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Amaranth
Scientific name:
Amaranthus spp.
Order/Family:
Caryophyllales: Amaranthaceae
Local names:
Mchicha (Swahili), Terere (Kikuyu), Lidodo (Luhya), Ododo (Luo), Kelichot (Kipsigis), W'oa (Kamba), Emboga (Kisii), Kichanya (Taita), Doodo (Luganda)
Common names:
Pig weed
Pests and Diseases:
Aphids  Bugs   Choanephora fruit rot  Cutworms  Damping-off diseases  Leafmining flies (leafminers)  Spider mites  Weeds  Weevils  Alternaria leaf spot, Flea beetles, Leafrollers  

Aphids (Aphis spp.)

Aphids are a major pest, causing leaves to curl and become unattractive to customers.

Aphids feed by sucking plant sap. Small aphid populations may be relatively harmless, but heavily infested plants usually have wrinkled leaves, stunted growth and deformed seeds. Plants, in particular young plants, may dry out and die under heavy aphid attack. Heavy attack on older plants may cause crop loss by decreasing flower and seed production. Damage may also reduce seed viability.

What to do:
  • Monitor regularly the crop.
  • Whenever necessary spray only affected plants (spot spraying).
  • Use biopesticides that are not harmful to natural enemies (for instance neem, ashes, soapy water). In Kenya, foliar sprays with neem products such as Neemroc® (1-3%) and Neemros® water extract (50g/l) controlled the black bean aphid on vegetables (Maundu, 1997). For more information on biopesticides click here
  • Conserve natural enemies. They are important in natural control of aphids. For more information on natural enemies click here
Aphids
© Magnus Gammelgaard

Bugs

Bugs can cause severe damage to flowering head and seeds, and may be particularly damaging to grain amaranth when present in large numbers during the critical seed fill stage. They are usually of minor importance in vegetable amaranth, and no control measures are needed.

What to do:
  • Bugs are usually of minor importance in vegetable amaranth, and no control measures are needed.
Bugs
© A. M. Varela

Choanephora rot

Choanephora blight (also called Choanephora rot) is caused by fungus Choanephora cucurbitarium. It causes wet rot of stems and leaves. Affected plant parts have hairy appearance (silk-like threads) consisting of fungal spores. Infection is predisposed by injuries. During rainy season it can cause heavy defoliation. The disease is spread by air currents and infected seeds. Warm, moist conditions favour disease development.

What to do:
  • Use resistant varieties where available.
  • Plant certified disease-free seeds.
  • Avoid dense planting to allow sufficient aeration.
  • Practise good field sanitation.
  • Spray copper when the disease is observed, see more under biopesticides: copper
Choanephora fruit rot
© Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, www.insectimages.org

Cutworms

Cutworms attack young seedlings. First instars are 7-12mm, fully grown caterpillars are 3.5-5 cm long. The caterpillar emerges from the soil at night, encircles the plant with its body and cut through the stem of young plants just above ground level. They may also damage the plants underground. Cutworm damage causes plants to wilt and die. Cutworm damage is usually minor and does not normally warrant control. However, in severe outbreaks a young crop may be destroyed.

What to do:
  • Monitor damage by counting damaged and freshly cut young plants. Monitor cutworm at dawn.
  • Remove and destroy cutworms.
  • Prepare field and remove weeds well ahead (10-14 days) of planting the crop in the field. Ploughing exposes caterpillars to predators and to desiccation by the sun. If the field is planted soon after land preparation, some cutworms may be alive and attack the new crop.
Cutworm
© A.M. Varela, icipe

Damping-off diseases (Pythium spp. Rhizoctonia solani )

The disease is caused by Pythium aphanidermatum, Rhizoctonia solani and Aphanomyces sp. Seeds may rot in the soil before emergence (pre-emergence damping-off) or seedlings may exhibit stem canker above the soil line and/or root necrosis. Affected seedlings eventually wilt (post-emergence damping-off). The disease is favoured by high soil water content and low soil temperatures. Also dense planting without sufficient aeration enhances disease development.

What to do:
  • Use disease-free seeds.
  • Avoid over watering.
  • Avoid dense planting.
Damping-off
© Jürgen Kranz. Courtesy of Ecoport (www.ecoport.org)

Leafminers (Liriomyza spp.)

Leafminers (Liriomyza spp.) are small flies, 1.3-1.6 mm in length. The maggot makes long, slender, white mines (tunnels) in leaves. Severely mined leaves may turn yellow and drop. Severely attacked seedlings are stunted and may eventually die. Control measures are necessary when attack is severe, especially on young plants.

What to do:
  • Conserve natural enemies. They are very important in natural control of leafminers. For more information on natural enemies click here
  • Hand pick and destroy mined leaves.
  • Whenever necessary spray the crop with neem products. Neem water extracts and neem oil give good control of leafminers. For more information on neem click here
Leafminers
© A.M. Varela, icipe

Spider mites (Tetranychus spp., Mononychellus spp., Oligonychus spp.)

Spider mites feeding on plants may cause reduction in plant growth, flowering, and number of seeds. Damage is most severe when mites attack young plants. Mite damage may be particularly severe during the dry season.

What to do:
  • Avoid planting next to infested fields.
  • Avoid frequent use of broad-spectrum pesticides, in particular pyrethroids; this may lead to spider mite outbreaks.
  • Use overhead irrigation or wash plants with a strong jet of water to knock off mites and destroy their webs. Be sure to spray the underneath of the leaves. However, this should be done early in the day to allow the foliage to dry. Wetness of the foliage for an extended period is conducive to development of fungal diseases
Spider mites
© Image supplied by Warwick HRI, University of Warwick

Weeds

Weeds compete for light, water, and nutrients, thereby resulting in reduced yield. Thorough land preparation is the first key to effective weed control. Amaranth is small-seeded and slow to germinate - therefore, weed control is essential early in the season. A seedbed free of weed seeds allows amaranth seedlings to get a head start on the weeds and establish a canopy that can shade out emerging weed seedlings.

What to do:
  • Mulching is recommended to reduce weed competition, soil compaction and erosion; mulching also conserves soil moisture. Be sure the organic mulching materials are free of weed seeds. Mulching is easier to apply if the amaranth crop is transplanted, but can also be used for row-seeded crops after the seedlings reach a height of 10 to 15 cm.
Striga in maize field
© David C. Nowell, EcoPort

Weevils

Several species of weevils feed on amaranth. Adult weevils feed on leaves, but the larvae (grubs) are more damaging because they bore into roots and stems, causing rotting and potentially lodging and predisposition to diseases. Stem-boring weevils such as the pigweed weevil (Hypolixus haerens) are the most damaging causing plants to wither and lodge. The adult weevil lays its eggs in branch crotches, and the larvae bore through stems to the root collar hollowing the stems. Feeding by larvae results in stems that are more susceptible to wind breakage, thus increasing crop losses. The larvae pupate in the stem.

In South Africa, attack by this weevil has been associated with extensive tissue discolouration, decay and cankers in branches, stems, and root collars of Amaranthus hybridus. This weevil has been found to be associated with fungi (mainly Fusarium spp) that cause tissue decay and a canker disease (Blodgett et al., 2004).

What to do:
  • Uproot and destroy attacked plants to reduce number of weevils and prevent damage to healthy plants.
Weevil
© A. M. Varela, icipe

Weevil

Weevil

Stem canke…

Canker
General Information and Agronomic Aspects
Geographical Distribution of Amaranth in Africa
While originating from tropical America amaranth is now very widely distributed throughout the tropics.

Amaranth is an herbaceous annual belonging to the family Amaranthaceae with green or red leaves and branched flower stalks (heads) bearing small seeds, variable in colour from cream to gold and pink to shiny black. There are about 60 species of Amaranthus, however, only a limited number are of the cultivated types, while most are considered weedy species and hence rarely preserved. Many amaranth species are collected from the wild for subsistence, while only few are cultivated or occur as protected weeds in backyards and home gardens (Stallknecht and Schulz-Schaeffer, 1993; Ouma ; Biovision TTU, ICIPE: Keller, 2004).

Amaranth can be used as a high-protein grain or as a leafy vegetable. The seeds are eaten as a cereal grain. They are ground into flour, popped like popcorn or cooked into porridge. The seeds can be germinated into nutritious sprouts (GFU for Underutilized Species).
The leaves are cooked alone or combined with other local vegetables such as spider plant and pumpkins. The leaves are rich in calcium, iron and vitamins A, B and C, but fairly low in carbohydrates (Ouma, Biovision TTU, ICIPE.). There is no distinct separation between the vegetable and grain type since the leaves of young grain type plants can be eaten as greens (Stallknecht and Schulz-Schaeffer, 1993).

Varieties
Of all the indigenous tropical leafy vegetables, amaranth has the largest number of species and varieties. The choice of variety varies widely among regions and is dictated largely by the species available. Regardless of species, the choice of variety is influenced by individual preference for leaf colour and taste. Some of the most common commercial amaranths are selections of A. tricolor which come in various leaf colours such as white (light green), dark green, red, purple and variegated. To identify which varieties are best adapted to your location, compare during different growing seasons the yield potential of currently grown varieties with that of other available varieties (AVRDC 2003).

Nutritive Value per 100 g of edible Portion
Raw or Cooked Grain Food
Energy
(Calories / % Daily Value*)		 Carbohydrates
(g / %DV) 		Fat
(g / %DV) 		Protein
(g / %DV)		 Calcium
(g / %DV)		 Phosphorus
(mg / %DV)		 Iron
(mg / %DV) 		Potassium
(mg / %DV) 		Vitamin A
(mg / %DV)		 Vitamin C
(mg / %DV)		 Vitamin B6
(mg / %DV)		 Vitamin B12
(mg / %DV)		 Thiamine
(mg / %DV) 		Riboflavin
(mg / %DV)		 Ash
(g / %DV)
Amaranth grain cooked 102 / 5% 18.7 / 6% 1.6 / 2% 3.8 / 8% 47.0 / 5% 148 / 15% 2.1 / 12% 135 / 4% - - 0.1 / 6% - 0.0 / 1% 0.0 / 1% 0.8
* Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower, depending on your calorie needs.


Climatic conditions, soil and water management
Amaranth grows from sea level to 2400 m altitude. The different species may suit different altitudes. Normally the hotter it is the better it grows and it generally thrives within a temperature range of 22-30°C. A minimum temperature of 15 to17°C is needed for seed germination. Amaranth is grown during both wet and dry seasons, though irrigation is normally required for dry season crops since the rate of transpiration by the leaves is fairly high. Frequent applications of water are required, related to the stage of growth of the crop and the moisture-retaining capacity of the soil. It can however tolerate periods of drought after the plant has become established. It is adapted to low to medium humidity (Bruce French, EcoPort).

Amaranth grows best in loam or silty-loam soils with good water-holding capacity, but it can grow on a wide range of soil types and soil moisture levels. Amaranth can tolerate a soil pH from 4.5 to 8. (AVRDC 2003).

Propagation and planting
Amaranth requires thorough land preparation and a well-prepared bed for good growth. Prepare 20cm high beds during the dry season and 30 cm during the wet season using a plough. The distance between centres of adjacent furrows should be about 150 cm with a 90 cm bed top.
Amaranth is planted either by direct seeding or transplanting. The choice of planting method depends on availability of seed and labour and may also vary with the growing season. Direct seeding is appropriate when plenty of seed is available, labour is limited, and during the dry season when frequency of flooding is less. Transplanting is preferred when there is limited amount of seed, plenty of labour, and during the wet season when heavy rains and flooding are most likely to wash out seeds. Raising seedlings in a nursery and transplanting them to the field shorten the crop duration in the field, and secure a better and more uniform stand especially during the wet season.

Direct seeding
When direct seeding is used, seeds are either broadcasted or sown in rows. Broadcast seeds uniformly at the rate of 0.5 to 1.0 g/m2 of bed. Since amaranth seeds are very small, mixing seeds with sand at a ratio of 1 g seed to 100 g sand makes it easier to sow the seed and to obtain a uniform stand. Cover seed lightly with a layer of compost or rice hulls immediately after broadcasting. When plants are to be grown in rows make furrows 0.5 to1.0 cm deep and space rows 10 cm apart on the bed. Sow seeds 5 cm apart within the row and cover with a layer of compost or rice hulls. (AVRDC 2003)

Transplanting
There are two steps to transplanting:

1. Seedling production
Seedlings are grown in a seedbed, pulled and bare-root transplanted. They can also be grown in divided trays, lifted with the root ball intact and transplanted. If seedlings are started in a raised soil bed, the soil should be partially sterilised by burning a 3-5 cm thick layer of rice straw or other dry organic matter on the bed. This also adds minor amounts of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) to the soil, which helps in the establishment of the seedlings. Broadcast the seeds lightly in a seedbed and cover them with soil. The seeds should be one 1cm deep. Cover the seedbeds with an insect-proof net to protect seedlings from pests.

2. Setting plants into the field
Transplant in the late afternoon or on a cloudy day to minimise transplant shock. Dig holes 10 cm deep on the bed using recommended spacing for the chosen variety. Place each transplant in its hole and cover the roots with soil and lightly firm. Irrigate immediately after transplanting to establish good root-to-soil contact.

Husbandry
Amaranth is a low management crop and can grow in poor soils, but it will benefit from application of organic fertiliser resulting in higher yield.
Although amaranth is relatively drought tolerant, yet insufficient water will reduce yield. Water should be applied especially just after sowing or transplanting to ensure a good stand. As a rule, the plants should be irrigated if wilting occurs at noon. Another way to estimate soil moisture content is to take a handful of soil from the bottom of a 15-cm hole. Squeeze the soil. If it holds together when you release your grip, there is sufficient soil moisture; if the soil crumbles, it is time to irrigate. Irrigate thoroughly to maintain vigorous plant growth. Avoid over-irrigation, which may enhance disease development and nutrient leaching. Drip irrigation or micro-sprinkler irrigation is recommended in areas with limited water supply (AVRDC 2003)

Harvesting
First harvest is at a plant height of 30 cm, about 6 weeks after transplanting. Plants may be harvested at once or leaves and tender shoots maybe harvested several times. One single harvesting is adapted for short maturing and quick growing varieties such as A. tricolor. Whole plants are pulled from soil with roots, washed and tied in bundles. With multiple harvests, young leaves and tender shoots are picked at 2 to 3 week intervals. Eventually, the plants begin to flower and develop fewer leaves. Frequent harvesting of leaves and shoots delays the onset of flowering and thus prolongs the harvest period.

Amaranth and other leafy vegetables have a large surface and loose water rapidly. To reduce water loss, harvest during the cooler time of day, such as early morning or late afternoon.

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Fresh Quality Specifications for the Market in Kenya
The following specifications constitute raw material purchasing requirements.

© S. Kahumbu, Kenya

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Information on Pests

Amaranth is susceptible to damage by foliar insects such as leafminers, leafroller caterpillars, cutworms, aphids, flea beetles, and mites.
An effective method of controlling insect pests is to cover the bed with a fine screen or nylon mesh netting (32-mesh or finer). (AVRDC 2003)

Aphids (Aphis spp.)

Aphids are a major pest, causing leaves to curl and become unattractive to customers.

Aphids feed by sucking plant sap. Small aphid populations may be relatively harmless, but heavily infested plants usually have wrinkled leaves, stunted growth and deformed seeds. Plants, in particular young plants, may dry out and die under heavy aphid attack. Heavy attack on older plants may cause crop loss by decreasing flower and seed production. Damage may also reduce seed viability.

Aphids
Aphids (Myzus persicae). Adult wingless females are oval-bodied, 1-2 mm in body length, of very variable colour.

© Magnus Gammelgaard
More Information on Aphids
What to do:
  • Monitor regularly the crop.
  • Whenever necessary spray only affected plants (spot spraying).
  • Use biopesticides that are not harmful to natural enemies (for instance neem, ashes, soapy water). In Kenya, foliar sprays with neem products such as Neemroc® (1-3%) and Neemros® water extract (50g/l) controlled the black bean aphid on vegetables (Maundu, 1997). For more information on biopesticides click here
  • Conserve natural enemies. They are important in natural control of aphids. For more information on natural enemies click here

Cutworms

Cutworms attack young seedlings. First instars are 7-12mm, fully grown caterpillars are 3.5-5 cm long. The caterpillar emerges from the soil at night, encircles the plant with its body and cut through the stem of young plants just above ground level. They may also damage the plants underground. Cutworm damage causes plants to wilt and die. Cutworm damage is usually minor and does not normally warrant control. However, in severe outbreaks a young crop may be destroyed.

Cutworm
Cutworm (Agrotis sp.) Early instars are about 7-12 mm long. Fully grown caterpillars are 35-50 mm long.

© A.M. Varela, icipe
More Information on Cutworms
What to do:
  • Monitor damage by counting damaged and freshly cut young plants. Monitor cutworm at dawn.
  • Remove and destroy cutworms.
  • Prepare field and remove weeds well ahead (10-14 days) of planting the crop in the field. Ploughing exposes caterpillars to predators and to desiccation by the sun. If the field is planted soon after land preparation, some cutworms may be alive and attack the new crop.

Leafminers (Liriomyza spp.)

Leafminers (Liriomyza spp.) are small flies, 1.3-1.6 mm in length. The maggot makes long, slender, white mines (tunnels) in leaves. Severely mined leaves may turn yellow and drop. Severely attacked seedlings are stunted and may eventually die. Control measures are necessary when attack is severe, especially on young plants.

Leafminers
Damage on leaf by leafminers (Liriomyza spp.)

© A.M. Varela, icipe
More Information on Leafmining flies (leafminers)
What to do:
  • Conserve natural enemies. They are very important in natural control of leafminers. For more information on natural enemies click here
  • Hand pick and destroy mined leaves.
  • Whenever necessary spray the crop with neem products. Neem water extracts and neem oil give good control of leafminers. For more information on neem click here

Spider mites (Tetranychus spp., Mononychellus spp., Oligonychus spp.)

Spider mites feeding on plants may cause reduction in plant growth, flowering, and number of seeds. Damage is most severe when mites attack young plants. Mite damage may be particularly severe during the dry season.

Spider mites
Two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). The adult female is 0.6 mm long. The male is smaller.

© Image supplied by Warwick HRI, University of Warwick
More Information on Spider mites
What to do:
  • Avoid planting next to infested fields.
  • Avoid frequent use of broad-spectrum pesticides, in particular pyrethroids; this may lead to spider mite outbreaks.
  • Use overhead irrigation or wash plants with a strong jet of water to knock off mites and destroy their webs. Be sure to spray the underneath of the leaves. However, this should be done early in the day to allow the foliage to dry. Wetness of the foliage for an extended period is conducive to development of fungal diseases

Weevils

Several species of weevils feed on amaranth. Adult weevils feed on leaves, but the larvae (grubs) are more damaging because they bore into roots and stems, causing rotting and potentially lodging and predisposition to diseases. Stem-boring weevils such as the pigweed weevil (Hypolixus haerens) are the most damaging causing plants to wither and lodge. The adult weevil lays its eggs in branch crotches, and the larvae bore through stems to the root collar hollowing the stems. Feeding by larvae results in stems that are more susceptible to wind breakage, thus increasing crop losses. The larvae pupate in the stem.

In South Africa, attack by this weevil has been associated with extensive tissue discolouration, decay and cankers in branches, stems, and root collars of Amaranthus hybridus. This weevil has been found to be associated with fungi (mainly Fusarium spp) that cause tissue decay and a canker disease (Blodgett et al., 2004).

Weevil
Adult weevil in amaranth stem

© A. M. Varela, icipe


What to do:
  • Uproot and destroy attacked plants to reduce number of weevils and prevent damage to healthy plants.

Bugs

Bugs can cause severe damage to flowering head and seeds, and may be particularly damaging to grain amaranth when present in large numbers during the critical seed fill stage. They are usually of minor importance in vegetable amaranth, and no control measures are needed.

Bugs
Bugs feeding on amaranth flowering head

© A. M. Varela
What to do:
  • Bugs are usually of minor importance in vegetable amaranth, and no control measures are needed.
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Information on Diseases
Damping-off caused by Pythium may occur when the seed-bed is too wet. Wet rot (also called Choanephora rot or blight) caused by Choanephora cucurbitarum and some other fungal diseases (Alternaria, Cercospora, Phoma, Rhizoctonia) may cause problems. The crop is more susceptible to these diseases under humid conditions, high plant density and high doses of nitrogen. Plant parasitic nematodes are reported to occur but are not a serious problem.
See detailled information below.

Damping-off diseases (Pythium spp. Rhizoctonia solani )

The disease is caused by Pythium aphanidermatum, Rhizoctonia solani and Aphanomyces sp. Seeds may rot in the soil before emergence (pre-emergence damping-off) or seedlings may exhibit stem canker above the soil line and/or root necrosis. Affected seedlings eventually wilt (post-emergence damping-off). The disease is favoured by high soil water content and low soil temperatures. Also dense planting without sufficient aeration enhances disease development.

Damping-off
Damping-off disease (Rhizoctonia solani) (here on beans)

© Jürgen Kranz. Courtesy of Ecoport (www.ecoport.org)
More Information on Damping-off diseases
What to do:
  • Use disease-free seeds.
  • Avoid over watering.
  • Avoid dense planting.

Choanephora rot

Choanephora blight (also called Choanephora rot) is caused by fungus Choanephora cucurbitarium. It causes wet rot of stems and leaves. Affected plant parts have hairy appearance (silk-like threads) consisting of fungal spores. Infection is predisposed by injuries. During rainy season it can cause heavy defoliation. The disease is spread by air currents and infected seeds. Warm, moist conditions favour disease development.

Choanephora fruit rot
Choanephora fruit rot (Choanephora cucurbitarum) on pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima)

© Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, www.insectimages.org
What to do:
  • Use resistant varieties where available.
  • Plant certified disease-free seeds.
  • Avoid dense planting to allow sufficient aeration.
  • Practise good field sanitation.
  • Spray copper when the disease is observed, see more under biopesticides: copper
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Information on Weeds

Weeds

Weeds compete for light, water, and nutrients, thereby resulting in reduced yield. Thorough land preparation is the first key to effective weed control. Amaranth is small-seeded and slow to germinate - therefore, weed control is essential early in the season. A seedbed free of weed seeds allows amaranth seedlings to get a head start on the weeds and establish a canopy that can shade out emerging weed seedlings.

Striga in maize field
Striga (Striga hermonthica) weeds in maize field.

© David C. Nowell, EcoPort
More Information on Weeds
What to do:
  • Mulching is recommended to reduce weed competition, soil compaction and erosion; mulching also conserves soil moisture. Be sure the organic mulching materials are free of weed seeds. Mulching is easier to apply if the amaranth crop is transplanted, but can also be used for row-seeded crops after the seedlings reach a height of 10 to 15 cm.
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Information Source Links
  • Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) Gobal Facilitation Unit for Underutilized Species- Enabling deployment of underutilized species. www.underutilized-species.org
  • Blodgett, J. T., Swart, W. J. and Louw, S. (2004). Identification of Fungi and Fungal Pathogens Associated with Hypolixus haerens and Decayed and Cankered Stems of Amaranthus hybridus. Plant Disease, Volume 88,(4): 333-337. www.apsjournals.apsnet.org
  • EcoPort - The Consilience Engine. www.ecoport.org
  • FORMAT. Forum for Organic Resource Management and Agricultural Technologies. www.formatkenya.org
  • Keller, G.B. (2004). African nightshade, eggplant, spiderflower Production and consumption of traditional vegetables in Tanzania from the farmers point of view. Master thesis. Institut für Pflanzenbau in den Tropen und Subtropen. Georg-August Universität Göttingen, Fakultät für Agrarwissenschaften. www.underutilized-species.org
  • Lost Crops of Africa: Volume II: Vegetables (2006). NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL Division on Policy and Global Affairs Development, Security, and Cooperation. Free online-version available: National Academies Press: www.nap.edu. Amaranth: www.books.nap.edu
  • Nutrition Data www.nutritiondata.com.
  • Ouma, M.A. Indigenous vegetable production and utilization in Suba district, Kenya: Improving health, unlocking the wealth in Suba district. BioVision - T.T.U, ICIPE. Unpublished.
  • Palada, M.C., Chang, L.C. (2003). AVRDC, International Cooperator's Guide Suggested Cultural Practices for Vegetable Amaranth. www.avrdc.org
  • Stallknecht, G.F. and Schulz-Schaeffer, J.R. (1993). Amaranth rediscovered. p. 211-218. In: J. Janick and J.E. Simon (Eds.), New crops. Wiley, New York.
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Contact Information
  • Corner Shop Nairobi: cls@mitsuminet.com
  • Food Network East Africa Ltd: info@organic.co.ke, +2540721 100 001
  • Green Dreams: admin@organic.co.ke, +254 721 100 001
  • Kalimoni Greens: kalimonigreens@gmail,com, +254 722 509 829
  • Karen Provision Stores: karenstoresltd@yahoo.com, +254 20885552
  • Muthaiga Green Grocers, Nairobi
  • Nakumatt Supermarket: info@nakumatt.net +254 20551809
  • Uchumi Supermarket: info@uchumi.com +25420550368
  • Zuchinni Green Grocers, Nairobi: +254 0204448240
  • Katumani Research Centre, KARI (karikatumani@yahoo.com; +2544420495).
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Amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus)
© S. Kahumbu, Kenya
Transplanting
Transplanting is the planting of uprooted seedlings grown in seedbeds or in nurseries, in a permanent location where they will continue to grow
organic
Refers to the farming system and products described in the IFOAM standard and not to 'organic chemistry'.
Fungi
Occurring worldwide, most fungi are largely invisible to the naked eye, living for the most part in soil, dead matter, and as symbionts of plants, animals, or other fungi. They perform an essential role in all ecosystems in decomposing organic matter and are indispensable in nutrient cycling and exchange. Some fungi become noticeable when fruiting, either as mushrooms or molds.

Fungi are responsible for a range of serious plant diseases such as blight, grey mould, bunts, powdery mildew, and downy mildew. Crops of all kinds often suffer heavy losses.

Fungal plant diseases are usually managed with applications of chemical fungicides or heavy metals. In some cases, conventional breeding has provided fungus resistantcultivars.

Besides combatting yield losses, preventing fungal infection keeps crops free of toxic compounds produced by some pathogenic fungi. These compounds, often referred to as mycotoxins, can affect affect the immune system and disrupt hormone balances. Some mycotoxins are carcinogenic.
Canker
Disease of plants that is caused by numerous species of fungi and bacteria. Symptoms include round-to-irregular, sunken, swollen, flattened, or cracked, discoloured, and dead areas on the stem (cane), twig, limb, or trunk.
Predator
Animal that attacks and feeds on other animals, such as an insect (e.g. ladybird beetle), bird or spider feeding on pest insects.
Biopesticides
Biopesticides include microbiological pesticides (based on fungi, bacteria and virus) but also botanicals (plant extracts), since they are extracted from or are products of living organisms (plants)
Necrosis
Necrosis is the death of some or all of the cells in an organ or tissue, caused by disease, physical or chemical injury.
Fungi
Occurring worldwide, most fungi are largely invisible to the naked eye, living for the most part in soil, dead matter, and as symbionts of plants, animals, or other fungi. They perform an essential role in all ecosystems in decomposing organic matter and are indispensable in nutrient cycling and exchange. Some fungi become noticeable when fruiting, either as mushrooms or molds.

Fungi are responsible for a range of serious plant diseases such as blight, grey mould, bunts, powdery mildew, and downy mildew. Crops of all kinds often suffer heavy losses.

Fungal plant diseases are usually managed with applications of chemical fungicides or heavy metals. In some cases, conventional breeding has provided fungus resistantcultivars.

Besides combatting yield losses, preventing fungal infection keeps crops free of toxic compounds produced by some pathogenic fungi. These compounds, often referred to as mycotoxins, can affect affect the immune system and disrupt hormone balances. Some mycotoxins are carcinogenic.
Instar
Growth stages.