BURETI TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE

A PROJECT REPORT ON EFFECTS OF ESTABLISHING CAPSICUM SEEDLINGS

( SUPERBELL F1) ON ORDINARY NURSERY BED AND ESTABLISHING THEM ON

SEEDLINGS TRAYS

PREPARED BY; MOSES KIMUTAI

INDEX NO; 5221010621

COURSE CODE; 2425

SUPERVISOR; HILLARY LANGAT

SUBMITTED TO; KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATION COUNCIL (KNEC).

IN FULFILLMENT OF THE PARTIAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF

DIPLOMA CERTICATE IN GENERAL AGRICULTURE.

Table of Contents
ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................5

DECLARATION.............................................................................................................................6

DEDICATION.................................................................................................................................7

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT...............................................................................................................8

CHAPTER ONE..............................................................................................................................8

BACKGROUND INFORMATION................................................................................................8

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY...................................................................................................9

MAIN OBJECTIVE.....................................................................................................................9

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE..............................................................................................................9

RESEARCH QUESTIONS OF STUDY.....................................................................................9

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY...........................................................................................10

SOPE OF THE STUDY.............................................................................................................10

1.2 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY....................................................................................10

1.3 THE STUDY AREA.......................................................................................................10

1.4 ASSUMPTION OF THE STUDY..................................................................................10

CHAPTER TWO...........................................................................................................................11

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW........................................................................................................11

2.1 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................11

PRODUCTIVITY OF CAPSICUM...........................................................................................11

2.3 REVIEW OF VARIABLES.................................................................................................11

2.31 PRODUTION FACTORS..................................................................................................11

2.4 ECOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS....................................................................................12

2.4.1 ALTITUDE.......................................................................................................................12

2.4.2 RAINFALL.......................................................................................................................12
 2.4.3 TEMPERATURE..............................................................................................................12

2.4.4 SOIL REQUIREMENTS..................................................................................................12

2.5 CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS........................................................................................12

2.5.1 SEEDBED PREPARATION............................................................................................12

2.5.2 SEED SOWING................................................................................................................13

2.6 NURSERY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.......................................................................13

2.6.1 MULCHING.....................................................................................................................13

2.6.2 WATERING.....................................................................................................................13

2.6.3 WEEDING........................................................................................................................13

2.6.4 HARDENING OFF..........................................................................................................14

2.6.5 DISEASE CONTROL......................................................................................................14

2.6.6 PEST CONTROL.............................................................................................................14

CHAPTER THREE.......................................................................................................................15

3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS............................................................................................15

3.1 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................15

3.2 EXPERIMENTAL MATERIALS.......................................................................................15

3.3 EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN...............................................................................................15

3.4 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE......................................................................................15

3.5 DATA COLLECTION........................................................................................................16

3.6 DATA ANALYSIS..............................................................................................................17

CHAPTER FOUR.........................................................................................................................17

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS............................................................................................17

4.1Effects Of natural seed bed...................................................................................................17

 4.2 Effects of seed trays.............................................................................................................18

CHAPTER FIVE...........................................................................................................................18

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION......................................................................18

5.1 SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS......................................................................................18

5.2 CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................18

5.3 RECOMMENDATION.......................................................................................................19

REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................19
 ABSTRACT
Capsicum (Pili pili hoho) belongs to the Solanaceae family and is widely grown as fruit
vegetable. Capsicum production in Kenya is increasing due to its demand both in national and
international markets.

Despite of Capsicum demand still hitting at the peak, it's production have remained at low levels.
This is due to poor Agricultural activities such as poor establishment of seedlings in nursery beds
which leads to transplanting of unproductive seedlings.. Even though different researchers
reported that establishing capsicum seedlings on different nursery beds have effects for the
growth and marketable yield of capsicum in regard to the ecology of the areas.

The study aims at determining the effects of establishing capsicum seedlings in different nursery
beds that is ordinary nursery beds and seed trays. The study was carried out in Bureti sub-county,
Cheplanget location.

This was achieved through experimental plots; results showed that seedlings raised from
ordinary nursery beds had poor roots, thin and infected by club root disease, had stunted growth
and thin stems. Raising seedlings on seed trays led to achievement of higher plant height in the
nursery, better root development, Thick stems, well developed long and broad leaves.
 DECLARATION
This trade project has been produced by MOSES KIMUTAI

This is my original work without any assistance from anybody.

 DEDICATIONS

My sincere dedication goes to My Lecurer who gave me moral support and my guardians
for their financial support.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Glory goes to the Almighty God for the good health He gave me throughout the time I was
conducting this project.

I sincerely thank my supervisor Mr. Hilary Langat for guiding me until I present this trade
project

Name; MOSES KIMUTAI

Adm/Reg no; DGAR/

Signature…………………………………..

Date…………………………………………..

Supervisor’s name; Hillary Langat

Signature……………………………………..

Date……………………………………………….

CHAPTER ONE

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The origin of Pili pili hoho (Capsicum) is America. The seeds were later imported to Spain in
the year 1943.From Spain then the capsicum seeds spread to Europe and Asia. Today,
capsicum have spread to many parts of the world and it is being produced in open air field
and even yields better when established in greenhouses. China, Mexico and Nigeria are the
 highest producers of Capsicum in the word. Production is mainly influenced by diseases,
climate and market patterns. Capsicum is mainly used as fruit vegetable.
1.1 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS

Capsicum is important because it has long shelf life and can be grown in all seasons. Though
capsicum have many advantages, it also faces physiological disorders such as blossom end rot
which is a common disorder in greenhouses capsicum. Blossom end rot is associated with
calcium deficiency and environmental stress.

The main problem associated with Capsicum production are the insects that enjoy feeding
on the plants. Cutworms are the main destructive pests in production of capsicum. They feed on
young seedlings causing severe damage to them. Aphids and army worms are also the main pests
of capsicum

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

MAIN OBJECTIVE
The main objectives of the study were to find out the best type of nursery for establishing
capsicum seeds which Will gives the best seedlings (Healthy and strong) in Bureti sub-
county.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE
To determine the seedlings height
To determine the germination percentage
To determine the plant morphology

RESEARCH QUESTIONS OF STUDY

Seedlings from which nursery emerges has high germination percentage?
What is the Maximum seedling height?
What is the effect of growth parameters on Seedlings Morphology?
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study will help the farmers to know the significance of establishing capsicum seedlings
in different nurseries that is seed trays nursery and the ordinary nursery.
The farmers will eventually know the appropriate nursery type for establishing capsicum
seedlings which will give the best seedlings of high quality which will thrive well in the main
seed bed.

SOPE OF THE STUDY

The study helped to investigate effects of establishing capsicum seedlings on different
nursery beds in Bureti sub-county.
1.2 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY.
Unpredictable weather patterns bring about untimely cultivation since the area experiences
rainfall almost throughout the year. Also diseases and pest infestation. Lack of skills in
handling and training the capsicum plants.

1.3 THE STUDY AREA.

The study was carried out in Kericho county, Bureti sub-county, Cheplanget location
1.4 ASSUMPTION OF THE STUDY.
Favorable certified seeds.
Favorable climate conditions.
There will be enough funds.
 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION
The Pilipili hohot (Capsicum spp) evolved from wild carrot which is not indigenous to
Europe, Asia and Africa.

Ancient people used carrots for medicine and not for food. Later its food value was first
exploited by Americans which its cultivations spread to other parts of the world.

The Capsicum belongs to the Solanacea family. It is rich in nutritive elements such as
phosphorus and Potassium. It is also rich in Vitamin A and C. It's fruits are consumed either
fresh, dried or processed form as table vegetable or spice .It is eaten raw in salads or cooked in
food seasonings.

2.2PRODUCTIVITY OF CAPSICUM (sweet pepper)

Capsicum is used as a fruit vegetable. The production of Capsicum trend of Capsicum is
consistent from year to year and the production of Capsicum has greatly increased all over the
world due to increasing urbanization and recognition of Capsicum as a source of income and
source of Nutrition. Farmers generate income from selling capsicum. when the government
exports fresh capsicum it earns foreign exchange.

2.3 REVIEW OF VARIABLES.

2.31 PRODUTION FACTORS

Capsicum is an important vegetable cultivated throughout Kenya for its edible fruits. It is grown
over the world in spring, summer and autumn in temperate countries and during winter in
tropical and sub-tropical countries. Capsicum is grown in large quantities due to its rising
demand. The total cost of producing capsicum is low. Plant spacing and proper staking is one of
the important factors for increased production of Capsicum. To extend the availability of
capsicum during early and late growing season and sowing time may play important roll.

2.4 ECOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS

2.4.1 ALTITUDE
0-2000m above sea level.

2.4.2 TEMPERATURE
SUPERBELL F1 Variety grows well at temperatures of18°c_30°c.

2.4.3 RAINFALL
Capsicum does well at a rainfall of 600_1200mm annually.

2.4.4 SOIL REQUIREMENTS

They require well drained loamy soils.

They thrive well at a PH of 5.5_6.8

The soil should be rich in high organic Matter.

2.5 CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS

Activities that were carried out are land clearing seedbed preparation, seed sowing thinning,
cultivation, hardening off, water management.

2.5.1 SEEDBED PREPARATION.

The ordinary Nursery bed was dug to a depth of 30cm. Measurements of 1m by 1m were taken.
Seeds are sown thinly. A round figure of 30 seeds were Sown but after emerging, they were
thinned to 20 seedlings. Also on seed trays,20 seeds were Sown.
2.5.2 SEED SOWING
Certified Seeds of SUPERBELL F1 Variety of capsicum were established by direct seeding in
seed trays where 20 seeds were sown.

A nursery measuring 1m by 1m was also established. Furrows were made leaving of space of
10cm in between. Seeds were also sown directly and after germination they were thinned leaving
only 20 seedlings.

Both seedbed were covered with grass after sowing and watered adequately.

Carefully the grass was removed after seeds germinated.

2.6 NURSERY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

2.6.1 MULCHING
A light mulch of dry grass was used to protect the seedlings from heavy rainfall and provision of
adequate moisture.

2.6.2. WATERING
The nursery was been watered regularly in the morning and in the evening. Watering can with
perforated holes was used.

2.6.3. WEEDING
Capsicum seedlings grow very slow for the first few weeks. Repeated shallow cultivation was
done to keep weeds down especially in early stages of growth.

Weeding was done by use of finger sand a wooden stick Common weeds were oxalis.

2.6.4 HARDENING OFF

This was done at exactly 10days prior to transplanting. This was achieved by reducing the
frequency of watering and gradually exposing the seedlings to sun.
2.6.5 DISEASE CONTROL
The common disease that attacked Capsicum (SUPERBELL F1 Variety) was Root-Knot
Nematode, Fusarium wilt, Damping off, Anthrancnose.

This were controlled by avoiding excess irrigation, spraying with appropriate fungicide like
Ridomill and Agrolaxyl

2.6.6 PEST CONTROL

The common pests that attacked the capsicum (SUPERBELL F1 Variety) were
Aphids,Cutworms,and Thrips.Also it was observed that pests were not common on seedlings
which were established on seed trays. Methods of pest control which were used included cultural
methods such as clean nursery bed management and proper weed management. Also chemical
control was done by use of appropriate insecticides.
 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter deals with research design information on materials that were used on this project,
targeted population, sampling method,dta collection method and location where the study was
carried out

3.2 EXPERIMENTAL MATERIALS

The study used capsicum seeds (SUPERBELL F1 Variety), fertilizers, shovel, rope, watering
can, seed trays from Amiran company and Medium soil

Different common agricultural equipments were used to prepare the study area as the formation
stationary materials like paper, pen, ruler; peg, tape measure and sensitive balance were required
in collecting data and measuring the growth parameters.

3.3 EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The experiment was laid out in two plots. Plot A seeds were sown by establishing them on
furrows by broadcasting them thinly. plot B seeds were Sown directly on seed trays. Standard
agronomic practices such as watering, fertilizer application and weeding were carried out
uniformly during the growing period.

3.4 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE.

A suitable site was selected .Two plots of 4M by3M were marked out ; land preparation was
done by ploughing.

The field was leveled, all trash were removed to give a clean seedbed. Seeds were sown by
planting on a nursery bed of 1m by 1m on plot A. Furrows were established at a spacing of 10
cm in between at seeds sown thinly at a depth of 2_3 cm.

Seeds were planted directly on seed trays on plot B.

DATE ACTIVITY
21/1/2021 Site selection
14/1/2021 Clearing the plots
15/1/2021 Demarcation of the plots
16/1/2021 Primary cultivation
27/1/2021 Secondary cultivation
04/2/2021 Furrowing and raising seedlings
18/2/2021 Weeding
24/2/2021 Pricking out
20/2/2021 Hardening off
 3.5 DATA COLLECTION
Growth and yield parameters were recorded from 4 randomly selected plant. These data were
collected immediately after germination until when the seedlings were ready for transplanting
PLOT A- Ordinary nursery bed Plot B_ Seed trays
(30days). Growth parameters were measured starting from surface of soil to tip of the plant by
using a ruler.
1. Germination Yield parameters
percentage_28 seeds like root length were1.measured
Germination percentage_13
using seedlings
a ruler starting from one
end of the root to the other end. Root diameter was emerged
germinated valued from more broad part by use of a
caliper. 2. Seedling height _7 inches
2.Seedlings height_14 Inches

3.plant morphology_ The leaves were 3. Plant morphology_ The leaves were thin

broad with thick stems. with thin stems and short roots

3.6 DATA ANALYSIS

Collected data were analysed as follows in different plots

Plot A
PLOT A Plot B
 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1Effects on ordinary nursery bed

The measured parameters of capsicum seedlings were observed to be reduced due to the
challenges faced in the nursery bed.

4.2 Effects on seed trays

The measured parameters of capsicum in terms of roots diameter, total roots, total amount of
leaves and the health of the plants, the plant height were measured by a ruler were higher. The
germination percentage was over 90%.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS

After completion of the study, the following was found out;

The seedlings on seed trays did well in total root production and extension, the total amount of
leaves, the diameter of the stem and the general healthy of the seedlings. The seedlings on the
ordinary nursery bed faced alot of challenges since they were densely populated. The entire
health of the seedlings was seen to be stunted due to accumulation of stagnant water in the plot.

5.2 CONCLUSION
It was concluded that capsicum are affected by the type of nursery used for seedlings
establishment. The yield and growth parameter increases when capsicum is established on seed
trays. Even though establishing capsicum seedlings on ordinary nursery bed emerged, the
seedlings were observed to be stunted with club root disorders and the leaves were observed to
be cull and with leave chlorosis.

5.3 RECOMMENDATION
Through thorough research carried out on this project,I therefore recommend that the farmers
should start production of capsicum seedlings on seed trays rather than the ordinary nursery
beds. Everyone venturing into capsicum production should use seed trays as this ensures
maximum development of seedlings prior to planting in the main seed bed. Also it facilitates
easy transportation for those doing its production on commercial nurseries.
 REFERENCES
1. CROPS EXTENSION POCKET HANDBOOK VOL 1_FIELD CROPS, 2021 ministry of
Agriculture.

2. Fruits and vegetables technical handbook, 2003 Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development.