TREE TOMATOES INVESTMENT
Grafted Tree tomato is a fast-growing tree that grows up to 2-5 meters. The tree usually forms a single upright trunk with lateral branches. We graft our tree with ‘muthakwa’ for several reasons.
- Resistant to Nematodes.
2.Drought resistant.
3 Fast maturing.
4.Higher life span of more than 6 years
CLIMATE, SOIL REQUIREMENT & GROWTH
The tree tomato prefers subtropical climate, they grow in many parts of Kenya with rainfall between 600 and 4000 millimeters and annual temperatures between 15 and 25 °C. It is intolerant to frost (below -2 °C) and drought stress. Tree tomato plants grow best in light, deep, fertile soils, however, soils must be permeable since the plants are not tolerant to water-logging. They grow well on soils with a pH of 5 to 7.5.
REQUIREMENTS:
Land, Manure, Grafted seedlings, Irrigation system, Labor, Pest and Diseases control.
At a good spacing an acre can accommodate 1200 – 1800 plants. Require a recommended spacing measuring 6ft by 6ft, then dig dip holes measuring 2ft by 2ft this helps in roots penetration and also to be able to accommodate enough manure. Add a bucket of well rotten manure into per hole and mix well with top soil. Plant your grafted seedlings by first ensuring you have watered your soil well or plant during rainy season. Add mulching to every stem of your plants.
In case of a dry season apply irrigation either drip irrigation or bucket irrigation. For conventional farming apply NPK fertilizer after two weeks of planting this will ensure faster growth and root development. Protect your plant from pest and diseases from early stages by splaying at a good interval depending with the rate of infestation with pesticides and fungicides both protective and curing ones. During entire growth season apply CAN fertilizer three times.
Spray your plants with foliar feeds to ensure faster and stronger plants and also during flowering to boost more flowers and ensure they do not drop.
PEST AND DISEASES
Tree tomato is fairly resistant to most diseases and pests. However, the tree is prone to powdery mildew, which causes the leaves to fall off. Application of copper oxychloride (allowed in organic farming) can control the disease. The main pests that attack the tree include the aphids, thrips, whiteflies and nematodes (grafted tree tomato to control nematodes).Applications of imidacroprid and Beta-cypermethrin Will control.
At flowering ensure you apply boron and zinc to avoid flower and fruit abortion.
At ripening stage apply Potassium fir uniform ripening, sweet taste and good shelf life.
MARKET
We buy all the fruits from our Farmers both for export (organically grown) and for local market. We have never satisfied even a fraction of the local market.
PLANT POPULATION 1200 PLANTS
Expected average output 65kg per tree per year. The price at the farm gate is Ksh @80 per kg. They have a lifespan of more than 6 years. We will take you through the whole process of planting,management to marketing. We have ready seedlings at sh 150 each.
For more details,
Contacts, 0726338301 or 0705146027
