Agronomist notebook: A-Z of farming best courgettes
Cosmas Katinda and Eric Maingi on their courgette farm in Runyenjes, Embu County. The crop does well in relatively warm climate, requiring rainfall of about 800mm during the growing period. FILE PHOTO | NMG
When using irrigation, drip system is the best preferred as overhead results to water sprinkling on the leaves, increasing chances of fungal diseases in particular.
Early land preparation also allows the weeds to decompose, thus improving the soil structure and increasing organic matter, leading to high soil nutrients.
Once the crop has started fruiting, mulching should be done to prevent the direct contact of the first fruits with the soil, which causes fruit rot.
Courgettes are affected by pests such as aphids and cutworms which feed on the young tender stems. Adult fruit flies also pierce on the fruits and lay eggs in them.
One of the crops that offer higher returns in the market is courgettes, also known as zucchini.
The crop that belongs to the cucurbit family, with squash, is versatile, tender and easy to cook, and has a niche market in the country.
