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Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important vegetables worldwide. Tomato productivity is limited by, among other factors, biotic constraints including root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne species) which lower both quality and quantity of the crop. Two trials were conducted at the Horticulture Research and Teaching Field, Egerton University, Kenya, to evaluate effects of fresh organic manure and slender leaf (Crotalaria brevidens var. brevidens Benth.) intercrop on management of root-knot nematode during tomato production as well as establish their effect on tomato growth and yield. Variables measured were nematode infestation, plant height, stem collar diameter, number of internodes and branches, number of fruits, and fresh fruit weight. Use of fresh organic manure and slender leaf intercrop suppressed the nematode population by 27.8% to 53.5% reduction and significantly increased tomato fruit numbers by 22.2% to 49.7% and fresh fruit weight by 24.5% to 80.4% when used alone or in combinations compared to the control treatment. The combination of fresh goat dung and slender leaf intercrop resulted in the highest reduction in nematode population of 53.5% and highest increase in total number of fruits of 49.7% and fresh fruit weight of 80.4%.

Despite its economic importance of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), many growers are unable to achieve maximum yield of high quality due to insect pest infestation. This study was aimed at determining the effectiveness of parasitoid Erectomocerus eremicus and crude plant extracts of garlic and chilli as an integrated alternative control method of greenhouse whitefly (GHW) on yield of tomato variety ‘Anna F1’. The study was conducted at Egerton University using a split plot arrangement in randomized complete block design, replicated three times. Parasitoid was the main plot factor at two levels (with and without E. eremicus) while sprays of distilled water (negative control), Abamectin (positive control), chilli and garlic extracts formed the sub-plot factors. Data on GHW incidence, population density, parasitisation rate, yield was collected. Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance and means of significant treatments separated using Tukey’s test at p = 0.05. Combined use of botanical extracts and E. eremicus had better effects on the management of whitefly population, infestation, and in enhancing growth and yield of greenhouse tomato plants compared to where they were used alone. Botanical plant extracts and/or E. eremicus can be used in the management of GHW and to improve tomato yields.

Arable land area is declining in many tropical and sub-tropical regions and increasing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production is necessary due to its high demand. Food security amid scarcity of arable land could be achieved through intensification as a way of maximizing productivity per unit area of available arable land. Trials were conducted at the Horticulture Research and Teaching Field, Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya, to evaluate effects of agronet cover and fresh manure on carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in the air around the crop canopy and tomato plant development. In addition to CO2 concentration levels, stem diameter, plant height, number of internodes and branches, number of fruit and fresh fruit weight were determined. Use of agronet cover and fresh manure resulted in higher CO2 concentration and enhanced tomato growth and yield. The highest CO2 concentration in the air around the crop canopy was in plots treated with fresh goat dung and those covered with agronet; the lowest CO2 concentration was in plots with no manure and those without agronet at all data collection dates. Application of fresh cow dung and covering plots with agronet stimulated tomato stem elongation; application of fresh goat dung and covering with agronet enhanced stem diameter, number of internodes and branches. Higher tomato yields were obtained with use of fresh manure and agronet cover. There were differences in response of tomato plants to fresh manure source with fresh goat dung showing greater potential for use in CO2 enrichment and enhancing tomato crop performance. Use of fresh manure and agronet covers could enrich CO2 levels in open field tomato production leading to improved growth and yield.

Fruits and vegetables are important commodities in global agriculture. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, production is sub-optimal in terms of yield, quality and environmental health practices due to several constraints such as insect pests which reduce yields through direct damage, or indirectly as disease vectors often promoting microbial diseases. Pest control still relies mainly on chemicals with their associated risks of resistance selection and toxicity to humans and environment. Several alternatives including biopesticides, semiochemical and nets are being explored in pest management. Insect nets applied on tomatoes, cabbages, beans and leafy vegetables protect them from flies, butterflies, moths, albeit to a lesser extent, whiteflies, aphids and thrips reducing their outbreaks as compared to open cultivation. As a result, pest control is limited and yield quantity and quality are improved. Insect nets are safe and cost effective for a period of 3-5 years if well maintained, and they may be re-used and recycled. Insect nets applied on cabbages in Benin yielded 3-fold more profit than current practice. However, insect nets are not effective against all pests inclusion of insect attractants or repellents may enhance efficacy of netting technology. The use of insect nets offers a cost-effective insect pest management option to among smallholder vegetable growers. The full benefit will be achieved with intensified extension efforts to make this technology better known.

Indigenous leafy vegetables play a major role in strategies to attain food and nutritional security for African households. However, the potential of these vegetables in meeting the nutritional req...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors influencing adoption of African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) into the agro-pastoral farming systems aiming at improving livelihoods. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based upon the diffusion theory which is linked to the random utility theory. A survey of 205 agro-pastoral households obtained through multistage sampling technique was used. Factors influencing adoption of AIVs were estimated using a logit model. Findings Findings indicate that the acreage under AIVs was still very low compared to other crop enterprises with the most common types of AIVs grown being Solanum nigrum, Amaranthus spp., Cucurbita maxima, Vigna unguiculata, Basella alba and Cleome gynandra. Factors influencing adoption were found to be gender, age, farm size, education level, off-farm income and number of visits to extension officer. Research limitations/implications Limitations include reliance on respondents’ willingness to provide correct information. Originality/value This paper adds value in its contribution to literature on diversifying agro-pastoral livelihoods through production of AIVs for income and food security.

Continuous coverage of vegetables with nets under different climate conditions in Benin and Kenya proved effective in prot ecting vegetable nurseries and main fields against key lepidopteran and dipteran pests. However, netting did not effectively protect the vegetables against small insects such as aphids and whiteflies, although a visual barrier could delay outbreaks. Hence, opening the nets during the day could be an alternative option to conserve the natu ral enemies for small insects. Moreover, the efficacy of the visual barrier may be complemented by a repellent compound impregnated in the net. The small-holder growers adopting the nets in Benin and Kenya have reduced the number of pesticid e applications required by 70-100%. They have also increased the yield in quality and quantity of production due to microclimate modification. Cost-benefit anal yses of the technology showed that with insect proof nets profitability rates of up to three times could be achieved when compared to the farmers' practices observed in the real environment. Hence, this technology could be a promising way to develop an agro-ecological approach for sustainable management of key horticultural crop pests. (Resume d'auteur)

Essential oil produced by aromatic plants is affected by many environmental factors including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and watering frequency. Salvia officinalis (sage) is an aromatic plant widely used in the food, medicine and cosmetic industries. We studied effects of N, P, and irrigation frequency on essential oil content and composition of sage. In a field experiment in a plastic tunnel N and P were each supplied at four rates (0, 40, 80, 120 kg N ha−1; 0, 30, 60, 90 kg P ha−1) and the plants were watered every 1, 2, or 4 weeks. The treatments did not affect essential oil content. Fifty-four compounds were identified in the essential oil. N and watering frequency affected the production of β-pinene, and interactive effects were noted for NxP on α-and β-thujones, and for Nx irrigation frequency on α-thujone. Negative correlation was identified between 1,8-cineole and viridiflorol. The percentage of camphor was higher than the recommended threshold by ISO standard for trade of sage essential oil.

French bean [Phaseolus vulgaris (L.)] is among the leading export vegetable in Africa, mostly produced by small-scale farmers. Unfavorable environmental conditions and heavy infestations by insect pests are among the major constraints limiting production of the crop. Most French bean producers grow their crop in open fields outdoors subject to harsh environmental conditions and repeatedly spray insecticides in a bid to realize high yield. This has led to rejection of some of the produce at the export market as a result of stringent limits on maximum residue levels. Two trials were conducted at the Horticulture Research and Teaching Field, Egerton University, Kenya, to evaluate the potential of using agricultural nets (herein referred to as agronets) to improve the microclimate, reduce pest infestation, and increase the yield and quality of French bean. A randomized complete block design with five replications was used. French bean seeds were direct-seeded, sprayed with an alpha-cypermethrin-based insecticide (control), covered with a treated agronet (0.9 mm × 0.7 mm average pore size made of 100 denier yarn knitted into a mesh impregnated with alpha-cypermethrin), or covered with an untreated-agronet (0.9 mm × 0.7 mm average pore size made of 100 denier yarn knitted into a mesh not impregnated with insecticide). Alpha-cypermethrin and agronets were manufactured by Tagros Chemicals (India) and A to Z Textile Mills (Tanzania), respectively. Covering French bean with the agronets modified the microclimate of the growing crop with air temperature increased by ≈10%, relative humidity by 4%, and soil moisture by 20%, whereas photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) and daily light integral (DLI) were decreased by ≈1% and 11.5%, respectively. Populations of silverleaf whitefly [Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)] and black bean aphids [Aphis fabae (Scopoli)] were reduced under agronet covers as contrasted with control plots. Furthermore, populations of both pests were reduced on French bean grown under impregnated agronets compared with untreated agronets, but only on three of the five sampling dates [30, 44, and 72 days after planting (DAP)] for silver leaf whitefly or at only one of the five sampling dates (30 DAP) for black bean aphid. Covering French bean with agronets advanced seedling emergence by 2 days and increased seedling emergence over 90% compared with control plots. French bean plants covered with both agronet treatments had faster development, better pod yield, and quality compared with the uncovered plants. These findings demonstrate the potential of agronets in improving French bean performance while minimizing the number of insecticide sprays within the crop cycle, which could lead to less rejection of produce in the export market and improved environmental quality.

For >20 yr, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius persists as a begomovirus vector and is a serious problem in tomato production in many parts of the world. In tropical countries, the use of netting to protect horticultural crops has proven to be an effective and sustainable tool against Lepidoptera but not against small insects. This study evaluated the repellent effect of AgroNet 0.9T, a 0.9-mm pore diameter and 40-mesh size netting treated with alphacypermethrin insecticide against B. tabaci. This pyrethroid insecticide is known to have toxic and repellent effects against mosquitoes and has been used for treatment of mosquito nets. Two nontreated netting materials were used as control: AgroNet 0.9NT with 0.9-mm pore diameter and 40-mesh size and AgroNet 0.4NT with 0.4-mm pore diameter and 80-mesh size. The behavior of B. tabaci and its parasitoid Encarsia formosa Gahan as they progressed through the treated netting was studied in the laboratory in choice and no-choice tests. The development of wild B. taba...

Tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) is among the most important vegetables grown in Kenya. Its popularity as a commercial crop is on the rise compared to other cash crops like coffee, due to declining land sizes as it can be grown on small-scale. It is mainly grown in the open-field, but the prevalence of greenhouse tomato growing is also noteworthy. Greenhouse tomato production is less susceptible to diseases and weather conditions. However, the uptake of the greenhouse tomato growing technology has been wanting, with the cost of greenhouse installation and maintenance being quoted as the key impediment. But studies in other places have revealed that in the long run, when entire costs and returns are taken into account, use of the technology is economically viable. Using survey data from 216 tomato producers, this study compared the profitability of greenhouse and open-field tomato production systems in Nakuru-North district. The study used Gross margin and Net Profit to determine and compare the profitability levels for both greenhouse and open-field tomato production systems. The results indicate that the mean net profit/m2 for greenhouse tomato was more than 10 times higher than that of open-field tomato production system. The study therefore, recommends promotion of greenhouse tomato production for improved smallholder livelihoods.

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is one of the important vegetables in supplying vitamins, min- erals and fiber to human diets worldwide. Its successful production in the tropics is, however, constrained by environmental variations espe- cially under open field conditions. Two trials were conducted at the Horticulture Research and Teaching Field, Egerton University, Kenya to evaluate the effects of agricultural nets (ag- ronets) herein called eco-friendly nets (EFNs) and floating row covers (FRCs) on microclimate modification, yield, and quality of tomato. A ran- domized complete block design with five repli- cations was used. Tomato plants were grown under fine mesh EFN (0.4-mm pore diameter) cover, large mesh EFN (0.9-mm pore diameter) cover or FRC. The EFN and FRC were main- tained either permanently closed or opened thrice a week from 9 am to 3 pm. Two open con- trol treatments were used: unsprayed (untreated control) or sprayed with chemicals (treated con- trol). The use of EFN or FRC modified the micro- climate with higher temperatures, lower diurnal temperature ranges, and higher volumetric wa- ter content recorded compared with the controls. On the other hand, light quantity and photo- synthetic active radiation were reduced by the use of EFN and FRC compared with the controls. The use of FRC and EFN resulted in more fruit and higher percent in marketable yield com- pared with open field production. Fruit quality at harvest was also significantly improved by the use of EFN and FRC. Fruits with higher total soluble solids (TSS), lower titratable acidity (TA), and higher sugar acid ratio were obtained in EFN and FRC treatments compared with the controls. Fruits harvested from EFN and FRC were also firmer compared with control fruits. These find- ings demonstrate the potential of EFN and FRC in modifying microclimate conditions and im- proving yields and quality of tomato under tropi- cal field conditions.

Unfavorable environmental conditions, pests, and viral diseases are among the major factors that contribute to poor growth and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seedlings in tropical areas. Improving crop microclimate and excluding insects that transmit viruses may improve transplant quality and yield in production fields. This study was carried out in two seasons at the Horticulture Research and Teaching Field of Egerton University in Njoro, Kenya, to investigate the effects of agricultural nets herein called eco-friendly nets (EFNs) on germination and performance of tomato seedlings. Tomato seeds were either raised in the open or under a permanent fine mesh net (0.4-mm pore diameter). Eco-friendly net covers modified the microclimate resulting in significantly higher day temperatures and relative humidity, compared with the open treatment. Nets increased temperature and relative humidity by 14.8% and 10.4%, respectively. Starting seeds under a net advanced seedling emergence by 2 days and resulted in higher emergence percentage, thicker stem diameter, more leaves, and faster growth leading to early maturity of seedlings and readiness for transplanting. Netting improved root development by increasing root quantity and length. Stomatal conductance (gS) and estimates of chlorophyll content were higher in seedlings under net covering compared with those in the noncovered control treatment. Insect pests and diseases were also reduced under net covering. The use of the net in the production of tomato transplants presented a 36.5% reduction in the cost of seeds, through improved emergence and reduced pest damage. All other factors held constant, healthy and quality transplants obtained under a net covering also translate into better field performance; hence, increasing economic returns for commercial transplants growers, as well as for tomato farmers. Results of this study suggest that EFNs can be customized not only for their effective improvement on growth and quality of tomato transplants but also for their pest and disease management in the nursery alone or as a component of integrated pest and disease management.

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is a vital component of traditional cropping systems in the subtropics and tropics, grown both for high-protein grain and nutritious fresh leaves. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of (i) cropping regime and (ii) leaf harvesting initiation time and frequency on yield and yield components of dual-purpose cowpea. Studies were conducted at the Kenya National Dry land Research Center–Katumani over four seasons. Cowpea cultivar ‘K80’ was grown as a monocrop or intercropped with maize. Leaf harvesting was initiated at 2, 3, or 4 wk after emergence (WAE) and thereafter done at 7- or 14-d intervals. Control plants remained intact with no leaf harvesting. The number of lateral stems per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, unit seed weight, and vegetable and grain yields were monitored throughout each season, and plant productivity was found to be lower in intercropped than in monocropped cowpea. Leaf harvesting reduced all yield components. Initiating leaf harvesting at 3 and 4 WAE resulted in the highest leaf and grain yields, respectively. Harvesting leaves at a 7-d interval was associated with higher leaf yield, while a 14-d interval led to higher grain yield. Overall, yields were highest under treatments with no leaf harvest and lowest when leaf harvesting was initiated 2 WAE. Results of this study can help dual-purpose cowpea growers optimize yields according to their production goals.

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is an important component of most traditional cropping systems in the semiarid tropics. It provides both leaf vegetable and/or grain. Dual-purpose production of cowpea is most common in subsistence farming systems. Little is, however, known about the effects of cowpea leaf harvesting on tissue nitrogen composition and productivity of most cowpea-based cropping systems. A four-season study was carried out at the National Dry Land Research Center, Katumani, Kenya, to establish the effects of cowpea leaf harvesting initiation time and frequency on 1) tissue nitrogen content of cowpea and maize in a dual-purpose cowpea–maize intercropping systems; and 2) cowpea and maize yield and the overall productivity of a cowpea–maize intercrop measured by land equivalent ratio (LER). Cowpea leaf harvesting was initiated at 2, 3, or 4 weeks after emergence (WAE) and continued at 7- or 14-day intervals until onset of flowering. Cowpea tissue nitrogen content was highest in the control treatment and lowest in cowpea subjected to leaf harvesting from 2 WAE or at 7-day intervals, whereas maize tissue nitrogen content showed the reverse trend. Harvesting cowpea leaves from 3 WAE or at 7-day intervals gave the highest leaf vegetable yield, whereas grain yields were highest when no leaf harvesting was done. Maize yields were significantly improved by harvesting of leaves of the companion cowpea. Harvesting cowpea leaves for use as leaf vegetable increased productivity per unit area of land as measured by LER with the highest productivity achieved when leaf harvesting was initiated at 4 WAE or done at a 14-day interval.

Production of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] leaves as vegetables is the primary goal of many producers. Little is known about how leaf harvesting practices affect N 2 fixation and leaf and grain yields. Better information would help optimize overall production of leaves and grain. The objective of this study was to establish an optimal time from crop emergence when harvesting of leaves can be initiated and a frequency of leaf harvesting that would give good vegetable leaf yield without compromising grain yield and N 2 fixation. Two cowpea cultivars, Kathoka and Ex-Luanda were used. Leaf harvesting initiation (LHI) was at 2, 4, or 5 wk after emergence (WAE). Leaf harvesting frequency was at 7- or 14-d intervals. Kathoka produced higher total leaf weight than Ex-Luanda, while Ex-Luanda produced more grain yield and nodule weight than Kathoka. Initiating leaf harvesting at 2 WAE gave higher leaf yield but lower grain yield and nodule weight. Initiating leaf harvesting at 5 WAE gave very low leaf yields but high grain yield, as might be expected. Optimum LHI was at 4 WAE and provided adequate leaf yield with acceptable grain yield and nodule weight. Weekly leaf harvesting gave higher leaf yield but lower grain yield and nodule weight than biweekly leaf harvesting. Control plants had the highest grain yield and nodule weight. These data show that producers could potentially optimize production of leaf and grain according to their goals.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon Mill) is one of the most important vegetable crops consumed throughout the world; and is rich in important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Production of the crop in open fields is however constrained by several biotic and abiotic stresses that lead to low tomato yields and quality. This study aimed at determining the effects of coloured agro-net covers on microclimate, pest infestation and yield of tomato cultivar ‘‘Rio Grande’’. The study consisted of two trials conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five replications and six treatments. Tomato plants were grown under blue, yellow, grey, white or multi-coloured net covers with a no net cover as the control. Data were collected on microclimate (temperature, soil moisture, relative humidity and photosynthetically active radiation), pest counts and crop yield variables. Net covering modified the tomato crop microclimate with highest temperatures and soil moisture and, relative humidity levels recorded under white (21.03 oC), blue (30.03%) and multi-coloured net covers (76.26%), respectively compared to the no net control treatment (16.32 oC, 14.82% and 64.90%). Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was lowest under the blue agro-net cover (416.09 µmol m-2 s-1) and highest under control treatment (985.00 µmol m-2 s-1). Tomato plants grown under coloured-colour nets (yellow and blue) had lower population of silverleaf whitefly, thrips and aphids while mite population was lower under neutral-colour net covers (white, grey and multi-coloured). The neutral-colour net covers (24938.87, 19525.16 and 21541.93 kg/ha) resulted in higher yields compared to coloured-colour net covers (16804.62 and 14551.05 kg/ha). Results of the study indicate that use of agro-net covers especially the neutral-colour net cover can improve microclimate, protect tomato against insect pests and can be considered a viable strategy for tomato production by smallholder growers.

Adverse environmental conditions have contributed to perpetual poor cabbage (Brassica oleraceae var. capitata) yields in sub-Saharan Africa. Elsewhere, net covers have been reported to provide a low-cost technology with the potential of modifying the microclimate around a crop for better performance. Two experiments were therefore conducted over a span of two seasons to determine the effects of agronet covers on microclimate modification and subsequent cabbage yield and quality. The treatments comprised cabbage plants grown under either fine mesh (0.4 mm pore diameter) or large mesh (0.9 mm pore diameter) agronet covers maintained permanently closed, or opened thrice weekly from 9 am to 3 pm and a control treatment where cabbage was grown in the open field. Net covering generally modified the microclimate by raising temperatures, relative humidity and volumetric water content but lowering photosynthetic active radiation and diurnal temperature range compared to control. The use of agronet covers resulted in better cabbage performance. The large mesh (0.9 mm) enhanced leaf stomatal conductance and chlorophyll content, and improved fresh and dry weight as well as head quality. Results of this study present the use of agronet covers as a potentially effective technology for use by small-scale farmers in protected cabbage culture in sub-Saharan Africa.

Contract farming is seen by its proponents as a tool for creating new market opportunities as well as for providing credit and training, leading to increased incomes of smallholder farmers. Critics, however, argue that contract farming encourages unequal bargaining relationships with agribusiness firms and is likely to pass risks to farmers, thus favouring large scale farmers at the expense of smallholders. Another school of thought contends that the effect of contract farming on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers is context specific and depends on the enterprise in question. Yet, there is a dearth of empirical evidence from such studies in Sub-Saharan Africa. We use data collected in 2012 from 100 smallholder avocado farmers in Kandara district in Kenya, obtained using multistage sampling technique, to examine the effect of contract farming on household income. Because of lack of pre-treatment data and the possibility of selection bias due to observable characteristics, we use propensity score matching technique to construct controls for the treatment group. The results indicate that contract farming has a positive and significant effect on avocado income. However, further analysis reveals that contract farming does not have any significant effect on the total household income of smallholder avocado farmers. Instead, support services such as interlinked credit and provision of information should be taken into consideration in contract farming because of their potential benefits for smallholders.

High seed cost accompanied by poor germination and seedling performance renders cabbage nursery and field production enterprises unsustainable to many small-scale growers in tropical and sub-tropical countries. In most nurseries, adverse ecological conditions and pest damage are among the major factors responsible for poor seedling performance. The objective of this study was to test the potential use of eco-friendly net (EFN) covers as a low cost technology for sustainable cabbage seedling production. The study was a two-season experiment conducted using a randomized complete block design with five replications and two treatments. Treatments were: the standard open field transplant production (control) and transplant production under 0.4 mm mesh polyethylene net covering. EFN covering increased both temperature and relative humidity, enhanced seedling growth and reduced insect pest damage. Seed germination and seedling emergence were under the net covering earlier. Higher seed germination and seedling survival were recorded under the EFN treatment, indicating a potential for reducing the seed requirement per unit area of cabbage production. Seedlings grown under the nets had higher stomatal conductance and leaf chlorophyll content; furthermore, they grew taller, with more leaves within a shorter period of time compared to the control seedlings. The use of EFN in cabbage nurseries offers a sustainable technology for enhancing seedling performance by reducing pest infestation, thereby lowering production cost and improving the grower’s income.

Continuous cultivation of farms has led to decline in soil fertility due to constant removal of nutrients leading to reduction of carrot (Daucus carota L.) yields. A field study was carried out at Egerton University, Horticulture Research and Teaching field in two seasons (October 2010 to January 2011 and February to May 2011) with the aim of investigating the effects of decomposed cattle bio-slurry manure on carrot growth and performance. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Treatments comprised four levels (0, 2.6, 5.2 and 7.8 t/ha) of decomposed bio-slurry manure. Growth, yield and quality parameters were recorded and used to discern the treatment effects. Application of bio-slurry manure generally improved growth, yield and quality of carrots. Application of 7.8 t/ha of bio-slurry increased yields by 8.8% in season 1 and 23.5% in season 2 compared to the control. Leaf numbers, plant height, dry weights of shoot and roots and root volume were also generally higher for the 7.8 t/ha treatment compared to other treatments. Total Soluble Solids of roots from plant treated with 7.8 t/ha were higher by 12.7% in season 1 and 13.2% in season 2 compared to the control. The study recommends 7.8 t/ha of bio-slurry manure for enhanced yield and quality of carrot.