Plant production

Field Crops.

There are so many species and varieties of field crops. The choice of a variety for commercial production depends mainly on market demand, production inputs and experience. Local research centres in each country prepare yearly or seasonal issues of a complementary production packages for each region in order to maximise output. Farmers and growers as well as extension authorities must therefore be aware of recent issues to be able to make a better utilization of the available natural resources in order to maximize their production. There are however universal varieties of specific crops that is widely accepted and can be grown successfully in many parts of the world among which forage plays an important role.

Vegetables Production.

A very popular line of business. There are so many species and varieties which is suitable for production under simple or sophisticated production systems. The choice of variety is subject to many factors such as soil type, prevailing weather conditions, irrigation water quality and market requirement. Training and management skills are important factors.

Strawberries.

Strawberries are grown extensively for market and home use. The cultivated strawberry is an American fruit that originated by hybridization from the wild species of eastern North America and South America. The berries, which are rich in vitamin C, have a unique, tangy taste, and are highly valued as dessert fruit. Commercially, strawberry growers today receive over $250 million yearly for the freshly harvested fruit. About one-third of the crop is processed. This adds substantially to its overall value. Many varieties are grown successfully, however, some varieties with special qualities may be best for a given region. Other varieties are chosen for such particular qualities as flavour, shape, or hardiness. New varieties of strawberries appear from time to time. These may grow well in one region, but prove unsatisfactory in other regions. Before planting new varieties extensively, growers should test them for more than one year. Compare new varieties with those already successful, and reject them if they are not superior to the standard varieties.

Selecting a Variety:

Grow the very best varieties for your region. Choose them carefully; many environmental conditions affect the performance of a given variety. New varieties become available frequently and the best variety last year may not be the best one this year. The two general classes of strawberries are "ever bearers" and "June-bearers" (one-crop varieties). As their name suggests, ever bearers produce fruit during spring, summer, fall, or during the fall and winter months in Florida. June-bearers, on the other hand, produce fruit only in late spring and early summer. Whether the strawberries are grown in a home garden or for market influence the selection of a variety. In turn, the type of market use may determine the variety of strawberries grown. Strawberries are marketed fresh and frozen. They also are processed for preserves, flavoring, concentrates, and extracts.

Regional Differences:

Regional adaptation refers to the response of a variety to environmental conditions within a region or area. One major factor is the relationship between temperature and the amount of daylight on the growth and fruit bearing of plants. Varieties of strawberries respond differently to these variable conditions. Differences appear in the growth, vigor, and productivity of plants; in the size, flavor, and firmness of fruit; and in susceptibility to diseases. Long days and warm temperatures are necessary for flower formation in the June varieties. Ever bearing varieties can product flowers during either long or short periods of daylight.

Potato.

A very popular crop for growers all over the world. However easy and short growing season, the crop is vulnerable to many pests and diseases. Hence, choice of suitable varieties for particular locations or regions as well as understanding crop performance are equally important factors to eliminate risk of crop failure and ensure maximum yield potential. The information embodied in this section for each variety is extracted from botanical leaflets issued by main producers/suppliers.

Cara

A highly productive yellow skin for fresh consumption variety. It is very popular in countries with warm winter around the Mediterranean and can perform well in light soil. Tubers are very large and has a medium to long dormancy period.

Cardinal

Is a red–skinned potato tubers with an excellent yield. Tubers are large and can be grown in warm climate. Flesh is pale yellow and the variety is suitable for fresh consumption as well as for processing. Dormancy period is short.

Desiree

A fairly firm cooking fresh consumption variety. It is characterized by its large long/oval tubers and a red skin. The variety is also known by its suitability for the production of potato chips and fries particularly if warm climatic conditions prevailed during the growing season. dormancy period is medium/long and the flesh is pale yellow in color.

Diamant

Is a yellow skin potato with an excellent yield potential. The variety still enjoy patent, tubers are large and oval shape and is suitable for processing. Dormancy period is short and the flesh color is pale yellow.

Dido

The variety is a medium late high yielding variety suitable for fresh consumption and for processing of French fries. The tubers are long oval with a yellow skin color and long dormancy period. Flesh is yellowish white and the variety performs well in warm climate.

Hermes

Hermes is a moderately late variety with excellent quality for crisping. It grows satisfactorily in warm climate around the Mediterranean Sea for processing industries. The skin and the flesh are yellow colour. Tubers are large and round oval with a long dormancy period.

Lady Rosetta

A moderately early variety characterized by very uniform round shape tubers. It is very popular in Europe, North Africa and in the Middle East for processing crisps. The skin colour is red and the flesh is pale yellow with a low sugar and a high dry matter contents. Dormancy period is relatively long.

Metro

A medium late variety producing very uniform long oval tubers with a yellow skin and pale yellow flesh colours. The variety is a high yielder and is suitable for French fries due to its high dry matter content. It can be also consumed fresh and it has a long dormancy period.

Monalisa

This is a moderately early with a good productive potential variety. Suitable for fresh consumption and washing due to its nice shape tubers. The variety is popular in countries around the Mediterranean Sea and it has a long dormancy period.

Spunta

Spunta is a medium early that provide a good yield under warm climatic weather conditions. The tubers are long oval shape with a yellow skin and a pale yellow flesh. The variety is heat and drought resistant with medium to long dormancy period.

Jojoba.

Jojoba is a desert shrub that can attain a height of 4 meter. It grows successfully in desert hot climate and can be classified as a low water requirement plant. Water use efficiency is almost twice that of wheat. The plant, although evergreen can survive without irrigation for more than 6 months. Production can be attained for the first time 4 years after establishment. In practice the crop is categorized as an oil crop producing a form of fatty seed content called liquid wax. Seed oil content reached 60% possessing unique properties and is therefore important for industrial use. The oil is characterized by a high level of stability, resistance to oxidization and can be stored for more than 25 years without changes in its chemical or physical properties. Seed cake and hull, containing 24% protein and 10-12% carbohydrates are also used as animal feed after oil extraction.

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