Crop Production Advisor

Common crop questions

How do I know what is eating holes in my maize leaves?

Ragged holes and translucent 'window panes' on young maize leaves are the classic sign of fall armyworm. Check the leaf whorl at dawn for moist frass that looks like wet sawdust, and scout at least 20 plants across the field before spraying so you treat only if 20% or more are damaged.

How can I fix acidic soil cheaply?

Agricultural lime at 1–2 tonnes per acre, applied 4–6 weeks before planting and worked into the topsoil, is the cheapest lasting correction in most East African highland soils. Test first: liming soils that are already near pH 6 wastes money and can lock up phosphorus.

Which crop should I plant on one acre this season?

Choose from your rainfall pattern, altitude and the distance to your nearest market, not from last season's price. Short-cycle crops such as beans, sukuma wiki or tomato suit short rains and small plots, while maize, sorghum and cassava suit longer, less reliable seasons.

Why are my tomato leaves curling and turning yellow?

Upward curling with yellowing usually points to tomato yellow leaf curl virus spread by whitefly, or to water stress in a hot greenhouse. Look under the leaves for whitefly first — if they are present, the virus is likely and affected plants should be removed rather than sprayed.