Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) is a perennial summer flower grown by smallholders in Kenya for export. However, its production and export volumes have declined drastically due to nematodes infestation. This study evaluated the effect of Cleome gynandra accessions on nematode management on tuberose. Experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Research Field, Egerton University, Kenya using a randomized complete block design with four replications. The treatments were: five accessions of C. gynandra namely ‘Simlaw’, ‘Egerton’, ‘Taastrup’, ‘PS’ and ‘IP8’, applied at 6 kg/m2 and compared with Brassica napus, solarization and untreated control. Data was collected on growth and yield parameters, nematode infestation and quality of tuberose. Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance at p≤0.05 and means separated using Tukey’s test. Biofumigation with Cleome gynandra accessions helped to reduce nematode population by 34%, gall numbers by 83% and galling index by be 96% when compared with the control. Use of biofumigation helped to improve plant height and leaf number of tuberose by 16% and 87%, respectively, when compared with the control. Use of biofumigation helped to improve spike length by 32%, marketable spikes by 80%, and flower yield by 90% and reduced nonmarketable spikes by 95% when compared with the control. Based on the above results, use of Cleome gynandra accessions and other biofumigants such as rape seed can be used to manage nematodes and improve growth, yield and quality of tuberose.
Ascorbic acid content in leaves of Nightshade (Solanum spp.) and spider plant (Cleome gynandra) varieties grown under different fertilizer regimes in Western Kenya
