ISHS Acta Horticulturae 108: International Cashew Symposium
DEVELOPMENT IN CASHEW CULTIVATION AND RESEARCH IN KENYA |
| Author: | C.M. WARUI |
| Abstract:
The Republic of Kenya has tremendous topographical diversity. Over 36,000 hectares were planted with cashew giving an annual production from 20,000 to 25,000 tons of nuts. One modern factory with a capacity of 15,000 tons is operational and another one is proposed — both in the coastal area of Kenya. In the initial selection programmes isolated trees yielding about 15 kg/tree/year, which is nearly doubling the farmers yield were identified. Other methods envisaged for yield improvement include selection from a broader genetic base, vegetative propagation and germplasm introduction leading to progeny testing as a long term programme. If intercropping is encouraged cashew trees could benefit from the residual effect of fertilizers applied to the intercrop. It is also indicated that the farmers could increase profitability on cashew growing areas by grazing (milk) cows under cashew on natural/sown pastures. The major pest/disease problems in Kenya, in addition to Helopeltis sp., is Pseudotheraptus wayii (coconut bug) which initiates the cashew shoot ‘die back’ - a disease made serious by secondary infection of fungi. For these pests chemical control in young trees is advocated. | |
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