Tree Tomato Farming In Kenya: Tree tomato (Solanum betaceum) are a fruit of Andean origin mainly cultivated in Columbia and Ecuador. The fruit is used as fresh fruit, juice and the food processing industry. It has a high nutritional value as it contains ascorbic acid, enzymes, bioflavonoids, it is rich in minerals like chromium, potassium, and magnesium as well as B vitamins and amino acids.
According to the national research council Tree Tomato fruit is very high in vitamins and iron. In Kenya the production of the fruit is little and scanty information about the varieties existing in the various part of the country. It is also coupled with poor agronomic practices.
The tree tomato is a shallow-rooted tree that can reach a height of 20 feet. The wood is brittle and the trees are short-lived, usually lasting from 12 to 15 years. The almost heart-shaped leaves can reach a foot or more in length and a width of up to 5 inches. The fragrant flowers, up to 1 ⁄2-inch in diameter, can be pink, light blue, or white and are usually borne near the tips of the branches.
The red, yellow, orange, or purple fruit is long-stemmed, 3 inches long by 11⁄2 inches wide, and generally ovoid with somewhat pointed ends.
Varieties of tree tomato in Kenya
The common varieties are: Ecuadorian orange, Gold mine, Inca gold, Red oratia, Rothame, Ruby red, Solid Gold and Yellow.
They are mainly differentiated by colours, ranging from yellow and orange to red and almost purple. Sometimes they have dark, longitudinal stripes. Red fruits are more acidic, whilst yellow and orange fruits are sweeter.
Planting tree tomato
The spacing in the field varies depending on the management practices, soil fertility and environmental conditions. Either space:
- 3m between rows and 2.5 – 3.0m between plants in the row, or 4.5 – 5.0m between rows and 1.0 – 1.5m between plants in a row. Closer spacing is recommended in windy, unprotected locations.
- During planting, put 2 debes of well decomposed manure plus 150g of DAP or TSP per hole, mix well with soil then plant.
Management of tree tomato
- Weeding: Tamarillo is shallow rooted plant. Shallow weeding should be done with care to avoid damaging the roots.
- De-budding: De-bud trees when they are 1.5-2m (3-4ft) to promote multiple branching.
- Pruning: Pruning helps to control plant and fruit size and harvesting. If timed properly pruning can extend the total bearing period of the tree.
- Newly grown tree tomatoes should be pruned to a height of 90-120cm (3-4ft) to encourage branching.
- Yearly pruning thereafter is recommended to eliminate branches that have already borne because fruits are produced on new growth.
Challenges Facing Tree Tomato Farming In Kenya
The fruit production is facing challenges as the sector that is expanding. There are often pests and diseases, but also sporadic precipitation in Kenya and crop productivity remains low. Technology and expertise are needed to deal with agricultural risks.
- Lack of expertise and lack of access to emerging technology and advances in processes restrict the adaptability and productivity of players in the value chain. When there is enough information and technologies, this will definitely lead to successful participation in value chains.
- Credit to agriculture remains at a low 7%. Financial constraints affect the sector particularly at the time of acquiring required inputs and at the post-harvest stage. Access to finance is a big challenge, especially for young agronomists willing to start a business in horticulture.
- The ability to respond to new market requirements (quantity demands with reliable consistency, food safety, and compliance to Global GAP certification) is a major issue.
- Tree tomato farming is labour intensive
- Fluctuation of prices
- Pests and diseases
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Tree tomato fruits exhibit a number of physiological disorders associated with agronomic practices and environmental factors.