Category: Featured Articles Jan – Feb 2024

By Mary Mwende

Floriculture, has evolved significantly in recent years with the emergence of two distinct approaches: hydroponic and substrate-based systems. These methods offer unique advantages and require specialized nutrition management strategies to ensure the healthy growth and vibrant blooms of flowers. Hydroponic floriculture relies on a soilless environment, with essential nutrients delivered through precisely balanced nutrient solutions, while substratebased floriculture employs solid, soilless substrates supplemented with additional nutrients.

Hydroponic Floriculture
Hydroponics is a soilless growing system where plants are cultivated in an inert medium, such as rock wool, coco coir, or perlite. These media serve as physical supports for plants, but they do not provide any nutritional value. In hydroponic floriculture, all essential nutrients are supplied through a carefully balanced nutrient solution.

Growing Medium: The growing medium in hydroponic systems is essentially an anchor for plant roots. It is chosen for its inert nature, moisture retention capabilities, and the ability to hold the plant in place. The absence of soil eliminates the risk of soil-borne diseases and pests, offering a more controlled environment for plant growth.

Cut flower cultivation is an art that demands meticulous care and attention to detail. Whether you are a professional floriculturist or an avid hobbyist, the joy of cultivating vibrant, blooming flowers is unparalleled. However, like any other form of agriculture, cut flower growing comes with its own set of challenges, and one persistent problem that often plagues flower growers is the infestation of mealybugs.

Mealybugs, members of the Pseudococcidae family, are small, softbodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. These pests can wreak havoc on cut flower crops, causing stunted growth, distorted blooms, and even transmitting plant diseases.

Understanding Mealybugs
Mealybugs are a common menace in horticulture, affecting a wide range of plants, including popular cut flower varieties. These tiny insects have a soft, cottony appearance, often resembling small tufts of cotton or white powder. Mealybugs feed on plant sap by inserting their needlelike mouthparts into plant tissues, extracting nutrients and causing damage in the process.

One of the challenges posed by mealybugs is their rapid reproduction. Female mealybugs can lay hundreds of eggs, leading to exponential population growth if left unchecked. Additionally, mealybugs excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold, further compromising the health of the host plant.

Welcome to the exciting financial journey of 2024! It’s a ride full of possibilities for savvy investors like you. Picture this: smart investing in 2024 goes beyond the usual. We’re talking artificial intelligence, blockchain, and more! This guide is your ticket to manoeuvring through the financial twists and turns.

Here’s the scoop: stay in the know, and adapt to trends. Think beyond the usual—sustainability and social responsibility are the new cool. With global shifts and tech magic, we’ll show you how to ride the waves. Get ready for a ride where adaptability, innovation, and a bit of strategy lead the way. Let’s dive into the world of smart investing in 2024!

Embrace Technological Innovation
In the fast-paced world of finance, technology is king. From blockchain to artificial intelligence, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Look for companies leveraging cutting-edge technologies, which will likely be tomorrow’s gamechangers. Tech-driven investments provide growth potential and position your portfolio for resilience in an increasingly digital world.

Keep an Eye on Inflation
Inflation can erode the purchasing power of your money. In 2024, with economic shifts and changing policies, keeping a vigilant eye on inflation is crucial. Invest in assets that historically perform well during inflationary periods, such as real estate and commodities. By staying proactive, you can safeguard your portfolio against the erosive effects of rising prices. In addition to monitoring inflation, starting an emergency fund is essential. Step in achieving financial security.

East Africa, Kenya has emerged as a prominent player in the global cut flower industry. The nation’s temperate climate, fertile soils, and skilled labour force create a favorable environment for producing a wide variety of high-quality cut flowers. In this realm of horticulture, scouting, a fundamental agricultural practice, takes center stage. This practice involves systematic monitoring of crops for pests, diseases, and other growth-related issues. In Kenya’s cut flower growing sector, scouting plays a pivotal role in ensuring product quality, maintaining profitability, and upholding sustainability.

I. The Significance of Scouting in Cut Flower Growing
Cut flower growing is a delicate balance between art and science, where care and attention are essential to produce aesthetically pleasing and healthy blooms. Scouting, is an indispensable practice that aligns with the principles of sustainable agriculture. It involves continuous monitoring of crops to detect the early signs of pests, diseases, nutrient imbalances, and other stressors that might hamper plant growth.

By Mary Mwende

As we approach the month of February, Kenya’s vibrant floriculture industry gears up for the grand crescendo of love – Valentine’s Day. Kenya, often referred to as the “Flower of Africa,” stands proud as a floral powerhouse. Blessed with a favorable climate and diverse landscapes, the country’s floriculture sector plays a pivotal role in the global flower trade. Roses, lilies, carnations, and orchids – Kenya’s flower farms cultivate a stunning array of blooms that embody the essence of love.

The journey begins months before Valentine’s Day, as flower farms across the country kick into high gear. The meticulous cultivation of flowers requires careful planning to ensure an abundant supply for the surge in demand during the romantic season. Growers implement innovative techniques and cuttingedge technologies to nurture the finest blooms that will find their way into countless bouquets exchanged on February 14th.