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Introduction
Ethiopian kale (Brassica carinata L.), also called loshuu,
can be found throughout eastern and southern Africa in both lowland
and highland conditions. It can grown both on light and heavy
soils but does not like “wet feet.” It does not need
a long cold season to produce flowers and seeds like cabbages
and ordinary kale or Sukuma wiki.
Seeds and
Sowing
Seeds should be collected from healthy, disease-free plants.
Harvest when the pods are fully dry, just before they open naturally
in the field. Seeds can be dried further in the shade for 3-5
days. Properly dried seeds should be kept in a closed container
to avoid damage by insects. Alternatively, seeds can be obtained
from Horti-Tengeru at P.O. Box 1253; Arusha, Tanzania.
Seeds should be sown in seedbeds, in rows spaced 15-20 cm apart.
Sow seeds 1-2 cm apart. Closer spacings can lead to damping off
disease. Transplant when seedlings are 15 cm tall, at a spacing
of 35-50 cm in the row, with 50-75 cm between rows.
Crop Management
Ethiopian kale responds very well to manure. If possible, well-decomposed
manure should be incorporated into the soil before planting.
Nitrogen fertilization is needed for a high leaf yield and an
application of 100 kg nitrogen per hectare is recommended. Apply
the nitrogen as a top dressing around the main stem of the plant.
Make sure that fertilizer is not spilled on the leaves since
it will burn them.
Frequent irrigation is needed for good yields. Plants suffering
from drought will begin to flower and stop producing leaves.
Once we ensure that seeds have been collected from disease-free
plants, chances of seed-borne pathogens are limited. It is important
to control aphids since these act as a carrier of Turnip Mosaic
Virus.
Harvesting
and Postharvest
Once established, frequent harvesting of leaves or shoots may
take place. The smaller-leafed varieties are often collected
in the form of shoots. Generally speaking, varieties with large
leaves, such as Lambo, are tall and tend to have few side shoots
whereas varieties with small leaves have many side shoots. Young
shoots from bushy varieties can only be harvested with a short
stem, since the basal part is woody. More frequent and intense
plucking of leaves tends to prolong the vegetative phase. The
variety Mbeya Green yields about 30t/ha.
Ethiopian kale leaves, once harvested, should be kept cool. Sprinklings
of water on the leaves can prolong storage life. Avoid overwatering
since this will encourage rot.
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