NPK Fertilization and Deflowering Increases Leaf Yield and Extends the Vegetative Phase of Cleome gynandra L.

Optimization of African indigenous vegetables production in sub Saharan Africa: a review

“…According to Seeiso and Materechera (2013), Amaranthus hybridus and Cleome gynandra increased leaf biomass (366.13 and 470.86 g/plot respectively) when fertilized with either manure or any nitrogenous fertilizer during active growth stages. Increased nutrient levels (300 kg NPK ha −1 ) in Amaranthus was reported to delay the onset of flowering thereby increasing the length of the vegetative stage by 3 weeks (Mutua et al 2015). Fertilization therefore stimulates vegetative growth and boosts yield considerably, however, there is a dearth of information on the performance of Bidens pilosa under different essential nutrients and their performance under nutrient deficiency (Nambafu 2018).…”

“…The early onset of flowering significantly reduces leaf yield (Mbwambo et al 2015) because crops flower before producing significant economic leaf yields and also shortens the production season resulting in vegetable shortages (Mavengahama 2013) and economic losses to farmers. Early flowering in vegetables is induced by extreme temperatures, moisture stress, and photo period and in some instances genetic factors (Mutua et al 2015).…”

“…Early flowering (bolting) is most common in Cleome gynandra as flowering may start from as early as 2 weeks after emergence (Mutua et al 2015) and this may hamper the current efforts to promote its production amongst farmers as this leads to production losses as crops flower before they have produced an economic yield (Mavengahama 2013).…”

Ten Years ofGynandropsis gynandraResearch for Improvement of Nutrient‐Rich Leaf Consumption: Lessons Learnt and Way Forwards

“…The cultivation systems of G. gynandra has been extensively investigated with the ultimate goal to develop best agricultural practices for high leaf yield and nutritional value. Agronomic practices included planting techniques (direct seeding or transplanting), sowing depth, net cover colour, planting density, harvest techniques, planting date, pests, deflowering, and fertilisation (Ayua et al, 2016;Garjila et al, 2017;Gonye et al, 2017;Maniaji, 2018;Masinde and Agong, 2011;Mauyo et al, 2008;Mavengahama, 2013;Mutua et al, 2015;Obel et al, 2019;Seeiso and Materechera, 2012;Wangolo et al, 2015).…”

“…The dose depends on the type of fertiliser (organic or inorganic type). The recommended doses were 300 kg ha −1 of NPK, 300 kg ha −1 of lime ammonium nitrate (28% N) and 120 kg ha −1 of urea (40% N) for higher leaf yield (AVRDC, 2004;Mavengahama, 2013;Mutua et al, 2015). Gonye et al (2017) found that 10 t ha −1 poultry manure, 30 t ha −1 cattle manure and 300 kg ha −1 NPK + 150 kg ha −1 ammonium nitrate improved leaf biomass, iron and vitamin C, vitamin A, and crude protein content when planting occurred at the beginning of the growing season.…”