This article focuses on managu farming in Kenya. Managu is a popular leafy indigenous vegetable that is widely loved for its numerous nutritional and health benefits.
It is one of the best and the easiest traditional or indigenous vegetables to grow in Kenya. It is a fast growing vegetable with a high demand in the local market.
Varieties Grown in Kenya
- Solanum villosum. This variety has orange berries and elongated leaves.
- Solanum scabrum. It has purple berries and broad leaves.
Ecological Requirements for Growing Managu
- Well aerated soils with high water retention capacity.
- Soil rich in organic matter and with a pH of 5-5 to 6.8.
- Temperature range between 18-30°c.
- Plenty of manure, especially organic manure.
- Moderate rainfall.
Propagation/ Planting
Managu can be propagated directly by seeds or by first raising seeds in a nursery before transplanting. Any of the methods is recommended.
(i). Direct sowing of seeds
Before planting, you will have to make rows with a spacing of 30cm between the rows and farrows which should be 1-2 cm deep.
Once you have prepared the rows and farrows, take the seeds and mix them with light soil and manure.
Plant the seeds in the farrows then lightly cover with soil.
(ii). Raising seeds in a nursery bed
Alternatively, you can raise the seeds in a nursery bed before transplanting. The first thing that you have to do is to loosen soil in the nursery bed.
Take the seeds and mix them with ash or sand then sow them using the broadcasting method. You can also sow them in rows with a spacing of 15-20 cm between the rows.
Once you have sown the seeds, erect a small shade just above the seed bed. You can mulch the seed bed with grass for the purpose of moisture retention. The seeds will germinate after 1-2 weeks.
Transplanting can be done 6 weeks after sowing the seeds, once the seedlings have developed 6 leaves and have attained a height of 10-15 cm.
Farm Management
Regular weeding during the early stages of growth should be done to avoid competition for necessary nutrients and water. It also aids in controlling pests and diseases.
Thinning should also be done. It is best done after about 4 weeks of sowing. It ensures proper growth of the plant and can also help in controlling diseases.
Pests and Diseases
Common pests that attack managu are aphids, spider mites and root knot nematodes.
Common diseases include early blight, fusarium wilt, bacterial wilt, powdery mildew, downy mildew and leaf spots.
The pests and diseases can be controlled by using suitable organic & inorganic pesticides, practicing high levels of hygiene, crop rotation or using foliar sprays.
Harvesting
Managu can be harvested after 8-10 weeks of planting. It is best done by cutting tender stems or uprooting the entire plant.
The Market for Managu in Kenya
Managu is one of the most consumed indigenous vegetables in Kenya. It has a high demand and a wide market, ranging from open air markets, groceries, supermarkets or the local mama mboga stalls.
With proper connections, one can also supply the vegetables to institutions such as hotels and schools.
