Nutrients are the nutritious components in foods that the body needs to grow strong and healthy. A diverse and balanced diet contains a range of nutrients.Fruits deliver important nutrients for healthy and strong bodies such as Vitamins A, C and B6:Vitamin A is for healthy eyes and good vision.Vitamin C provides general good health and reduces illness such as colds.Vitamin B6 is good for pregnant women and young children for healthy development.
Tag: mangifera indica
Fruit tree diversity and its contribution to food security of smallholder farm households in Western Kenya
Cultivation of fruit trees on farms can contribute to household food security especially during non-harvesting seasons and when crops have failed. Fruit tree cultivation provides nutrient-rich foods for increased dietary diversity and also diversifies farm income generation options. However, there is insufficient data on diversity of fruit trees on farms and their contribution to food security in Kenya. This information is needed for designing and implementing suitable, location-specific interventions on increasing production and consumption of fruits. Objectives of the study: (a) Document fruit tree richness and abundance on farms in Western Kenya. (b) Assess food security levels on the same farms and identify relationships between food security and fruit tree species richness and abundance (if any).
Rootstock growth and development for increased graft success of mango (Mangifera indica) in the nursery
The graft success of seedlings depends on rootstock size and the skills of grafters. A study was carried out to evaluate the effects of rootstock diameter (at root collar), skills and experience of grafters on mango seedling thinning and grafting. Skilled and unskilled grafters were involved in grafting mango plants for at least three consecutive months. Different rootstock sizes based on root collar diameter of mango seedlings were assessed. The results showed significant differences in graft-take among three groups of nurserymen. The skills and experience of grafters had a significant effect on graft success. The late emerging seedlings showed higher increase in height and diameter after thinning. A higher survival (> 75%) and reduced time to graft-take (19 days) were achieved with thicker rootstocks (0.7 cm) than thinner rootstocks (0.3 cm). The early emerging plants produced more leaves than late emerging plants after grafted. It was concluded that a higher graft-take can best be achieved with skilled grafters and thicker rootstocks.