre.

● Sweet in taste.

● It does not fall easily (no lodging).

● It produces a double cob.

● It is resistant to rust.

● Resistance to leaf blight.

● Resistant to Grey Leaf Spot.

● Out yields H614D by 43.3%.

Suitable growing areas: Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Keiyo, Marakwet Laikipia, Nakuru, Kisii, Kiambu.

 

(ii) Variety: KH600-14E - Company: Freshco (improved H614D)

Qualities

● Average yield 45–50 bags.

● Sweet to taste.

● Flinty shape (not easily attacked by weevils).

● Has excellent husk cover (does not open ears, which causes rotting.

● Tolerant to Grey Leaf spot disease.

● Heavy (like original H614 variety).

● Droops at maturity.

● Outyields original H614D by 13.3%.

● Matures earlier than H614D (by 1 week).

Suitable growing areas: Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Keiyo, Marakwet Laikipia, Nakuru, Kisii, Kiambu.

 

(iii) Variety: KH 600-15A - Company: East African Seed

Qualities

● Yields 33–47 bags per acre.

● Matures in 145–148 days.

● Has good husk cover.

● Very good standability.

● Out yields 614D by 10.1%.

● Droops (cob faces down) on maturity preventing grain rot.

● Tolerant to GLS, Maize Streak Virus and blights.

● Produces double cobs.

Suitable growing areas: Mt. Elgon slopes, Trans-Nzoia, West Pokot, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, greater Kericho, Taita, Nyeri (upper parts), Laikipia, Lower Nyandarua.

 

(iv) Variety: KH600–16A - Company: Freshco

Qualities

● Yields 35-50 bags per acre (out yielding H614 D by 16.7%).

● Matures in 140-180 days.

● Very good standability.

● Tolerant top Grey Leaf Spot (GLS), leaf blight.

● Has a good husk cover (will not rot in heavy rains).

● Droops when dry (will not rot in heavy rains).

Suitable growing areas: Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Keiyo, Marakwet, Laikipia, Nakuru, Kisii, Bungoma, Mt Elgon, Kiambu.

 

(v) Variety: 600–15A - Company: East African Seed

Qualities

● Yields 35–45 bags per acre.

● White semi-flint grains.

● Has very strong stalk and does not fall easily (good standability).

● Maize cob droops when dry, reducing rotting.

● Has good husk cover.

Suitable growing areas: Mt. Elgon slopes, Trans-Nzoia, West Pokot, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, greater Kericho, Taita, Nyeri (upper parts), Laikipia, Lower Nyandarua.

 

(vi)Kenya Seed Company: The most popular seed varieties from the company for high altitude zones include: H614D, H6213, H629and H628. H6213 can do well under a high level management.

 

B. Medium altitude varieties: (Altitude: 1200-1600m Rainfall:800 mm and above)

 

(i) Variety: WH507 - Company: Western Seed Co.

Qualities

● Average yield 35 bags per acre.

● It matures in 4 months (120-135 days)

● Good for green maize (remains green longer).

● It has a big cob.

Suitable growing areas: Western Kenya- Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Kisii, Nyanza Region- Homa Bay, Suba, Migori Rongo, Siaya, Bondo; South Rift- Tinderet, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Narok, Sotik, Trans-Mara; Central Province- Muranga, Kiambu, Kirinyaga; Eastern Province-Embu, Meru, Machakos, Kitui, Mwingi etc.

 

(ii) Variety: KH 500-33A - Company: Freshco

Qualities

● Average yield 35–40 bags per acre.

● Matures in 4 months (120–140 days).

● Good standability.

● Resistant to Maize Streak Virus (MSV) and smut disease.

● Flinty white grain (resists weevil damage) tightly packed.

● Large cob and stalk.

● Good taste as green maize when roasted.

Suitable growing areas: Western Kenya- Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Kisii; Nyanza Region- Homa Bay, Suba, Migori Rongo, Siaya, Bondo, South Rift- Tinderet, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Narok, Sotik, Trans-Mara; Central Province- Muranga, Kiambu, Kirinyaga; Eastern Province-Embu, Meru, Machakos, Kitui, Mwingi etc.

 

(ii) Variety: WH505 - Company: Western Seed Co.

Qualities

● Average yield is 30 bags per acre.

● Maturity is 4 months (120- 150 days).

● Tolerant to drought.

● Tolerant to most leaf diseases.

Suitable growing areas: Western Kenya- Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Kisii; Nyanza Region- Homa Bay, Suba, Migori Rongo, Siaya, Bondo, South Rift- Tinderet, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Narok, Sotik, Trans-Mara; Central Province- Muranga, Kiambu, Kirinyaga; Eastern Province-Embu, Meru, Machakos, Kitui, Mwingi etc.

 

(iii) Variety: KH 500-13A - Company: Freshco

Qualities

● Average yield is 35-40 bags an acre.

● Maturity 4 months (120–140 days)

● Tolerant to MSV, leaf blight and leaf rust.

● Good stalks for cattle feed.

● Good standability.

 

(iv) Variety: WH 403 - Company: Western Seed

Qualities

● Average yield is 30-35 bags per acre.

● Good husk cover.

● Does not lodge (fall due to wind and weight).

● Maturity 4 months (120-135 days).

Suitable growing areas: Western Kenya - Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Kisii, Nyanza Region- Homa Bay, Suba, Migori Rongo, Siaya, Bondo, South Rift- Tinderet, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Narok, Sotik, Trans-Mara, Central Province- Muranga, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Eastern Province- Embu, Meru, Machakos, Kitui and Mwingi.

 

(v) Variety: WH 402 - Company: Western Seed

Qualities

● A superior hybrid seed.

● Average yield is 40 bags per acre.

● Slightly tolerant to Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) disease.

● Maturity 4 months (130-160 days).Suitable growing areas: Western Kenya- Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Kisii, Nyanza Region- Homa Bay, Suba, Migori Rongo, Siaya, Bondo, South Rift- Tinderet, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Narok, Sotik, Trans-Mara, Central Province- Muranga, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Eastern Province- Embu, Meru, Machakos, Kitui, and Mwingi.

 

Kenya Seed Company: Popular varieties from the company for medium altitude zones include: H624, H524, H525 and H526. Others varieties include H513, H515, H516, H517, H518, H519, H520, H521 and H522.

 

C. Dry land Varieties

Dry land varieties mature within 90-120 days. These perform well in arid and marginal areas with a mean annual rainfall of 200mm - 500mm. The most suitable varieties for these regions are;

DH01, DH02, DH03 and DH04 (Kenya Seed Company).

KDV-1 (OPV), KDV-6 (OPV) (FRESHCO)

Areas where the varieties do well include Taita Taveta, Mwatate, Lamu, Mpeketoni, Homa Bay, Rongo, Unguja and Siaya.

Striga resistant varieties: Some areas in medium altitude zones have striga, a parasitic weed that chokes maize plants reducing their ability to produce maize. Striga-resistant varieties have been developed to overcome the problem. One of the varieties that is striga resistant is FRC 425R (FRESHCO) which produces 30-35 bags an acre. Another suitable variety is WH 303 (IR) from Western Seed co.

Important maize planting tips: In order to get a good maize crop, farmers need to go by the following planting tips:

Land preparation: The land to be used for planting should be prepared early enough.

Planting: Planting should be done early preferably two weeks before the rains stop. Maize planted after the rains have started cannot germinate well because the soil temperatures tend to go down as the rains persist.

Most farmers practice dry planting (planting when the rains have not started); in this case the germination tends to be vigorous. Research has shown that if a farmer plants two weeks after the onset of the rains, they lose an average of 2½ bags of maize per acre per week. Maize that is planted early also benefits from nitrogen flush – this is a process where the newly planted maize benefits from nitrogen fixed into the soil from the atmosphere at the onset of the rains before it is lost through leaching.

Spacing: It is important to space your maize correctly. There are two spacing options:

 

i) 75x30cm when planting one seed per hole.

ii) 75x60cm when planting 2 seeds per hole.

Always plant certified seed to get a good maize harvest.

>> Share your experiences with TOF and fellow farmers. Send email to [email protected],  leave a comment below this article or SMS to 0715 916 136.

Topic : Plant HealthMaizeMaize seed

/

Related Articles: Be careful when buying maize seed this seasonShort season maize varieties that take around 4 months and less to matureMaize seed can transmit Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLN) ↧ ↧ $ 0 0

Heavy rains at the time of maize harvesting have serious effects on the quality of maize. Some varieties of maize open their ears too early; if it starts raining, the water goes into the maize cob causing rotting. Pests also easily enter the maturing maize cob and destroy it before it is harvested.

High levels of moisture in maize make it easy for mould to develop leading to aflatoxin contamination.

Aflatoxin is a highly toxic substance, produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxin, which causes cancer, suppresses the body’s immune system, retards growth, causes liver damage and even death if consumed by humans, chickens and other farm animals. This is one reason farmers need to harvest their mature maize early even if rains persist.

Dry and store your maize well

After harvesting, maize should be properly dried before storage. Most farmers are, however, likely to face the problem of drying their crop during the rainy season. Heavy cloud cover makes it difficult for farmers to dry their maize, and this may force farmers to store it even before it has attained a moisture content of about 13.5 percent, which is the recommended moisture level before maize, beans, sorghum and other cereal grains can be safely stored. You can squeeze the grain with your thumbnail to see how hard it is - dry grain is difficult to squeeze.

How aflatoxins develop

The UN World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that billions of people in Africa and much of developing world are Aflatoxins cannot be seen by the naked eye; infected maize may look normal which makes it difficult for farmers to tell if their maize is infected. Aflatoxins can develop in maize when it is still growing in the shamba, before it is arranged in stakes and harvested. This usually happens when maize takes too long before it is harvested. Damage through broken grains and holes drilled by pests like weevils and stem borers allow the fungus to invade seeds in the field and stores.

Aflatoxin biocontrol product

Scientists in the USA use several methods to control biologically aflatoxin in growing maize.

One recommended method is the use of Aflasafe® which is, a biocontrol solution. Aflasafe® is broadcast in maize while it is still growing. The harmless strains of the Aflasafe® fungus compete with the poisonous strains blocking them from multiplying - this

process reduces aflatoxin production in grains during both crop development and post harvest storage. This technology is particularly effective as it addresses the source of aflatoxin (the fungus in the soil) before it can contaminate the crop before harvesting.

Tips on maize drying and storage

• Harvest early, when the maize has matured.

• Separate rotten maize from healthy maize to reduce contamination.

• Dry the maize until it is completely dry (if you have a moisture metre ensure maize to be stored has at least a 13.5% per cent moisture content).

• Do not throw harvested maize on bare ground where it comes into contact with soil.

• Clean the maize store thoroughly by removing any previous grains as they may harbor pests.

• Ensure maize to be stored is shelled before storage - this reduces pest damage, maize on

the cob is more prone to pest damage compared to shelled maize.

Farmers wishing to get Aflasafe® can contact the nearest KALRO office in their area. Training is necessary before using the product.

Use diatomite for maize storage

Farmers facing pest problems in their stored maize can use diatomite. Diatomite is a fine powder made up of fossilized microscopic plants called diatoms. Diatomite contains millions of small particles which have very sharp edges. When diatomites sharp edges come into contact with an insect or a parasite, their protective coating is pierced, causing the insect to dehydrate and die.

This makes diatomite an excellent and natural pesticide that does not have negative side effects. Farmers across the world have used diatomite for decades to control pests. Diatomite can be mixed with maize, wheat, barley, wheat, oats, beans rice, sorghum at a rate of a half kg (500g) for every 90 kg of any of these grains. Diatomite is safe for both humans and animals. Cereals preserved with diatomite can be stored for up to 4 years or longer without damage so long as they are kept in a cool dry place that has no signs of rat damage. Grain that has been treated with diatomite has to be washed and dried before cooking or milling. The only limitation for farmers is that diatomite is not available in most agrovet shops in the country. But farmers groups can come together and purchase the powder and share among themselves.

A 2kg package goes for Ksh 200. Diatomite is sold by African Diatomite Industries in Gilgil town along the Nakuru - Nairobi road.

Interested farmers can Contact African Diatomite Industries (ADL) on 0722 277 120.

 

Topic : Maize

/

↧ $ 0 0

This planting season, the choice of seed is very important. In rural farming areas, many farmers still plant traditional maize varieties that give very low yields. According to a study conducted by Egerton University’s Tegemeo Institute (Enhancing Small-holder Productivity in Kenya, 2016) findings show that maize yields have been declining at the rate of 10 per cent.

The same study shows that in some regions in the country, only 0.72% of the seeds used are certified hybrid seeds; a very small proportion indeed.

Maize yields have been going down in regions where farmers use traditional varieties although the area under maize has increased. Farmers interviewed in the study indicate that the high cost of certified hybrid seed and the increase in fake seeds in the market had forced them to use traditional open pollinated maize varieties or recycled seed.

Another problem that faces farmers is buying their maize seed or planting late due to lack of proper preparations. Ideally, all maize should be planted by mid- March. But due to the impacts of the changing climate sometimes, maize planted in March may fail if the rains are insufficient. So, it is advisable for farmers to subdivide their land into two portions with one portion planted in March while the other portion is planted in mid-April. This will help prevent loss of inputs such as seed and even labour if the rains fail.

Due to the high demand for seeds, especially the popular varieties, farmers who buy their seeds late face the danger of either buying fake seed or getting none. However, the problem of fake seed is likely to reduce

following new measures introduced by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), which enables farmers to verify if the seeds they have bought is genuine or not.

Avoid planting uncertified maize

Due to lack of money, some farmers in rural areas use commercial maize (harvested the previous year) for seed. Commercial maize cannot produce good maize yield. It is important for farmers to know that maize seed is produced in a special way that enables it to produce high yields when planted only once. After it is harvested, commercial maize cannot be used as seed as it loses most of the characteristics or vigour once it is planted again.

Control diseases and pests

Besides, commercial maize when replanted can transfer diseases and pests such as the Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN), leaf inflammation, stalk and the Larger Grain Borer (LGB). Currently, there are many diseases and pests that threaten maize production in the country. The most serious disease is the Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) diseases. The main vectors of the disease transmission are insect pests such as thrips, stemborer and flea beetles. To avoid the disease, farmers are advised to plant only certified seeds from established companies to avoid transferring the disease to their farms through infected maize.

Practice crop rotation

Maize is a heavy feeder, which means that it takes a lot of nutrients especially Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) from the soil. Unless the farmer has very little land, it is always advisable to practice crop rotation. Farmers can also prevent diseases such as MLN or head smut and pests. Farmers can rotate maize with beans, peas, potatoes, cabbages, onions, carrots, kales (sukumawiki), sunflower or any other crop that is not in the maize family. Crop rotation with leguminous crops such as beans and peas help replenish important nutrients such as nitrogen into the soil.

New method to identify genuine maize seed

Buy your seed only from stockists licensed by KEPHIS (insist to see the license before buying the seed).

• Expired seed cannot do well. Always check to ensure the seed is not expired.

• Genuine maize seeds in small packages of 2kg and below now have a new inspection label from KEPHIS attached to each bag. Remove the label and scratch it the same way you do for mobile airtime scratch cards. Type the number in the label and send to 1393. You will receive a message indicating the seed is genuine and certified.

• For 10kg and 25kg seed packages farmers are advised to check for the KEPHIS tag that is inside the seed bag from where they can check the maize variety and lot number. You can call or text KEPHIS using the telephone number given in the tag to confirm if the seed is genuine.

 

Topic : Plant HealthMaizeMaize seed

/

↧ $ 0 0

The fall armyworm is a heavy feeder that quickly destroys the maize crop. It can destroy an entire crop if it is not controlled on time. It can spread fast, and can fly over 30 kilometres in one night assisted by the wind.

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) derives the name from its’ feeding habits whereby they eat everything in an area until it is over and the entire "army" then moves to the next available food source. This invasive pest is native to North and South America and Argentina. The fall armyworm larval stage burrows into crops, destroys and eventually kills the plants. Recently, it was identified for the first time in West Africa before extensively spreading to Southern Africa. The fall armyworm has also been reported in parts of Togo, Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe where the pest has already destroyed thousands of hectares of crops. The emergence of the fall armyworm in Uganda was reported last month and it may probably have spread to some areas of Western Kenya.

How to identify it

To differentiate this larva from other armyworm species, one needs to look at the head of the insect. The fall armyworm's head has a predominantly white, inverted Y-shaped suture between the eyes. Young larvae are greenish or brownish in colour and smooth-skinned.

Mature larvae vary from light tan or green to nearly black. They have three yellow-white hairlines down their backs. On each side and next to the yellow lines is a wider dark stripe. The moths have a wingspan of 32 to 40 mm. They have dark grey, mottled (coloured spots) on the forewings with light and dark splotches (marks), and a noticeable white spot near the extreme end of the worm.

Crops affected

Fall armyworms can feed on almost all types of plants. They prefer to feed on maize but also target wheat, millet, cotton, sorghum, sugarcane, tobacco, potatoes and rice. These are the most common staple food crops grown and consumed in Kenya.

Life cycle

They take approximately 3 to 5 days for the eggs to hatch. Developmental time of the larval stage takes 2 weeks to a month. Pupation occurs in the ground near the plant and usually requires 1 to 2 weeks. The adult female begins laying eggs after 3 or 4 days and lays about 150 eggs a day for 8 to 10 days and between 1500 and 2000 eggs in a lifetime. Within as little as 10-12 days, the worm changes into a moth and moves in groups (swarming) as a young adult which has the ability to cover several kilometers in search of distant, new regions with other fresh crops to consume.

Damage

The pest is very aggressive because while invading a new area, it has few or no natural enemies. The larval stage of the fall armyworm is the most destructive stage. Larvae feed on maize leaves and may attack the tassels and/or ears of maize. Their damage appears as tattered edges and holes on leaves, tassels and/or ears. Severe feeding may look like maize crop that has been damaged by hail stones. The first attack of the fall armyworm's invasion often goes unnoticed, because the small larvae that hatch from egg burrow into plant parts hiding inside. It becomes visible only after close observation and as the larvae develops, but by then, it is too late to save the plant.

Control

Synthetic pesticides are mostly used to control the pest. The chemical sprays however contaminate the environment and cause major health risks to humans, livestock and biodiversity especially the non-targeted organisms. Other methods of control include use of pheromone traps and hand picking of adults and caterpillars, use of parasitoids, predators and natural enemies. Cultural control measures also used include management of broad leaf weeds and rapid disposal of crop residues after harvest.

Use organic products to control armyworms in your farm

Farmers in East Africa are currently going through a difficult period with the invasion of the fall armyworm. The worm has spread to the region just when they have planted maize and other crops. The lack of rains and the increased temperatures provide the right conditions for the rapid multiplication of the fall armyworm and other pests.

As usual, many farmers will rush to buy chemicals to control the pests but as we have explained above, most of the pesticides available in the market are not effective against the pest because they will kill the larvae and leave the eggs, which later hatch and continue damaging the maize. This is one reason why the pest is very difficult to control.

However, farmers in Western Kenya have discovered that organic control methods are much more effective in control of the armyworms. Below are some of the biopesticides farmers can use to control the fall armyworms and other pests in maize and other crops:

Nimbecidine®- This is a neem-based biopesticide that can control the fall armyworm, aphids, leaf miners , mites, whiteflies, thrips, wireworms and even n e m a t o d e s in maize, cabbages, potatoes, beans and any crop that is under threat from pests. One characteristic of this biopesticide is that it is an antifeedant meaning that the pest cannot be able to feed on the target crop. Nimbecidine also interferes with the pest’s ability to lay eggs.

Pyrethrum - The white flowers in pyrethrum have active ingredients called pyrethrin. Farmers who opt to use pyrethrum can pick the flowers on a warm day when the flowers are open, dry and store them in an airtight container in the dark (light reduces the effectiveness of the flowers). Later the dried flower can be ground into powder.

Preparation of pyrethrum extract

Mix 20g of pyrethrum powder with 10 litres of water. Add soap as a spreader and sticker and apply immediately especially in the evenings when the armyworms are active. Like neem, garlic has anti-feedant properties and can also repel most pests.

Preparation

Mix 85g of crushed garlic with 50ml of vegetable oil. Add 10ml of liquid soap (use bar soap). Allow the mixture to stand for 24 hours. Mix 50ml of the garlic and vegetable oil emulsion with 1 litre of water (or make enough fill a 20litre knapsack sprayer by multiplying the same amount by 20) shake thoroughly before spraying preferably in the evening when the armyworms come out to feed.

A simple way to control fall armyworm

Fridah Kavetsa is a farmer in Mushiega Village in Vihiga County. After planting maize in her 2-acre farm, she noticed a strange worm that was destroying her maize faster than other armyworms. As she had done before, she went back home and prepared ash and bought chilly powder, which she sprinkled on the maize funnel. After several applications, Ms Kavetsa noticed the pest had disappeared. Other farmers in the village who had resorted to using paraffin and detergents in a desperate attempt to control the pest have emulated her and are now using wood ash and chilli powder with good results.

Apart from Fridah and other farmers, scientists have already confirmed the effectiveness of using ash and chilli powder to control the fall armyworms in maize. The method is better than the use of chemicals in controlling the pest including the fall armyworms.

Here is how other farmers can do it:

• Buy ripe chilli powder (pepper) from the market or prepare your own using ripe pepper.

• Dry the pepper and make powder by either grinding or pounding, remove the big particles and leave the fine powder.

• Sieve cold wood ash from the fireplace.

• Get 1 tin gorogoro (2kg tin or plastic) of ash.

• Mix 1 gorogoro of wood ash with 5 teaspoonfuls of chilli powder.

• Mix the chilli and woods properly by shaking them in a container.

• Put the mixture in a used pesticide container that has small holes.

• Apply the mixture from the container by shaking it once into each plant funnel.

For good results, apply the mixture immediately you see the worms in the maize and repeat the same if you notice any pests in the maize or pest damage to your crop.

Note:In the case of severe infestation, farmers can use the ash and pepper mix other biopesticides to control the fall armyworm.

Topic : Plant HealthMaize

/

↧ Search RSSing.com $ 0 0

The quality of certified maize seed is very important since it determines the maize yield, food security and income for the farmer.

As the planting season draws near, farmers are busy preparing their land in readiness for planting.

The choice of seed, especially maize seed is very important and will help determine the amount and quality of the maize harvest at the end of the year. It is important that farmers buy their seeds early enough to avoid the last minute rush that may force them to buy the wrong seeds or even fake seed, which is often sold when there is shortage of seed, a practice that is common every year during the planting season.

Beware of fake seed

Despite our warning on the existence of fake seeds in the market every year, many farmers still end up buying fake seed, mostly sold by unscrupulous traders in all maize growing areas. It is important that farmers keep to the following guidelines to avoid being cheated:

• Farmers should only buy seed from reputable or licensed seed merchants and stockists.

• Buy your seed early enough preferably during the month of January or February when most of the seed companies have adequate seed. If you buy your seeds in March or April, most of the popular maize varieties will have run out of stock. This is the wrong time for buying seed because of shortage. Most fake seed is sold during this period. Farmers therefore risk buying expired or fake seed.

• All genuine seed have Company tags and inspection labels from the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) inside the seed bag. Immediately you open the seed bag, check the tags to ensure the seeds you have bought are genuine.

• Check for the expiry date in each seed bag you buy, expired seed cannot grow well.

• Store the seeds in a cool dry place to ensure they do not spoil through humidity or excess sunlight or heat.

Choose right seed for your region

All maize varieties are developed for the various climatic regions in the country. For farmers who wish to get good maize yields, it is important that farmers choose the right varieties for their region. This enables them to increase their income and boost their food security. All maize varieties are developed by scientists for planting in different regions depending on the altitude, rainfall, type of soil, temperature and other climatic conditions. This is done to ensure that farmers get the best varieties that are suited to their climatic regions.

New varieties

There is an increase promotion of new maize varieties as companies compete to sell their seeds. Farmers should be very careful when going for new varieties. We always advise farmers to work like professionals. When you buy a new seed variety, isolate a small portion of your land and mark it. Plant the new variety in this portion of land and then observe its attributes. Check if the variety is prone to opening the cob at maturity which may lead to rotting of the grain. It is important to check if the variety is susceptible to falling during windy conditions (lodging). Check to see if the maize has adequate good grain weight to ensure you have quality maize for milling. Ensure all maize planted is well-managed throughout the production period. Poor management such as late weeding, poor soils or late land preparation and planting will always reduce your harvest.

How to check if maize seed is genuine

Farmers need to remain alert and ensure that they only buy seed from licensed seed dealers. It is always important to check the shop where you buy seed to ensure they have a licence from the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS). In the last two years, KEPHIS has come with a method of checking if the seed you buy is genuine. All genuine maize seed in small packages (2kg and below) have sticker label from KEPHIS attached to each bag. All the farmers need to do is to remove the label and scratch it the same way you do for the mobile phone airtime. After scratching, check the number on the label and send to 1393. You will receive a message indicating if the seed is genuine or not. For those buying 10kg and 25kg seed packages, one should open the bag and check for a KEPHIS tag that usually shows the variety and even the lot number. You can call KEPHIS on Tel. 0709 891 000. If you provide them with these details, they will advise you if the maize you have bought is genuine or not.

Seed quality depends on strict inspection

To improve and maintain the quality of seed in the country is a very important process. Maize seed is inspected thoroughly at every stage of growth to ensure it has all the desired qualities and characteristics when it is finally released into the market.

If not well- maintained, seeds can lose their vigour. Seed inspectors from KEPHIS visit the seed production farms on a regular basis to ensure the maize seed meets all the parameters.

Some of the factors that reduce the quality of seed during production include the following:

Selfing: If the removal of tassels from the mother plant is not done properly, the plant will pollinate itself (selfing), this reduces the quality of the seed from such lines.

Drought stress: If the seed maize is affected by drought, the surviving plants cannot produce quality seed since they lose some of the characteristics of the parent material.

General crop failure or diseases: If the maize seed does not grow as it is expected eg stunting, attack by diseases eg. Maize smut or Grey Leaf Spot (GLS) the maize seed should be condemned because it will lead to crop failure or transfer of diseases. Diseased maize seed will lead to spread of diseases to all parts of the country where such seed is planted.

Topic : Plant HealthMaizeMaize seed

/

↧ ↧ Remove ADS Viewing latest articles Browse all 9 Browse latest View live Search RSSing.com
  • RSSing>>
  • Latest
  • Popular
  • Top Rated
  • Trending
© 2026 //www.rssing.com

Từ khóa » Kh 500-33a