Do you want to know how to grow pepino melon? Is growing pepino melon good for agribusiness?
Pepino Melon- A Magical Fruit
This is a new type of fruit in Kenya in the year since 2015, native to South America. With the growth of technology across the continent of Africa, new crops of great value are being launched.
These crops are not popular among many farmers in comparison to traditional crops such as coffee or tea. But they are growing in popularity very rapidly in African countries due to their high nutritional level. Growing Pepino melon is one of those currently achievable agribusiness trends. And is attracting the attention of many Kenyan farmers and businessmen.
It has a reliable market both locally and internationally and the demand is increasing, and yet to be met. This is contributed by the fact that farmers in Kenya are not as familiar with its production techniques making them reluctant to invest in pepino melon. Many Kenyan consumers have become increasingly aware of the many health benefits of pepino melon, leading to the expansion of local markets. These have become a viable agricultural enterprise among Kenyan farmers as there is growing interest among farmers, and therefore there is a need for immediate attention to its production.
Health Benefits
The pepino melon is often called a ‘magic fruit’ because it contains many medicinal characteristics that make it widely consumed in African countries. Pepino melon fruits contain chemicals that control the main health conditions affecting a large population.
The following are examples of the fruit’s benefits
1. It reduces your chances of stress.
2. Reduce the risk of high blood pressure and healthy heart disease.
3. Help in preventing diabetes.
4. Lowers the level of blood cholesterol.
5. Increases stamina.
6. It is sodium free, thus helps in lowering high blood pressure.
In Kenya today, many people continue to suffer from these health conditions. This makes pepino melon a superior fruit in Kenya.
ECOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS
Soil –
The plant requires deep, well-drained soil at an optimum pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It is not resistant to saline soils.
Altitude-
Pepino melon is a winter crop tolerant to conditions in zones with an attitude range of 1500-3000 M ASL.
Temperature –
For optimal performance, a temperature range of 12°C- 24 °C is suitable. Production effects includes relatively warm conditions.
Rainfall-
Harvest is best in areas that receive an annual rainfall of 800 mm to 1200 mm.
How to Propagate Pepino
Pepino can grow straight out of seeds. At maturity, tree melons typically contain some seeds that you can remove, dry, and store for several years. Seed germination requires a minimum soil temperature of 12ºC and may survive mild cold snaps. The leaves are susceptible to excessive heat and moderate frost.
Water requirements-
This plant prefers that the ground dries between watering and needs watering regularly. The soils should always be moist but not wet or saturated, so it is advisable to make good drainage systems. If the plant does not receive enough water, it will appear wilted and dry leaves will fall off.
Alternatively, propagate Pepino from cuttings at the beginning of the summer. This is a much easier and quicker technique, which you can do by collecting 10 cm long cuttings from the tips of your pepino shoots, and rooting them in water or growing soil enriched with sand. Be sure to do so in a bright location at approximately 20°C.
Plants should be spaced 2–3 feet apart. The mature plant is 1.2 meters tall and produces clusters of purple and white flowers.
How To Plant Pepino Melons
Pepino melons are planted in early spring to take advantage of long rains and protect from frost.
The melon seeds can be planted directly, or make use of a pre-grown, young pepino plant from your local garden Centre (cuttings). Pepino grows well in plant pots, hanging baskets, and balcony boxes, but make sure your container can drain water well and hold at least five liters of soil.
Pepino melon also prefers for the soil to dry out between watering and should be watered regularly. The soils should always be moist but not wet or saturated, so it is advisable to make good drainage systems. If the plant does not receive enough water, it will appear wilted and dry leaves will fall off.
Fertilization
Pepino melon is a fast-growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in the soil over time. They do well in fertile soil mixed with farmyard manure. Apply 300 Kg/Ha of NPK fertilizer for the field with pepino melon. You can use foliar fertilizer, which supplements the plants with micronutrients such as optimizer 20ml/ 20L.
Pests and diseases
Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of disease or harmful organisms is also essential.
Pest affecting pepino melon include cutworms, leaf miners, spider mites, aphids, and white flies. Diseases also affecting pepino include bacterial spot, early bright, late bright, and anthracnose. Integrated pest management strategies and organic chemicals are usefulfor the management of pests and diseases.
Maturity and Harvesting
The fruits take approximately 4 to 6 months to mature after planting, and fruits mature within 30 to 80 days after pollination. Harvesting is through hand-picking the ripe melons.
Ripe fruits are pale – orange in color and you can store at room temperature for about 7 days.
The Market for Pepino Melon in Kenya
Pepino melon is gaining popularity really fast among many consumers as they become aware of many health benefits associated with its consumption. This has, therefore, led to high demand and constant supply leaving the market underserved. This results from less knowledge among farmers on fruit production. In Kenya, pepino melon is fetching good prices both in local and international markets. However, one fruit of pepino melon is going up to Ksh.100 in supermarkets, hotels, open-air markets, and in processing companies.
Have you been wondering what type of agribusiness to start?
Try Pepino melon farming today since there is a high chance of success. Pepino melon, therefore, farming pays good profits and does not require high initial capital as it can be established using cutting for beginners.
References
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.corriecooks.com%2Fwhat-does-pepino-melon-taste-like%2F&psig=AOvVaw1jpiw0r2fzOMKM1baiz46d&ust=1690529260094000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBMQjhxqFwoTCMDuyrKuroADFQAAAAAdAAAAABAF
