CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUTION

1.1BACKGROUND INFORMATION

In Kenya the agriculture sector continues to be the backbone of the national economy constituting

directly 25% of gross Domestic product ADP and 60% of expert earning.

However, majority of Kenyan population is still food insecure estimates available indicates that

about 50% of the population lack access to adequate food and even little they get is of pad nutritional

value and quality. The incidence and prevalence of food insecurity is more sever in arid and semi

arid lands( Asal )due to the erratic rainfall and lack of adequate resources endowment.

Current days droughts are even more serious than the old one due to destruction of environment

especially forests to give rain for the fast population increase to cope with the situation growing of

Irish potatoes which rather perform well is practiced to ensure food security for societal residence.

In Kenya Irish potatoes is classified as horticultural crop. It is an early source of food earning cash

and is grown twice per year mainly for subsistence. The tuber has become a stable food especially in

rural Irish potato growing areas. The natural potential of the highlands characterized by fertile soils

and good rainfall has not been fully realized. Yields have been low that is five to twenty tones per

hectare due to poor seeds quality low soil fertility and poor pest and disease control. Irish potatoes

have been death with as a mind crop besides the difficulties in producing certified seeds by research,

the are problems in pricing and distributions.

However, the rate of adoption of the innovation by farmers is also very important as this affects

performance of Irish potatoes in terms of yields and income. Adoption is the decision to make full

use of an action available while innovation is an idea, practise at object that is perceived by an

individual. It is a fact that farmers do not all accesses a new idea at the same time. This lead to

gradual acceptance thus the interference that farmers differ in their willingness to accept a new idea.

Thus, there is low productivity of Irish Potatoes in the area due to lack of research and training.

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1.2 STAMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Food insecurity had been a major threat among the Bureti residents who had been growing other

crops such as maize, beans and peas. To curb this problem Irish potatoes whose potential is high had

been planted in Bureti Districts which has good climatic conditions.

Despite the roles played by extension officers to teach them, the production of Irish potatoes has

been low. The reasons for the low production has not been known.

The study therefore intends to determine the causes of this low production in Bureti District.

1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The study aims to know the cause of low productivity of Irish potatoes among the residents of Bureti

District and to solve the problem.

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The study was guided by the following objectives

(i) To describe the influence of research training and access to market.

(ii) To make use of agricultural practises so as to gain relevant skills

(iii) To determine the level of adoption of Irish potatoes among the Bureti residents.

1.5 JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROJECT

The study was significant because it was carried out to understand the causes as low productivity of

Irish potatoes among farmers.

The findings of this study were to benefit several groups of people. The Bureti community may

benefit by being empowered to affectively exploit their environment and other resources thereby

raising their economic status.

The findings of the study also benefit the government agricultural extension services and other

extension providers by identifying causes of low productivity of Irish potatoes.

Farmers are empowered to diversified their economic base that is that of growing maize and beans

farming to supplement their diet this way agricultural extension services may be able to formulate

appropriate interest to assist the farmers to attain maximum production of Irish potatoes.

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Policy makers in the government may benefit as they may also use findings to formulate policies

aimed at solving problems affecting Irish potatoes production thus contributing to overall food

security.

Also policy makers will be convinced by the findings of the study to invest in infrastructure and

other sectors infavour of production of Irish Potatoes.

1.6.PROJECT CONCEPT

The project was done in Rift valley province, Bureti District the project was done with an aim of

improving the productivity of Irish potatoes among Bureti residents it was mainly focusing on the

institutional factors such the availability of inputs as well as the rate of adoption to bring about

solution of the problem.

The project demonstrated the use of various varieties on the Kaplong soils the trainee achieved the

results hence be in a position to come up with the better variety sweating the Bureti soils thus

improving their diet as well as improving the economic standards.

1.7 LIMITATIONS

Pests and Disease Control

For the good growth of Irish potatoes, pests and diseases should be controlled to improve the yield of

Irish potatoes

Unfavorable rainfall distribution

Adequate rainfall is required during the growing period poor rainfall production will be less.

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CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITARATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter will entail the importance of Irish potatoes and how they can benefit the community and

other communities and also causes of low productivity.

2.2 IMPORTANCE OF LITERATURE REVIEW

Irish potatoes is among the major food crops after the maize, beans sorghum and millet. Potatoes

can be boiled, baked fried or made into chips or crips. They are also a source of industrial starch a

number of small scale industries process potatoes in to snacks these Irish potatoes contribute

economically, nutritionally and provide employment.

2.3 ECOLOLY

Attitude

Potatoes grow best above 1500m and upto 3000m above sea level

Rainfall

For good growth rainfall of about 750mm is required during the growing period.

Soils

Irish potatoes require deep well drained fertile and easy working soils medium loam soils are best as

heavy soils restrict tuber growth.

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2.5 PLANTING MATERIALS

It is recommended to use certified seeds, which are well sprouted with 4-5 sprouts. Sprouts are out

growth from the eyes of the tubers good sprouting of seed ensures uniform stand and early

emergence hence maximum utilization of available moisture resulting to higher yields.

2.6 LAND PREPARATION

The seedbed should be prepared early to give time for the weeds to desiccate. Plough or dig the land

thoroughly removing couch and kikuyu grasses and other weeds. The soil should be well broken to

avoid large crumbs and to allow soil aeration.

Potatoes should be planted in ridges to allow for tuber expansion and to make harvesting easier.

2.7 PLANTING

Ridges should be 75cm apart at the crest with the potatoes 25-30cm apart in the rows and 10cm deep.

Place the seed tubers in the furrows with the sprouts facing up.

2.8 FERTILISERS

Potatoes Plant is a gross feeder of potash, Nitrogen and phosphate the tuber account for 60% to 90%

of the nutrients removed hence these nutrients must be provided in adequate quantities at the right

time if yields are to be maximized.

Nitrogen increases yield through increased leaf area and leaf area duration. Phosphate promotes early

development of the crop. Nitrogen and phosphate should be applied together during planting. The

fertilizer is applied in furrows and mixed with the soil thoroughly to avoid contact with the seeds to

avoid seed burning and rotting.

2.9 HARVESTING

The crop matures after a period of 3-5 months depending on the variety. Highest yields can be

obtained by leaving the potatoes in the ground till they mature hardening of the skin can be

accelerated this can be done by allowing the crop to die back naturally potatoes are harvested and

grading is done depending on the size.

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2.9.1 DISEASES AND PESTS

Late blight (phytophtora infestans)

Symptoms

Water scaked spots leaflets or stems, later turning brown to black. On the underside of the leaf and

produces, a white mould growth seen at the edge of the spots.

Control

i)use resistant varieties

ii)Use suitable fungicides when the crop is 10cm high, spraying both the surface underside of the

leaves every 10-14days or weekly when wet.

Ear

Early blight (Alternaria solane)

Sets in the late in the season when the crop is attaining maturity dark brown spots which enlarges.

When wet which appear on the oldest leaves.

Control

i) Plant resistant varieties

ii) Spray with fungicides e.g Ridomil, dlthane M 45

Black scarf (Rhizoctonia, Scierotia solone)

Symptoms

i) Black specks on mature tubers and base of stems

ii) Derail tubers or many small tubers at ground level

Control

i) Use certified seed

ii) Use well decomposed manure

iii) Early land preparation to ensure well decomposed manure

iv) Crop rotation

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v) Dip seeds in aretan or Beniate solution before sprouting

Bacterial with (pseudomonas solana cearum )

Symptoms

i) Plants with even when the soil has enough moisture

ii) White mass of bacteria cozes when the tuber is cut and squeezed

iii) Brown rings around the vascular bundles

Control

i) Practise crop rotation

ii) Use certified seeds

iii) Burn stems and tubers of infected plants.

Pests

Potato aphid (Autacorthum salane)

Symptoms

Leaves cupped, distorted and more or less yellow, plant wilt and sometimes dies sooty mould on the

upper side of the leaves

Control

i) Practise good field husbandry

ii) Crop rotation

iii) Use systemic insecticides e.g. Metasytox.

Potato tuber moth (phthorimea operulella)

Appears shortly before harvesting when the rain rate subsided. The larvae feed on maturing tubers in

the field by mining them. The damage continues during storage.

Control

In the fields

a) Plant deeply

b) Ridge at least twice during the growing season

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In the stores

a) Keep tubers in clean, cool stores

b) Spray tubers with the malathion,fenitrothion.

Cutworms (Agrotis ssp)

Caterpillars cut young plants at ground level.

Control

Before planting apply 50kg 2.5% of aldrin dust per hectare working it into the top of the soil or spray

the field with 3kg 40% aldrin per hectate.

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CHAPTER THREE

3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter provides the methodology for attaining the objectives of the study it describes the

description of the research design, sampling procedure, instrumentation, data collection and analysis.

3.2 MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENTS

Below were the various materials used in the study of possible cause of low productivity of Irish

potatoes in Bureti Division.

Materials Quantity

Tape measure/ruler 1

Marking pegs 9

Panga 5

Tubers 1 debe

Jembe 1

Fertilizer DAP 4kg

CAN 2kg

Organic Matures 6 debes

Chemicals 300ml DI-Methoate

Sprayers 1

Labour 1 Man

3.3 PROJECT DESIGN

The project was carried out in four plots and each of the plots was measuring 1.75m x

1.75m.The spacing from one plot to another was 0.5m. The plots were as follows

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0.5M

0.75M

0.5M 0.75M

KEY

A- Irish potatoes planted with control of Diseases and pests not controlled

B- Irish potatoes planted without control of Pests

A1-Irish potatoes planted with control of Pests and Diseases

B1- Irish potatoes planted without control of Pests and Diseases

3.4 PLANTING

Trainee first chitted and allowed them to sprout, Good sprouting of the seed tubers ensures

uniform stand and early emergency hence maximum utilization of available moisture resulting

into higher yields.

Ridges were made 75cm apart at the crest with the potatoes 35-30cm apart in the rows and 10cm

deep. The trainee placed the seed tubers. In the furrows with the sprouts facing up. The seed

tubers were then covered with a thin layer of soil on top and dry grass on top as much.

Ridges were made to allow for tuber expansion and make harvesting easier. It also reduces

greening of the tuber that may occur if exposed to sunlight. The ridges were made as follows:

Crest Ridges

The crest provided soil for earthing up which allows for tuber expansion.

CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 INTRODUCTION

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B1 A1

B A

The trainee carried this project with the aim of getting knowledge of possible causes of low

productivity of Irish potatoes. The trainee was comparing the production when pests and diseases

is controlled and when it is not controlled.

Trainee obtained the data, analyzed and booked them in the record books for reference.

The aim was to discover best ways of producing potatoes in the area.

4.2 SAMPLES AND SAMPLING PROCEDURE

The trainee was collecting the results as per the replicates each replicate was to be attended daily

based on different parameters. Germination percentage, pest attack and growth rate were the

parameters recorded on the daily report book.

The samples were the planted seed tubers that the trainee termed as treatments a random sample

of four-potato plant (treatment) was picked from each replicate using stratified random procedure

.It was found that germination percentage was moderate due to pest infestation in some replicate.

It was also found that the replicates that the agronomic practises were involved recorded high

yields of quality Irish potatoes.

4.3 INSTRUMENTS OF DATA COLLECTION

Instruments Quantity

Note book 1

Biro pens 2

Tape measure 1

Weighing balance 1

Ruler 1

4.4 INSTRUMENTION AND DATA COLLECTION

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The trainee was attending the project on daily basis. She collected the data as per the parameters

recorded. The notebook was used to record the data, Ruler was used to make columns for each

for each parameter, Biro pens were used to write the observed information on the notebook, Tape

measure was used to measure the growth length of the plants to determine the growth rate. The

weight balance was used to weigh the yields for each replicate so as to know the production level

for each replicate.

4.5 DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

The trainee obtained the highest yield on potatoes that were planted and pests and diseases

controlled. The yields were measured in kilograms by use of weighing scale. This was to get the

total yields obtained from each replicate.

The trainee determined the rate of growth by taking their measurement every week. The rate

growth of potatoes planted with pests and diseases controlled was vigorous compared with those

which the pest and disease were not control.

The table below shows the results that were obtained by the trainee from the plots analysis:

Replicate Treatment Height (cm) Vigour Yields (kg)

A Tigoni 30cm fairly good 30kg

B Tigoni 40cm good 40kg

AI Tigoni 65cm excellence 50kg

BI Tigoni 25cm poor 20kg

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CHAPTER FIVE

5.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter summarizes the project work that carried out by the trainee in Bureti Division. She

came up with clear information that possible causes of low production of potato in Bureti

Division is due to low rate of adoption among the farmers lack of knowledge and skill due to

poor extension service.

5.2 RECOMMENDATION

In the research for high quality and quantity varieties by the research institutes, it is vital

to consider the short term and long term effects of the environment.

Lots of research in to biological control of pests and diseases is recommendable

especially in this time when people are conscious, however that practicability for the

farmers and their side effects need to be emphasized.

5.3 CONCLUSION

Going through all stages of production, The trainee concluded that Bureti Dovision has potential of

high production of Irish potatoes. The area meets the requirements of Irish potato production.

Irish potatoes production will be successful if the farmers adopt the production methods from the

extension officers.

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5.4 BUDGETING

The table below shows the trainees budget

Item Quantity Amount (Kshs)

Potatoes 1 70

Planting 1 50

Jembe 1 150

Weighing scale 250

Panga 1 150

Tape Measure 1 100

Watering can 1 300

Ruler 1 10

Fertilizer –DAP 2 kg 120

–CAN 2 kg 100

Notebook 1 25

Biro pens 2 20

Ridomil 2 litres 250

Labour 1 1500

Total 3,095

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5.5 CALENDAR OF WORK

DATE ACTIVITY REMARKS

14th March 2009 Site selection and clearing land cultivation

Secondary cultivation so as to obtain the required tilth

21st March 2009 Removal of germinated weeds to avoid competing with the

potatoes for food. Land leveling is done using rake so as to

remove the roots and plant debris in the soil

To prevent the build up

of pests and diseases

that can affect the crop.

24th March 2009 Mixing the manure with the soil and the leveling of the bed. To allow for full

decomposition

4th April 2009 Making the ridges for planting the seed tubers. Seed tubers is

planted and covered with a thin layer of soil

4th May 2009 Weeding of the crop plants To prevent competition

between potatoes and

weeds for nutrients

15th May 2009 Control of pests and diseases was done with the use of

appropriate chemicals

To control potato moth

and late blight to allow

for expansion of tubers

19th May 2009 Earthing up was done

15th June 2009 Harvesting of mature potatoes

20th June 2009 Compiling of report

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