ISHS Acta Horticulturae 153: IX African Symposium on Horticultural Crops
DECIDUOUS FRUIT CULTIVAR EVALUATIONS IN MALAWI |
| Authors: | D.N. Tembwe, C.E. Arnold |
| Abstract:
Smallholder farming systems in Malawi mostly include maize, groundnuts, cassava, cotton, tobacco, tea, coffee, bananas, potatoes and rice. There is a need for additional crop diversity by introducing new horticultural cultivars to broaden the economic base, reduce imports and improve human nutrition. Deciduous fruits are being successfully grown in many tropical regions. The highlands of Malawi are suitable for good deciduous fruit production with elevations between 1000 and 1800 m above sea level and an average of 100 h below 7°C annually. Frost only occurs in Malawi at elevations above 2700 m. Annual rainfall is between 1000 and 1500 mm. These plateau areas are generally characterized by gritty clays ranging in colour from red or brown to yellow with a pH of 4.5 to 5.0, and with a high iron content. Replicated experiments were started in 1977 to evaluate the performance of various deciduous fruit species including peaches, plums and apples. These trials are conducted at the Bvumbwe Station and in other suitable locations throughout Malawi. Trial plantings of pears, nectarines, grapes, mulberries and chinese gooseberries are also being observed. Cultivars with the best performance include Sunred nectarine; Angel and Flordared peaches; Kieffer pear; Satsuma and Methley plums; Rome Beauty, Starking, Anna and Ein Shemer 28 apples; Isabella and Dirobelle grapes; and Queensland mulberry. | |
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