The soil supplies most of the nutrients needed by plants. Plant growth is limited when there is an insufficient supply of these nutrients. In natural conditions, nutrients are recycled from plants to soil to meet plant needs. However, agricultural crops may require more nutrients than natural vegetation.

Large amounts of nutrients are also removed in harvested crops. Optimal crop growth and profitability may require fertilization with inorganic fertilizers, animal manures, green manures, or legume management.

Nutrient requirements for plants keep increasing as the plant grows.  Nutrients available in the soil are the primary source of nutrients for plants while organic or in-organic nutrient fertilizers are the secondary source of nutrients.

 Organic and in organic fertilizers are applied to plants to ensure that the plants get enough nutrients. Crop production and growth can be impacted negatively if the nutrients are in excess or if the nutrients are deficient. Many deficiencies of nutrients in plants can be recognized by observing plant leaves.

Plants require 17 essential elements found in nature to properly grow and develop. These elements are Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen which are derived from the atmosphere and soil water. The remaining 15 essential elements, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, boron, molybdenum, and chlorine, and Nickel are supplied either from soil minerals and soil organic matter or by organic or inorganic fertilizers.

Each type of plant is unique and has an optimum nutrient range as well as a minimum requirement level. Below this minimum level, plants start to show nutrient deficiency symptoms. Excessive nutrient uptake can also cause poor growth because of toxicity. Therefore, the proper amount of application and the placement of nutrients is very important.

Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O) are utilized within the plant physical structure. These elements, obtained from the air (CO2) and water (H2O), are the basis for carbohydrates such as sugars and starch, which provide the strength of cell walls, stems, and leaves, and are also sources of energy for the plant and organisms that consume the plant.

The 17plant element are grouped into elements that are required in large quantities which are called Macro Nutrients and elements required in very small quantities which are called Micro Nutrients. 

Macro Nutrients are classified as Primary Macro Nutrients which include Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) and secondary Macro nutrients which include calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). These elements contribute to plant nutrient content, function of plant enzymes and biochemical processes, and integrity of plant cells.  Deficiency of these nutrients contributes to reduced plant growth, health, and yield; thus, they are the three most important nutrients supplied by fertilizers.

Micro Nutrients are used in small quantities by the plant, but nevertheless are necessary for plant survival.  These micronutrients include iron (Fe), boron (B), copper (Cu), chlorine (Cl), Manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni).

Description of the plant nutrient and deficiency symptoms:

Nitrogen (N)

Promotes rapid vegetative growth and gives plants healthy green color.

Deficiency symptoms are stunted growth, pale, yellowish color, burning of tips and margins of leaves starting with older leaves at the lower section of the plants.

Phosphorus (P)

Stimulates early growth and root formation, hastens maturity, promotes seed production and makes plants hardy.

Deficiency symptoms small root growth, spindly stalk, delayed maturity, purplish discoloration of leaves, dying of tips of older leaves, and poor fruit and seed development.

Potassium (K)

Improves plant’s ability to resist disease and cold, aids in the production of carbohydrates.

Deficiency symptoms slow growth, margins on leaves develop a scorched effect starting on the older leaves, weak stalk, shriveled seed or fruit.

Calcium (Ca)

It aids in the movement of carbohydrates in plants, essential to healthy cell walls and root structure.

Deficiency symptoms Terminal bud dies under severe deficiency, margins of younger leaves scalloped, blossoms shed prematurely, weak stalk or stem structure.

Sometimes Calcium deficiency is triggered not by the absence of Calcium but inadequate or insufficient watering.

Magnesium (Mg)

It is an ingredient of chlorophyll, aids in the translocation of starch within the plant, essential for formation of oils and fats.

Deficiency symptoms Yellowing of leaves between veins starting with lower leaves which are older, leaves abnormally thin, tissue may dry and die, leaves have tendency to curve upward.

Sulfur (S)

It helps in the formation of oils and parts of protein molecules.

Deficiency symptoms young leaves light green to yellowish in color. In some plants older tissue may be affected also. Small spindly plants, retarded growth and delayed maturity. Interveinal chlorosis on some plant’s leaves.

Boron (B)

It helps  in the assimilation of calcium amount required is extremely small.

Deficiency symptoms Death of terminal growth, causing lateral buds to develop and produce a witch’s broom effect. Thickened, curled, wilted and chlorotic leaves. Soft or neurotic spots in fruit or tubers. Reduced flowering or improper pollination.

Copper (Cu)

Promotes formation of Vitamin A, excess is very toxic.

Deficiency symptoms Stunted growth, dieback of terminal shoots in trees, poor pigmentation, wilting and eventual death of leaf tips, formation of gum pockets around central pith in oranges.

Manganese (Mn)

It serves as an activator for enzymes in growth processes, assist iron in chlorophyll

formation, generally required with zinc in foliar spraying of citrus.

Deficiency Symptoms Interveinal chlorosis of young leaves, gradation of pale color next to veins.

Zinc (Zn)

It is an essential constituent of several enzymes, controls synthesis of indoleacetic acid – an important growth regulator. The micronutrient most often needed by western crops- trees, grapes, beans, onions, tomatoes, cotton rice.

Deficiency symptoms is leaf chlorosis resulting in yellowing between the veins of the leaves. Decreased stem length and rosetting of terminal leaves. Reduced fruit bud formation.

Molybdenum (Mo)

Required for Nitrogen utilization, needed to transform non protein Nitrogen  into amino acids, and legumes cannot fix atmospheric Nitrogen symbiotically without Molybdenum.

Deficiency Symptoms includes Stunting and lack of vigor, very similar to Nitrogen deficiency due to the key role Molybdenum plays in Nitrogen utilization.

Chlorine (Cl)

Required in photosynthetic reactions of plants. Deficiency is not seen in the field due to its universal presence in nature.

Deficiency symptoms Wilting, followed by chlorosis. Excessive branching of lateral roots. Bronzing of leaves, chlorosis and necrosis in some plants.

Iron (Fe)

Function Essential for formation of chlorophyll, releases energy from sugars and starches.

Deficiency symptoms are yellowish or white leaves (young leaves first), veins green, affected leaves curl up.

Nickel (NI)

Necessary for proper functioning of the enzyme know as urease, and found to be necessary in seed germination

Deficiency Symptom; One common Ni deficiency symptom across plant species is the necrosis of leaf tips due to the accumulation of urea to toxic concentrations.

The table below lists the essential Macro Nutrients and their Mobility in soil and plants.

The table below lists the essential Micro Nutrients and their Mobility in soil and plants.

FERTILIZER TYPES

Plant fertilizers can be classified into Organic or In Organic fertilizers

Organic fertilizer are fertilizers that are derived from organic sources, including organic compost, cattle manures, poultry droppings and domestic sewage. organic fertilizers are natural, since the nutrients they possess are only from plant or animal-based materials. Either end products or byproducts of natural processes. Organic fertilizers work over time to create a healthy growing environment. Examples of organic fertilizers are Poultry droppings, Cattle dung, Rabbit droppings, Rabbit urine, domestic sewage, goat droppings, horse droppings etc. Organic fertilizers need to be composted very well to ensure that they will not harm plants.  Well composted chicken manure is one of the best soil applied organic manure available.

In-organic fertilizer is synthetic, comprised of synthetic chemicals and minerals. In organic fertilizers provide rapid nutrition to plants and they can be used to correct plant deficiencies very quickly. They are more commonly available than organic fertilizer. In-organic fertilizers can easily be developed to treat specific plant nutritional deficiencies. Examples of In-organic Fertilizers are Zinc Sulphate fertilizer, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium (N.P.K) Fertilizers, Calcium Nitrate, Potassium sulphate, micro nutrient solutions etc.  

FERTILIZER APPLICATION METHODS

Whenever you need to apply any fertilizer or plan nutrients remember to consider the four Rs. The four Rs are use the Right amount of the Right fertilizer at the Right place at the Right time.

Before considering the four Rs, a soil test needs to be performed. Soil tests assess the current nutrient status of the soil and indicate whether these levels are sufficient for crop production. If adequate amounts of nutrients are present in the soil, the right amount to apply is none.

If the soil tests results shows that there are some nutrient deficiencies, there will be a rate recommendation. This is the right amount. The right time and right place depend on site-specific agronomic factors accounting for crop biology and growth stage, and current environmental conditions. Follow the best management practice appropriate for your situation.

SOIL PH

Soil pH is a measure of the acidity and alkalinity in soils. pH levels range from 0 to 14. The optimal pH range for most plants is between 5.5 and 7.0.

Soil pH is not a nutrient, but it determines the availability of nutrients to your plants The presence of nutrients in the soil does not mean that your plants will be able to make use of the nutrients and thrive. The nutrients must be available to your plants, and, to be available, they must be soluble. They will not be soluble if the soil pH is a mismatch for the plant.

Some plants love acidic soils while some plants like alkaline soils.  A  soil is said to be acidic if it has a PH of 4 to 6.5  while a soil is said be alkaline if it has a PH of 7.5 to 9. A soil is said to be neutral if the PH is 7.

Soil PH is measured using a Soil PH meter. Soil PH can be changed by the application of fertilizers/

Fertilizers either organic or in-organic are applied by different methods, below are the most common methods of fertilizer application to plants.

Solid Fertilizers

1, Broadcast

Broadcast Fertilization means a fertilizer application technique where fertilizer is spread across the soil surface. The main objectives of broadcasting the fertilizers at sowing time are to uniformly distribute the fertilizer over the entire field and to mix it with soil.

2, Placement

Fertilizers are placed in the soil before sowing irrespective of the position of the seed. Placement of fertilizers is normally adopted when the quantity of fertilizers to apply is small, development of the root system is poor, soil have a low level of fertility and to apply phosphatic and potassic fertilizer.

3, Band Placement

Band application is also known as starter application. Fertilizer is applied in bands near where developing roots will easily reach it; either to the side and below the seed rows, slightly below the seeds, or in between rows.

Liquid Fertilizers

1, Foliar feeding

Foliar feeding is a technique of feeding plants by applying liquid fertilizer directly to the leaves, this is typically done by using a sprayer to apply the liquid fertilizer on both sides of the leaves. Plants are able to absorb essential elements through their leaves. The absorption of the fertilizer nutrients takes place through their stomata and also through their epidermis.

2, Fertigation

Fertigation is the practice of applying fertilizer solutions with irrigation water, typically through a micro sprinkler or a drip system.

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Airborne pests are pests that affects the fruit trees and plants above the soil they feed mostly feed on the leaves and sometimes feed on the stem/branches of the trees. Examples of airborne pests are Aphids, Thrips, Mealybugs, White flies, Mites, Scales, Caterpillars, Ants, Leaf miners, Grasshoppers etc. Some airborne pests like Aphids secrete honeydew that attract destructive Ant colonies.

Soil borne pests are pests that affects fruit trees and plants below the soil, they mostly feed on the roots or infect the roots with toxic pathogens. Examples of soil borne pests are Grubs, Termites, Root Knot Nematodes etc. Soil borne pest are very difficult to eliminate and also very difficult to see since they slowly damage the plants or fruit trees from the root zone and the symptoms on the surface are more or less similar to symptoms of Nutrient deficiencies. Root knot Nematodes infects the host tree or plant with fungal and bacterial disease which may eventually kill the tree.

Management of Soil Borne and Air borne pests: Soil borne pests and Air borne pests can be managed with the use of both organic pesticides and inorganic pesticides.

Organic Pesticides: Organic pesticides are pesticides made from naturally occurring chemicals. Neem oil and Insecticidal soaps are popular examples of organic pesticides. Neem oil is an oil extract from the seeds of the neem tree, while Insecticidal soap is an organic product made of potassium salts of fatty acids and is derived from plant oils. Organic pesticides are not as effective as inorganic pesticides, in most cases they do not kill the pests they simply disrupt their activities for a short while which could just be few hours or few days.

In-Organic Pesticides:  In organic pesticides are pesticides made from man-made chemicals in laboratories.  In Organic pesticides can be very harmful to humans if not properly handled or used. In-organic pesticides are made to kill the pests and also destroy their eggs and larvae. Examples of In-organic pesticides chemical composition are Imidacloprid, Spirotetramat, Abamecticn, Lamda Cyhaiothrin, Thiamethoxan, Cypermethrin, Gamalin-20 etc.

These in-organic pesticides are grouped into the following;

 A, Insecticides for pests that are insects that are insects like White flies, Thrips, Ants, Moths, Grasshoppers, Scale insects, Leaf footed bugs, Aphids, Caterpillars, Leaf Miners etc. Examples of in organic insecticide chemical composition are Imidacloprid, Spirotetramat, Abamecticn, Lamda Cyhaiothrin, Thiamethoxan, Cypermethrin, Gamalin-20, Fluopyram etc.

B, Acaricides for pests that are not insects but Anthropoids like mites and spiders, ticks. Examples of In -organic Acaricide chemicals are Abamectin

C, Nematicides for pest that are Nematodes like the Guava root knot Nematodes.  Examples of in organic Nematicides are Fluopyram (Safe for human use),  Cabofuran (These has been banned in many countries)

Fungal Disease: Fungal disease are fairly easy to see on infected trees and fruits. They appear as discolorations or necrotic spots on the leaves and fruits, in some cases the parts or all of the fruits start to decay. Fungal diseases are more common during the raining season as the fungal spores are easily spread by the splashing rainfall. Some fungal disease causes rapid defoliation of trees which may be fatal to the tree. Examples of fungal disease are Leaf Spot, Leaf Blight, Anthracnose, Powdery Mildew, Fruit Rot, Phomopsis etc.

Bacterial Disease: Bacterial disease are much more difficult to diagnose since they show symptoms similar to fungal diseases.  Bacterial infection in plants may show up as specks, spots and blights on leaves or cankers wilt and galls on stems. Bacterial disease in plants can be transmitted by rain splash, wind driven rain fall, insects, birds, animals and agricultural equipment that has not been disinfected. Examples of Bacterial disease in plants are Bacterial blight, Wilt, Gummosis etc.

Management of Fungal and Bacterial infection in plants: Fungal and bacterial infection can be managed with the use of both organic and inorganic fungicides and bactericides

Organic Fungicides Bactericides: Organic fungicides and Bactericides are fungicides made from naturally occurring chemicals. Examples of Organic Fungicides are Neem oil and baking soda, Neem oil is also a bactericide. Neem oil is one of the most popular organic fungicides. Neem oil is an oil extract from the seeds of the neem tree. However, Neem oil is very limited in it preventive and curative capabilities as a fungicide and Bactericides, However Neem Oil has proven to be a preventive fungicide for Anthracnose and a preventive bactericide for some bacteria fire blight. Organic Fungicides and Bactericides are not as effective as inorganic fungicide Bactericides, in most cases they do not kill the fungal spores they simply disrupt their activities for a short while which could just be few hours or few days.

In-Organic Fungicides and Bactericides:  In organic Fungicides and Bactericides are made from man-made chemicals in laboratories.  In Organic pesticides can be very harmful to humans if not properly handled or used. In-organic Fungicides and Bactericides are made to kill and destroy the Fungal spores and Bacteria. Most Fungicides and Bactericides have curative and preventive properties. Examples of In-organic Fungicide and Bactericide chemical composition are Azoxystrobin, Mancozeb, Carbendazim, Pyraclostrobin, Metalaxyl etc.

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Plant propagation can be classified into two;

1, Sexual Propagation

2, Asexual Propagation

Sexual Propagation

Sexual propagation produces new plants from seeds. Sexual propagation is very easy and it does not require any equipment or technique. It is simply nature’s way of producing plants from seeds.

Advantages of sexual propagation

1, Seeds are readily available for planting

2, No skills needed in planting seeds

Disadvantages of Sexual Propagation

1, Planting of seeds does not always guarantee plants that will have the same characteristics as the parent tree

2, Planting of seeds leads to the plants going through a very long juvenile period before it starts producing fruits.

Asexual Propagation

Asexual plant propagation uses vegetative parts of the plant to make a clone, or an exact genetic copy, of the parent plant. Asexual propagation has several advantages, including the ability to genetically reproduce the parent plant. In most cases, it allows plants to produce fruits much earlier than plants planted by seeds.

Several methods are available for the asexual propagation of plants, These methods includes; Cuttings, Air-Layering, Budding, Grafting and Tissue culture.

Advantages of asexual propagation

1, Plants produced by asexual propagation methods have the same characteristics as the parent tree.

2, Plants produced by asexual propagation methods have a very short juvenile stage, hence they start producing fruits much earlier than the same plant propagated by seeds

3, It allows commercial orchards to plant seedlings that have the same characteristics hence fruit size, taste, color etc will be the same for every tree.

Disadvantages of asexual Propagation

1, Specialized skills and equipment is needed for the asexual propagation of plants

2, It takes a lot of time to produce plants by the method of asexual propagation when compared to the time it takes a seed of the same plant to germinate.

3, Some trees produced from asexual propagation techniques like air layering and cuttings do not have tap roots, such trees can be easily uprooted in areas with very strong winds.

Cuttings

Cuttings are  parts of plants removed from a parent plant and rooted to form new plants. Cuttings are usually taken from the stems and these stems are inserted in soil or water medium until they start having roots. The cuttings are removed and transplanted once they have roots and new leaves.

Air Layering

Air layering is a method of propagating new trees and shrubs from stems still attached to the parent plant. The phloem and cambium is removed over 3 cm section of the stem and the portion of stem (8cm long) immediately above the place where the phloem and cambium layer was removed is wrapped with either moist sand, moist saw dust, moist coconut coir or damp moss  to encourage roots to form. This method allows of very large stems and branches to be turned into new trees within a very short period.

Grafting

Grafting is the joining of two plants together. The upper part of the graft (the scion) becomes the top of the plant, the lower portion (the Rootstock) becomes the root system or part of the trunk

Only the growth on the scion is desirable all other growth on the rootstock should always be removed.

Budding

Budding is a grafting technique in which a single bud from the desired scion is attached to a rootstock rather than an entire scion containing many buds. Only the growth from the bud from the Scion is desirable, all other buds on the Rootstock must be removed.

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Planting Environment

Tangerine / Mandarin can be planted in pots /containers or in the ground

Planting Materials

Tangerine / Mandarin should be planted as Air layered seedlings, budded or grafted seedlings, propagated from mature plants, this is to ensure that you get seedlings that will bear fruit within 2 to 3 years and also seedlings that will have the same characteristics as the parent tree.

Soil Types

Tangerine / Mandarin requires soils that drains well and also rich in organic matter, loamy soil is a very good example.  Tangerine / Mandarin that will be planted in pots or containers need soils that drains very well. Planting Tangerine / Mandarin in pots or containers using a soil that drains poorly will cause the plant to be stunted or cause the plants to die. Excess water retention in soil inside containers or pots with plants is totally undesirable to the plants.

Sunlight Requirement

Tangerine / Mandarin requires full sunlight hours of at least 8 hours a day, if your Tangerine / Mandarin tree is not getting enough sunlight daily, the tree will not produce many fruits. Before you plant your Tangerine / Mandarin tree in the ground, you need to ensure that tree will experience at least 8 hours of full sunlight in the area that it will be planted.

Fertilizer and Nutrient Requirements

Tangerine / Mandarin requires fertilizers that contains Macro and micro nutrients. The best fertilizers for Tangerine / Mandarin are either organic fertilizers like Chicken Manure or in organic fertilizers that has all the Macro and Micronutrients. If your Tangerine / Mandarin is planted in a pot only apply organic fertilizers to the soil and in-organic fertilizers as a foliar spray on the leaves. Apply chicken manure (ensure its well composted) every 4 weeks and also apply a foliar fertilizer with Macro and micro nutrients every 4 weeks too. For Tangerine / Mandarin planted in containers, ensure you water them daily (Depends on the weather). Ensure that your Tangerine / Mandarin tree does not experience insufficient water, lack of water or not enough water for your Tangerine / Mandarin tree will induce Calcium deficiency which will lead to a stunted tree and low fruit productivity.

Pest & Disease management

Tangerine / Mandarin trees are regularly infected by insects as well as fungal diseases. Common pests that attack Tangerine / Mandarin are Thrips, Aphids, Leaf miners, Scale insects and Mealybugs.

Organic Pesticides like neem oil and insecticidal soaps can be used however this will not kill the pests rather it simply chases them away for a brief period. In-organic pesticides are the only solution towards killing the insects, their eggs and larvae. Pesticides should be applied once a month to prevent infestation.

Tangerine / Mandarin trees are also regularly infected by fungi most especially during the raining season where the splashing of water and the damp atmosphere makes it easy for fungal spores to be spread. Common Fungal diseases of Tangerine / Mandarin are Phomopsis, Anthracnose, leaf spots and bacterial blight

Neem oil should be sprayed every 2 weeks during the fruiting season to prevent Anthracnose.

Organic fungicide like neem oil helps to prevent Anthracnose, however In-organic fungicides are the best choice since they have both preventive and curative capabilities.  Fungicides should be applied every 2 weeks to 3 weeks During the rainy season applying fungicides every 2 weeks will prevent infection from Fungi.

Time to Fruiting

Tangerine / Mandarin grown by seed takes about 6 to 7 years before they start bearing fruits.  Also, commercial harvest from seed grown Tangerine / Mandarin occurs in the 8^th year.

Tangerine / Mandarin grown by air layering, budding and grafting takes about 2 to 3 years before they start bearing fruits. Commercial harvest from trees grown from air layering and grafting occurs in the 4^th year.

Tangerine / Mandarin trees are self-pollinating which means you do not need another tree for pollination.

Harvesting of Fruits

It usually takes about 6 to 12 months from flowering to harvesting.  Tangerine / Mandarin fruits generally have a short shelf life of 7 days without refrigeration.

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Planting Environment

Tangelo can be planted in pots /containers or in the ground

Planting Materials

Tangelo should be planted as Air layered seedlings, budded or grafted seedlings, propagated from mature plants, this is to ensure that you get seedlings that will bear fruit within 2 to 3 years and also seedlings that will have the same characteristics as the parent tree.

Soil Types

Tangelo requires soils that drains well and also rich in organic matter, loamy soil is a very good example.  Tangelo that will be planted in pots or containers need soils that drains very well. Planting Tangelo in pots or containers using a soil that drains poorly will cause the plant to be stunted or cause the plants to die. Excess water retention in soil inside containers or pots with plants is totally undesirable to the plants.

Sunlight Requirement

Tangelo requires full sunlight hours of at least 8 hours a day, if your Tangelo tree is not getting enough sunlight daily, the tree will not produce many fruits. Before you plant your Tangelo tree in the ground, you need to ensure that tree will experience at least 8 hours of full sunlight in the area that it will be planted.

Fertilizer and Nutrient Requirements

Tangelo requires fertilizers that contains Macro and micro nutrients. The best fertilizers for Tangelo are either organic fertilizers like Chicken Manure or in organic fertilizers that has all the Macro and Micronutrients. If your Tangelo is planted in a pot only apply organic fertilizers to the soil and in-organic fertilizers as a foliar spray on the leaves. Apply chicken manure (ensure its well composted) every 4 weeks and also apply a foliar fertilizer with Macro and micro nutrients every 4 weeks too. For Tangelo planted in containers, ensure you water them daily (Depends on the weather). Ensure that your Tangelo tree does not experience insufficient water, lack of water or not enough water for your Tangelo tree will induce Calcium deficiency which will lead to a stunted tree and low fruit productivity.

Pest & Disease management

Tangelo trees are regularly infected by insects as well as fungal diseases. Common pests that attack Tangelo are Thrips, Aphids, Leaf miners, Scale insects and Mealybugs.

Organic Pesticides like neem oil and insecticidal soaps can be used however this will not kill the pests rather it simply chases them away for a brief period. In-organic pesticides are the only solution towards killing the insects, their eggs and larvae. Pesticides should be applied once a month to prevent infestation.

Tangelo trees are also regularly infected by fungi most especially during the raining season where the splashing of water and the damp atmosphere makes it easy for fungal spores to be spread. Common Fungal diseases of Tangelo are Phomopsis, Anthracnose, leaf spots and bacterial blight

Neem oil should be sprayed every 2 weeks during the fruiting season to prevent Anthracnose.

Organic fungicide like neem oil helps to prevent Anthracnose, however In-organic fungicides are the best choice since they have both preventive and curative capabilities.  Fungicides should be applied every 2 weeks to 3 weeks During the rainy season applying fungicides every 2 weeks will prevent infection from Fungi.

Time to Fruiting

Tangelo grown by seed takes about 6 to 7 years before they start bearing fruits.  Also, commercial harvest from seed grown Tangelo occurs in the 8^th year.

Tangelo grown by air layering, budding and grafting takes about 2 to 3 years before they start bearing fruits. Commercial harvest from trees grown from air layering and grafting occurs in the 4^th year.

Tangelo trees are self-pollinating which means you do not need another tree for pollination.

Harvesting of Fruits

It usually takes about 6 to 12 months from flowering to harvesting.  Tangelo fruits generally have a short shelf life of 7 days without refrigeration.

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Planting Environment

SourSop can be planted in pots / containers or in the ground

Planting Materials

SourSop should be planted as Air layered seedlings or grafted seedlings, propagated from mature plants, this is to ensure that you get seedlings that will bear fruit within 1 to 2 years and also seedlings that will have the same characteristics as the parent tree.

Soil Types

SourSop require soils that drains well and also rich in organic matter, loamy soil is a very good example.  SourSop that will be planted in pots or containers need soils that drains very well. Planting SourSop in pots or containers using a soil that drains poorly will cause the plant to be stunted or cause the plants to die. Excess water retention in soil inside containers or pots with plants is totally undesirable to plants.

Sunlight Requirement

SourSop requires full sunlight hours of at least 8 hours a day, if your SourSop tree is not getting enough sunlight daily, the tree will not produce many fruits. Before you plant your SourSop tree in the ground, you need to ensure that tree will experience at least 8 hours of full sunlight.

Fertilizer and Nutrient Requirements

SourSop requires fertilizers that contains Macro and micro nutrients. The best fertilizers for SourSop are either organic fertilizers like Chicken Manure or in organic fertilizers that has all the Macro and Micronutrients. If your SourSop is planted in a pot only apply organic fertilizers to the soil and in-organic fertilizers as a foliar spray on the leaves. Apply chicken manure (ensure its well composted) every 4 weeks and also apply a foliar fertilizer with Macro and micro nutrients every 4 weeks too. For SourSop planted in containers, ensure you water them daily (Depends on the weather). Ensure that your SourSop tree does not experience insufficient water, lack of water or not enough water for your SourSop tree will induce Calcium deficiency which will lead to a stunted tree and low fruit productivity.

Pest & Disease management

SourSop are regularly infected by insects as well as fungal diseases. Common pests that attack SourSop are Thrips, Scale insects and Mealybugs.

Organic Pesticides like neem oil and insecticidal soaps can be used however this will not kill the pests rather it simply chases them away for a brief period. In-organic pesticides are the only solution towards killing the insects, their eggs and larvae. Pesticides should be applied once a month to prevent infestation.

SourSop are also regularly infected by fungi most especially during the raining season where the splashing of water and the damp atmosphere makes it easy for fungal spores to be spread. Common Fungal diseases of SourSop are Anthracnose, leaf spots and bacterial blight

Neem oil should be sprayed every 2 weeks during the fruiting season to prevent Anthracnose.

Organic fungicide like neem oil helps to prevent Anthracnose, however In-organic fungicides are the best choice since they have both preventive and curative capabilities.  Fungicides should be applied every 2 weeks to 3 weeks During the rainy season applying fungicides every 2 weeks will prevent infection from Fungi.

Time to Fruiting

SourSop grown by seed takes about 4 to 6 years before they start bearing fruits.  Also, commercial harvest from seed grown SourSop occurs in the 7^th year.

SourSop grown by air layering, and grafting takes about 1 to 2 years before they start bearing fruits. Commercial harvest from trees grown from air layering and grafting occurs in the 3^rd year.

The soursop tree will fail to produce fruit if its flowers are not pollinated. Soursop flowers are pollinated by beetles, which may be absent if there is fogging or usage of pesticides in the surroundings. You will have to use hand-pollination to promote fruit production in absence of pollinating insects like beetles.

Soursop trees are self-pollinating which means you do not need another tree for pollination.

Harvesting of Fruits

It usually takes about 4 to 5 months from flowering to harvesting.  SourSop fruits generally have a short shelf life of few days.

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Planting Environment

Guava can be planted in pots / containers or in the ground

Planting Materials

Guava should be planted as Cuttings, Air layered seedlings, grafted seedlings, or Tissue cultured seedlings propagated from mature plants, this is to ensure that you get seedlings that will bear fruit within a year and also seedlings that will have the same characteristics as the parent tree.

Soil Types

Guava require soils that drains well and also rich in organic matter, loamy soil is a very good example. Guava that will be planted in pots or containers need soils that drains very well. Planting Guava in pots or containers using a soil that drains poorly will cause the plant to be stunted or cause the plants to die. Excess water retention in soil inside containers or pots with plants is totally undesirable to plants.

Sunlight Requirement

Guava requires full sunlight hours of at least 8 hours a day, if your Guava tree is not getting enough sunlight daily, the tree will not produce many fruits. Before you plant your guava tree in the ground, you need to ensure that tree will experience at least 8 hours of full sunlight.

Fertilizer and Nutrient Requirements

Guava requires fertilizers that contains Macro and micro nutrients. The best fertilizers for Guava are either organic fertilizers like Chicken Manure or in organic fertilizers that has all the Macro and Micronutrients. If your Guava is planted in a pot only apply organic fertilizers to the soil and in-organic fertilizers as a foliar spray on the leaves. Apply chicken manure (ensure its well composted) every 4 weeks and also apply a foliar fertilizer with Macro and micro nutrients every 4 weeks too. For Guava planted in containers, ensure you water them daily (Depends on the weather), Guava planted in containers requires more water than Guava planted in the soil. Ensure that your Guava tree does not experience insufficient water, lack  of water or not enough water for your Guava tree will induce Calcium deficiency which will lead to a stunted tree and low fruit productivity.

Pest & Disease Management

Guava are regularly infected by insects as well as fungal diseases. Common pests that attack Guava are Thrips, Aphids, While flies, and Mealybugs.

Organic Pesticides like neem oil and insecticidal soaps can be used however this will not kill the pests rather it simply chases them away for a brief period. In-organic pesticides are the only solution towards killing the insects, their eggs and larvae. Pesticides should be applied once a month to prevent infestation.

Guava are also regularly infected by fungi most especially during the raining season where the splashing of water and the damp atmosphere makes it easy for fungal spores to be spread. Common Fungal diseases of Guava are Phomopsis and Anthracnose.

Organic fungicide like neem oil helps to prevent Anthracnose, however In-organic fungicides are the best choice since they have both preventive and curative capabilities.  Fungicides should be applied every 2 weeks to 3 weeks During the rainy season applying fungicides every 2 weeks will prevent infection from Fungi.

Time to Fruiting

Guava grown by seed takes about 2 to 3 years before they start bearing fruits, some seed grown trees may have flowers in their second year however this flower will most probably not develop into fruits. Also, commercial harvest from seed grown Guava occurs in the 5^th year.

Guava grown by cuttings, air layering, and grafting takes about 6 to 12 months before they start bearing fruits. Commercial harvest from trees grown from cuttings, air layering and grafting occurs in the 2^nd year.

Guava trees are self-pollinating which means you do not need another tree for pollination.

Harvesting of Fruits

It usually takes about 90 to 120 days from flowering to harvesting for Guava.  Guava fruits generally have short shelf life of few days. Some Varieties like the VNR Bihi and AJE-J1 (New variety in Nigeria)  have a shelf life of about 8 days without refrigeration and  2 weeks with refrigeration. The fruit size of Guava depends on the variety, some varieties like VNR Bihi and AJE-J1 has a fruit size range of 400 grams to 1.2 Kilograms while some varieties have fruit size ranging from150 grams to 300 grams.

The post Guava Growing Guide appeared first on African Gardening.

Figs

Figs are hardy plants that grows easily either in pots / Containers or in the ground. There are so many varieties of Figs. Figs are healthy fruits packed with healthy nutrients.

Planting Environment

Figs can be planted in pots/Containers or in the ground

Planting Materials

Figs should be planted as Cuttings or Air layered seedlings propagated from mature plants, this is to ensure that you get seedlings that will bear fruit within 1 to 2 years and also seedlings that will have the same characteristics as the parent tree.

Soil Types

Figs require soils that drains well and also rich in organic matter, loamy soil is a very good example. Figs that will be planted in pots or containers need soils that drains very well. Planting Figs in pots or containers using a soil that drains poorly will cause the plant to be stunted or cause the plants to die. Excess water retention in soil inside containers or pots with plants is totally undesirable to plants.

Sunlight Requirement

Figs requires sunlight hours of at least 6 hours a day.

Fertilizer and Nutrient Requirements

Figs requires fertilizers that have Macro and micro nutrients. The best fertilizers for Figs are either organic fertilizers like Chicken Manure or in organic fertilizers that has all the Macro and Micronutrients. If your Fig is planted in a pot only apply organic fertilizers to the soil and in-organic fertilizers as a foliar spray on the leaves. Apply chicken manure (ensure its well composted) every 4 weeks and also apply a foliar fertilizer with Macro and micro nutrients every 4 weeks too. For Figs planted in containers, ensure you water them daily (Depends on the weather), Figs planted in containers requires more water than Figs planted in the soil.

Pest & Disease  Management

Figs are regularly infected by insects as well as fungal diseases. Common pests that attack Figs are Thrips, Aphids, While flies, Mealybugs.

Organic Pesticides like neem oil and insecticidal soaps can be used however this will not kill the pests rather it simply chases them away for a brief period. In-organic pesticides are the only solution towards killing the insects, their eggs and larvae. Pesticides should be applied once a month to prevent infestation.

Figs are also regularly infected by fungi most especially during the raining season where the splashing of water and the damp atmosphere makes it easy for fungal spores to be spread. Common Fungal diseases of Figs are Alternaria Leaf spots, Fruit rot, Anthracnose, Bacterial blight, Phomopsis.

Organic fungicide like neem oil helps to prevent Anthracnose, however In-organic fungicides are the best choice since they have both preventive and curative capabilities.  Fungicides should be applied every 2 weeks to 3 weeks During the rainy season applying fungicides every 2 weeks will prevent infection from Fungi.

Time to Fruiting

Figs grown by seed takes into fruits about 3 to 5 years before they start bearing fruits. Also, commercial harvest from seed grown Figs occurs in the 5^th year.

Figs grown by cuttings, air layering, and grafting takes about 1 to 2 years before they start bearing fruits. Commercial harvest from trees grown from  cuttings, air layering and grafting occurs in the 2^nd year.

Fig trees are self-pollinating which means you do not need another tree for pollination.

Harvesting of Fruits

It usually takes about 2 months from flowering to harvesting for Figs.  Fig fruits generally have a very short shelf life of few days. The fruit size of Figs depends on the variety, some varieties are small while some varieties are large.

The post Fig Tree Growing Guide appeared first on African Gardening.

Planting Environment

English Pear trees can be planted in pots / containers or in the ground

Planting Materials

English Pear trees should be planted as Air layered seedlings, budded or grafted seedlings, propagated from mature plants, this is to ensure that you get seedlings that will bear fruit within 2 to 3 years and also seedlings that will have the same characteristics as the parent tree.

Soil Types

English Pear trees requires soils that drains well and also rich in organic matter, loamy soil is a very good example. English Pear trees that will be planted in pots or containers need soils that drains very well. Planting English Pear trees in pots or containers using a soil that drains poorly will cause the plant to be stunted or cause the plants to die. Excess water retention in soil inside containers or pots with plants is totally undesirable to plants.

Sunlight Requirement

English Pear trees requires full sunlight hours of at least 8 hours a day, if your English Pear trees tree is not getting enough sunlight daily, the tree will not produce many fruits. Before you plant your English Pear trees tree in the ground, you need to ensure that tree will experience at least 8 hours of full sunlight in the area that it will be planted.

Fertilizer and Nutrient Requirements

English Pear trees requires fertilizers that contains Macro and micro nutrients. The best fertilizers for English Pear trees are either organic fertilizers like Chicken Manure or in organic fertilizers that has all the Macro and Micronutrients. If your English Pear trees is planted in a pot only apply organic fertilizers to the soil and in-organic fertilizers as a foliar spray on the leaves. Apply chicken manure (ensure its well composted) every 4 weeks and also apply a foliar fertilizer with Macro and micro nutrients every 4 weeks too. For English Pear trees planted in containers, ensure you water them daily (Depends on the weather). Ensure that your English Pear trees tree does not experience insufficient water, lack of water or not enough water for your English Pear trees tree will induce Calcium deficiency which will lead to a stunted tree and low fruit productivity.

Pest & Disease management

English Pear trees are regularly infected by insects as well as fungal diseases. Common pests that attack English Pear trees are Thrips, Aphids, Leaf miners, Scale insects and Mealybugs.

Organic Pesticides like neem oil and insecticidal soaps can be used however this will not kill the pests rather it simply chases them away for a brief period. In-organic pesticides are the only solution towards killing the insects, their eggs and larvae. Pesticides should be applied once a month to prevent infestation.

English Pear trees are also regularly infected by fungi most especially during the raining season where the splashing of water and the damp atmosphere makes it easy for fungal spores to be spread. Common Fungal diseases of English Pear trees are Phomopsis, Anthracnose, leaf spots and bacterial blight

Neem oil should be sprayed every 2 weeks during the fruiting season to prevent Anthracnose.

Organic fungicide like neem oil helps to prevent Anthracnose, however In-organic fungicides are the best choice since they have both preventive and curative capabilities.  Fungicides should be applied every 2 weeks to 3 weeks During the rainy season applying fungicides every 2 weeks will prevent infection from Fungi.

Time to Fruiting

English Pear trees grown by seed takes about 7 to 8 years before they start bearing fruits.  Also, commercial harvest from seed grown English Pear trees occurs in the 9^th year.

English Pear trees grown by air layering, budding and grafting takes about 2 to 3 years before they start bearing fruits. Commercial harvest from trees grown from air layering and grafting occurs in the 4^th year.

English Pear trees are self-pollinating however fruit yield from self-pollinated trees are very low. Cross pollinated English Pear trees have a very high fruit yield.

Harvesting of Fruits

It usually takes about 4 months from flowering to harvesting.  English Pear trees fruits generally have a short shelf life of 7 to 10 days without refrigeration.

The post English Pear Growing Guide appeared first on African Gardening.

Planting Environment

Cashew can be planted in pots  /containers or in the ground

Planting Materials

Cashew should be planted as Air layered seedlings or grafted seedlings, propagated from mature plants, this is to ensure that you get seedlings that will bear fruit within  2  years and also seedlings that will have the same characteristics as the parent tree.

Soil Types

Cashew require soils that drains well and also rich in organic matter, loamy soil is a very good example. Cashew that will be planted in pots or containers need soils that drains very well. Planting Cashew in pots or containers using a soil that drains poorly will cause the plant to be stunted or cause the plants to die. Excess water retention in soil inside containers or pots with plants is totally undesirable to plants.

Sunlight Requirement

Cashew requires full sunlight hours of at least 8 hours a day, if your Cashew tree is not getting enough sunlight daily, the tree will not produce many fruits. Before you plant your Cashew tree in the ground, you need to ensure that tree will experience at least 8 hours of full sunlight.

Fertilizer and Nutrient Requirements

Cashew requires fertilizers that contains Macro and micro nutrients. The best fertilizers for Cashew are either organic fertilizers like Chicken Manure or in organic fertilizers that has all the Macro and Micronutrients. If your Cashew is planted in a pot only apply organic fertilizers to the soil and in-organic fertilizers as a foliar spray on the leaves. Apply chicken manure (ensure its well composted) every 4 weeks and also apply a foliar fertilizer with Macro and micro nutrients every 4 weeks too. For Cashew planted in containers, ensure you water them daily (Depends on the weather). Ensure that your Cashew tree does not experience insufficient water, lack of water or not enough water for your Cashew tree will induce Calcium deficiency which will lead to a stunted tree and low fruit productivity.

Pest & Disease management

Cashew are regularly infected by insects as well as fungal diseases. Common pests that attack Cashew are Thrips, leaf miners, Scale insects and Mealybugs.

Organic Pesticides like neem oil and insecticidal soaps can be used however this will not kill the pests rather it simply chases them away for a brief period. In-organic pesticides are the only solution towards killing the insects, their eggs and larvae. Pesticides should be applied once a month to prevent infestation.

Cashew are also regularly infected by fungi most especially during the raining season where the splashing of water and the damp atmosphere makes it easy for fungal spores to be spread. Common Fungal diseases of Cashew are Anthracnose, leaf spots and bacterial blight

Neem oil should be sprayed every 2 weeks during the fruiting season to prevent Anthracnose.

Organic fungicide like neem oil helps to prevent Anthracnose, however In-organic fungicides are the best choice since they have both preventive and curative capabilities.  Fungicides should be applied every 2 weeks to 3 weeks During the rainy season applying fungicides every 2 weeks will prevent infection from Fungi.

Time to Fruiting

Cashew grown by seed takes about 4 to 5 years before they start bearing fruits.  Also, commercial harvest from seed grown Cashew occurs in the 5^th year.

Cashew grown by air layering, and grafting takes about 2 years before they start bearing fruits. Commercial harvest from trees grown from air layering and grafting occurs in the 3^rd year.

Cashew trees are self-pollinating which means you do not need another tree for pollination.

Harvesting of Fruits

It usually takes about 2 months from flowering to harvesting.  Cashew fruits generally have a short shelf life of few days.

The post Cashew Growing Guide appeared first on African Gardening.