ANNUAL CROPS

A.    Tools

Tool/Equipment	Use	Maintenance	Storage
1.     Machete/Panga	Cutting shrubs/grass	Sharpen regularly, clean after use	Store in dry place, hang to prevent rust
2.     Axe	Felling small trees	Sharpen blade, oil metal parts	Dry and locked tool shed
3.     Chainsaw	Cutting trees/logs	Clean air filter, oil chain, sharpen blade	Cool, clean area; remove fuel when storing long-term
4.     Bulldozer	Large-scale clearing	Regular engine check, hydraulic fluid check	Under shelter, clean after use
5.     Hand hoe	Turning soil, small-scale tillage	Sharpen edge, clean after use	Hang in a dry, clean area
6.     Shovel/Spade	Digging and turning soil	Clean blade, oil metal parts	Dry place to avoid rust
7.     Animal-drawn plow	Primary tillage with oxen	Check wooden frame, oil metal	Under cover, off the ground
8.     Disc plow	Deep soil cutting and turning	Grease discs, check bolts	Shelter to avoid rust
9.     Harrow (disc or spike tooth)	Break clods, smooth seedbed	Check disc alignment, clean	Dry, clean equipment shed
10.  Rotavator (tractor-mounted)	Pulverizing soil finely	Sharpen blades, oil moving parts	Covered and well-ventilated area
11.  Tractor	Powers various implements	Oil changes, check tire pressure	Garage or shaded shed
12.  Rake	Smooth and level soil	Replace broken tines	Dry storage
13.  Ridger	Forming ridges/beds	Check wear and tear	Covered shed
14.  Land leveler	Leveling large areas	Oil joints, inspect frame	Secure flat storage

 

General Guidelines for Maintenance and Storage

Maintenance

§  Clean all equipment after use to prevent rust and pest infestation.

§  Lubricate moving parts regularly to reduce friction and wear.

§  Inspect for damage or loose bolts before and after use.

§  Store fuel-powered tools with drained fuel if not used for a long period.

Storage

§  Store tools in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent rust and deterioration.

§  Hang hand tools to avoid contact with the ground.

§  Cover large machines or store them in sheds to protect from sun and rain.

§  Keep a maintenance log for machinery to track servicing schedules.

 

B.    Planting Materials

Planting materials are the parts of a plant used for propagation and establishment in the field. The type of planting material used depends on the crop species and the method of propagation (sexual or asexual).

Selecting the right planting material is crucial for achieving high germination rates, healthy plant development, and optimal yields.

Types of Planting Materials

1. Seeds and Seedlings

Seeds: Fertilized mature ovules used for plant propagation through sexual reproduction.

Seedlings: Young plants grown from seeds in a nursery before being transplanted.

Importance:

·       Enable wide genetic diversity (important in breeding).

·       Easy to handle, store, and transport.

·       Cost-effective and suitable for large-scale propagation.

·       Used in cereals (e.g., maize, rice), legumes (e.g., beans), vegetables (e.g., tomatoes), and some fruits.

2. Splits

Splits are sections of a mature plant that include both roots and shoots, divided for propagation.

Importance:

·       Ensure the new plant maintains the characteristics of the parent.

·       Commonly used in crops like lemongrass, banana, and sugarcane.

·       Faster establishment compared to seeds.

3. Crowns

Crowns are the basal portions of a plant from which roots and shoots emerge. Used for propagating some herbaceous perennials.

Importance:

·       Used in crops like pineapple.

·       Allow for relatively quick establishment.

·       Maintain varietal purity.

4. Slips

Slips are small shoots or suckers that develop on the stem or near the base of a plant and can be used for propagation.

Importance:

·       Commonly used in pineapple propagation.

·       Faster and more uniform growth than from crowns.

·       Reduce planting costs and promote early maturity.

5. Cuttings

Cuttings are plant parts (usually stem, root, or leaf) cut and planted to regenerate into a whole plant vegetatively.

Importance:

·       Retain all genetic qualities of the parent plant.

·       Common in crops like cassava, sugarcane, and grapes.

·       Quick and easy method for mass propagation.

 

6. Suckers

Suckers are shoots that emerge from the base or underground part of a mature plant and can be separated and replanted.

Importance:

·       Used in banana, plantain, and pineapple.

·       Produce uniform plants.

·       Suckers are vigorous and well-adapted to local conditions.

7. Vines

Vines are trailing stems of plants that are used in vegetative propagation, often by cutting and planting sections.

Importance:

·       Common in crops like sweet potato.

·       Easy to establish with rapid growth.

·       Effective in areas with short growing seasons.

8. Stem Tubers

Stem tubers are thickened underground stems (with buds or "eyes") that serve as storage organs and propagation units.

Importance:

·       Used in potatoes and yams.

·       Each piece with a bud can grow into a new plant.

·       Provide food reserves that support early growth.

Qualities of Good Planting Materials

Choosing the right planting material is vital for the success of crop production.

While seeds and seedlings are commonly used for sexually propagated crops, splits, crowns, slips, cuttings, suckers, vines, and stem tubers are essential for vegetative propagation.

a.      High Viability and Germination Rate

§  Planting materials (e.g., seeds) should have a high percentage of germination, typically above 85%.

§  They should be capable of producing healthy seedlings under favorable conditions.

b.     Purity

§  The material should be genetically pure (true-to-type) with no mixing of other crop varieties.

§  Free from weed seeds or other crop seeds.

c.      Free from Pests and Diseases

§  Should not show any signs of infestation or infection.

§  Must be treated (chemically or organically) to prevent early pest/disease attacks.

d.     Uniform Size and Maturity

§  Seeds, tubers, or cuttings should be of uniform size and maturity to ensure even germination and growth.

e.      Good Physical Condition

§  Should be clean, dry, and well-formed.

§  No physical damage (e.g., broken seeds, bruised tubers).

§  Free from mold, rot, or discoloration.

f.      Adapted to Local Conditions

§  Planting materials should be suitable for the local climate and soil conditions.

§  Preferably sourced from reliable local sources or research institutions.

g.     High Yield Potential

·       Should come from a high-yielding variety known for good performance under recommended agronomic practices.

h.     Resistance to Pests and Diseases

·       Preferably from varieties that have been bred for resistance or tolerance to common pests and diseases in the area.

i.       Certified or Quality-Assured

·       Use of certified seeds or planting materials from recognized agencies ensures quality, genetic purity, and performance.

j.       Proper Storage Condition

·       Planting materials should be well-stored to maintain viability—cool, dry, and pest-free storage.

k.     Suitable Moisture Content

·       Especially for seeds, the moisture content should be low (around 10–12%) to ensure longevity and viability.