The Tropical Farmers' Almanac 2017

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AMC Complex, 188 Spanish Town Road, Kingston 11, Jamaica, W.I.
Tel: (876) 923-7471 923-7428 editor@theagriculturalist.com
www.theagriculturalist.com
Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value.
Albert Einstein
Taking Advantage
THE PUBLISHERS COMMENTS
of Miracle Plants!
T he market place is changing and
people all over the world are opting
to consume more naturally produced
of the plants that are creating good
health and a reliable sources of income
for thousands of people.
medications as well as foods. Health conscious entrepreneurs,
The island of Jamaica is blessed farmers and gardeners from all
to be the home of perhaps over the world including Ja-
more than a 100 powerful maicans have been advo-
plants with unique medic- cating and promoting the
inal and nutritional prop- consumption Miracle
erties called miracle plants for decades, but
plants. finally the message is
The majority of these reaching home and the
plants have been growing people are responding.
wild across the island with- However, Jamaicas
out any technical or agro- relevant institutions are still
nomic management control. not ready to provide the mate-
Things are changing, rial and institutional support to
however as in recent years foster growth and development of
an increasing number of these plants.
herbs farmers and entre- Ongoing research, technical or
preneurs are growing and agronomic supports are necessary
trading the miracle plants. to move production at commer-
Nonetheless, as these cially viable levels.
plants are being marketed lo- While, the trend towards Miracle
cally and overseas in various plants is growing rapidly, the govern-
forms, several hundred Ja- ment must act now to assist farmers in
maicans entrepreneurs are earn- taking advantage of the vast opportu-
ing millions of dollars, but they nities and financial rewards.
are unable to satisfy the market. The Ministry of Industry, Com-
Ganja or Marijuana, Pimento (all- merce, Agriculture and Fisheries and its
spice), Ginger, Turmeric, Nutmeg relevant agencies including the Rural
(mace), Garlic, Fever grass, Cerasee, Agricultural Development Authority
Leaf-of-life, Sarsaparilla, Cinnamon, should provide leadership in this regard.
Peppermint, Guinea Hen Weed, Aloe Continued on page 2
Vera, Neem and Moringa are just a few
Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017
www.tropicalfarmersalmanac.com 1
There are two spiritual dangers in not owning a farm
- Aldo Leopold,
Continued from page 1 Nevertheless, the government

The Ministry must address the fact moves to setup the Cannabis Licensing
that our agricultural extension officers Authority (CLA), to establish and regu-
are extremely knowledgeable on the late Jamaicas legal ganja and hemp in-
agronomic practice of local fruits and dustry is also supporting the cultivation
vegetable crops, but are uninformed and processing of our miracle plants
about the most popular and trending and we are therefore optimistic that dur-
miracle plants. ing 2017 other steps will be taken to sup-
The establishment of a Miracle port the herbs farmers.
Plants Unit, with strong private-sector
support could boost the growth of some
simple or little known plants that are Patrick Maitland
Publisher & Editor
helping people in several ways.
patrick@theagriculturalist.com

It is thus with farming, if you do one thing late, you will be late in all your work
- Cato The Elder
Table of Contents TROPICAL

THE
Statistics on Agriculture ....../4 FARMERS

Agriculture Production Data ......./5-6 ALMANAC 2017
About Jamaica ......../7 Everyday Guide to
Agricultural Contacts ..../8-10 Successful Farming
Special Features-Miracle Plants.../11-26 -------------------------------------------------
Publisher & Editor: Patrick Maitland
Crop Guide ................../27-53
Advertising & Sales: Shanique Grant
What & When to Plant ..../54-57 ------------------------
Fertilizer Guide................/58-61 Consulting Editors:
Percy Miller: Citrus
Livestock Guide ............../62-68
Marilyn Headley: Forestry
About drip Irrigation ........................./71 Derrick Velmont: Pigs, Poultry, Goat, Sheep
Recipes ........../73 Hugh Graham: Cattle
Crop Production Planning Chart../74-75 Oral Lewis: Banana
Louis Campbell: Coffee
Homemade Organic Pesticides ./76 Marina Young: Pesticides
Measurements..................................../77 Sylburn Thomas: Pimento & Turmeric
Weed Control Guide...................../78-79 Joe Suah: What & When to Plant
Edmond Lewis: Sugar Cane
Insect Control Guide ......./80-82 Alvin Murray: Irish Potatoes
Disease Control Guide........./83-85 Roma Roach: Ornamentals
Health tips for men .........................../86 Wayne Myrie: Coconut
Burton Thomas: Vegetables
Strategies for a health diet ................/87 Hugh Smith: Beekeeping
Farm Jokes ......................................../88
Produced and Published By:
For the latest news

and views of farming AGRI LIFE FOUNDATION LTD
AMC Complex,
188 Spanish Town Rd,
The Agriculturalist Kingston 11, Jamaica W.I.
Newspaper Tel: (876) 923-7471 Fax: (876) 923-7428
----------------------- E-mail: editor@theagriculturalist.com
www.theagriculturalist.com www.tropicalfarmersalmanac.com
Copyright2017

Agriculture, the only honest way, wherein man receives a real
increase of the seed thrown into the ground, - Franklin Benjamin
STATISTICS ON JAMAICAN AGRICULTURE

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Agri % of GDP 6.6 6.6 6.8 6.6 6.6 6.6
Agri GDP Value ($M) 62,437 70,081 75,866 85,687 91,498 102,856
Agri Labour (000) 221.7 193 198.1 200.4 202 202.20
Agri Labour (%)Force 20.26 17.6 17.84 18.0 17.9 17.75
Food Exports ($USM) 102 232 264 243.1 240 220
Food Imports ($USM) 813 938 959 964 919.9 840
Farm Loans ($M) 773 1,156 676 2,184 218,470 425,313
AREA IN FARMING, JAMAICA 1978; 1996 & 2007
2007 1996 1978
Hectares Hectares Hectares
Total Land in Farming 325,810 449,493 533,798
Active Farmland 202,727 273,229 311,597
Crops 154,524 177,580 230,750
Pasture 48,203 95,649 80,847
Inactive Farmland 114,048 134,204 112,524
Ruinate and Fallow 80,560 87,300 -
Woodland and other land on farm 33,488 46,905 118,039
REGISTRATED FARMERS FARMERS EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Highest Attainment
PARISH # REGISTERED Primary ............................................ 97,429
ST.ANDREW 6,899 Secondary ......................................... 93,911
ST.THOMAS 12,357 Tertiary .............................................. 7,090
PORTLAND 9,426 Not Reported .................................... 11,975
ST.MARY 10,294
ST.ANN 20,247 FARMERS AGE & SEX Jamaican
Population:
TRELAWNY 8,475 Total Male Female
2,711,500
ST.JAMES 8,815 <25 12,356 9,436 2,473 # Farmers:
HANOVER 6,199 25-34 31,890 21,301 9,479 187,791
WESTMORELAND 11,024 35-44 46,898 30,177 15,171 Farmers
ST.ELIZABETH 24,986 45-54 43,846 29,133 13,293 (50 & + = 44.3%
MANCHESTER 22,587 Average Farm
55-64 31,557 21,297 9,248
CLARENDON 23,508 Experience
65-74 23,914 15,778 7,310 = 20 yrs
ST.CATHERINE 16,263
75+ 14,123 8,913 4,708 Farmers
TOTAL REGISTERED 181,080
Source: N/R 6,269 3,930 2,008 Illiteracy: 33.1%
Rural Agricultural Development Authority Sources: Statistical Institute of Jamaica;
Ministry of Agriculture; PIOJ
The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and
perfection of human beings - Masanobu Fukuoka
AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION DATA

Major Export Crops - Production (Tonnes) 2,010 2,011 2,012 2,013 2,014 2,015
Sugar 92,899 110,750 103,154 82,469 88,509 78,476
Bananas 53,649 46,660 47,473 37,211 51,581 54,810
Citrus 117,440 106,922 97,072 83,758 71,194 74,336
Pimento * 692 700 490 550 350 533
Cocoa 1,368 499 1,393 997 1,154 637
Coffee 9,121 8,099 6,687 6,984 5,298 5,847
* estimated
Non-Traditional Export (US$000)

Yams 18,833 19,931 19,600 22,221 21,961 19,406
Papayas 2,828 2,481 4,480 3,365 3,897 3,843
Ackee 12,755 12,382 13,873 15,543 12,066 13,971
Sweet Potatoes 3,106 2,553 2,840 3,565 2,626 2,576
Dasheens 1,557 1,690 1,655 1,563 1,381 955
Pumpkins 434 555 531 708 462 391
Fish, Crustaceans & Molluscs 7,974 7,986 8,929 10,998 12,587 10,596
Other Food Exports 77,552 88,035 92,891 24,322 25,701 18,903
Traditional Export (US$'000)

Sugar 44,243 62,164 94,138 53,157.60 55,784 53,813
Bananas 1 63 120 62 179 242
Citrus 1,831 2,180 1,883 3,322 1,732 1,276
Pimento 2,866 1,835 2,303 1,912 2,329 1,358
Cocoa 1,021 1,108 1,936 504 1,028 403
Coffee 19,191 18,326 13,778 16,327 13,479 25,197
Meat Fish and Dairy (000 kgs)

Beef and Veal 5,264 5,621 5,800 6,221 6,196 7,523
Goats Flesh 937 1,316 1,094 929 902 888
Pork 7,973 7,110 9,490 8,998 8,185 7,049
Mutton 11 23 32 24 22 18
Poultry 100,637 101,526 102,167 101,933 110,502 112,855
Fish (Inland) & Shrimp 4,184 1,150 644 836 698 646
Eggs (Million) 109 138 170 125 121 150
Milk (Grade A) (Million Litre) 13 12 13 12 12 12
Domestic Food Crops (Tonnes)

Vegetables 165,457 223,545 224,131 233,226 206,097 201,866
Legumes 3,930 5,091 5,261 5,501 4,911 4,708
Condiments 34,706 44,712 46,854 52,295 45,392 42,781
Fruits 38,002 38,742 45,023 46,325 44,446 43,467
Cereals 2,627 2,968 3,121 2,497 2,206 2,365
Plantain 29,826 35,335 36,203 30,937 39,348 38,421
Yams 136,785 134,620 145,059 138,834 135,303 136,732
Other tubers 42,181 48,459 45,713 41,670 40,882 41,166
Sorrel 1,057 1,212 1,212 1,483 1,214 1,187
Potatoes 45,734 57,424 57,561 61,645 58,988 58,749
Traditional Export Crops (Tonnes)

Coffee (Cherry)
Estimated Total Production 9,121 8,099 6,687 6,984 5,298 5,847
Blue Mountain 7,585 6,574 5,576 5,839 4,425 5,216
Lowland - Non-Blue Mountain 1,586 1,543 1,111 1,146 873 631
Cocoa
Deliveries to Processing Plants 1,368 499 1,393 997 1,154 637
Out from Processing Plants 572 200 557 399 462 255
Coconut
Used for planting and Processing (millions) 95 95 96 97 99 81
Sources: Economic and Social Survey, Jamaica, Statistical Yearbook of Jamaica

Farming is a profession of hope
About Jamaica
- Brian Brett
J amaica is an island with an area of 11,244 square kilometres (or about 4,411 square
miles). The island is surrounded by the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea and is located
in the Tropics at approximately latitude 18N and longitude 77W, which is about 4.5 de-
grees south of the Tropic of Cancer or about midway between the southern tip of Florida
and the Panama Canal.
The Time Meridian is 75 degrees West, hence the Time Zone is Eastern Standard Time
with 0000-hours being midnight or 0500-hours Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) and
1200-hours being noon or 1700-hours UTC.
Among the most important climatic influences are the Northeast Trade Winds, the
range of mountains which runs east-southeast to west-southwest along the centre of the is-
land, the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, and weather systems such as upper- and low-
level low-pressure centres, troughs and cold fronts.
The cold fronts, usually weak after migrating from the North American continent, are
evident from mid-October to mid-April; whilst the Tropical Weather Systems, namely Trop-
ical Waves, Tropical Depressions, Tropical Storms and Hurricanes occur from April to De-
cember. The official hurricane season is from June to November.
The national Meteorological Service in Jamaica maintains 24-hour communication
with the National and Regional Hurricane Centre in Florida, USA, especially during the
hurricane season, thereby ensuring the timely dissemination of forecasts and warnings.
Holidays in Jamaica in 2017

Coutresy of Meteorological Service, Jamaica
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Weekday Holiday Name Holiday Type

Jan 1 Sunday New Year's Day Public Holiday
Jan 2 Monday New Year's Day Public Holiday
Feb 14 Tuesday Valentine's Day Observance
Mar 1 Wednesday Ash Wednesday Public Holiday
Apr 14 Friday Good Friday Public Holiday
Apr 16 Sunday Easter Sunday Observance
Apr 17 Monday Easter Monday Public Holiday
May 14 Sunday Mother's Day Observance
May 23 Tuesday Labor Day/May Day Public Holiday
Jun 18 Sunday Father's Day Observance
Jun 21 Wednesday June Solstice Season
Aug 1 Tuesday Emancipation Day Public Holiday
Aug 7 Monday Independence Day Public Holiday
Oct 16 Monday National Heroes' Day Public Holiday
Dec 24 Sunday Christmas Eve Observance
Dec 25 Monday Christmas Day Public Holiday
Dec 26 Tuesday Boxing Day Public Holiday
Dec 31 Sunday New Year's Eve Observance

Give fools their gold, and knaves their power; let fortune's bubbles rise and fall; who sows
a field, or trains a flower, or plants a tree, is more than all - Whittier, John Greenleaf
Karl Samuda JC Hutchinson Donovan Stanberry

Minister Minister without Portfolio Permanent Secretary
927-173150 927173150 927-173150
minister@micaf.gov.jm jchutcninson@micaf.gov.jm psecoffice@micaf.gov.jm
Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture & Fisheries
Hope Gardens, Kingston 6 876-927-1731-50 / 619-1731
Fax 876-927-1904 Email ict@micaf.gov.jm

Life on a farm is a school of patience; you can't hurry the crops or make an ox in two days
- Alain, Henri
AGRICULTURAL CONTACTS
Peter Thompson, CEO
Rural Agricultural Development Authority
Hope Gardens, Kingston 6
execcutive@rada.gov.jmwww.rada.gov.jm Tel: 977-1158-62
PARISH OFFICES/MANAGERS:
Bevene Martin Sadie Dixon-Bennett Cecil Taylor
RADA ST. ANDREW RADA ST. JAMES RADA ST. CATHERINE
197 Old Hope Road Catherine Hall, Vanity Fair, Linstead P.O
927-1570-1 / 927-0199 Montego Bay P.O 985-9194 / 2290 / 2265
standrew@rada.gov.jm 952-1876 / 952-1879 stcatherine@ rada.gov.jm
stjames@rada.gov.jm
Lennox Hemans AGRI CONTACTS
Colin Henry
RADA - ST. THOMAS Agricultural
RADA HANOVER
Belfast, Morant Bay P.O Credit Board
Haughton Court, Lucea P.O
982-2234 / 2496 / 2205 Hope Gardens, Kingston 6
956-2252; 956-2378
stthomas@rada.gov.jm 977-2277; 927-1948
hanover@rada.gov.jm
acboard1@cwjamaica.com
Erica Daley Tracey-Ann Wright,
Roan Vassel
RADA - PORTLAND CEO (acting)
RADA
20 Folly Road, --
WESTMORELAND
Port Antonio P.O, Portland Agro Investment
Llandilo, Sav-La-Mar
993-2687 / 993-2496 Corporation
955-2767/ 955-4446
portland@rada.gov.jm 188 Spanish Town Road,
westmoreland@rada.gov.jm
Kingston 11
Jasmine Hyde Edward Samuels
764 8071; 923 9268
RADA ST. MARY RADA - ST. ELIZABETH
ccole@agroinvest.gov.jm
Frontier, Port Maria 63 Coke Drive
Courtney Cole CEO
994-2436/ 725-0581 966-2285; 966-2232
--
stmary@rada.gov.jm stelizabeth@rada.gov.jm
All-Island Banana
Melvin Aris Winston Miller Growers Association
RADA ST. ANN RADA MANCHESTER 10 South Ave, Kingston 4
Claremont P.O Belair Hotel, 922-5497/967-3160
972-3258; 972-4216 Mandeville P.O aibga@cwjamaica.com
stann@rada.gov.jm 962-2307; 962-0479 Donald Elvy, GM
manchester@rada.gov.jm --
Mervyn Green All-Island Jamaica Cane
RADA TRELAWNY Marvin Lawrence Farmers Association
8 Seabrook Street, RADA CLARENDON 4 North Ave, Kingston 4
Falmonth P.O Denbigh Show Grounds 922-3010
612-616/8959/4184/8566 986-2123-4 / 986-2061 allislandcane@gmail.com
trelawny@rada.gov.jm clarendon@ rada.gov.jm Alan Rickards, Chair

Whether the farmer ever digs for it or not, it is there, haunting his daydreams
when the burden of debt is most unbearable - Brodie, Fawn M.
AGRICULTURAL CONTACTS
Banana Board Development Jamaica 4H Clubs
10 South Ave, Kingston 4 Bank of Jamaica 95 Old Hope Rd, Kingston 6
bananaboard@cwjamaica.com 11a Oxford Road, Kng 5 927-4050/2; 927-6239
922-5347 929-4010; 926-8452 Jamaica.4h@cwjamaica.com
Janet Conie GM Milverton Reynolds, MD Ronald Blake, ED
Jamaica Dairy
-- --
Coconut Industry Board Forestry Department
--
Development Board
18 Waterloo Rd, Kng 10 173 Constant Spring Rd, Kgn 5.
cocindbrd@cwjamaica.com mheadley@forestry.gov.jm
Tel: 618-7107; 927-1731
Tel: 926-1770 924-2667
dairyboard@moa.gov.jm
Yvonne Burns GM Marilyn Headley, CEO
-- --
Hugh Graham - CEO
Coffee Industry Board Fisheries Division --
Jamaica Agricultural
Willie Henry Dr, Kgn 15 Marcus Garvey Drive
Development Foundation
758-1259; 758-5459 Newport East Kingston
17 Ruthven Rd, Kingston 5
datacoordinator@ciboj.org 923-8811-3
929-8090;968-4885
Steve Robinson, DG fisheries@moa.gov.jm
jadf@infocham.com
-- Paul Wright, CEO
Vitus Evans, CEO
Cocoa Industry Board --
Heart Trust/NTA --
Marcus Garvey Drive Montpelier Citrus Co
Box 1039, Kingston 6B Oxford Rd, Kingston 5
Montpelier, St. James
92364113 executive_office@heart-nta.org
Tel: 956-4747
cocoajam@cwjamaica.com 929-3410/8 960-7635-6
Dr Wayne Wesley, ED rpowell@dbankjm.com
Leroy Grey, See/Manager George Gayle, CEO
--
-- Inter-American
College of Agriculture, National Irrigation
--
Institute for Cooperation Commission

Science & Education on Agriculture
Passley Garden, Portland 191 Old Hope Rd Kingston 6
Hope Gardens, Kng 6, Tel: 977-6624; 977-6189
9935436-8; 889-6631 iicajam@cwjamaica.com
president@case.edu.jm ceo@nicjamaica.com
927-0020; 702-4779/4780 Oliver Nembhard, CEO
Derrick Deslandes, Dr. Elizabeth Johnson,
president
--
Rep National People's
-- -- Co-Operative Bank
Caribbean Agriculture Jamaica Citrus Growers Lot 19 Nashville
Research Development Bog Walk, St. Catherine Mandeville, Manchester
Institute Tel: 708-2150-4 961-0278; 962-5360
2 Belmopan Close, Dennis Boothe, GM npcbheadq1@hotmail.com
Mona Campus, UWI
Curtis Barnett, GM
--
927-1231 Jamaica Agri., Society --
Cardi2@cwjamaica.com 67 Church Street, Kingston Pesticide Control Authority
Gregory Robin, Rep jaspresident2012@gmail.com 2-4 Kings Street, Kingston
Tel:922-0610/2 967-1281
Norman Grant, President Michael Ramsey, Registrar
Special Feature
- Cato The Elder
Health and Wealth

with Miracle Plants
J amaica is the home of perhaps more
than a 100 plants with unique medic-
inal and nutritional properties called
entrepreneurs are raking in millions of
dollars, and they are unable to satisfy
the market.
miracle plants. In this feature we will provide en-
Most of these plants have been trepreneurs, farmers and gardeners with
growing wild across the island, how- the latest technical information on cul-
ever in recent years an increasing num- tivation and marketing of the following
ber of herbs farmers and plants: Ganja or Marijuana, Pimento
entrepreneurs are growing and trading (allspice), Ginger, Turmeric, Nutmeg
the miracle plants. (mace), Garlic, Fever grass, Cerasee,
As these miracle plants are being Leaf-of-life, Sarsaparilla, Cinnamon,
marketed locally and overseas in vari- Spirulina, Peppermint, Guinea Hen
ous forms, several hundred Jamaican Weed, Aloe Vera, Neem and Moringa.

Like a gardener I believe what goes down must come up
- Giacomini, Lynwood L.
Health and Wealth with Miracle plants
Ganja or Marijuana
C
Cannabis sativa
annabis, also known as Ganja or Ganja or Marijuana is now more
Marijuana among other names, is a than smoking or getting a high its the
genus of flowering plant that includes most resourceful plants capable of creat-
three species or subspecies, sativa, indica, ing a wide range of products fetching
and ruderalis. high returns on any investment.
Cannabis is mostly used recreation- Marijuana remains a generally ille-
ally or as a medicinal drug. It may also be gal plant (drug) in Jamaica and many
used for religious or spiritual purposes. other countries, however since July
In 2013, between 128 and 232 million 2015 the Cannabis Licensing Authority
people used cannabis (CLA), an agency
(2.7% to 4.9% of the of the Ministry
global population be- of Industry, Com-
tween the ages of 15 merce, Agriculture
and 65). This makes it and Fisheries, was
the most commonly established under
used illegal drug both the Dangerous Drug
in the Amendment Act,
world in- (DDA) with a specific
cluding Ja- role to establish and regu-
maica and the late Ja-
Caribbean. maicas
The United Na- legal ganja
tions' 2012 Global Drug Re- and hemp industry.
port stated that cannabis "was The CLA aims to cre-
the world's most widely ate regulations for guiding the develop-
produced, trafficked, and ment of an orderly legal ganja and hemp
consumed drug in the world in 2010", industry in Jamaica, for the use of the
identifying that between 119 million and plant and its by-products for medical,
224 million users existed in the world's therapeutic and scientific purposes.
adult (18 or older) population. Therefore persons who are interested in
As a result of its huge success as a Ganja cultivation or processing must ob-
medicinal and industrial manufacturing, tain the relevant licenses, permits or au-
Ganja is now one of the most sought after thorization for the handling of hemp and
plants by entrepreneurs all over the world ganja in Jamaica.
including Jamaica.

The first farmer was the first man. All historic nobility rests on the possession and use of land
- Emerson, Ralph Waldo
Pimento (Allspice)
T
Pimenta dioica
he pimento tree is indigenous to the
Caribbean Islands. It was found The fruit is picked when green and
growing in Jamaica by early Spanish ex- traditionally dried in the sun. When dry,
plorers who were quite impressed with they are brown and resemble large brown
the taste and aroma of the berries and the peppercorns.
leaves. The whole fruit has a longer shelf
Jamaica has the longest history of life than the powdered product and pro-
growing pimento, having been in contin- duces a more aromatic product when
uous production since the tree was iden- freshly ground before use. Fresh leaves
tified in about the year 1509. are used when available.
The name 'allspice' was coined as They are similar in texture to bay
early as 1621 by the English, who leaves and are infused during cooking
thought it combined the flavor of cinna- and then removed before serving.
mon, nutmeg, and cloves. The leaves and wood are often used
Allspice is one of the most impor- for smoking meats where allspice is a
tant ingredients of Jamaican cuisine es- local crop. An essential oil is extracted
pecially jerk seasoning. from the berries.
Pimento is known to provide medic- It is believed that Pimento is grown
inal treatments for several conditions in- by some 10,000 Jamaican farmers and
cluding Indigestion, Vomiting, Stomach the export trade is valued at $2.3 million.
ache, Diarrhea, Colds, Flu, Sinusitis, Di-
abetes and Menstrual Pain.
When tillage begins, other arts follow. The farmers, therefore,
are the founders of human civilization - Daniel Webster
Jamaican Ginger The traditional medical form of gin-

ger historically was called Jamaica gin-
G
Zingiber officinale Rosc. ger; it was classified as a stimulant and
carminative and used frequently for dys-
inger or ginger root is the rhizome pepsia, gastroparesis, slow motility
of the plant Zingiber officinale, is symptoms, constipation, and colic. It was
consumed as a delicacy, medicine, or also frequently employed to disguise the
spice. Other notable members of this taste of medicines.
plant family include turmeric. Some studies indicate ginger may
Ginger cultivation began in South provide short-term relief of pregnancy-
Asia and has since spread to East Africa related nausea and vomiting. Studies are
and the Caribbean. Since 1585, the Ja- inconclusive about effects for other forms
maican ginger was the first oriental spice of nausea or in treating pain from
to be grown in the New World and im- rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or
ported back to Europe. joint and muscle injury. Side effects,
Jamaica, where Ginger was first mostly associated with powdered ginger,
planted by the Spanish, is still among the are gas, bloating, heartburn, and nausea.
world leading producers. Grown across Tea brewed from ginger is a com-
the island, St Ann, Manchester and mon folk remedy for colds. Ginger ale
Clarendon have been cited as especially and ginger beer are also drunk as stomach
suitable for the growing of the plant. settlers in countries where the beverages
are made.

Give fools their gold, and knaves their power; let fortune's bubbles rise and fall; who
sows a field, or trains a flower, or plants a tree, is more than all - Whittier, John Greenleaf
Tumeric slightly hot peppery flavor and a mus-
T
tardy smell. Curcumin has been a centre
Curcuma longa of attraction for potential treatment of an
array of diseases, including cancer,
urmeric is a rhizomatous herbaceous Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, allergies,
perennial plant of the ginger family, arthritis and other chronic illnesses.
Zingiberaceae. It is native to tropical
Tamilnadu, in southeast India, and needs Turmeric contains Curcumin,
temperatures between 20 C and 30 C a Substance with Powerful Anti-In
(68 F and 86 F) and a considerable flammatory Effects
amount of annual rainfall to thrive. Turmeric in Wooden Bowl
Plants are gathered annually for their Turmeric is the spice that gives
rhizomes, and propagated from some of curry its yellow color.
those rhizomes in the following season. It contains several compounds with
When not used fresh, the rhizomes medicinal properties, the most
are boiled for about 3045 minutes and important of which is curcumin.
then dried in hot ovens, after which they Curcumin is a remarkably
are ground into a deep orange-yellow powerful antioxidant, helping to
powder commonly used as a spice in fight oxidative damage and boosting
Tamil cuisine and even curries, for dye- the bodys own antioxidant enzymes.
ing, and to impart color to mustard condi- This is important, because oxidative
ments. damage is believed to be one of the
Its active ingredient is curcumin and key mechanisms behind ageing and
it has a distinctly earthy, slightly bitter, many diseases.

A good farmer is nothing more nor less than a handy man with a sense of humus
- White, Elwyn Brooks
Sarsaparilla Sarsaparilla is commonly used for

anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, purifi-
T
Smilax regilii cation and hormonal purposes. As a pu-
rifier, sarsaparilla root helps remove
he word Sarsaparilla comes from the metallic toxins from the blood by pro-
Spanish Sarza, meaning a bramble, moting sweating and urination.
and parilla, a vine, in allusion to the Sarsaparilla root may help kill the
thorny stems of the plant. The root of the bacteria associated with sexually trans-
Sarsaparilla plant, is used. mitted diseases, urinary tract infections
The plant is a woody-climbing vine and wounds. People who suffer from
that grows in South America, the West arthritis, rheumatism or gout often use
Indies, Mexico and other tropical parts of sarsaparilla root to relieve inflammation.
the world. Regardless of the origin, the Sarsaparilla root may also work
many species of sarsaparilla, or Smilax, with hormones to stimulate testosterone
look very similar. Sarsaparilla root has a production, which can increase a person's
pleasant fragrance and a spicy sweet interest in sex and reduce menopausal
taste. Often added to medicines, foods or symptoms. Sarsaparilla Promotes Energy
beverages, it may help treat many med- and Endurance.
ical conditions. The spicy Sarsaparilla root is what
Sarsaparilla has been used over the gave old-fashioned root beer its bite and
centuries to treat syphilis, skin problems, is the part used medicinally by herbalists
digestive disorders, fever, arthritis, lep- for the prevention of gout, arthritis, in-
rosy and cancer. Its ability to treat many flammations of the joints, and is ex-
of these conditions, including liver dis- tremely useful for skin conditions, like
ease, psoriasis, fevers and inflammatory psoriasis, especially when accompanied
processes, comes from its ability to bind by irritation.
the toxins in the blood.
A friendly study of the world's religions is a sacred duty
- John Fischer
Leaf of life Various medicinal uses are associated
L
with the leaf of life. The leaves of this suc-
Bryophyllum calycinum culent plant are used for colds. A decoc-
tion may be used, with the juice alone,
eaf of life, a member of the Crassu- with goats milk or salt. It may be mixed
laceae family, is a medicinal herb with yam leaves and brewed as a tea. The
very common in Jamaica. It is widely used bruised leaves make a soothing dressing
as an herbal remedy for a variety of ail- for insect bites, bruises, boils and ulcers.
ments, especially bronchial conditions. The plant contains free malic acid
The common name is live forever. and calcium malate, but little else seems
The plant appears commonly to be known of its constituents. In Africa
throughout India, but is found in other it is used for coughs (the root), headaches,
parts of the world : Pakistan, Nepal, Brazil ophthalmia, earache, abscesses and
and the United States. swellings, and as a diuretic.
In Jamaica, it can be found every- The leaf of life plant also offers traditional
where. Some people plant it in their gar- applications for the treatment of medical
dens for easy access as well as a very problems that can be more severe, such as
decorative addition to the garden. In vari- kidney failure, shortness of breath and
ous cultures around the world, the leaf of asthma.
life plant has been used for ethnomedical Tea made from this herb is also used
purposes. to treat menstrual problems, coughs, bron-
The leaf of life has been used to treat chitis, as well as chest cold. The tea is also
common health conditions such as in- an excellent remedy for calming the
fluenza, the common cold, chest colds, nerves.
high blood pressure, headaches, fever, The plant is a good herbal remedy for
bronchitis, swelling and excessive cough- the removal of harmful bacteria from the
ing. intestines and the urine.

A good man is not a perfect man; a good man is an honest man, faithful, and
unhesitatingly responsive to the voice of God in his life - Joseph Fort Newton
Jamaican Mint
S
1.Satureja viminea
atureja viminea or Costa Rican Mint

is another name for the Jamaican mint
which is also called Pepper Mint. The
Satureja viminea is not a true peppermint
plant and its aroma is described as serpen-
tine savory.
Unlike the well-known peppermint
herb, this plant has a woody stem, upright
growth and keeps a bushy shape. The Ja-
maican mint can be trained into a small
tree reaching 6-7 ft in height.
Peppermint typically grows in moist
habitats including stream sides and Peppermint can also be found in
drainage ditches. Being a hybrid, it is usu- some shampoos, soaps and skin care
ally sterile, producing no seeds and repro- products.
ducing only vegetatively, spreading by its Peppermint has a long tradition of
rhizomes. It grows best in areas of low medicinal use, with archaeological evi-
sunlight, with a good supply of water, dence placing its use at least as far back
without being water-logged. as ten thousand years ago. Peppermint is
It is used mainly as a tea to soothe commonly used to soothe or treat symp-
stomach aches and for gas. The Jamaican toms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal
mint is also used for baths and body gels pain, indigestion, irritable bowel, and
which cool and tingle invigorating the bloating.
body and lifting the spirit. The fragrance One animal study has suggested that
of the Satureja viminea is pure and very Peppermint may have radioprotective ef-
intense. fects in patients undergoing cancer treat-
Peppermint has a high menthol con- ment. The aroma of peppermint has been
tent. The oil contains menthone and men- found to enhance memory and alertness,
thyl esters, particularly menthyl acetate. although other research contests this.
Peppermint oil also contains small
amounts of many additional compounds For the latest news
including limonene, pulegone, caryophyl- and views of farming
lene and pinene.
It is the oldest and most popular The Agriculturalist
flavour of mint-flavoured confectionery Newspaper
and is often used in tea and for flavouring -----------------------
ice cream, confectionery, chewing gum, www.theagriculturalist.com
and toothpaste.

Belief is truth held in the mind; faith is a fire in the heart
- Becky Laird
Fever Grass the treatment of colic, catarrh and gastric
F
irritability. The grass is said to be very
Cymbopogon citratus beneficial in the fight against cancer.
It can also improve the skin by reduc-
ever grass is also known as lemon ing acne and pimples and acts as a muscle
grass. Other common names of this and tissue toner. The lemon grass tea that
grass are barbed wire grass, citronella, has been set aside for a while and then im-
silky grass and gavati chaha. bibed is said to help in reducing blood
It is widely used as an herb in Asian pressure. Some people believe that fever
cuisine. It has a subtle citrus flavor and grass can be useful against the effects of
can be dried and powdered, or used fresh. menopause as it is believed to reduce hot
In some places it is used to assist recovery flashes and can help in reducing other
from a fever but mostly as a refreshing symptoms of menopause.
tea. The oil obtained from fever grass has
This plant grows in subtropical and antiseptic properties and is used in the
tropical climates and is widely found in manufacture of many disinfectant soaps.
rural Jamaica. Fever grass grows in The oils extracted from lemon grass are
clumps about 4 feet wide and 6 feet high. also used to add flavor to foods and bev-
Its leaves are long and tapered, with razor erages.
sharp edges. This grass needs moist soil, Fever grass can also be used as an in-
and bright sunlight for its growth. The sect repellant. The oil from fever grass is
grass is also cultivated in several parishes used in spas and cosmetics.
in Jamaica under moderate to heavy rain- 1 acre can produce 14.32 kg of oil per
fall. harvest. Lemon grass can be harvested up
Fever grass is mostly used for reliev- to 4 times per year making it a total of
ing colds, fever and cough. It is used to 57.28 kg of oil per year. The latest market
treat athletes foot, asthma, and bladder price available for lemon grass oil is
disorders and is useful against menstrual US$66 per kg, This allows this level of
disorder, headache and nausea. It is help- production to generate (US$66 x 57.28
ful in curing vomiting, diarrhea, and for kg) or US$3,780.

Recognizing that all we do is by His power, we honor God; He in turn blesses us
- Frederick Buechner

Cerasee
B
Momordica charantia
itter melonor Cerassee, as it is

known in Jamaicais one of the most
commonly used Jamaican folk medicines.
Brought to the island and cultivated by
African slaves, it is used for diabetes,
malaria, worms, colds and hypertension,
and as an overall health tonic.
A study published in the Journal of
Nutrition in April 2003 found that bitter
melon extract improved insulin resistance
and raised glucose (blood sugar) in rats.
Cerasee is used as a blood cleanser and
the tea is used as a remedy for colitis, liver
problems, fever and as a skin lotion.
The reddish-orange fruit and its
seeds are known for producing iron-hard
bones and incredible health. It is also said
to contain valuable enzymes and minerals
and is taken for diabetes. The plant grows wild on hedges and
Bitter melon can also be used in the trees across the island. The vine grows to
treatment of other conditions such as about six to eight feet and each node on
piles, blood disorders, respiratory disor- the vine has a lobed leaf and a tendril. Bit-
ders, cholera and alcoholism. Moreover, ter melon bears male and female flowers
research is being carried out to study the that are yellow in colour and grow at the
effectiveness of bitter melon to fight HIV axils of the leaves. The fruit of the vine is
infections and certain types of cancer. oblong with a rough exterior. When
Cerasee can be cultivated as a veg- young, the fruit is green and contains
etable and cooked like other leafy vegeta- white seeds, when mature it turns to or-
bles. ange-yellow with red seeds.
For the latest news and views of farming

The Agriculturalist Newspaper
-----------------------
www.theagriculturalist.com

Doubts are the ants in the pants of faith. They keep it awake and moving
- Charles Wesley

Aloe Vera
A
(Single bible)
loe vera is a plant species of the

genus Aloe. It grows wild in tropical
climates around the world and is culti-
vated for agricultural and medicinal uses.
Aloe is also used for decorative purposes
and grows successfully indoors as a pot-
ted plant.
The succulent, long, green leaves
contain aloe gel and a sticky yellow
residue called latex. The plant is a stem- plant and for its interesting flowers, form,
less or very short-stemmed succulent and succulence. This succulence enables
plant growing to 60100 cm (2439 in) the plant to survive in areas of low natural
tall, spreading by offsets. The leaves are rainfall, making it ideal for rockeries and
thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, other low water-use gardens.
with some varieties showing white flecks The plant is relatively resistant to
on their upper and lower stem surfaces. most insect pests, though spider mites,
Jamaica is among several countries mealy bugs, scale insects, and aphid
with commercial production of Aloe vera. species may cause a decline in plant
Other countries include Australia, health.
Bangladesh, Cuba, the Dominican Re- In pots, the species requires well-
public, China, Mexico, India, Kenya, drained, sandy potting soil and bright,
Tanzania, USA and South Africa. sunny conditions; however, Aloe plants
The gel is the part of the aloe plant can burn under too much sun or shrivel
used most commonly, both topically and when the pot does not drain the water.
orally. Aloe latex (also known as drug Extracts from A. vera are widely
aloe) contains anthraquinone gycosides, used in the cosmetics and alternative
constituents that have strong laxative ef- medicine industries, being marketed as
fects, so it is rarely found in commercial variously having rejuvenating, healing, or
laxative products. Aloe Vera is frequently soothing properties. Other medicinal ben-
cited as being used in herbal medicine efits of Aloe Vera includes; cleanses the
since the beginning of the first century kidneys and bladder and removes all mor-
AD. bid matter from the stomach and intes-
Aloe vera has been widely grown as tines; it is a strong laxative that cleanses
an ornamental plant. It is popular with and purifies the intestines, bowels and
most gardeners as a putatively medicinal colon.

Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees, And looks to God alone;
Laughs at impossibilities, And cries it shall be done - Thomas R Kelly
Moringa
Moringa oleifera
M oringa, a multipurpose tree native

to the foothills of the Himalayas in
northwestern India and cultivated
cating several active constituents for ac-
cepting its applicability in modern medi-
cine.
throughout the tropics and grows approx- Moringas flowers and leaves are ca-
imately 5 to 10 m height. pable of controlling parasitic worms, their
It is cultivated in most rural parishes antihelmintic activity has been demon-
of Jamaica and all over the world, due to strated during several studies.
its multiple utilities. Every part of Moringa leaves contain several bio
Moringa is used for certain nutritional active compounds, which exert a direct
and/or medicinal purposes. Besides being effect on blood pressure, resulting in their
a good source of protein, vitamins, oils, use for stabilizing blood pressure.
fatty acids, micro-macro minerals ele- Moringa compounds believed to lead to
ments and various phenolics, it is also re- blood pressure lowering effect includes
ported as anti-inflammatory, nitrile, mustard oil glycosides and thiocar-
antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, bamate glycosides.
cardiovascular, hepatoprotective, anti- In addition, diuretic activity of
ulcer, diuretic, antiurolithiatic, and anti- Moringa exists in its roots, leaves, flow-
helmintic. ers, gum and the aqueous infusion of
Its multiple pharmaceutical effects seeds. Moringa leaves also contain a
are capitalized as therapeutic remedies for bioactive phytoconstituent, ( b-sitosterol)
various diseases in the traditional medic- with a cholesterol lowering effect. This
inal system. compound is capable of reducing the
Moringa has enormous medicinal cholesterol level from the serum of high
potential. Most parts of this plant, includ- fat diet fed rats.
ing the root, bark, gum, leaf, fruit (pods), Several medicinal plants have been
flowers, seed, and seed oil have been used evaluated for their potential as therapeutic
for various ailments in the indigenous agent for diabetes. Moringa plant also has
medicine, but recent research is also indi- pertinent antifertility activity.

For what is faith unless it is to believe what you do not see?
- Richard J. Foster
Neem
Azadirachta indica
N eem is an evergreen tree which is en-

demic to the Indian subcontinent and
has been introduced to many other areas
Neem leaf is used for leprosy,
eye disorders, bloody nose, intes-
tinal worms, stomach upset, loss
in the tropics including Jamaica. It is the of appetite, skin ulcers, diseases
most important of the commercially avail- of the heart and blood vessels
able products of neem for organic farming (cardiovascular disease), fever,
and medicines. diabetes, gum disease (gingivitis),
The earliest Sanskrit medical writ- and liver problems. The leaf is
ings refer to the benefits of Neems fruits, also used for birth control and
seeds, oil, leaves, roots and bark. It is to cause abortions.
claimed that Neem provides an answer to Every part of this plant finds use as
many incurable diseases. medicine for itching, skin disease, lep-
Traditionally Neem products have rosy, blood disorders, worms, diabetes,
been used against a wide variety of dis- piles, dysentery, jaundice, vomiting,
eases which include heat-rash, boils, wounds, eye disease, paraplegia, female
wounds, jaundice, leprosy, skin disorders, genital diseases and various fevers.
stomach ulcers and chicken pox. Modern More than 150 compounds have so
research also confirms Neems curative been far isolated from Neem. Out of these
powers for many diseases and provides seed account for 101 including 43 from
indications that Neem might in future be the malodorous fraction, the leaves 37;
used much more widely. and flowers, bark and root furnish the rest.
Many medical practitioners believe Neem products are used for treat-
that smallpox, chicken pox and warts can ment of a whole gamut of diseases, in-
be treated with a paste of Neem leaves cluding skin infection, cardiovascular
usually rubbed directly on the infected disorder, diabetes and cancer. It has im-
skin. Experiments with smallpox, chicken portant fungicidal and Antimalarial prop-
pox, and fowl pox show that although erties. Nimbidin from neem oil is
neem does not cure these diseases, it is ef- effective in various skin diseases.
fective for purposes of prevention.

God's heart is the most sensitive and tender of all. No act goes unnoticed,
no matter how insignificant or small - The Dalai Lama

Cinnamon
C
Cinnamonum zeylanicum
innamomum verum, called "true cin-

namon," Ceylon cinnamon or Sri
Lanka cinnamon is a small evergreen tree
belonging to the family Lauraceae, native The leaves are ovate-oblong in shape,
to Sri Lanka. Among other species, its 718 cm (2.757.1 inches) long. The flow-
inner bark is used to make cinnamon. ers, which are arranged in panicles, have a
The old botanical synonym for the greenish color, and have a distinct odor.
treeCinnamomum zeylanicumis de- The fruit is a purple (1-cm) drupe contain-
rived from Sri Lanka's former name, Cey- ing a single seed.
lon. Sri Lanka still produces 8090% of the Cinnamon is known to provide relief
world's supply of Cinnamomum verum, for the following medical conditions/symp-
which is also cultivated on a commercial toms, when combined with other
scale in Seychelles and Madagascar. herbs/spices.
Cinnamomum verum trees are 1015 me-
tres (32.849.2 feet) tall.
Spirulina
S
(folic acid), vita-
min C, vitamin
pirulina represents a biomass of D, vitamin A
cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and vitamin E. It
that can be consumed by humans and is also a source
other animals. There are two species, of potassium,
Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira c a l c i u m ,
maxima. chromium, cop-
Arthrospira is cultivated world- per, iron, mag-
wide; used as a dietary supplement as n e s i u m ,
well as a whole food; and is also avail- manganese,
able in tablet, flake and powder form. It phosphorus, se-
is also used as a feed supplement in the lenium, sodium
aquaculture, aquarium and poultry in- and zinc. Spir-
dustries. ulina contains
Spirulina is a great source of other many pigments
nutrients including (according to which may be
Wikipedia): It contains vitamins B- beneficial and
1(thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B- bioavailable.
3(nicotinamide), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9

For God Himself works in our souls, in the deepest depths, taking increasing
control as we are progressively willing to be prepared for His wonder - Augustine

Guinea Hen Weed
G
Petiveria alliacea
uinea Hen Weed is a herb that is in-
digenous to the Amazon rainforest
and the tropical areas of the Caribbean,
Central and South America and Africa.
In Jamaica, it has several names
guinea hen weed, guinea hen leaf, garlic
weed or gully root. It perhaps is the stink-
est bush you can find, but the Jamaican
guinea hen weed which grows almost any-
where island-wide, and often overlooked,
is strong in medicinal value.
Guinea Hen Weed or anamu has a
long history of use in all the countries Dr. Lawrence Williams, zoologist with
where it grows. Herbalists have tradition- Jamaica's Scientific Research Council,
ally used Guinea Hen Weed for a wide va- shows a specimen of the guinea hen
riety of conditions including arthritis, weed growing wild outside his office.
digestive disorders, diabetes, cancer, pain
relief and even to induce abortions. sugar acid levels by more than 60 per cent
The plant has been widely used to re- in laboratory animals. This reflects herbal
duce a vast array of medical conditions in medical practice in Cuba where Guinea
traditional societies, particularly those of Hen Weed has been used as an aid for di-
the Amazonian people. These societies abetes for many years.
used the plant to aid with generalized pain, One heaping tablespoonful of the
cancer, snake bite, cold and flu, mental powdered plant is diffused in one litre of
conditions, paralysis, fever, and as a rem- hot water. The resulting tea is drunk
edy for arrow poisoning. preferably on an empty stomach. An aver-
Guinea Hen Weed relieves pain by age dosage is four ounces (about half a
reducing dietary and/or metabolic acid - cup) twice daily.
Its traditional use as a remedy for arthritis Many persons are desperately look-
and rheumatism has been validated by ing for a quick fix a magic bullet that
clinical research that confirms its will miraculously cure their acidic illness.
acid/pain relieving and anti-inflammatory The reality is that there is no quick fix.
effects. Like so many useful herbs, Guinea Hen
The plant lowers the acids in the Weed will give best results when com-
blood glucose/sugar - While anamu has bined with optimal base nutrition, alkaliz-
not been widely researched for diabetes, ing nutritional supplements, exercise, acid
it had been documented to lower blood detoxification, stress management and ad-
equate restful sleep.
Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human
spirit is to grow strong by conflict - Oliver Wendell Holmes

Dandelion
T
Taraxacum officinal
he roots, leaves and flowers of the
dandelion plant are a potent and
healthy herbal medicine, although folks
might think those yellow dots popping up
in their landscape are just nuisance weeds.
Not so, as the botanical name for dande-
lion Taraxacum officinal aptly de-
scribes its medicinal potential. Taraxacum
translates into an inflammation cura-
tive.
Officinal means that the lowly dan-
delion is revered as a bona fide, official
medicinal plant. The use of the dandelion
plant as a healing agent predates written
records, but it is understood that the
Greeks and the Chinese used dandelion
compounds to aid in digestion, and as a
liver tonic and diuretic.
Traditional herbalists, both in the
East and the West, have utilized the prop- A combination of clean food, nutri-
erties of the dandelion for liver support tional and immune building modalities
and as a blood purifier. It is this blood pu- among many other alternative medicine
rifying action that intrigued Canadian re- treatments may be required to ultimately
searchers at the University of Windsor to win an individuals battle against cancer.
pursue whether dandelion roots could be Yet it is generally agreed that chemother-
effective for individuals suffering from apy is a shotgun blast of toxicity that kills
end stage blood cancer. cells indiscriminately and cripples the im-
The team experimented by applying mune system.
dandelion root extract into petri dishes on Your backyard dandelions roots
blood drawn from a leukemia patient and specifically kill only the cancerous cells
lab rats. They discovered that the dan- and enhances the immune system. Dande-
delion root extract was effective in induc- lions are not toxic, and they also offer a
ing apoptosis, or cell suicide, in tumor bevy of vitamins and minerals, including
cells, while leaving healthy cells alone. calcium, magnesium, potassium and Vi-
Each body is unique and all cancer tamin A, K, B6 and B12.
treatment decisions are personal and
made only after sound deliberation.

CROP GUIDE
Every calling is great when greatly pursued
- Mother Teresa
AVOCADO ble. Complete reaping, prune. Apply

third dressing of fertilizer to existing
January: Reap late-maturing varieties trees, using 10:10:10; maintain slug con-
e.g., Collinson or Lula; control slugs trol using Metaldehyde bait.
with metaldehyde bait; and spray with November: Intercrop with short-term
fungicide to control scabs. low-growing crops, e.g. vegetables, peas;
February: Complete reaping of latema- fertilize newly planted trees with sul-
turing varieties - Collinson and Lula; phate of ammonia; reap out-ofseason va-
start preparing mounds for planting; rieties, e.g. Lula; and control weeds.
spray with fungicide to control December: Reap late-maturing va-
scabs; rieties e.g., Lula and Collinson;
March: Prepare mounds for continue intercropping with
planting, on free-draining short-term crop-like veg-
soils; spray with fungicide etables; fertilize newly
to control scabs. planted trees. Make
April: Continue spraying to sure that red mite is
control under control.
scabs; apply Metaldehyde bait.
May: Control slugs with Metaldehyde
bait; continue applying NPK fertilizer;
Avocado is
set to new fields or supply existing ones Incredibly Nutritious
with budded or grafted plants. What we refer to as avocado is
June: Supply existing fields with budded the fruit of the avocado tree, called
or grafted plants; control slugs with Persea americana.
Metaldehyde bait. This fruit is prized for its high nutri-
July: Begin reaping early fruits; avoid ent value and is added to all sorts of
damage caused from dropping. dishes due to its good flavor and rich
August: Prepare mounds on free drain- texture. It is the main ingredient in
ing soils; weed young plants; wash plant guacamole.
trunks with mixture of lime and Metalde- These days, the avocado has be-
hyde to control slugs and prevent sun- come an incredibly popular food
burn; continue reaping. among health conscious individuals.
September: Establish fields with budded It is often referred to as a super-
or grafted plants; fertilize with NPK food which is not surprising given
10:10:20 or 16:9:18 fertilizer; control its health properties.
slugs; continue reaping. There are many kinds of avocados,
October: Continue planting; apply sec- and the shape (from pear-shaped to
ond fertilizer dressing; control slugs; put round) and color (from green to
in fall plants; intercrop where practica- black) can vary between them.

God doesn't look at how much we do, but with how much love we do it
- Denis Waitley
BANANA as well as the fall period. Apply sulphate of

ammonia or urea to spring plants; fertilize
January: Protect fruit, trim and sleeve ratoon plants with NPK15-5-35; sleeve
young bunches; prune and clean fields; young bunches; prune and clean fields; con-
apply nematicide/insecticide for controlling trol leafspot and weeds.
borer and nematodes. Contact your field of- June: Fertilize spring plants with NPK 15-
ficer of the Banana Board Research Depart- 5-35. Bunch care and sleeve young bunches,
ment (BBRD) for advice on disease and control leafspot. Consult the BBRD for ad-
insect control. Control leafspot disease. vice. Propping is necessary. As part of dis-
Propping is necessary. Part of disaster miti- aster mitigation strategy it is best to plant in
gation strategy. Catastrophe fund registra- May/June to minimize risk of hurricane
tion before January 31st each year. damage.
February: Apply fertilizers, NPK July: Begin preparation for fall planting,
15-5-35 and sulphate of am- arrange for land preparation and suckers.
monia or urea. Soil and Reduce thrip damage by sleeving shoots
leaf analysis from the early; control leafspot, borer and
BBRD should be used nematodes. Propping is
to determine fertilizer necessary.
requirements. Bunch August:
care and sleeve young S l e e v e
bunches. Make prepa- bunches early,
ration for spring plant- continue preparation for
ing. Control leafspot, fall planting. Fertilize fields, control
control weeds. Propping is neces- Leafspot. Propping is necessary.
sary. September: Prune and clean existing fields;
March: Begin spring planting; protect plant new fields; ensure proper drainage to
fruits; trim and sleeve young bunches; con- meet rainy season; control leafspot disease;
trol borers and nematodes; continue control apply NPK 15:5:35 fertilizer; bunch, care
of leafspot disease; clean trenches to ensure and sleeve young bunches. Propping is nec-
good drainage. Prune fields. Propping is essary.
necessary. Report any strange symptoms on October: Plant new fields; ensure that
any part of the banana and plantain plants or proper drainage is maintained; continue to
fruits to the Banana Board. protect fruits, trim and sleeve bunches; con-
April: Complete spring planting; control trol leafspot. Propping is necessary.
borers and nematodes; prune and clean November: For best results, apply fertiliz-
fields. Contact the Banana Board to ensure ers based on the recommendations from the
your new banana fields propping is neces- sampling and testing of soil and leaf tissues
sary. Attend training sessions, meetings and carried out by the guidance of the Boards
field days to learn new methods to produc- Field Officer. In the absence of recent test-
tion and productivity. ing, 112 to 224 grams (or 4 to 8 ounces) of
May: As part of disaster mitigation strategy 15.5.35 can be applied every 6 to 12 weeks
it is best to plant in May/June to minimize for ratoon fields with intermittent applica-
risk of hurricane damage. However this can tion of urea or sulphate of ammonia.
also be done at the onset of the spring rains Continued on page 29

He who is filled with love is filled with God himself
COCOA
- Mother Teresa
July: Remove gormondizers - start early

pruning by removing extra chupons. Mon-
January: Monitor field for Black Pod Dis- itor shade in newly established fields.
ease and rat-cut pods - place them in open August: Commence heavy pruning in
area and burn. Pay close attention to spring crop areas. Prepare holes for full
Shade Management with 30% shade rec- planting. Continue monitoring Shade and
ommended in bearing cocoa fields. Excess Rat Damage.
shade encourages the development and September: Continue reaping all mar-
spread of Black Pod disease. Good field ketable beans to your collector. Rat control
sanitation is key to controlling Black Pod. and Black Pod monitoring should also be
Reap and supply all marketable beans. continued. Maintain good field sanitation.
February: Continue October: Continue reap-
monitoring for Frosty ing all market-able beans.
Pods; Black Pod and Rat Rat and Black Pod Con-
Damage. Pay special at- trol must also be contin-
tention to Shade Manage- ued.
ment and Field November: Pruning and
Sanitation. Reap and Shade Man-agement must
supply all marketable be monitored. Reap and
beans. supply all marketable
March: Start preparing beans.
land for Spring planting (on the advice of December: Continue fall planting; Con-
your Cocoa Officer). Make request for tinue to monitor Black Pod disease. Start
seedlings for Fall planting. Plant ba- field sanitattion activities; weed control; re-
nanas/plantains 8 x 8 for temporary shade. moving rat and Black Pod damaged pods.
Reap and supply all marketable beans.
April: Continue Black Pod and rat control.
Contact your local Cocoa Officer for infor- Continued from page 28
mation on obtaining and setting rat bait. Bury granular or dry fertilizers or dis-
Reap and supply all marketable beans. solve in water and apply by fertigation or
Prepare holes for planting. inject into the soil with injector pump
May: Apply fertilizer - NPK 13-11-19 or (knapsack type). Broadcasting on the soil
16-9-18 (one milk can per tree). Start surface is least recommended.
Spring planting, if weather permits. Do December: Control Leafspot disease, ob-
general pruning as Fall crop ends. Remem- serve proper field sanitation and sleeve
ber to dig holes 18 x 18 x 18 i.e. long, young fruits. Apply Mocap (active ingre-
wide and deep, holes should be 10 apart. dient ethoprop) at rate of 20 grams per
Monitor young plants for fiddler beetle at- mat with applicator per mat (20 grams fill
tack. or approximate to a match box). Alter-
June: Continue monitoring for Fiddler nate with application of 7.5 millitres per
Beetles - control weeds. Apply fertilizer mat of Vydate (active ingredient oxamyl)
(Sulphate) if necessary 1-2 oz. per plant using prescribed applicator. Always wear
around drip circle. Reap and supply beans full protective gears. Propping is neces-
where available. sary.

If you judge people, you have no time to love them
- Dag Hammerskjold
COCONUT June: Good planting season for all

parishes. Purchase contractual insurance
January: Obtain seedlings from the Co- for additional coverage against wind-
conut Industry Board. Continue weed con- storms. Continue to fertilize plants accord-
trol and reaping. Good planting season for ing to age.
St. Mary, St. Ann and Portland. July: Keep weeds under control; good
February: Register planting season for all parishes.
with the Coconut Industry August: Good planting season for all
Board. Control rats by setting rat parishes. Consider the spraying of all
bait. healthy palms with RIDOMIL MZ
March: Register with the 58% WP or RIDOMIL MZ 72%
Coconut Industry Board; WP against Bud Rot infection.
remember to fertilize plants with September: Ensure proper drainage in
NPK 12-4-28; good planting season for all sections of the field. Good planting
St. Mary, St. Ann and Portland. season in all parishes.
April: Reap regularly and deliver co- October: Continue to fertilize all trees.
conuts to licensed coconut processors; Good planting season for all parishes.
consider the spraying of all healthy trees November: Continue rat control
with RIDOMIL MZ 58% WP against and planting in all parishes.
Bud Rot infection. Good planting December: Store nuts in husk;
season for St. Catherine, Claren- good planting season for St.
don, Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Mary, St. Ann, Portland, St.
Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James Thomas, Kingston and St. An-
and Trelawny. drew.
May: Purchase contractual in-
surance for additional coverage against
windstorm. Good planting season for all
parishes.
About Coconut
Coconut water is natures Coconut Oil Is Great!
finest nutritious drink and Helps maintain healthy ratio of
best thirst quencher. Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids
Rich in potassium Is easily digestible, easily oxidized
Contains calcium, iron, zinc preferred source of energy
Has B Vitamins and Vitamin C Has antiviral, antibacterial and an-
Low in carbohydrates tiprotozooal properties does not con-
Low in sugars tribute to cholesterol
Important component of medicinal
and baby foods

There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain,
our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness - William Ellery Channing
CITRUS phate of ammonia and where needed, mag-

nesium to mature groves; continue tree
January: Complete harvesting of grape- training.
fruit and early orange varieties; confirm August: Complete land preparation. Reap
arrangements for planting materials for summer fruit; continue slug control; for Or-
spring planting and place new orders for taniques, control greasy spot with oil spray
fall planting; prepare lands, line out and plus fungicide; prepare reaping bags and
make mounds for spring planting; continue ladders.
planting in northern parishes; clean drains. September: Commence reaping of grape-
February: Commence reaping of Or- fruit through to January; plant citrus
taniques and Valencias if mature; follow through October in southern parishes; con-
rains with application of sulphate of am- tinue slug and weed control.
monia to existing groves. Apply bait for October: Request Citrus Growers' Associ-
slug control; continue molding; commence ation to order seeds for use in April and
pruning and hot racking for resuscitation in May of the following year for producing
reaped fields where necessary. root stock that is resistant to the Citrus
March: Continue reaping of mature fruit; Triztesa Virus (C.T.V.). Commence reaping
if trees have blossomed, apply 8:21:32 at early varieties of oranges.
2/3yds petal fall or delay to coincide with November: Maintain young grove hy-
this state. Band apply fertilizers on mature giene, young tree training, slug control;
trees but broadcast trees up to year 3; con- commence all winter planting in northern
tinue tree-pruning and hat racking, slug parishes. Continue reaping of grapefruit
control and conduct good weed control. early; discontinue budding.
April: If blossoming and Fiddler Beetle December: Continue from November.
flights are delayed to this month or to Stock chemicals needed for spring; discon-
CORN
May, carry out the related programmes at tinue budding.
the appropriate stage and time; spray pro-
grammes may be necessary; accelerate
reaping as all fruits are now of good qual-
January: Continue reaping green and dry
ity.
corn, continue to sun dry corn to reduce
May: Reap at full speed as maximum qual-
moisture and harden kernels; select seeds
ity is now available. If rainfall causes
from the best ears for spring planting; pre-
delay, then apply the March programme for
pare adequate and suitable storage for
fertilizers and Fiddler Beetles; control
dried corn - arrange proper pest control in
weeds, slugs and pests; rush completion of
storage and use when necessary.
spring planting; continue budding.
February: Begin preparations for early
June: Control pests and diseases, apply
planting; ensure spraying equipment is in
summer oil spray for scale insects and
good condition; purchase seeds, fertilizers
mites, consult Extension Officer for spray
and chemicals. Purchase reliable Pioneer
programmes.
seed variety. Prepare suitable storage for
July: Confirm plant supplies for fall and
sun dried seeds after chemical treatment.
request supplies for the following spring;
Check with your extension officer.
prepare mounds for fall planting; apply sul-
Continued on page 32

Pray that your loneliness may spur you into finding something
to live for, great enough to die for - M. Scott Peck
CASSAVA
C
Fertilization
Nitrogen fertilizers should be applied
assava is relatively drought-resistant at 3- month intervals during the life of the
and is a particularly useful crop in all crop at a rate of 20 kgs per hectare. An ap-
regions with alternating dry and rainy sea- plication of 50 kg./hectare phosphate and
sons. Cassava requires a warm climate. It is 25 kg/hectare potash is recommended dur-
a starchy food, valuable as an energy ing the life of the crop.
source.
Tubers average 33% carbohydrate Harvesting
(twice as potato), 1% protein and 0.3% fat. The cassava may be harvested within
Cassava is also high in calcium, phospho- 9-12 months after planting, depending on
CORN
rous and iron. variety and rainfall.
Soil
Cassava is adaptable to a wide range
of soil types with varying soil fertility. Continued from page 31
Higher yields are obtained on soil types that March: Begin planting with spring rains;
are deep and more fertile. In contrast to cus- spray to control Army Worms; apply other
tomary yields of 3 to 5 metric tons per cultural practices.
hectare on subsistent fields, yields of 30 April: Continue spraying to control dis-
tons or more have been produced on deep, eases and pests especially the Corn Ear
friable, fertile soils. Worm and Army Worm; complete plant-
ing spring crop by mid-April.
Land Preparation May: Continue spraying against pests (es-
Rows should be well-ploughed and pecially the Corn Ear Worm and Army
pulverized. Rows are placed 1-1 1/2 metres Worm), control weeds; apply second fer-
(39- 48 in) apart and cuttings are placed 1 tilizer dressing.
metre (39 in) apart in rows. Cuttings should June: Start reaping green corn; spray to
be about 25 cm (12 ins.) long. control pest and diseases; make prepara-
tions to reap and store dried corns.
Propagation July: Reap dry corn; dry to 12% moisture
Propagation is done by making cut- content; provide proper storage, ensure
tings from the stems of older plants. These good pest control (rats, weevils, etc) while
plants should be at least 10 months old and in storage.
2.5 - 3.5 cm (1-2 ins) thick. Cuttings of August: Start preparation for fall planting;
some 25 cm in length are taken from the order seeds, fertilizers and chemicals.
lower part of the stem after discarding the September: Plant fall crop; spray (using
basal 20 cm and the upper part of the stem systemic insecticides e.g. Azodrin) to con-
having less than 2.5 cm in diameter. trol Army Worms; control weeds.
October: Continue pest and disease con-
Varieties trol; apply fertilizer - consult Extension
The varieties grown successfully in Ja- Officer.
maica include Sao Pedro Preto (with high December: Continue reaping green corn;
starch content), Bogor (sweet type) and make preparations to store dried corn; en-
Ambon (high protein). sure protection against rats, weevils, etc.

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual
COFFEE
experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude - Saint Augustine
have been planted one per hole, bend plants

in the fall of the previous year to a 45 degree
January: Continue cutback programme on angle so as to produce a multiple shoot sys-
old, unthrifty, low producing coffee trees. tem (averaging 3 shoots). Fertilize trees in
Cut to a height of 15-20 inches above the production with 8-16 ozs. NPK (15:5:35 or
ground. Cover cut surfaces with anti-fungal 23:10:20 or 16:9:18) depending on the age
paint; control weeds, pests and diseases es- and condition of the trees and the soil type
pecially in young coffee; complete fertiliz- in which they are grown; reap all mature
ing coffee in production; complete Coffee fruit before spraying is done.
Berry Borer control; if reaping is completed, May: Continue spring planting with good
strip trees of all remaining berries; collect rainfall. Put in permanent shade trees (spac-
fallen berries and bury, or burn all that can- ing 40ft x 40 ft) in plot established in the fall
not be used. of the previous year. Complete fertilizer pro-
February: Complete cut- gramme. Control pests and
back prog-ramme on old, diseases; select single
unthrifty, low-producing shoot from topped plants;
coffee trees. Select land for assist the spray team; pro-
spring planting; start vide water to mix chemi-
preparation, i.e., clearing, cals; remove animals from
lining, digging holes or your coffee field; keep
furrows and add organic manure; check for windows, doors and all water containers
slug damage then do shoot selection in cut- closed during, and for 2 hours after spray-
back plants; control weeds mechanically or ing.
chemically; complete stripping and collec- June: Fertilize seedlings planted in the
tion of fallen berries; bury or burn all that spring with 4-6 ozs sulphate of ammonia or
cannot be used; examine young berries and 2-3 oz urea. Start inter-cropping programme
notify your extension officer if there are with grains, yams and vegetables between
signs of Borer damage. coffee rows; establish temporary shade with
March: Refill holes with soil, sand, organic plantains or bananas, spacing 20 ft x 7ft.
manure by mixing thoroughly, then add 8 July: Complete fertilizing of seedlings
ounces of coffee planting mixture (8:21:32) planted in May or June. Inspect trees for
or triple superphosphate in the upper inches stress signs and add extra quantities of fer-
of the hole; complete shoot selection on cut- tilizer if necessary.
back; do topping at 3'-6"-4'-6" on young August: Start land preparation, i.e., clear-
coffee plants; control pests and diseases if ing, digging holes, adding organic manure
necessary. (chicken manure, coffee pulp, sludge or
April: Start spring planting if rainfall is farmyard manure). Reap only cherry ripe
good. If there are 2 seedlings per pot, plant berries to ensure good quality. Do not de-
the 2 seedlings per hole in an upright posi- stroy branches while reaping as a good crop
tion; seedlings 10 months old and over is needed every year; control weeds, pests
should be planted at a 45 degree angle in the (rats included) and diseases; select shoots
direction in which the wind blows or across from bent plants; reap your coffee 14 days
the contour; seedlings 9 months and under after spraying has been completed.
should be planted upright; where seedlings Continued on page 34

To us also, through every star, through every blade of grass, is not God made
FORESTRY
visible if we will open our minds and our eyes - Rabindranath Tagore
young Christmas trees for this years har-

vest.
January: Order seedlings from the July: Begin land clearing, digging holes
Forestry Department for all plantings and preparing stakes for fall planting and
through your local Rural Agricultural De- control weeds in young plantations. Look
velopment Authority Office or Officer at out for forest fires.
the Forestry Department. August: Continue land clearing for new
February: Control weeds in previous fall plantations; control weeds in young plan-
planting; begin cleaning and clearing, lin- tations. Prepare for forest fires.
ing, staking and digging holes for spring September: Procure seedlings and plant
planting. hardwoods at 15' x 15' after first heavy
March: Continue weed control, digging showers; plant Christmas trees at 6'x 6',
holes, and procuring of forest tree live fence posts 10' apart, and fast-growing
seedlings. species.
April: Thin and prune plantations six (6) October: Complete planting programme
years old; start planting procured hard- early in the month; order seedlings for
wood seedlings at 15 x 15; Christmas tree spring planting in the next year.
seedlings at 6 x 6. November: Control weeds in young plan-
May: Continue planting hardwood and tations; prepare to harvest mature Christ-
Christmas tree species. Plant seedlings for mas trees.
use as fence posts 10 apart. December: Harvest and market Christmas
June: Thin out and prune existing timber trees; identify marginal lands for conserva-
plantations, over six years old, as well as tion planting.
COFFEE pot; establish permanent shade in open and

Continued from page 33 exposed areas in plots established in the
September: Continue to reap cherry ripe spring.
coffee with care. Complete refilling holes November: Complete fall planting; fertil-
by adding 8 ozs. coffee planting mixture ize seedlings planted in September and Oc-
(8:21:32) or triple superphosphate to mix- tober with 4-6 oz. sulphate of ammonia or
ture of soil and organic manure; start fall 2-3 oz. urea; fertilize seedlings planted in
planting if rainfall is good. the spring with 8 oz NPK 15:5:35. Inter-
October: Plant 2 seedlings per hole and in crop with vegetables, pulses etc. (No corn,
an upright position; continue fall planting by sweet potato or pigeon peas). Plant bananas
selecting and planting mature seedlings at and/or plantains as temporary shade or
45 degree angle if there is one seedling per companion crop.
pot; establish permanent shade in open and December: Start cutting back; remove fo-
exposed areas in plots established in the liage with cutlass, make final cut with saw
spring. 12-15 inches at 45 degree angle, cover with
October: Plant 2 seedlings per hole and in anti-fungal paint. Fertilize trees in produc-
an upright position; continue fall planting by tion with 16 oz. NPK 15:5:35 or 23:10:20 or
selecting and planting mature seedlings at 16:9:18 and 8 oz. of sulphate of ammonia if
45 degree angle if there is one seedling per necessary depending on age and soil type;
control weeds, pests and diseases.
GRAINS AND MANAGING COFFEE
PULSES
LEAF RUST DISEASE
C
(HEMILEIA vastatrix)
January: Begin to reap red peas crop.
February: Continue land preparation; begin What is Coffee Leaf Rust?
major planting in all areas; stop growing offee Leaf Rust is a fungus that infects
red peas on the plains; plant only on hill- the leaves of coffee plants at all stages
of plant growth.
sides. Complete harvesting of October red
What are the sign of the disease?
peas crop.
It has a yellow to orange color
It is powdery
It is found on the back (underside) of
the coffee leaves
How does the disease spread?

By Spores; the spores are dispersed
by wind, rainfall, insects, birds and human
activities.
March: Continue land preparation and Ideal conditions for the disease
general planting in all parishes. The agents that cause the disease are:
April: Start planting peanuts; continue Temperature
general pest and disease control. Wind
May: Continue planting peanuts; reap Poor agronomic practices
early crops; control pest and diseases.
June: Reap, dry, and market major crops - Effects of the disease
if storing, contact your Storage and Pest In- Reduces the plants ability to produce its
festation Officer for advice; plant cow peas own food.
at low elevations. Reduces the plants fruit production.
July: Complete reaping; select and or ob- High presences of the disease will lead to
tain planting - protect against weevils, rats, leaf fall and subsequent plant death.
Chemical Control (Use of Fungicides)
etc.
Copper Based Fungicides: prevents
August: Obtain, treat, and store planting
spores from germinating and penetrating
materials; control weeds, pests and dis-
leaves. Use before the disease is estab-
eases.
lished on leaves.
September: Prepare land for planting; get
Systemic Fungicides: penetrate the leaf
planting material ready.
tissues and also have the possibility of
October: Reap major crops before heavy moving across the leaf structure from the
rains set in; procure, treat and store planting point of application.
material; plant (in areas of moderate rain-
fall).
November: Continue reaping mature crops
and select good planting materials for
spring planting.
December: Continue reaping; procure, Coffee Industry Board
treat and store planting materials for spring 1 Willie Henry Drive, Kingston 15
planting. 758-1259 / 758-2925 or www.ciboj.org

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light
- Aristotle Onassis
IRISH POTATO September: Continue spraying against

pests and diseases. Make preparation for
January: Control weeds, pests and dis- fall crop in Christiana area.
eases; in early January, complete fall plant- October: Start reaping summer crop;
ing in Guys Hill, Lucky Hill and Sherwood make preparations for fall crop.
Forest areas. Make preparations for plant- November: Begin planting fall crop
ing spring crop (major crop), in the Chris- (Darliston, Lucky Hill, Guys Hill, Sher-
tiana area. Start planting in Pike, Low wood Forest, Hounslow, Ridge Pen and
River and Cascade areas. Mountain Side).
February: Start planting spring crop December: Continue planting fall crop
(major crop), in Chris- (Darliston, Lucky Hill, Guys Hill, Sher-
tiana area; spray to con- wood Forest, Hounslow, Ridge Pen and
trol blight and Mountain Side.
insects. No
planting
PLANTING TIPS
should be
done in
the Guys Irish potatoes are not grown from seed
Hill area. like most other vegetables. Instead,
March: Com- pieces from the potato itself start new
plete most of your planting of spring crop plants.
in the Christiana area. Reap crops in Guys
Hill. Farmers should purchase good seed
April: Continue spraying every 7 days in potatoes that are free of disease and
normal weather and twice weekly if rains chemicals. Do not buy potatoes from a
persist. Start reaping fall crop (Guys Hill grocery store for planting.
area) make preparation for summer crop,
weed crop. Complete all planting of Chris- The seed potato contains buds or
tiana spring crop by the middle of the "eyes" which sprout and grow into
month. plants. The seed piece provides food for
May: Start reaping spring crop (Chris- the plant until it develops a root system.
tiana) - no planting for the Christiana area; Too small a seed piece produces a weak
continue spraying to control pests and early plant. Large seed potatoes for the spring
blight; begin preparation for summer crop crop should be cut into pieces that weigh
(South Manchester). about 1 1/2 to 2 ounces (about the size
June: Continue reaping spring crop, con- of a medium hen egg).
tinue preparations for summer crop; cease
spraying; prepare for temporary storage. Each seed piece must have at least one
July: Start planting summer crop (South good eye (see figure 4). Cut the seed 5
Manchester); complete reaping spring crop or 6 days before planting. Hold the cut
in Christiana and Darliston. seed in a well-ventilated spot so it can
August: Complete planting summer crop; heal over to prevent rotting when
spray to control pests and diseases. planted in cold, wet or very hot weather.

Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant
MANGO
- Robert Louis Stevenson
October: Continue planting; remove any

shoots growing from the rootstock; apply
January: Continue spraying with copper
10:10:10 fertilizer; spray with Lebaycid
fungicide or Benlate to control anthrac-
and Malathion to control fruit flies,
nose and mildew; spray with Malathion
mildew and anthracnose; consult your
or white oil to control scales, thrips and
Extension Officer.
aphids.
November: Spray with fungicide to con-
February: Spray with
trol mildew and Anthracnose.
contact and systemic
December: Spray to control anthrac-
insecticide. e.g.,
nose, mildew, scales, thrips etc; con-
Malathion to control
sult your Extension Officer.
fruit flies. Control
weeds as this will ensure
that there are limited resting
places for insects.
March: Continue spraying with
contact and systemic insecti-
cides to control fruit flies.
April: Continue spraying with systemic PLANTING TIPS
insecticides to control fruit flies. Mangoes are accustomed to hot and
May: Continue spraying to control fruit dry climates so plant in full sun and do
flies; fertilize with NPK e.g. 10:10:10 in not over water. A good rule is to water
the absence of definitive information con- a newly planted tree every three days
cerning soil type; fertilizer recommenda- for the first month, once a week for
tions should be on the basis of soil the next two months, and only during
analysis and preferably supported by leaf extended dry spells after that.
or tissue analysis.
June: Spray to control fruit flies and fer- Be careful of over watering while
tilize with NPK. fruit is developing as this can cause
July: Ensure that control measures are the fruit to burst.
still in place to discourage fruit flies and
Pruning is not recommended for am-
fertilize with 10:10:10.
ateurs and should only be done with
August: Make preparations for planting,
sterilized blades.
preferably after the first rains; plant com-
mercial varieties - Tommy Atkins, Keitt, Mango seeds do not produce the
St. Julian and East Indian. same quality fruit as the tree they orig-
September: Start planting, making sure inate from. If you eat a particularly
that plants are of good quality. flavorful mango, its seed will not pro-
duce the same delicious fruit. For this
reason, many mango trees are grafted.

Hope is a waking dream
- Aristotle
ONIONS &
May: Reap onions sown in November,
December (harvest mature bulbs; airdry
ESCELLIONS
in appropriate storage trays (mesh), then
store allowing for free movement of air).
January: Establish nurseries or sow di- June: Complete reaping fall crop; begin
rectly Texas Early Grano, Granex Hybrid, reaping onions sown in January and Feb-
thin out and transplant seedlings sown in ruary; properly dry bulbs before bagging.
November; control weeds, pests and dis- July: Continue reaping varieties; begin
eases; thin out transplant seedlings sown preparations for fall crop; plant where
in November, Texas Early water is available (Texas Early
Grano, New Mexico Yellow Grano, Granex Hybid, Red
Grano, particularly in areas Creole).
with irrigation. August: Continue land
February: Begin drying of preparation; harvest spring
mature onions sown in pre- crop; begin major planting
vious September (partially of fall varieties (Texas
those with bent tops and with- Early Grano, Granex Hybid,
hold water by late February; reap when Red Creole); apply preemergen herbi-
3/4 of field has dried down); prepare land cides e.g., TOK E-25 or Dacthal at time
and plant spring varieties, e.g. New Mex- of planting; ensure adequate water for
ico White and Yellow Grano, El Toro, seed germination and steady
Tropic Ace, Amber Express. growth.
March: Continue reaping, thoroughly September: Reap spring
sun dry to reduce moisture before bag- crop; continue sowing fall
ging and storing; begin spring plant- varieties; apply pre-emer-
ing of out-of-season spring gence herbicides, eg. TOK E-25
varieties e.g. New Mexico Yel- and Dacthal.
low, New Mexico Brown; October: Continue sowing all varieties;
thin out and transplant rigidly control weeds and pest.
seedlings sown in January November: Continue planting all fall va-
(above 2,000 ft. in elevation if irrigation rieties; ensure adequate moisture, espe-
is available): thin out generally where cially through germination and early
stand is thick; continue sowing spring va- stage of growth; control weeds, pests and
rieties. diseases.
April: Continue reaping, mature harvest December: Continue sowing fall vari-
sown in November; sun cure bulbs prop- eties; (ensure adequate water for germi-
erly before storing; continue planting nation and early growth; control weeds,
spring varieties. pests and diseases).

Change your thoughts and you change your world
- Norman Vincent Peale
SUGAR CANE
G ive your Plant Cane the right start by
using the correct machinery and imple-
ments to obtain good tillage.
Harrow and cross-harrow to a depth of 25-
30 cm (10-12). Keep cool by covering
with a layer of trash until required.
If soil is hard and dry, rip soil to a depth of Apply pre-emergent herbicide within 3
45 cm (18). Cross-rip if necessary. Harrow days after irrigation, or after planting and
the field afterwards to get soil to a fine keep the field free of weeds.
enough tilt. Planting dibbled 2-eye setts; Drop 5 to 8
Survey and level using land plane if nec- tc/ha of freshly cut seed cane on prepared
essary to improve irrigation and drainage. field site; keep cool by covering with a layer
of trash until required; Cut seed pieces with
Construct straight furrows to the recom-
2 nodes; approximately 25,000 tops should
mended row width of 1.52 m or 1.67 m (5'
plant one hectare.
or 5' 6") apart.
Insert at an angle with eyes facing up-
Use healthy seed cane of age 5-7 months,
wards, with aid of pick ax or mattock; Press
disease-resistant and varieties as recom-
soil against setts by stepping on overlying
mended by SIRI.
soil; apply first dosage of recommended fer-
Planting should be done immediately after tilizer.
furrowing to conserve soil moisture. Good
Supplying - Within 4 weeks of planting or
plant population is essential to obtaining
as soon as germination is over, fill gaps if
high cane yields. Use the recommended
they are more than 45 cm (18") wide to ob-
seed cane rate at planting, that is 7.5-10 t/ha
tain maximum stalk population.
(3-4 tc/ac) allowing for about 20% overlap-
ping. Where long canes are used, these Molding - Mold at 10-12 weeks for bank
should be slashed at 60 cm length (2'). formation after all fertilizers are applied.
Cover seed cane to a depth of 5-10 cm (2"-
Harvesting - The harvesting period for
4").
sugar cane in Jamaica normally extends
Apply fertilizer as recommended at plant- from November to June. Starting time
ing and/or at 6-8 weeks as top dressing. varies among factories from late November
Contact your SIRI Agronomist for recom- to early January. The best results are ob-
mendation on fertilizer usage. tained when harvesting activities are max-
imised around the peak sucrose period,
Where irrigation is practiced, irrigate im-
which is mid-February to mid-April.
mediately after planting, then at 7 days later.
Subsequent irrigation can be applied at 10- At harvesting, the aim is to maximise su-
14 day intervals until a 14-21 day cycle, can crose recovery by reducing losses caused by
be maintained. Always irrigate before apply- stale cane or actual loss of cane. Cane yield-
ing fertilizers. ing above 75 tc/ha and JRCS above 10.5
give best results. Continued on page 40
Happiness is not something you postpone for the future;
it is something you design for the present - Jim Rohn
PIMENTO ern parishes; use clippers (available from

Jamaica Pimento Growers Association)
January: Apply cultural practices such as
instead of breaking the branches to reap
keeping trees free of heavy undergrowth
berries; dry on clean barbecues.
and entangling vines; get rid of unneces-
July: Continue reaping of green, mature
sary trees to avoid overcrowding. If area
berries. Do not allow berries to get wet
is prone to rust disease, control by spray-
during the drying process; store safely in
ing with Dithane M 45 at a mixture of 2
crocus bags after drying. Get correct in-
tablespoons to 1 gallon of water (using
formation on price; current price
knapsack spray pan) or 2 pounds in 20 gal-
$15.50/lb.
lons water (with mist blower), add
August: Continue to harvest
sticker; control black ants by
crop by clipping; breaking
using diazinon, 2 table-
shocks the tree; offer for
spoons to 1 gallon water
sale clean, cured pimento
regularly on crocus bags
to authorized buyers.
tied around trunk of trees.
Avoid ripe berries.
February: Continue spray-
Improve field sanita-
ing with fungicide, Dithane
tion by spreading
M 45; young leaves are suscep-
discarded branches
tible; make preparations for
around trees or selling to
spring planting; control black
leaf-oil factories only during har-
ants.
vest time.
March: Trees begin to flower, in western
September: Plant new trees at recom-
parishes. Plant new trees using grafted
mended distances, 25' x 25'; circle weed
plants obtained from the Ministry of Agri-
and fertilize existing trees with 2.5 lb of
culture - weather permitting. Discontinue
recommended mixture after completion of
spraying for rust disease. Repeat treat-
reaping.
ment for black ants and make preparations
October: Complete planting and fertiliz-
for fertilizing.
ing; control vegetation and black ants.
April: Apply NPK fertilizer to existing
November: Ensure that proper cultural
trees; use 12:10:18 or 10:10:20; continue
practices are carried out by keeping grove
planting new plants. Trees flowering.
free of heavy bush, and by sawing off
May: Prepare barbecues and drying
dead and decaying branches; paint cut sur-
equipment and make preparations for
faces.
reaping. Most trees are in flowering stage.
December: Continue cultural practices.
June: Harvesting likely to begin in west-
Sugar Cane
Continued from page 39 Canes scheduled to be harvested in the
Start maturity testing at least 4 weeks prior early period of the crop, i.e. November to
to the commencement of harvesting; discon- January can be treated with chemical ripener
tinue irrigation practice about 4 weeks be- to enhance sucrose levels by spraying 4-5
fore scheduled reaping date to allow for weeks before the scheduled reaping date.
ripening.
(876) 967-5815 salesandtech@newportfersan.com
Info@newportfersan.com
(876) 948-3772
www.newportfersan.com
Newport-Fersan (Jamaica) Ltd, 2A / 2B Wherry Wharf Complex, Newport East, Kingston 15

Pasture (grass)
feeding for cattle
O ver the past year, the Jamaica
Dairy Development Board es-
tablished several hundred acres of
Pasture Management Tips
Pasture is the most abundant and
cheapest feed for cattle.
improved pasture grass on farms Well managed pastures can sup-
throughout the island. ply cattle with most of the
These grass varieties necessary nutrition and
include Mulato 11, energy.
Mombasa and Cay-
man Grass. By grazing lush
The grasses grassland, cattle
were established take in adequate
mainly across protein, energy, vi-
dairy clusters in tamins and miner-
St. Thomas, St. als (unless soils are
Catherine, Claren- very low in certain
don and St. Elizabeth important trace min-
Pasture grazing is erals).
the natural means of feed-
ing cattle. Cattle and other rumi- Quality of pasture depends on a
nants do well when fed quality number of factors, including:
forage. - Type of plants grown
Supplementation with grains - Level of maturity of
and minerals support increased plants at harvest
production of both meat and milk. - Adequate moisture
during growth
- Soil fertility
- Fertilization
For further information contact:

JAMAICA DAIRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD
Tel: (876) 618-7107 Fax (876) 977-9230
Email: dairyboard@micaf.gov.jm

Good dairy
farming practices
Animals that produce milk
need to be healthy and an Sick animals should be
effective health care attended to quickly
programme should and in an appropri-
be in place. ate way.
Choose breeds Keep sick ani-
and animals well mals isolated.
suited to the Separate milk
local environ- from sick ani-
ment and farm- mals and animals
ing system. under treatment.
Determine herd Use all chemicals
size and stocking rate and veterinary medi-
based on management cines as directed
skills, local conditions and the Use chemicals according to di-
availability of land, infrastruc- rections, calculate dosages care-
ture, feed, and other inputs fully and observe appropriate
Vaccinate all animals as rec- withholding periods
ommended or required by local Only use veterinary medicines
animal health authorities. as prescribed by veterinarians
Prevent entry of disease onto Milk should be harvested and
the farm. stored under hygienic condi-
Have an effective herd health tions. Equipment used to har-
management programme in vest and store milk should be
place. suitable and well maintained.
For further information contact:
JAMAICA DAIRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD
Tel: (876) 618-7107 Fax (876) 977-9230
Email: dairyboard@micaf.gov.jm


(35/!4!.%/!10%+** 3!.,.+,!.
/"!05#!.3$!*$* (%*#,.!,.%*#*
1/%*#$!)%(/!!,+10+".!$+"
$%( .!*!"!.0+,.+ 10%*/0.10%+*/"+.
+..!01/#!

Slight
Toxicity
Detia
Diatomaceous
Algae 100%
Organic!
CROP & LIVESTOCK

Always exercise
caution and
wear proper
INSECTICIDE
safety gear
when handling,
preparing and
using insecticides;
keep out of reach
of children. Refer to
Product Instructions
for correct usage.
Wettable Powder Insecticide;

novel mode of action that clings to
waxy exoskeleton of insects,
dehydrating them.
Active Ingredient: Silicon Dioxide
Controls insects including BLACK BEETLE,
White flies, Aphids, Thrips, Caterpillars, Mites
and Ants in crops such as Leaf Vegetables,
Cabbage, Cauliflower, Tomatoes, Peppers,
Onions, Eggplants, Carrots, Potatoes, Melon,
Cucumber, Ornamentals, Banana, Plantain,
Sugar Cane, Pasture, Mangoes, Fruit Trees,
Papaya, Pineapple, Citrus, Coffee and Cocoa.
Controls insects such as Weevils, and Grain
Moth in stored grains. Also controls Red
Poultry Mite, Darkling Beetles, Ants, Spiders,
Available at Hi-Pro Farm Supplies Scorpions, Centipedes, Cockroaches, Beetles,
and leading farm stores islandwide. Weevils and other crawling insects in
Telephone: 984-7918/619-1302 animal husbandry.

Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value.
Albert Einstein
ORNAMENTALS plant out seedlings, specimen plants; set

slips of all perennials; weed lawn and order
January: Spray with fungicide to control topsoil to refresh lawn surface; set croton
mildew; control slugs with metaldehyde slips to root in shallow water; pot off African
bait; prepare beds for annuals (asters, carna- violet plantlets set in January; take in, clean
tions, petunias, salvias, etc); sow seeds, fer- and store lily bulbs.
tilize spring flowering bulbs; procure May: Plant shrubs; reap and store lily bulbs
planting material and horticultural supplies, and dahlia tubers; control weeds, pests and
e.g. chemicals; propagate African violet diseases; check show diary for participation
from leaf cuttings; spray bouganvillea to dis- in nationwide events which are a valuable
courage chewing insects; propagate cane be- source of obtaining desired plants; divide
gonia from slips taken at mature joints, then chrysanthemum; make canna beds and dress
set where one wants to establish plants; heavily with household de-
make beds for annuals. bris, lawn rakings.
February: Plant cane June: This is the start
begonia, geranium, of the hurricane sea-
dahlia, gloxinia, cal- son which continues
adium. Prune orchids until November;
and African violets strengthen arbors, en-
for upcoming shows; as sure that walls and ter-
a precautionary measure spray races are secured against
with insecticides and fungicides against flooding; when hurricane warning is issued,
pests; turn mulch on annual beds; set annual reduce height of shrubs to ensure that they
seeds in beds or boxes; treat against insects are not overturned by wind; remove tree
attack; circumpose roses and other perenni- branches which threaten buildings; continue
als; remove faded blooms from chrysanthe- reaping lily bulbs and dahlia tubers; sow
mum to encourage prolonged bloom. seeds of summer annuals (e.g., bachelor's
March: Plant annuals on beds; prune and button, marigolds, zinnias, calendulas, petu-
manure roses according to varieties, cut nias); prepare beds for cannas; severely cut
overhangs from lilies and other bulbs; cut back
back euphorbias (including poinsettias); euphorbias; make compost using yellow
propagate shrubs; examine orchid show yams and continue reaping early crop.
prize lists and manicure entries; examine July: Plant cannas; ensure adequate water-
seedlings and circumposed shoots to deter- ing; control weeds, pests and diseases; apply
mine readiness for independent life; prepare mulch for moisture conservation and weed
deep, well-manured holes for receiving control; the midsummer sun dictates that
specimen plants; severely prune and fertilize frequent watering of plants commences;
roses; severely cut back poinsettia, snow-on- deeply saturate soils, do not sprinkle them;
the-mountain. lightly mulch to conserve moisture; make
April: Complete preparations for Flower beds for calosia, cock's comb and zinnia,
Show; severely prune bouganvilleas, alla- then sow seeds; cut back poinsettia, snow on
mandas, hibiscus, etc; remove spent flowers the mountain.
from annuals (to prolong flowering); apply Continued on page 50
fertilizer; train vines and all trailing plants;

There are two spiritual dangers in not owning a farm
Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac
ORNAMENTALS weed and mow lawn; repaint garden

furniture; prepare arrival garden; pre-
Continued from page 49
pare gift plants for charity shows and
August: Apply compost to flower beds; friends.
plant annuals; continue mulching to December: Improve general appear-
conserve moisture and control weeds; ance of your garden; review arrange-
heavily pruned June roses should be ments and planting and water
fertilized; prepare gerbera beds to re- conservation programmes; ensure tools
ceive divisions in October; beware of and equipment are in good working
chewing insects; spray them as soon as order; remove overhanging vegetation
they are detected; shade pot plants, top from poinsettia; clip faded flowers from
up with compost or animal manure; "tree chrysanthemums" to prolong
water orchids twice daily, fertilize once flowering; set dahlia tubers and store
per week. gladiolus corms.
September: Add compost to lawn,
spread evenly; give second pruning to
perennial shrubs, e.g., hibiscus, June
rose, Allamanda; fertilize; chrysanthe-
mums; plant bulbs (begonias, dahlias,
etc.); separate gerbera rootstock into
small plants and re-establish beds or
plant new beds; control pests and dis-
eases; begin preparing plants for fall
season shows; cut lawn clearly in ad-
vance of October rains; plant gladiolus
corms; make new rose beds.
October: Fertilize anthuriums with

highpotash mixture, eg., 5:10:20; inten-
Be Connected
sively cultivate chrysanthemums; prune
roses, fertilize, control weeds, pests and
with......
diseases; this is Jamaica's "second
agrilifefoundation.org
spring" when all gardening tasks are ac-
celerated; safely divide, transplant and
theagriculturalist.com
establish seedlings and cuttings; trans-
plant gerbera. Look out for Anthrac-
nose; spray with Antracol and Dithane.
tropicalfarmersalmamac.com
November: Continue cultivating
chrysanthemums; control weeds, pests
and diseases; trim hedges severely and

VEGETABLES
Cato The Elder
July: Continue pest, disease and weed

control; ensure spray and other equipment
January: Plant all vegetables - celery, are in good working condition; arrange for
onion, cauliflower, zucchini, string beans, fertilizers, seeds and chemical preparation
lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, tomato, carrot; for winter vegetables; make contact and
ensure adequate moisture; apply fungi- arrange markets (export and local).
cides and insecticides to protect your August: Complete planting summer veg-
crops. etables, e.g. pumpkin, cucumber, cabbage;
February: Plant sweet corn, onion, egg commence preparation for fall onions;
plant, cauliflower, broccoli, squash, string continue land preparation for winter veg-
beans, cabbage, tomato, sweet and hot etables; e.g. sweet pepper, sweet corn,
pepper, watermelon; ensure ade- cantaloupe, string beans, zucchini.
quate water, control weeds, September: Start planting win-
pests and diseases. Start ter vegetables; e.g. can-
Irish potato planting in taloupe, sweet pepper,
areas of Manchester zucchini; consult your
and Clarendon. extension officers on
March: Continue planting pest and disease con-
all vegetables e.g. sweet pepper (eg. Cal- trol, and soil conservation measures. Start
ifornia Wonder, Keystone Resistant vari- planting fall crop of onion; sweet corn and
ety); cauliflower, broccoli, pumpkin, scotch bonnet pepper, corn.
watermelon, cabbage (where water is October: Continue planting winter veg-
available), cantaloupe, sweet corn; plant etables; plant celery, cucumber, head-let-
head lettuce and celery (over 2,000 ft.); tuce, cabbage, beet; control weeds, pests
plant lettuce (Loose Leaf Mignonette) at and diseases; provide adequate drainage
lower elevations; plant spring onions; in heavy rainfall areas; increase spraying
spray to control pests and diseases.
cycle if rains persist.
April: Apply cultural practices to all veg-
November:Ensure proper field sanitation
etable crops; plant tomato; prepare fields
and disease, pest and weed control. Con-
for warm-season crops; e.g. hot pepper,
okra, sweet corn, pumpkin, cabbage; en- tinue planting vegetables; prepare lands in
sure proper field sanitation. Continue Guys Hill, and Carron Hall for Irish potato
planting spring onions. planting.
May: Ensure proper drainage; plant December: Ensure adequate drainage es-
warm-season crops; cucumber, pumpkin, pecially on heavy soils; consult your Ex-
egg plant, okra, watermelon. Plant M82 tension Officer; plant tomato (Late
and Roma tomato. Commence reaping Blight-resistant strains; start planting all
spring onions. winter vegetables such as cantaloupe,
June: Put in place measures to control sweet pepper, zucchini; control weeds.
pests and diseases; continue planting Complete planting of Irish potato in Guys
warm-season vegetables. Hill, Blackstonedge and Carron Hall
areas.

Agriculture, the only honest way, wherein man receives a real
increase of the seed thrown into the ground, Franklin Benjamin
YAM
M
March: Plant Negro yam, Lucea yam
and Sweet yam. Harvest -Tau yam, White
ost varieties of yam are seasonal yam, St. Vincent, Hard yam, Sweet yam
which means they must be planted and Yampie.
at a particular time and will sprout natu- April: Plant Tau yam, White yam, St.
rally only in special months. Yellow yam Vincent, Hard Yam, Sweet yam and
and Negro yam are less seasonal than the Yampie. Harvest -White yam,
others. Hard yam, St Vincent and
December: Plant - Negro White yam.
yam and Lucea yam. Har- May-June: (May is yam,
vest Negro yam, spelt backways, the
Lucea yam, Tau main season for planting
yam, White yam, St yam). Plant - Renta yam,
Vincent and Sweet Sweet yam, Yampie, Hard
yam. yam, St Vincent yam,
January: Plant Negro yam and Lucea White yam, and Tau yam. Harvest -Renta,
yam. Harvest - Tau yam, St. Vincent yam, Tau yam.
Hard yam, Renta and Sweet yam. July-November: Harvest Negro yam and
February: Plant Negro yam, Lucea yam. Lucea yam. Yellow yam can be planted all
Harvest - Tau yam, St. Vincent, Hard year round depending on rainfall.
yam, Renta yam and Yampie.
Growing Callaloo
O riginating as a backyard garden crop
callaloo is an important non-tradi-
tional export crop commodity earning in
excess of US$2 million annually. The ed-
ible parts of the plant are low in saturated
fats and contain beneficial nutrients such
as protein, lysine and fiber. Viable seeds for planting, which can be
purchased at farm stores islandwide, are
SITE SELECTION sown in the beds and cover with about 1/4
Callaloo will grow well on most soils inch of soil either near the planting site or
as long as there is adequate supply of on some other plot of land. The seedbed
water, free drainage, rich in organic mat- may be covered with a mesh material that
ter, and with maximum exposure to sun- allows at least 70 per cent of light pene-
light. tration. This barrier will help to keep
Soil should be ploughed to a depth major pest from attacking the seedlings.
of 15-20 cm and make into bed. Continued on page 53
The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and
perfection of human beings Masanobu Fukuoka, The One-Straw Revolution
Callaloo HARVESTING
The crop is ready for harvest 3-4 weeks
Continued from page 52 after transplanting and should be harvest
once per week. Shoot should be cut before
TRANSPLANTING they develop bark tissue and seeds. Esti-
The best time for transplanting the young, mated yields range from 642.7-734.1
but hardened, callaloo plants is during the kg/hectare (3,500-4,000 lbs./acre) per week
cooler times of the day, late evening at peak production. Current market price
(preferably) or early morning. Seedlings J$40/kg ($80 per lb.).
are replanted into pre-prepared beds into A crop may last 6-8 months depend-
which organic manure is incorporated. The ing on the field conditions such as weather
recommended planting distance is 30 cm and pest and disease pressure. Callaloo
within rows and 45 cm between should be reaped during the cooler period
rows. of the day and harvested stalks should be
Callaloo responds well to both organic kept in a shaded area to retard wilting.
(animal manure) and inorganic fertilisers
(commercial fertiliser). Organic fertiliser
also includes broken down materials from
compost and is more environmentally
friendly than the inorganic type. Although
a fairly lucrative crop, callaloo is plagued
by many leaf eating pests (caterpillars,
worms) that adversely affect yield and mar-
ketability.
PESTS
Calver t y Farm
The pest, especially caterpillars, can reduce
yield by as much as 100 per cent in
S tore & H ar dwa r e

high infestation, consequently, farmers rely
heavily upon chemical pesticides to reduce
crop damage. The frequent use of pesti-
cides has led pest to develop resistant to
Good People, Good Product
popular pesticides, which adds to the level
Farm tools and equipment
of environmental contamination.
Fertilizers Seeds
WEEDING Animal Feeds Pesticides
Fields should be manually weeded to con- A wide range of hardware supplies
-----------------------------------------------
trol weed, as weed-killing herbicides will 27 Cumberland Road,
burn the callaloo plant. Note that timely re- Spanish Town, St. Catherine
moval of weeds can reduce pest and dis-
997-4900
richardsjuliet1966@gmail.com
ease incidence.

The soil is the great connector of lives, the source and destination of all
Wendell Berry, The Unsettling of America: Culture and Agriculture
WHAT & WHEN TO PLANT

JANUARY Cabbage - can be grown year-round with irriga-
tion and rigid pest control.
Beetroot - does best during the cool months (Sep-
Carrot - can be grown year-round if water is
tember to January) it can be grown year-round at
available with good disease control.
high elevations or on lowlands with irrigation.
Cauliflower- can be grown year round.
Cabbage - does best during the cool months
Celery - does best at high elevations.
(September to January); can be grown year-round
Cucumber - grown year-round.
with irrigation and rigid pest control.
Escellion - grown year-round.
Carrot - can be grown year-round if water is
Okra - grown year round at low elevations, hot
available and with proper disease control; does
months in high areas.
best in cool months.
Pumpkin - grown year-round.
Cauliflower - can be grown year-round; does
String Beans - grown year-round, although it
best in cool months.
does best during cool seasons.
Celery - does best at high elevations in a cool cli-
Tomato - grown year-round with irrigation.
mate; can be grown at lower elevations during
Thyme - grown year-round.
the cool months (September to January).
Watermelon - September to April.
Zucchini- Grown year-round.
MARCH
Escellion - grown year-round.
Hot Pepper - grown year -round
Egg Plant - grown year-round. Beetroot - can be grown at high elevations year-
Lettuce - grown year-round during cool months round or on lowlands with irrigation.
and with good water supply (Sept to January) Cabbage - can be grown year-round with irriga-
Okra - grown year-round at low elevations; hot tion and rigid pest control.
months in high areas. Carrot -grown year-round if water is available.
Pumpkin - grown year-round. Celery- does best at high elevations and in cool
Radish - does best at high elevations during the climate.
cool months. Cantaloupe- September to April.
Sweet Pepper - does best during the cool months Cucumber- can be grown year-round.
at high elevations. Egg Plant- can be grown year-round.
String Beans - grown year-round, although it Escellion- can be grown year-round.
does best during cool season. Lettuce- can be grown year-round.
Thyme - grown year-round Okra- grown year-round at low elevations, hot
Tomato - grown year-round with irrigation, al- months in high areas.
though older varieties such as Oxheart are not Onion - March to April
very heat-resistant. Pumpkin- grown year-round.
Turnip - cool climate essential and thus grows String Beans- grown year-round.
best at high elevations. Tomato- grown year-round with irrigation, al-
Watermelon - September to April. though older varieties such as Oxheart are not very
Zucchini- can be grown year-round. heat-resistant.
FEBRUARY Watermelon - September to April.
Zucchini- can be grown year-round.
Beetroot - can be grown year-round at high ele-
vations or on lowlands with irrigation.

Farming is a profession of hope
Brian Brett

APRIL JUNE
Beetroot - can be grown year-round at high ele- Beetroot - can be grown year-round at high ele-
vations or on lowlands with irrigation. vations or on lowlands with irrigation.
Cabbage - can be grown year-round with irriga- Cabbage - can be grown year-round with irriga-
tion. tion and good pest control.
Carrot - can be grown year-round, though it does Carrot - plant at elevations above 1,000 ft.
best in cool months. Cauliflower - can be grown year-round with
Cauliflower - can be grown year-round. proper pest management.
Cantaloupe - September to April. Cucumber - grown year-round.
Cucumber - can be grown year-round. Egg Plant - grown year-round.
Egg Plant - can be grown year-round. Escellion- can be grown year-round.
Escellion- can be grown year-round. Okra - grown year-round at low elevations.
Lettuce - can be grown year-round. Grown in high areas during hot months .
Okra - grown year-round at low elevations, hot Pumpkin - grown year-round.
months in high areas. String Beans - grown year-round at high eleva-
Pumpkin - grown year-round. tions.
Onions - March to April. Tomato - grown year-round with irrigation and
String Beans - grown year-round, although it good pest control. Older varieties such as Ox-
does best in the cool season. heart are not very heat-resistant.
JULY
Tomato - grown year round, with irrigation.
Zucchini- grown year-round. Beetroot - can be grown year-round at high ele-
MAY
vations or on lowlands with irrigation.
Cabbage - can be grown year-round with irriga-
Beet Root- can be grown year-round at high ele- tion and proper pest control.
vations or on lowlands with irrigation. Carrot - can be grown year-round, although it
Cabbage - can be grown year-round with irriga- does best in cool months.
tion and rigid pest control. Cauliflower - can be grown year-round, although
Carrot - can be grown year-round, although it it does best in cool months.
does best in cool months. Cucumber - grown year-round.
Cauliflower - can be grown year-round, although Egg Plant - grown year-round.
it does best in cool months. Lettuce - grown year-round.
Cucumber - can be grown year-round. Escellion - can be grown year-round.
Egg Plant - grown year-round. Okra - grown year-round at low elevations,
Escellion- can be grown year-round. grown in high areas during hot months.
Okra - grown year-round at low elevations, Pumpkin - grown year-round.
grown in high areas during hot months. Sorrel - planted to be reaped in December to Jan-
Pumpkin - grown year-round. uary.
String Beans - grown year-round, although it String Beans - grown year-round although it
does best during cool seasons. grows best during cool season or where eleva-
Tomato - grown year-round with irrigation. tions are high .
Give fools their gold, and knaves their power; let fortune's bubbles rise and fall; who sows
a field, or trains a flower, or plants a tree, is more than all Whittier, John Greenleaf
AUGUST Escellion- can be grown year-round.

Lettuce - grown year-round, but especially in
Beetroot - can be grown at high elevations all cool months (September to January).
year-round or on lowlands with irrigation. Okra - grown year-round at low elevations,
Cabbage - can be grown year-round with irriga- grown in high areas during hot months.
tion and good pest management. Onions - August to December.
Carrot - can be grown year-round , but does best Pumpkin - grown all year-round.
in cool months. Radish - does best during the cool months at high
Cauliflower - can be grown year-round, but does elevations.
best in cool months. Sweet Pepper - does best during the cool months
Cucumber - grown year-round. at high elevations.
Egg Plant - grown all year-round. String Beans - may be planted year-round, but
Escellion- can be grown year-round. does best during the cool season (September to
Lettuce - grown all year in high elevations. January).
Okra - grown year-round at low elevations, Tomato - may be planted year-round with irriga-
grown in high areas during hot months. tion where necessary, requires efficient pest man-
Onions - August to December. agement.
Pumpkin - grown year-round. Turnip - cool climate essential and thus turnips
String Beans - grown year-round, although it grow best at high elevations.
grows best during cool season or where eleva- Watermelon - September to April.
tions are high . Zucchini - begin planting.
OCTOBER
SEPTEMBER Beetroot - does best during cool months of Sep-
tember to January or on lowlands with irrigation.
Beetroot - does best during the cool months (Sep-
Cabbage - does best during the cool months.
tember to January) or on lowlands with irriga-
Cauliflower - does best during the cool months.
tion.
Cantaloupe - September to April.
Cabbage - does best during the cool months
Carrot - does best during the cool months.
(September to January); good pest management
essential.
mate; can be grown at low elevations during the
Carrot - does best during the cool months (Sep-
cool months (September to January).
tember to January).
Egg Plant - grown year-round.
Cauliflower - does best during the cool months.
Escellion- can be grown year-round.
(September to January).
Lettuce - grown year-round, especially in cool months
(September to January).
mate; can be grown at lower elevations during
Okra - grown year-round at low elevations, hot months
the cool months. (September to January).
in high areas.
Onion - August to December.

Life on a farm is a school of patience; you can't hurry the crops or make an ox in two days
Alain, Henri

Tomato - grown year-round.
Radish - does best during the cool months at high ele- Turnip - cool climate essential, turnip grows best at
vations. high elevations.
Sweet Pepper - does best during the cool months at Watermelon - September to April.
high elevations. Zucchini- can be grown year-round.
String Beans - grown year-round, but does best during
DECEMBER
cool season (September to January).
Tomato - grown year-round with irrigation where nec-
essary. Beetroot - does best during the cool months (September
Turnip - cool climate essential and thus turnips grow to January) or on lowlands with irrigation.
best at high elevations. Cabbage - does best during the cool months (Septem-
Watermelon - September to April. ber to January).
Zucchini - September to April. Carrot - can be grown year-round, but does best in cool
NOVEMBER
months with a good disease control programme.
Cauliflower - can be grown year-round, but does best
in the cool months.
Beet root- does best during the cool months (September
to January); can be grown at high elevations year-round
Celery - does best at high elevations in a cool climate;
or on lowlands with irrigation.
can be grown at lower elevations during the cool
Cabbage - does best during the cool months (Septem-
months (September to January).
ber to January); can be grown year-round with irriga-
tion and good pest control.
Carrot - can be grown year-round, but does best in cool
months with a good disease control programme.
Lettuce - grown year-round.
Cauliflower- does best in the cool months.
Okra - grown year-round.
Celery - does best at high elevations in a cool climate;
can be grown at lower elevations during the cool
months (September to January).
Radish - does best during the cool months at high ele-
Cucumber - grown all year round.
vations.
Egg Plant - grown year-round, especially in the cool
Sweet Pepper - does best during the cool months at
months.
high elevations.
String Beans - grown year-round, but does best during
Okra - grown year-round at low elevations, hot months
the cool season.
in high areas.
Tomato - grown year-round.
Turnip - cool climate essential, turnips grow
best at high elevations.
Radish - does best during the cool months at high ele-
vations.
Zucchini- can be grown year-round.
Sweet Pepper - does best during the cool season at high
elevations.
String Beans - grown year-round, but does best dur-
ing cool season.

Whether the farmer ever digs for it or not, it is there, haunting his daydreams
when the burden of debt is most unbearable Brodie, Fawn M.
FERTILIZER GUIDE
P roper nutrition is essential for satisfac-

tory crop growth and production. The
use of soil tests can help to determine the
3. PNMS is developed to address all short-
falls in the soil and water as well as other is-
sues that may impact the effectiveness of the
status of plant available nutrients to develop system such as ph. PNMS may include cus-
fertilizer recommendations to achieve opti- tom blends.
mum crop production. 4. PNMS is presented to the customer for
Precise Nutrient Management discussion and implementation.
(PNMS) is Newport-Fersan (Ja- 5. The customer then makes the prod-
maica) Limiteds unique fertilizer uct purchase
programme that we offer to our 6. If a custom blend is required,
farmers. once an order is received, the Plant
It involves the process of ana- produces this custom blend (mini-
lyzing the soil, and based on the de- mum order of 5 bags is required for
ficiencies we see in the soil, we will each blend) within 3 days once raw
then make a fertilizer recommendation material is available.
specific to the farmers needs which will 7. System is implemented and monitored.
contain all the nutrients the crop will need The monitoring is also assisted by the results
for growth and development. of tissue analysis at key stages of plant de-
These are the steps involved in the development.
velopment of each system: 8. The following benefits can be realized:
1. Meet with customer to find out about cur- a. Improved crop yields
rent or intended cropping system and yield b. Probable reduction in fertilizer costs
goal for crop. c. Increase nutrient use efficiency
2. Conduct soil analyses for macro and mi- d. Reduction in pollution from field runoff
croelements as well as pH etc.; In hydro-
ponic systems, the water is sampled and Submitted by
analyzed. Irrigation water is also analyzed Charmaine Mendez Blackford
when possible. Technical Manager, Newport-Fersan (Ja) Ltd
Cato The Elder
O
ORGANIC FERTILIZER GUIDE
rganic fertilizers are materials derived from animal matter, human excreta or veg-
etable matter. (e.g. compost, manure). Naturally occurring organic fertilizers in-
clude animal wastes from meat processing, peat, manure, slurry, and guano. Organic
chemicals have Carbon integral to their structure.
The nutrient value of different organic matter in selective Organic Fertilizers.
Some of these values are tabulated below:
Organic Matter %N %P %K Availability of Nutrients
Alfa Alfa Hay 2-3 0.5-1 1-2 Medium

Bone Meal 1 11 0 Slow
Cottonseed Meal 6 3 1 Slow
Compost 1.5 0.5 1 Slow
Dried Blood 12 1.5 0.5 Rapid
Feather Meal 12 0 0 Medium
Fish Meal 10 4 0 Slow
Grass Clippings 1-2 0-0.5 1-2 Medium
Horn Meal 12-14 1.5-2 0 Medium
Leaves 1 0-0.5 0-0.5 Slow
Legumes 2-4 0-0.5 2-3 Medium
Cow Manure 0.25 0.15 0.25 Medium
Horse Manure 0.3 0.15 0.5 Medium
Sheep Manure 0.6 0.33 0.75 Medium
Swine Manure 0.3 0.3 0.3 Medium
Pine Needles Manure 0.5 0 1 Slow
Poultry Manure 2 2 1 Rapid
Saw Dust Manure 0-1 0-0.5 0-1 Slow
Sewage Manure 2-6 1-4 0-1 Moderate
Seaweed Manure 1 2 5 Rapid
Straw Manure 0-0.5 0-0.5 1 Slow
Wood Ashes 0 1-2 3-7 Rapid
Get your copy of
www.theagriculturalist.com 923-7471
Like a gardener I believe what goes down must come up
Fertilizer Application Guide

Giacomini, Lynwood L.
Avocado - 181 kg/ha or 454, 907, 1361 gm/1,2, 3 yr-old trees of 18-18-18 + 16-5-19.
Ackee - 457 gm/tree 18-18; increase dosage by 50 %after first year.
Arrowroot - 1009 kg/ha 18-9-18; after crop is established.
Beans, Bush - 280 kg/ha18-18-18 at planting + 134 kg/ha Sul. Am. sidedressed at 4 weeks.
Beans, Pole - 280 kg/ha18-18-18 at planting + 112 kg/ha Sul. Am. sidedressed at 4 weeks.
Beans, Lima - 280 kg/ha18-18-18 at planting + 112 kg/ha Sul. Am. sidedressed at 4 weeks.
Beets - 448 kg/ha 8-21-32 + 336 kg/ha Sul. Am. at mid-growth.
Broccoli - 616 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 560 kg/ha Sul. Am
Breadfruit - 457 gm/tree 18-18-18 or 13-11-19; increase to 2.269 kg/ tree at 10 yrs.
Banana/Plantain - 1089 kg/ha 15-5-35 or 1361 kg/ha 12-4-28 + MgO
Bell & Sweet Pepper - 617 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 168 kg/ha Sul. Am. as supplemental.
Corn (field)-560 kg/ha 18-18-18 + 168 kg/ha Sul. Am.or 448 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 336 kg/ha Sul. Am.
Corn (Sweet) - 560 kg/ha 18-18-18 + 168 kg/ha Sul. Am.or 448 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 336 kg/ha Sul. Am.
Cucumbers - 448 kg/ha 20-10-10
Coco - 448 kg/ha + 112 kg/ha. Sul. Am; In 2 split applications.
Cassava - 889 kg/ha8-21-32 + 448 kg/ha; sidedressed in 1 application.
Coconut - 2.27 kg 12-4-28/ tree per year in 2 split
Cocoa - 560 kg/ha 13-11-19 + 168 kg/ha mur potash + 112 kg/ha Sul. Am.
Coffee 14-28-14 or 11-22-22 as a starter -- 0.91 kg/ha; Urea or Sul for growing trees per tree per year.
Citrus - 454 gm 16-9-18 per tree; in 3 split applications.
Callaloo - 616 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 168 kg/ha Sul. Am or Urea. Or 448 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 336 kg/ha.
Cabbage - 785 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 112 kg/ha Sul. Am
Cantaloupe - 448 kg/ha 20-10-10
Carrots - 168 kg/ha 8-21-32 + 168 kg/ha Sul. Am
Cauliflower - 617 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 561 kg/ha Sul. Am
Celery - 617 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 561 kg/ha Sul. Am
Dasheen - 448 kg/ha + 112 kg/ha. 17-0-17 or 17-0-23; at 4 months.
Egg Plant - 673 kg/ha 20-10-10
Ginger - 336 kg/ha 11-22-22; plus organic matter after crop is established.
Guava - 457 gm/tree 18-18-18 or 13-11-19; increase to 0.907 kg/ tree at 5 yrs.
Garlic - 448 kg/ha 8-21-32 + 224 kg/ha Sul. Am.
Grapes - 624 gm of 18-9-18 per tree per year; after yr. 1 increase by 50%
Grass
-Bermuda Bahan - 1794 kg/ha 16-5-19 + 90 kg/ha mur potash + 785 kg/ha Sul.
-Napier, Guinea - 1794 kg/ha 16-5-19 + 90 kg/ha mur potash + 785 kg/ha Sul.
-King, Guatemala; Trailing Grasses; Star, Pangola, etc. - 617 kg/ha 16-5-19 + 560 kg/ha Sul. Am.
Indian Kale - 616 kg/ha 18-18-18 + 168 kg/ha Sul. Am. or 448 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 336 kg/ha.
Irish Potatoes - 1289 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 224 kg/ha Sul. Am; in 1 application.
Lettuce (head/leaf) - 616 kg/ha 18-18-18 + 168 kg/ha Sul. Am. or 448 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 336 kg/ha.
Mustard - 785 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 561 kg/ha Sul. Am.
Continued on page 61
The first farmer was the first man. All historic nobility rests on the possession and use of land
Emerson, Ralph Waldo
Posing with Fersan

fertilizer (l-r) Gusland
McCook, acting director
general, Coffee Industry
Board; Dennis Valdez,
managing director,
Newport-Fersan
(Jamaica) Limited
and Wayne Reid,
RADA.
Fertilizer Application Guide

Continued from page 60
Mango - 202 kg per tree of 18-18-18.

Naseberry - 457 gm/tree 18-18-18 or 13-11-19; increase to 1.361 kg/tree at 10 yrs.
Okra - 561 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 561 kg/ha Sul. Am.
Onions - 561 kg/ha 18-18-18.
Pak Choi - 617 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 561 kg/ha Sul. Am.
Pumpkin - 617 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 168 kg/ha Sul. Am. as supplemental.
Pineapple - 613 kg/ha23-10-20 or 862 kg/ha 16-5-19 or 885 kg/ha 16-9-18.
Ot. Apple - 457 gm/tree 18-18-18 or 13-11-19; increase to 1.361 kg/ tree at 5 yrs.
Papaya - 624 gm of 18-9-18 per tree per year; after 1 yr increase by 50%.
Pimento - 457 gm/tree 18-18-18 or 13-11-19; increase to 2.269 kg/ tree at 10 yrs.
Peanuts - 336 kg/ha 11-22-22; plow before planting seeds.
Passion Fruit - 457 gm/tree 18-18-18 or 13-11-19; increase to 457 kg/ tree at 1 yr.
Peas - (all varieties) 336 kg/ha 18-18-18.
Pepper - 673 kg/ha 16-9-18 plus Sulphate.
Hot Peppers are being successfully grown with 16:9:18 plus Sulphate
Rice - 392 kg/ha 16-9-18; broadcast 20 & 50 days after transplanting.
Radish - 617 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 168 kg/ha Sul. Am.
Sorghum - 560 kg/ha 18-18-18 + 168 kg/ha Sul. Am. or 448 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 336 kg/ha Sul. Am.
Sugarcane - 987 kg/ha 16-9-19 or 785 kg/ha Sul. Am; in 2 applications.
Sweet Potatoes - 336 kg/ha 18-18-18 + 112 kg/ha Sul; Potash sidedressed.
Spinach - 785 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 224 kg/ha Sul. Am.
Squash - 617 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 168 kg/ha Sul. Am.
Tobacco - 448 kg/ha 8-21-32 & 112 kg/ha Sul. Am.
Tomatoes - 448 kg/ha 8-21-32 + 561 kg/ha Sul. Am.
Turnip - 785 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 672 kg/ha Sul. Am. as supplemental.
Watermelon - 617 kg/ha 11-22-22 + 168 kg/ha Sul. Am. as supplemental.
Yams - 392 kg/ha 11-22-22; in 3 split applications.

When tillage begins, other arts follow. The farmers, therefore,
are the founders of human civilization Daniel Webster
FARMERS GUIDE - LIVESTOCK

BEEKEEPING production, calmness of bees when being
worked, and the absence of diseases. Mark
January: Register all apiaries with the Di- hives to be re-queened.
rector of Plant Protection, Bodles Research July: Continue checking for brood diseases
Station, Old Harbour. Add extra combs and and report anything unusual; ensure that the
frames of comb foundation to hives as re- honey stored in the hives is accessible to the
quired. Increase size of hive entrances for bees. Feed weak hives; unite any which
better ventilation. may be too weak to survive by themselves,
February: Continue adding extra combs despite feeding. Remove and store surplus
and frames of comb foundation or supers to combs from unoccupied supers. Render
hives as required. If queen excluders old, dark, broken and otherwise
are used, install them where necessary. undesirable combs into wax blocks.
Prepare equipment for harvesting: August: Continue July activities.
honey extractor, uncapping knife, September: Continue July and Au-
strainers and containers for stor- gust activities. Repair and repaint
age. old equipment as required. Pur-
March: Extract honey, if ripe. chase/order new equipment as re-
Begin marking high-producing quired.
hives from which to rear queens for October: Continue checking for brood
replacement and increase. diseases and report anything unusual. Feed
April: Continue honey extraction, continue bees where necessary, especially in rainy
marking high-producing hives. Start rear- areas if honey stores have run out. If con-
ing queens for May increase, using surplus ditions allow, start rearing replacement
bees from the end of the crop. Rear queens queens for the next season from the best
only from the most productive hives with hives which were identified in June. Store
calm temperament. Remove any frames of mated queens in nucleus boxes which are
comb foundation which the bees have not well-supplied with honey, or together in
drawn into combs. hives, caged or separated by queen exclud-
May: Extract honey if practicable, ensur- ers.
ing that enough is left on the hives for the November: Replace queens in hives which
dearth period. Remove queen excluders were marked in June. Make increases by
and apply other measures to reduce conges- adding combs and/or foundations to nu-
tion, increase ventilation and prevent cleus boxes with young queens. Check the
swarming. If increases are made, ensure laying performance of queens and replace
adequacy of honey and pollen reserves. undesirables with young queens from stor-
June: Check brood nests for diseases; in- age.
form the Director of Plant Protection, Bo- December: Continue replacing inferior
dles Research Station, Old Harbour, queens. Increase hive capacity by adding
promptly about any unusual conditions extra combs and foundations, or supers, as
which suggest that the bees are sick. De- required. Ensure that the stock of equip-
termine which hives are the best for selec- ment is adequate for the coming season.
tion of breeding stock based on high honey

Give fools their gold, and knaves their power; let fortune's bubbles rise and fall; who
sows a field, or trains a flower, or plants a tree, is more than all Whittier, John Greenleaf
CATTLE & PASTURE July: Supplement pasture with hay and/or

silage to maintain animals in good condition
January: Identify each animal in the herd and steady production; control parasites;
(tattoo, earmarks or brand); maintain proper maintain spraying and deworming cycles;
system of recording. Consult veterinarian maintain a high level of sanitation; remove
as to proper breeding and record system, and manure from around milking areas to con-
the implementation of a proper deworming trol flies; intensify preparation of animals
and external parasite control programme - for the agricultural show.
preferably on a planned basis. August: Exhibit animals at the agricultural
February: Observe cows and heifers in show - take adequate feed to maintain them
early morning and late afternoon to detect over three (3) days; improve roadways and
heat and have them bred; ensure adequate lanes to milking parlours; continue feeding
supply of clean drinking water and balanced hay and silage; pro-
diet, where irrigation is available. vide mineral licks for
March: Pregnancy test cows and heifers animals; vaccinate
(consult veterinarian); continue feeding hay calves against blackleg
and/or silage when pastures are low; have before
calves vaccinated against black-leg before September
the rains begin, (especially in the St. Eliza- r a i n s ;
beth area); start preparing animals for Den- clean all
bigh Show; protect cows in milk production drains.
and subsequently revenue. September: Renovate and fertilize pas-
April: Renovate old pastures and plant new tures; continue routine control of parasites;
ones where practicable; clean drains before maintain adequate supply of clean drinking
May rains. Conserve feed (fodder) where water. Project cows milk production and
possible e.g., silage; control parasites - subsequently revenue.
maintain spraying and de-worming cycle. October: Continue renovation of pastures.
May: Continue to conserve feed for use in Observe cows and heifers daily for signs of
dry months, make silage where practicable; heat and call your Inseminator early; main-
stump and renovate pastures; improve road- tain records (service, productions, finan-
ways and lanes to milking sheds; Fertilize cial).
pastures after the May rains. November: Fertilize and prepare pasture
June: Continue fodder conservation for dry for dry season; maintain spraying cycle;
months - make hay if weather conditions check animals for foot rot and test for fertil-
permit; also complete fertilization after the ity, cull as records show; consult veterinar-
May rains; run a complete integrity test on ian.
dairy equipment; check cows and heifers for December: Update all records (farm and fi-
fertility - consult your veterinarian. Project nancial) budget capital and recurrent; eval-
cows milk production and subsequently uate and cull herd (make use of records);
revenue. California Mastitis Test (CMT) for inspect cows for mastitis and treat if neces-
all milking animals can be done once yearly, sary - use CMT; evaluate dairymen's per-
but for large farms where there are few formance- change personnel according to
budgetary constraints, it can be done twice appraisal; run a complete integrity test on
annually. dairy equipment.

A good farmer is nothing more nor less than a handy man with a sense of humus
White, Elwyn Brooks
POULTRY handling of the flock;

abrupt change of feed
January: Consult your vet on a vacc-ination or water; over-crowd-
programme for the chickens; purchase day-old ing; and thin litter.
chickens from hatcheries which vaccinate the Monitor chicken house
chickens against Newcastle disease, infectious temperature.
bronchitis and Mareks disease; debeak layer August: Debeak pullets
chickens. to avoid pecking; avoid
February: To prevent the spread of disease and over-crowding; ensure
injury to birds, employ a rigid sanitation pro- even distribution of
gramme and common sense in handling the feed and water. Monitor
birds. Ensure adequate feeding, watering and chicken house temperature.
good sanitation. September: Ensure that broiler houses are in
March: Vaccinate against fowl pox at 2-3 good condition to accommodate day-old chicks
weeks with pigeon pox vaccine, and at 10-12 in October; consult the Marketing Division of
weeks with fowl pox vaccine. the Ministry of Agriculture on the market situ-
April: Inspect all records and cull poor per- ation for broiler meat for the end of the year;
formers; maintain proper sanitation; avoid cull weak, diseased, poor performers in the
chilling or over-heating in transporting chick- layer flock.
ens from hatchery to farm. October: Buy day-old broiler chickens to meet
May: Buy day-old layer chicks to meet Christ- Christmas market; chickens should be free of
mas egg market; review vaccination pro- twisted beaks or malformed legs; ensure chicks
gramme; ensure adequate feed and water, are vaccinated against common diseases; con-
investigate any high mortality and contact your sult your vet.
veterinarian. November: Ensure proper sanitation; pay strict
June: Ensure adequate lighting and good san- attention to disease control; ensure foot baths
itation; day-old chicks must be vaccinated are working; burn or bury all dead birds.
against Mareks disease before purchase; en- December: Start to set eggs for hatching early
sure proper record-keeping of the chickens ac- in the new year; maintain proper sanitation; en-
tivities. sure that laying boxes or cages are in good con-
July: Avoid the following conditions that might dition.
cause stress in the flock; excessive moving or
Tip - Chicken House

Chicken houses must provide shelter and protection for the birds
that will live in them, an example is rat proofing. Chicken house
must also be hygienicfeaturing changeable flooring (like sawdust,
woodchips or sand), ventilation and room for humans to clean.
Chicken house must also provide warmth through insulation, heat
lamps, or extra bedding and nesting material for layers.

A friendly study of the world's religions is a sacred duty
John Fischer
Brooding Management
A
The First Two Weeks Of Life
s baby chicks are unable to control Correct temp-
their internal temperature for the first Optimal
10 days of life, you have to keep them warm situation:
just like a mother hen would by brooding. Chicks sound
Brooding is an essential practice in contented and
raising broilers and is the basis for achieving are evenly
good results. Often in small scale farming, distributed
heat lamps are used along with curtains or around the
cardboard to prevent cold drafts of air from brooder
blowing through the chicken house.
The chicks position relative to the heat The way you should position the
source is an important indicator of comfort. brooder depends on its heat output and the
Chicks are best observed at night as a guide insulation of the house.
to establishing whether they are comfortable Where heat bulbs are used for brood-
or not. ing, at least 400 watts is effective in satisfy-
Comfort can be ing the heat requirement of 1,000 birds.
verified as follows: A brooding ring- a small area, within
the house, that can comfortably accommo-
Too cold- date the baby chicks should be enclosed to
Temperature too concentrate heat in the brooding area.
low: Chicks will Brooding rings can be constructed of wire
huddle under the and covered with paper.
brooder Whatever the brooding system, the de-
sirable temperature should be maintained at
35C (95F) throughout the first week re-
Too hot- gardless of outdoor temperature.
Temperature too The brooding temperature should be
high: Chicks move reduced by 5F each week until the ambient
away from heat house temperature of 82-85 is reached.
source and group Brooder height should be adjusted accord-
near the sides of ing to the birds need with the aim of main-
the house taining an ideal environment.
The ideal environment means:
- Free of draft
Drafty- - Adequate spacing
Cold Air Currents: - Correct temperature
Chicks will huddle - Enough feeders and waterers
in one area to
avoid draft Courtesy of
Jamaica Broilers Group Limited

A good man is not a perfect man; a good man is an honest man, faithful, and
unhesitatingly responsive to the voice of God in his life Joseph Fort Newton
PIGS mals; continue preparation of animals

for agricultural show.
January: Ensure proper housing and August: Continue farrowing; present
breeding facilities are in place; secure animals at the agricultural show; reduce
breeding stock and reliable marketing breeding to match slow market period
outlet for pigs. (April-July 2017); ensure proper sanita-
February: Obtain animals, set up feed- tion.
ing/breeding schedule; consult your vet September: Maintain buildings and
on health programme; put in place other equipment (e.g., floors, scales,
proper record-keeping. etc.) in good condition; deworm all pigs;
March: Breed females to have wean- consult your vet.
ers in September and pork October: Select females
for the tourist season. and boars for breeding;
April: Continue retain animals with
breeding and ensure large litters (8 piglets
proper care of sow al- upwards), fast-growing
ready bred; maintain pigs and good carcasses;
proper sanitation. breed to produce market
May: Observe breeding stock, pigs in (July-August
consult vet; check carcass grades; 2018). Check for coc-
breed to produce market pigs in cidiosis; keep litter dry.
February- March 2017 and for tourist November: Cull poor performance
trade. sows (small litter size, lack of milk, poor
June: Clean and sanitize the farrowing mothering ability).
area; prepare to move sow to farrowing December: Select gifts and sows to be
area; be present at farrowing time; pre- bred, breed to produce market pigs in
pare animals for agricultural show. September-October 2018.
July: After farrowing identify piglets,
clip needle teeth, administer iron at day
one and ten; consult the vet; weigh ani-
USEFUL TIPS
Space Considerations Before you raising piglets you need to have a
pen and some sort of shelter. If the pen is small, the piglets will grow
faster because they will not have as much room to exercise. Also, in a
smaller area, parasites have more of a chance to grow.
Breeds matter Different breeds of pigs have different qualities, includ-

ing differences in size, meat quality and temperament. These are things
you will want to investigate when choosing your piglets.

Belief is truth held in the mind; faith is a fire in the heart
Becky Laird
SHEEP AND GOATS

January: Check for mange and lice, treat
if necessary; deworm; start weaning kids
born early November and harvest milk for
home consumption. Milk should be pas-
teurized and herd should be certified free
of T.B. and brucellosis.
February: Deworm animals; control exter-
nal parasites; observe does for heat and
mate those that are at breeding weight; con-
tinue weaning and utilize milk for home
consumption.
March: Co-operate with Data Bank offi-
October: Breed ewes to lamb and/or kid
cers in livestock census. Treat navels with
in March, treat navel with tincture of io-
tincture of iodine; deworm animals - con-
dine; deworm if necessary; observe for
sult your veterinarian; select replacement
signs of foot rot and treat early; continue
females and start fattening animals for the
feeding pregnant does.
holiday season. Consult Veterinarian re:
November: Breed ewes to lamb and/or kid
vaccination programmes e.g. Tetanus and
in April; continue observations for foot rot;
blackleg.
dip navels in iodine; help weak kids to
April: Co-operate with Data Bank officers
nurse where possible. Observe animals for
in livestock census; deworm all animals be-
signs of difficulty during kidding.
fore rainy season; breed ewes to lamb
December: Control external parasites;
and/or kid in September.
properly disinfect houses and pens; consult
May: Increase quality and quantity of feed
to does in preparation for the breeding sea-
the vet; maintain proper sanitation for
son; breed ewes to lamb and/or kid in Oc- young kids and ensure high quality feed for
tober. lactating does.
June: Shear all sheep; examine and trim
hooves (sheep and goats) if necessary; de-
worm; expect goats to start coming on Dont Encourage
heat; select does and mate to good quality an Orgy
bucks. Males and females are generally kept sep-
July: Continue close observation of herd arate except for the purposes of breeding.
for signs of animals on heat; continue You dont want brothers and sisters, sons
breeding. and mothers, or fathers and daughters
August: Deworm to meet rainy season; copulatingthey will do so happily if
arrange foot bath to prevent foot rot. given the chancebut you do want to
September: Treat navel of kids with tinc- breed strategically, mating only your
ture of iodine; arrange dry place for lamb/or healthiest, most productive (and unre-
kids; identify pregnant does and start pro- lated) animals. Ideally, the males are kept
viding them with additional feed in prepa- in a separate part of the farm where the
ration for kidding. females can neither see nor smell them.

Recognizing that all we do is by His power, we honor God; He in turn blesses us
Frederick Buechner
RABBITS July: Market fatteners and low producers; en-

sure that animals are well-protected from
January: Cages for rabbits should be well se- dogs, etc.
cured with mesh wire (1/2"x 5/8"); maintain August: Prepare new cages for expansion; se-
good sanitation. lect the fastest-growing bucks and does for
February: Control flies, ensure clean water breeding; cull and slaughter for meat;
and feed at regular intervals, and consult vet. ensure proper sanitation.
March: Offer pelleted feed plus fresh September: Mate sel-ected rabbits
grass or Spanish Needle at regular in- (avoid mating bucks with related
tervals; maintain proper sanitation, does); note those with small litter
inspect regularly and isolate sick for culling; maintain proper sani-
animals. tation.
April: Breed does (all through the October: Begin fattening animals
year); equip cage with litter box for holiday season; maintain proper
containing dry grass or hay - expect sanitation, examine cages and repair if
litter 31 days after breeding; maintain proper necessary, also ensure protection from dogs.
sanitation. November: Select your best stock or intro-
May: Check litter boxes 12 hours after doe duce new animals and continue breeding; con-
litters - remove dead and deformed rabbits; tinue fattening for holiday season.
observe proper sanitation; and provide ade- December: Sell finished animals, as well as
quate feed and water at all times. low-producing bucks and does; examine and
June: Wean young rabbits by eight (8) weeks; strengthen cages; ensure rabbits are protected
separate young bucks from young does. from dogs, etc.
SEA FISHERIES
May: Closed season for Lobster continues.
January: Usually strong winds. Prepare gear
Continue fishing for Mackerel, King Fish
for trolling when weather subsides. Be on the
and Shrimp.
look out for Goggle Eye Jack run: owners
July: Open season for Lobster (do not land
of carrier vessels do not take fisher men to
egg-bearing and undersized Lobsters).
Morant and Pedro Cays.
Good catch expected: rough weather.
February: Good trolling expected on the
August: Fish for Groupers and Marlin,
south coast shelf, nearby banks and deep
particularly on the North Coast. Good
edges (Wahoo, Dolphins, Albacore, Yellow
weather.
Fin Tuna, Rainbow Runner and Bonito).
September: Continue fishing for Groupers.
March: Good catch of demersal species. Use
October: Continue fishing for Groupers.
pots, lines and nets. Usually good weather.
November: Rough weather; prepare gear
April: Start fishing on main shelf banks for
for trolling when weather subsides to fish
King Fish and Mackerel. Wahoo now in deep
for Dolphin, Rainbow Runner, Tuna, etc.
water, weigh down lines and bait. Fish for
Make arrangements to apply for December li-
Shrimp, Grunt and Parrot etc. Closed season
cense to fish at Morant and Pedro Cays.
for Lobster begins. (Restaurants and Hotels
December: Continue to prepare gear for
having lobsters stored should make declara-
trolling when weather subsides. Make appli-
tion to Director of Fisheries for assurance of
cation to the Fisheries Division to fish Morant
certificate.
and Pedro Cays.

Fertilizer Application Insecticide Application
We recommend the application 2-3 times per year
of 15.5.35 can be applied every Apply Actara (active ingredient
6 to 12 weeks for ratoon fields thiamethoxam) at a rate of
with intermittent application of 50mls per plant mat (approxi-
urea or sulphate of ammonia. mates 1/3 of a sausage tin) to
Bury granular or dry fertilizers base of sucker. Always wear full
or dissolve in water and apply protective gears.
by fertigation or inject into the
soil with injector pump (knap- Sigatoka control
sack type). Broadcasting on the Ideally, application should be
soil surface is least recom- based on recommendations
mended. from a disease forecast system.
When there is no disease fore-
Nematicide Application cast system and the disease has
Apply Mocap (active ingredient no fungicide resistance, apply
ethoprop) at rate of 20 grams recommended fungicides at
per mat with applicator per mat varying frequency based on the
(20 grams fill or approximate to disease level. Practice rotation
a match box), once per year. Al- of fungicides according to
ternate with application of 7.5 group and always apply at full
millitres per mat of Vydate (ac- recommended rate. Follow
tive ingredient oxamyl) using proper mixing procedures al-
prescribed applicator. Always ways and wear full use of pro-
wear full protective gears. tective gears.
For further information, please contact:
Banana Board
10 South Ave, Kingston Gardens, Kingston 4
Tel: 922-5490; 922-4327 bananaboard@cwjamaica.com
www.thebananaboard.org

evenly during wet periods not in
Catastrophe fund registration heavy rains or floods. Cut the trunk
A part of disaster mitigation strat- or psuedostem as high as possible
egy, banana farmers should regis- above the ground after harvesting
ter before January 31st each year the bunch. Irrigate as required or
(extended to March 31 in 2017). based on tensiometer readings.
Farms must have at least 1 acre
with min of 500 mats (roots). Reg- Clean or maintain
istration fee is $5,000 per hectare drainage trenches
($2000/acre) for first timers but Once per year ensure all drains
only $3,750 per hectare ($1500/ are maintained or re-sunk to mini-
acre) for farmers who are re-regis- mum depth of 30 cm (18 inches).
tering. Benefits paid within 28 Drains must have a V- shaped pro-
days when damages exceed 50%. file or slanting sides. Ensure that
there are proper main or head
Drought Management drains and clear blockages espe-
During dry periods farmers should cially in preparation for the hurri-
carry out recommended drought cane season. Greater number of
management strategies to preserve secondary drains is needed in
as much moisture in the plants. heavier soils.
Avoid excessive de-leafing and de-
barking of plants. Practice The best to plant period
mulching and maintain good plant As part of disaster mitigation strat-
density. Reduce or stop use of her- egy it is best to plant in May/June
bicides. Use emulsion mixtures for to minimize risk of hurricane dam-
Sigatoka leaf spot disease control. age. However, this can also be
Avoid fertilizer application to dry done at the onset of the spring rains
ground. Distribute fertilization as well as the fall period.
For further information, please contact:
Banana Board
10 South Ave, Kingston Gardens, Kingston 4
Tel: 922-5490; 922-4327 bananaboard@cwjamaica.com
www.thebananaboard.org

For what is faith unless it is to believe what you do not see?
Increase Your Yields with Drip Irrigation

Richard J. Foster
T
Courtesy of
Jamaica Drip Irrigation
hink of an automated system deliv-
ering the right amount of water
(and nutrients) to your plants for the
ideal amount of time that is drip irri-
gation. Studies show that well-designed
drip irrigation systems use at least 30
percent, and in some cases up to 50 per-
cent, less water than other methods of
watering such as sprinkling.
Almost no water is lost through
surface runoff or evaporation and soil
particles can absorb and hold water for Better apply fertilizers through the use
your plants. It also means very few nu- of fertilizer dispensers
trients leach down beyond the reach of Eliminate soil erosion
plant roots. Use a system designed to work with
Furthermore, since drip irrigation all types of terrain and soil conditions
delivers water directly to the plants you Drip irrigation is great for row
want to grow, less is wasted on weeds. crops such as carrots and peas, and also
The soil surface between the plants ac- for watering trees and shrubs or a series
tually remains drier, which discourages of containers, youll probably want to
weed seeds from sprouting. set up a more sophisticated system.
For busy farmers, the main benefit Although each system is designed
of drip irrigation is the saving of both according to specifications such as type
time and money. Drip irrigation systems of crops, land and water source. The
eliminate the need to drag around hoses general components are a main control
and sprinklers. head, filtration, fertigation, main lines,
For systems that use a timer, farm- sub mains and lateral drip lines.
ers need only spend a few seconds to The best part is that drip irrigation
turn the system on and the timer will au- systems can be scaled to fit your needs
tomatically turn off thus saving on costs whether you have a home garden, lawn
for water in the long run. or a large farm.
Additionally, installing a drip irri- Jamaica Drip Irrigation has been
gation system allows you to: the leading provider of drip irrigation
Improve crop yields systems across Jamaica for over 30
Control fungal diseases years. Talk to us about how you could
become our next satisfied customer!

Serving the banana farmers
AIBGA Ripening
Rooms
The AIBGAs ripening
rooms are located at
Pembroke Hall, St.
Mary; Kensington, St.
James and Fellowship,
Portland. We ripen ba-
nanas and other fruits.
AIBGA
Farm Stores
A leading provider
of farm inputs, marked
by superior price and
quality.
Fellowship, Portland
913-5630
-
Reach, Portland
-
Kensington, St James
5511784
-
Gayle, St Mary All Island Banana Growers Association
551-1790 10 South Avenue, Kingston Gardens
- Tel: 922-5497 967-3160 Fax: 967-3160
Trinity, St Mary support@aibga.info aibga@cwjamaica.com
551-1787; 994-9864
www.aibga.info

For God Himself works in our souls, in the deepest depths, taking increasing
control as we are progressively willing to be prepared for His wonder - Augustine
RECIPES
Callaloo and Saltfish 1/2 lb potatoes
1/2 lb yam
Ingredients: 1/2 cup coconut milk
1 lb. callaloo
Christmas Cake
1/2 lb. Saltfish (codfish)
1 sprig thyme
1 crushed garlic or
2 teaspoons garlic powder 2oz Currants
1 tablespoon margarine or vegetable oil 12ozs Golden raisins
1 scotch bonnet pepper 8oz Raisins
1 medium chopped onion 8oz Brown sugar
black pepper 8oz Butter or Margarine
salt to taste 10oz Flour
1/4 cup water 4oz Mixed peel
Glace cherries
METHOD: 1/2 Lemon - grated rind
Wash callaloo leaves Orange - grated rind
Cut callaloo leaves in pieces. 2 oz Chopped almonds
Saut saltfish, onion, garlic, pepper, thyme 1-1/2 tsp Mixed spice
in margarine or oil 1 tbs Black treacle (Molasses)
Add cut up callaloo leaves, water and stir. Pinch salt
Cover saucepan and cook callaloo until ten- 5 Eggs
der. Milk if required
Add whole scotch bonnet pepper
Sprinkle with pepper and salt. Cream together the butter and sugar, salt,
mixed spice, treacle, add eggs one at a time.
Simmer then serve with avocado pear, Stir in the fruit and flour in alternate batches
boiled banana and/or fried dumplings. until thoroughly mixed.
Red peas soup

Use a metal pan about 10" wide x 5" or six
inch high, one with a loose bottom is best.
Ingredients: Line sides and bottom of pan with wax
3 cups of kidney beans, soaked overnight in paper allowing the paper to extend up over
water or 2 tins of canned beans the sides by an inch.
1 1/2 liters of water
2 regular onions Put in round pan and bake at 325f for 1 hour
2 escellion (spring onions may be used as a and turn down to 300f and continue cooking
substitute) for at least 2 hours and then check for done-
2 carrots ness by inserting thin instrument until it
2 teaspoons of dried thyme comes out clean.
1 hot pepper (ideally scotch bonnet)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper (ground)
Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human
spirit is to grow strong by conflict Oliver Wendell Holmes
CROP PRODUCTION PLANNING CHART

CROP SPACING PLANTS TIME TO FULL YIELD PER
(SEEDLINGS) FT PER AC. FIRST BEARING ACRE
Ackee 30 x 30 48 2-3 yrs 7 yrs 2,500 dozen
Annatto 12 x 12 303 2 yrs 4 yrs 550 lbs
Avocado 21 x 21 99 4 yrs 7 yrs 200 dozen
Banana 7x9 692 9 mths 1 yr 8-10 tons
Plantains 7x7 889 1 yr 1 yr 6 tons
Cashew 30 x 30 48 5 yrs 10 yrs 10 bushels of nut
(20 kerosene tins)
Coconuts:
Dwarfs 20 x 20 109 4 yrs 7 yrs 1.4 tons copra
May Pan 24 x 24 76 4 1/2 yrs 7 yrs 1.5 tons copra
Cocoa 10 x 10 436 2 1/2 yrs 51/2 yrs 10,000 pods

(40 boxes or 2,280 lbs
wet or dry 1000 lbs
Coffee 10 x 5 871 3 yrs 5 yrs 50-80 boxes
(Blue Mountain)
150- 200 boxes
(Lowland)
Cassava 3-4 Row (in)
3 Row (apart) 20,000 9 mths 1 yr 3-5 Metric tons
Grapefruit
or Ugli 24 x 20 92 3 yrs 7 yrs 800 boxes
Valencia and
Parson Brown 22 x 11 182 3 yrs 7 yrs 675 boxes
Lime 15 x 15 194 3 yrs 7 yrs 1,500 boxes
Ortanique 18 x 18 135 3 yrs 7 yrs 500 boxes
Guava 15 x 15 194 3 yrs 6 yrs 2,000 lbs
Kola Nut 30 x 30 48 7 yrs 10 yrs 400-800 nuts
Nutmeg 30 x 30 48 8 yrs 15 yrs 96,000 nuts+192 lbs
mace
Pawpaw 10 x 5 1,210 10 mths 1 yr 12,000 lbs per yrs
Pimento 25 x 25 70 4 yrs 25 yrs 4,000 dried
Soursop 18 x 18 134 3 yrs 5 yrs 1,750 lb
Mango 15 x 15 194 3 yrs 5 yrs -----
Other Crops
Sugar Cane Btw Rows- 5-6 3-4 tons 16 mths 7 yrs 28-35 tons
Yams Holes -1.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 3-4,000 7-9 mths - 6 to 8 tons

Yellow Yam 6x6
Negro 6x6
Lucea 6x6

Every calling is great when greatly pursued
Mother Teresa
VEGETABLE PRODUCTION PLANNING CHART

CROP PLANT SPACING SEED SEED DAYS TO NORMAL
IN ROW & DEPTH SPACING HARVEST YIELDS
Betw. ROWS
Beans 2"-4" 16"-24" 3/4"-2" 2"-2 1/2" 60-70 6,000 lbs

Beet 2"-3" 12"-24" 1/4"-1/2" 1/2"-1" 55-70 6,000 lbs
Callaloo 8"-10" 18"-24" 1/4" -- 140-154 20 tons
Cabbage 12"-18" 16"-30" " -- 90-120 12,000 lbs
Carrot 2"-4" 6"-24" 1/4" 1/4" 70-100 10,000 lbs
Corn, Sweet 10"-12" 30"-36" 1"-2" 5"-6" 100-130 12,000 lbs
Cucumber 12" 36"-48" 11/2" 3/hole 50-65 12,000 lbs
Egg Plant 18"-24" 24"-36" 1/2" -- 60-80 8,000 lbs
Hot Pepper 24"-36" 48"-60" 1/2" -- 90-120 25,000 lbs
Lettuce 10"-12" 12"-24" 1/2" -- 70-84 8,000 lbs
Pak Choy 10"-12" 12"-24" 1/4"-1/2" 1/2"-1" 75-85 10,000 lbs
Peanut 4" 12"-18" 3/4"-1.5" 1 110-120 1,500 lbs
Okra 18"-24" 28"-36' 1/2"-1" 4"-6" 50-70 4,000 lbs
Onion 2"-3" 6"-24" 1/2" 1/4" 70-100 8,000 lbs
Sweet Pepper 15"-20" 24"-30" 1/2 -- 120-180 13,500 lbs
Radish 2"-3 12"-18" 1/2" 1/2"-3/4" 12-30 4,000 lbs
Tomato 24"-48" 36-60" 1/2" -- 55-90 12,000 lbs
Turnip 2"-5" 12"-24" 1/2" 1/2"-1" 45-65 8,000 lbs
Watermelon 36"-48" 60" 1/2"-1" 6/hill 100-120 6,000 lbs
NOTES:
Planting spaces in-the-row are final spacings after thinning. Between-row-spacings vary greatly depend-
ing on seedbed style, variety size and need for foot or equipment passage.
Cabbage, callaloo, eggplant, lettuce, peppers, tomato commonly transplanted.
Soak okra seeds overnight to improve germination speed and rate.
The days to harvest vary with variety, weather conditions and methods of propagation.
Bulb onions are usually grown from transplants or seedlings rather than direct seeding
(except under very good management).
Staked tomato plants can be spaced much closer together than unstaked ones.
The yields of vegetables can vary greatly with cultural practices, growing season and management. A
good yield in one area might be considered average or mediocre in another area.
Some direct planted vegetables like cabbage, okra and lettuce can be cluster planted in holes using the
after thinning spacing.
The data above serves only as a guideline and it may be influenced by a number of factors. These
include method of cultivation; slope of land; climatic conditions; soil type; variety; methods of
propagation. For further information on any crops, consult the Rural Agricultural Development
Authority (RADA) or the respective commodity boards.
CONVERSION: 1 gram = 0.03527 ozs

1 kgram = 35.274 ozs
1 kgram = 2.205 lbs
1 metric ton (1,000 kg) = 1.102 short V.S tons
1 metric ton (1,000 kg) = 0.984 long V.S tons
1 metric ton (1,000 kg) = 2204.6 lbs

Homemade Organic Pesticides
God doesn't look at how much we do, but with how much love we do it - Denis Waitley
L earn about using homemade organic

pesticides that farmers have known
about for centuries. These are items that
Mix all ingredients and spray immedi-
ately. You don't have to let this set, but you
cant store it either. This solution must be
many people have right in their home or that made fresh for each use.
can be purchased inexpensively.
Salt Spray:
Tobacco or Nicotine Spray: This solution is used for cabbageworms and
This mixture is great for combating many spider mites. 2 tablespoons of salt; 1 gallon
different types of bugs, but especially cater- of water; Just mix and spray!
pillars, aphids and many types of those nasty
worms. Garlic Spray:
What you need:1 cup of tobacco. 1 gal- Here is the recipe for a garlic spray that
lon of water. fights slugs too. Slugs must not like eating
Put the tobacco into the container of Italian.
water. Allow the mixture to set for approxi- To make this smelly spray, use the fol-
mately 24 hours. After it has stood for a day, lowing list of ingredients: 1 garlic bulb; 1
check the colour. It should be the shade of quart of water; 1 medium onion; 1 table-
weak tea. If it is too dark, just dilute it with spoon of cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon liq-
water until it looks right. uid dish soap
*Warning: Don't use this solution on Crush the garlic, mincing it fine. Add
peppers, tomatoes, eggplants or any other finely chopped onion to the mixture, while
member of the solanaceous family. Tobacco adding the rest of the ingredients except the
chemicals can kill these types of plants! soap. Wait an hour before adding the soap
to the mixture.
Soap Spray: The spicy ingredients must sort of stew
Another way to stop the slugs is with soapy or steep, almost like tea. After an hour, add
water. That's right, you can just use your old, the soap and your non-toxic spray is ready
dirty dishwater! to use! This can be stored in the fridge for a
Collect some of the water in a pan and week.
pour it into a watering can or even use a
pitcher to pour it over the plants. This works Buttermilk and Flour Spray:
really well on hostas and mums, but also can Garlic spray is great for getting rid of cut-
be used on other hardy plants. Many bugs worms, wireworms, whiteflies and slugs
do not like their lunch spoiled by a soapy af- too.
tertaste! What you need: 1 pint of water; 1/4
For a stronger solution, mix 3 table- cup of dish liquid; 2 teaspoons of paraffin;
spoons of liquid detergent into a gallon of 6 tablespoons of chopped garlic.
water, I prefer Dawn, but any will do. Use Soak the whole garlic in the liquid
this weekly. paraffin for at least 24 hours. After a day,
Alcohol Spray: add the dish liquid and water to the mixture.
This spray really is great for houseplants. Remember to shake it very well. Strain the
This especially works on meal bugs. solution and store it in a glass jar. This lasts
1/2 cup of alcohol; 2-3 tablespoons of dry around a week.
laundry soap; 1 quart of warm water

He who is filled with love is filled with God himself
Mother Teresa
MEASUREMENTS
On Farm/Cooking Measurements
Body measurement

Weed Control Guide
(Herbicides for Crops and Ornamentals)
Chemicals Mode of action/Major Crops Per Hectare Per Acre
(kg, L) (pt, lb)
Systemic: Kills broadleaf weeds in sugar cane,
2,4-D Amine 480 G/L rice, corn and pasture 2.0 - 3.0 L 2-3 pt
Systemic: Broadleaf control in corn, lawns,
2,4-D Amine 480 SC pastures, sorghum, sugar cane 2.0 - 3.0 L 2-3 pt
Systemic: Brush control in sugar cane 0.75 - 1.5 L 0.75 - 1.5 pt
Actril DS 70 EC
Systemic: Broadleaf control in corn, pastures,
Ally XP (60 DF) sorghum, sugar cane 15.0 - 18.0 g 0.2 - 0.24 oz
Contact & residual: General weed control in
Ametrex 50.0 SC banana, citrus, cocoa, coconut, pineapple 4.0 - 6.0 L 4.0 - 6.0 pt
Amigan 50.0 SC citrus, corn, sugar cane 3.0 - 4.0 L 3.0 - 4.0 pt
Amigan 65 WP avocado, banana, citrus, cocoa, coconut, 3.5 - 5.0 kg 3.0 - 4.4 lb
pineapple, sugar cane
Systemic: Broadleaf control in corn, lawns,
Amine 6D non-crop site, pastures, sugar cane 0.75 - 1.5 L 0.75 - 1.5 pt
Systemic: General weed control in banana,
Asulam 40 citrus, sugar cane 5.0 - 8.0 L 5.0 - 8.0 pt
Asulox 40 EC citrus, sugar cane 5.0 - 8.0 L 5.0 - 8.0 pt
Residual: General weed control in pineapple,
Atramet Combi 50 SC sugar cane at early post emergence 2.5 - 4.0 L 2.5 - 4.0 pt
Command 48 EC Residual: Grass control in sugar cane 2.0 - 2.5 L
Diurex 80 SC banana, citrus, cotton, pineapple, sugar cane 3.0 - 4.0 L 3.0 -4.0 pt
Diurex 80.0 WP banana, citrus, cotton, pineapple, sugar cane 4.0 kg 4.0 lb
Diuron 80 WP banana, citrus, cotton, pineapple, sugar cane 4.0 kg 4.0 lb
Diuron 800 FLO banana, citrus, cotton, pineapple, sugar cane 3.0 - 4.0 L 3.0 - 4.0 pt
Residual: Grass control in beans, cauliflower,
Dual Gold 960 EC cotton, cucumber, pea, peanut, potato (irish) 1.75 - 2.0 L 1.75 - 2.0 pt
sugar cane, tomato
Contact: Grass control in cabbage, carrot,
Fusilade 2000 EC cauliflower, cucumber, pea, pepper, tomato 4.0 L 4 pts.
Contact: General weed control in avocado,
Gai-Quat 200 banana, citrus, coffee, cocoa, mango, papaya, 3.0 L 3.0 pt
sugar cane, vegetables
Contact: General weed control in banana,
Gramocil citrus, coffee, sugar cane, vegetables 2.5 L 2.5 pt
Glyphos-AG 41 Systemic: General weed control in banana,
concentrate citrus, coconut, coffee, mango, sugar cane 4.0 L 4.0 pt
Systemic: General weed control in fruits, and
Glyphosate 41% SL vegetables; non-crop sites 4.0 L 4.0 pt
Contact: General weed control in avocado,
Gramoxone Super banana, citrus, coffee, mango, papaya, sugar 3.0 L 3.0 pt
cane, vegetables
Gesapax 80 WDG banana, citrus, pineapple, sugar cane 3.0 kg 3.0 pt
Igran 500 SC beans, peanut, sugar cane 2.5 - 5.0 L 3-5 pt
Contact: General weed control in banana,
Karmex DF citrus, corn, cotton, grape, non-crop sites, 3.5 kg 3.0 lb
papaya, sorghum, sugar cane
Contact: General control of seedling grass and
Krismat 75 WG broadleaf weeds in sugar cane 2 kg

Weed Control Guide
(Herbicides for Crops and Ornamentals)
Merlin 75 WDG
Residual: Pre emergent grass control in sugar 70-200g in 220 L
cane
Contact: Control of seedling grasses in
Nabu-s broadleaf crops and sugar cane 4.5-l
Contact: Generel weed control in banana, 3.0 pt
Paraquat Super 27.6 % citrus, coconut, coffee, non-crop sites, papaya, 3.0 L
spot treatment, sugar cane
Pineapple, Coffee, Sugarcane and Orchard
Pilardir Crops 2-4kg
Pineapple; Sugarcane &Banana Crops
Pilarmetryn 2-8 L
Vegetables (Tomato; Irish potato, Carrot &
Pilarbuzin Sweet Potato***) Field crop Sugarcane & 0.21-2 kg
Turf
Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Citrus, Coffee, 2-4 L
Pilargola Cotton,Onion, Escallion,Orchards, Papaya (Onion 50-100 ml)
Roundup EZ beans, citrus, cocoa, coffee, corn, vegetables 5.0 L 5.0 pt
Roundup Orginal beans, citrus, cocoa, coffee, guava, lychee,
EC mango, non-crop sites, okra, onion, (dry 4.0 L 4.0 pt
bulb), papaya, pea, peanut, pineapple, potato,
sugar cane, watermelon
Systemic: General vegetation control in non-
Roundup PRO crop sites 5.0 L 5.0 pt
beans, broccoli, carrot, celery, coffee, corn,
Roundup Ultra cotton, grape, guava, lychee, mango, non-crop 1 pt 1.5 -5.0 pt
sites, okra, onion (green), papaya, pea,
peanut, pineapple, potato (irish), pumpkin,
sorghum, sugar cane
Residual: Control of seedling grass and
Sencor 75 Turf broadleaf weeds in carrot, lawn, sugarcane,
turf
Terbutrex 50 Sc beans, onion (green), peanut, potato (irish), 2.5 - 5.0 L 2.5 - 5.0 pt
sugar cane
Systemic: General weed control in citrus,
Touchdown 48 SL forest, non-crops sites, orchard 3.0 L 3.0 pt
Contact & residual: General control of
Velpar L seedling grass and broadleaf weeds in forest, 1.8 - 2.0 L 1.8 - 2.0 pt
sugar cane
Systemic: Brush control in lawns, pasture,
Weedmaster sugar cane; Broadleaved weeds, vines and 1.5 L 1.4 pt
Crabgrass
Dicamba + 2,4-D woody shrubs; Suppresses nutsedge
D
an annual weed, crabgrass
efficiently.
Seed Head
perpetuates itself via seed -
- millions of seeds. Once the
o you see this seed flowers you see here pro-
head in your lawn duce their end product, your
or in the field. That's primary option will be to
use a lawn-care product in
crabgrass. And you have a
spring that prevents germi-
battle on your hands. Being
nation.
Insects Control Guide
(Insecticides for Crops and Ornamentals)
Trade name/ Crops Pests controlled Days to Dose Rates
Harvest
(active ingredient)
Actara 25WG Citrus, Cocoa, Coffee, Cotton, Fruit Aphids, thrips, leafhoppers, Not 13 g/20 Liters of
(thiamethoxam) Trees, Rice, Tobacco, Vegetables scales, mealybugs, available water
whitefly, flea beetles and Apply as root
others
drench- 25 ml
per plant root
Actellic 50EC Beans and corn Mites and other pests 3-7 2-4 fl oz/Gallon
(primiphos-methyl) days
Agree 50 WP Cabbage, Calaloo, Cauliflower, Armyworms, Diamond 1 day 0.5-0.75 kg/ha
Cucumber, Melon, Tomato Back Moth, cabbage worm, (=0.5-0.75
= Dipel DF loopers, fruit and bud
= Xentari Lb/acre)
worm
(Baccilus thuringiensis)
Alverde 24 SC Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Pepper, Armyworms, Diamond 3 days 1.0 - 1.2
(metaflumizone) Potato (Irish), Tomato Back Moth, cabbage worm, Litres/Ha
loopers, earworms
Avaunt 30 WG Broccoli, Brussel Sprout, Cabbage, Web worms and 3 days 0.25 kg/ha
Cauliflower, Corn, Lettuce, Tomato armyworm
(indoxacarb)
Bioneem 0.4% OL Cabbage, Cauliflower, Cucurbits Anti-fidant action on none 1-3 mls/ Litre
(azadirachtin) (cantaloupe, Cucumber, Melons, aphids, thrips, caterpillars,
Pumpkin, Squash), Ornamentals, Diamond Back Moth,
cutworms, leaf beetles,
Papaya, Pepper, Potato (Irish), Tomato
leafhoppers, loopers, mites
etc.
2
Bug-Getta PLUS Bean (snap), Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Cutworms 3 days 0.45 kg/186m
Snail, Slug & Insect Cauliflower, Corn, Cucumber, Lettuce,
Killer Melon, Potato (Irish), Tomato
( Metaldehyde & carbaryl)
Plantguard Slug Banana, Citrus, Ornamentals, Pea, Slugs and Snails 7 days 50-75ml /3.8L
Liquid Pepper, Tomato, Cabbage, Cauliflower, (US gallon) of
(metaldehyde) Carrot. water
Caprid 20SL Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Diamond Back Moth 7 days 2.5-5.0 ml/3.8
(acetamiprid) Citrus, Cucurbits (cantaloupe, (DBM), whiteflies, aphids, Liters of water
Cucumber, Melons, Pumpkin, Squash), leafhoppers, scales, thrips,
Eggplant, Lettuce, Papaya, Pepper, leafminers
Tomato
Caratrax 5 EC Corn, Rice, Vegetables Armyworms, caterpillars, 20 days 5-10 mL per 3.8
(Lambda cyhalothrin) cutworms, beetles, Litres
stinkbug, mealybugs etc.
Carbaryl 80 WP Broccoli, Cabbage, Cherry, Citrus, Aphids, thrips, moths, 3-14 0.7 -4.1 kg/ha
Corn, Cucurbits (cantaloupe, leafhoppers, armyworms, days
(carbaryl) beetles, weevils,
Cucumber, Melons, Pumpkin, Squash),
cutworms, stinkbugs,
Mango, Non-crop Sites, Pasture,
cucumber beetle, borers
Pepper, Potato, Sweet Potato, Tomato and many others.
Confidor 70WG Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cassava Aphids, leafhoppers, 21 days 250-500 g/ha
(imidacloprid) (root), Cauliflower, Coffee, Cucurbits whiteflies, leaf miners,
(cantaloupe, Cucumber, Melons, scales
2.5-5gm/10
Pumpkin, Squash), Eggplant, Papaya, Litres water
Pepper, Potato (Irish), Sweet Potato,
Tomato
Cure 1.8 EC Cabbage, Cauliflower, Citrus, Diamond Back Moth 37 2.5 5.0 ml/ 4
Ornamentals, Pak Choi, Papaya, (DBM), aphids, mites, days Liters of water
(abamectin)
Pepper, Pepper (sweet), Tomato thrips
Danitol10 EC Carrot, Cucurbits (cantaloupe, cabbage worm, DBM, leaf 14 5-10 ml/3.8 liters
(fenpropathrin) Cucumber, Melons, Pumpkin, Squash), miners, loopers, mites days of water
Lawns, Mango, Onion (green), (except for rust mite),
whiteflies, cutworms,
COMMOND INSECTS IN JAMAICA

Ornamentals, Papaya, Tomato, fruit thrips, armyworms, aphids
Trees, Lawns and Ornamentals and many others.

(active ingredient) Harvest
Detia Diatomaceous Banana, Cabbage, Carrot, Coffee, Aphids, thrips, ants, 0 days See the label
Algae Cucumber, Fruit Trees, Lettuce, Potato, caterpillars, whiteflies,
Rice, Stored Commodities, Sugar Cane, mites
(silicon dioxide)
Sweet Pepper
Diazinon Bean (snap), Beans, Beet, Cabbage, aphids, cabbage loopers, 1-7 20-30 ml in 4-8
Carrot, Citrus, Cucumber, Kidney caterpillars, armyworms, days Liters of water
(diazinon)
beetles, leafhoppers,
Beans, Mango, Ornamentals, Pea,
whiteflies and many others
Pepper, Tomato, Turnip (root)
Dimethoate 40EC Beans, Carrot, Cauliflower, Coffee, aphids, mites, whiteflies 7 days 445-900 ml in
(dimethoate) Cucurbits (cantaloupe, Cucumber, 400 L water
Melons, Pumpkin, Squash),
Ornamentals, Pea, Potato, Sugar Cane,
Tomato
Engeo Rice, Sweet Potato Vegetables, Rice leaf miner, 30 100-150 ml/ha in
(Lambda cyhalothrin ornamentals, fruit crops, cucurbits. armyworms, rice stink bug 200 l water
days
& thiamethoxam)
Flash 5 EC Cotton, Grape, Onion (dry Bulb), Pea, Armyworms, cutworms, 14 250-350ml/ha in
(Lambda cyhalothrin) Pepper, Potato, Tomato worms, beetles, fruit 400-600 Litres of
days
worms, thrips, aphids water
Indox 15 SC Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Corn, Caterpillars 7 days 4-5ml/3.78Lires
(indoxacarb) Lettuce, Onion (green), Parsley, water
Tomato
Karate Zeon Citrus, Coffee, Cotton, Rice, Sorghum, Armyworms, cutworms, 21 8-12ml/15L(0.2-
Sugar Cane, Vegetables worms, beetles, stinkbug, 0.25pt/45gal)
(Lambda cyhalothrin)
mealybugs, leafhoppers
days
etc.
Kurmectin EC Citrus, Cucumber, Lettuce, Aphids, thrips, spider mite, 7 days 2.5-5.0 ml/ 4 L
Ornamentals, Papaya, Pepper, Tomato rust mite, broad mite, leaf water
(abamectin) miners, Diamond Back
moth
Malathion 50 EC Vegetables, Citrus, Mango, Papaya, Aphids, mites, scales, none 15-30 ml in 4
Fruit Trees, Lawns, Ornamentals, leafhoppers, leaf miners, Litres/water
(malathion) thrips, loopers, mealybugs,
Pasture
beetles, armyworms and
many others
Match Cabbage, Callaloo, Cauliflower, Citrus, Caterpillars, worms, mites, 14 days 4-5 Liters/ ha
Corn, Cotton, Cucumber, Escallion, Diamond Back moth
(lufenuron)
Melon, Onion (green), Ornamentals, Armyworm, loopers,
fruitworms, corn borer,
Pak Choi, Potato (Irish), Pumpkin, perforators, rust mites
Soybean, Sweet Pepper, Tobacco,
Tomato
Mimic SC Citrus, Ornamentals, Pepper, Rice, Caterpillars, armyworms, 14 days 209 ml-1.17
Sugar Cane, Tobacco, Tomato, web worms, bud worm, L/ha
(tebufenozide)
Vegetables, Watermelon
Neem-X 0.4% LC Repel all natural insects. Cabbage, Repel all natural insects. 1-3 ml/ Liter of
AZA-Direct LS Citrus, Melon, Ornamentals, Pepper, Aphids, thrips, caterpillars, Not water
Potato, Squash, Tomato, Watermelon Diamond Back Moth, provided
(azadirachtin) cutworms, leaf beetles,
leafhoppers, loopers, mites
etc.
Nissorun 10% WP Carnations, Chrysanthemum, Citrus, Two spotted spider mite 1 day 2.5 - 5g/3.8
(hexythiazox) Cucumber, Kidney Beans, Papaya, Liters (US
Rose, Strawberry, Sweet Pepper Gallon) of
water
Oberon 24 SC Corn, Cotton, Mango, Papaya, Potato Broad mite, spider mite, 15 0.35-0.5 L/ha
(Irish), Tomato whiteflies /300-600L water
(spiromesifen) days
Obulus 5 EC Garlic, Maize, Onion (dry Bulb), Potato, Aphids, armyworms, core 1 day 175-250 ml/Ha
(Lambda cyhalothrin) Sorghum, Tomato weevil, thrips, leafminers
Ortho Volck Oil Fruit Trees, Ornamentals Mites, scale insects, 7 days 5 tbsp
Spary mealybugs, whiteflies (2.5 fl oz)/
(paraffinic mineral oil) Gallon
Pegasus Cabbage, Cucumber, Melon, Diamond back Moth, n/a 60-80 ml/
(diafenthiuron) Ornamentals, Pepper, Tomato thrips, Aphids, mites, 100Liters water
whiteflies
Romite 1.8 EC Melon, Ornamentals, Tomato Mites (red & spider) 7 days 0.5-1.5 L/ha
(abamectin)
Rotaprid 35 SC Citrus, Melon, Onion (dry Bulb), Potato Aphids, leafminers, thrips, 21 0.5-1.0 L/Ha
(imidacloprid) (Irish), Rice, Tomato plant hoppers, whiteflies days
Selecron Cucumber, Tomato Mites, armyworms, leaf 4 1.0-1.2 liters / ha
(profenofos) perforators, loopers etc.

Trade name/ Crops
Cucumber, Tomato Pests
Mites, controlled
armyworms, leaf Days to Doseliters
1.0-1.2 Rates/ ha
Selecron 4
(active ingredient) perforators, loopers etc. Harvest
(profenofos)
Sevin 80 S Brassica (broccoli, Cauliflower, Aphids, thrips, moths, 3 days 5/8 -1 1/4 lbs per
Cabbage, Kale, Chinese Cabbage), leafhoppers, armyworms, acre.
Sevin 80 WP beetles, weevils,
See also Carbaryl Citrus, Cucurbits (cantaloupe,
Cucumber, Melons, Pumpkin, Squash), cutworms, stinkbugs, 5 g /Liter of
80 WP cucumber beetle, borers
Poultry House and many others. water
(carbaryl)
Suldan Coffee Coffee borer 7-15 350ml/
(fenpropathrin / days acre
fenitrothion)
Sumithion 50 EC Thrips, aphids, red spider mite, aphids, Leafminers, thrips, 7 days 0.6-2.2 Litres/ha
(fenitrothion) scales, armyworms, leaf miners armyworms, aphids, ants, 15-30 ml in 3-4
caterpillars Litres/water
Tracer 120 SC Beans, Cauliflower, Citrus, Cotton, Caterpillars, worms, Beet 1 day 0.1-0.2 litre/ha
Cucurbits (cantaloupe, Cucumber, armyworm, armyworm,
(spinosad)
Melons, Pumpkin, Squash), Tomato, cucumber worm, Diamond
Onion, Escallion Back moth,
Trigard 75WP Celery, Cucurbits (cantaloupe, Leafminers and flies 7 days 15-40 g in
(cyromazine) Cucumber, Melons, Pumpkin, Squash), 100 Litres
Lettuce, Ornamentals, Tomato water
Vertimec 1.8 EC Brassica (broccoli, Cauliflower, Mites, leafminers, 3-7 32-64 mls/100lts
(abamectin) Cabbage, Kale, Chinese Cabbage), Diamondback Moth, days water
Celery, Citrus, Cucumber, Lettuce, Aphids
Melon, Ornamentals, Pepper, Potato
(Irish), Strawberry, Tomato,
Watermelon
Deadline M-Ps Mini Banana, Citrus, Ornamentals, Pea, Snails and Slugs 7 days 9-18 kg/he on
Pellets Pepper, Tomato soil surface
Editors note: PHI** (days) Pre-harvest interval. Do not apply within this many days of harvest.
(metaldehyde)
Information should be used as a guide and is not a substitute for manufacturer label.
COMMON INSECTS

Disease Control Guide
(Fungicides for Crops and Ornamentals)
(Active ingredient) Harvest*
ACROBAT Lettuce, cucurbits, onion, potatoes. Downy mildew, 7-13 days 20g/3.8L of
MZ 69 WP Anthracnose depending water. (plus
(dimethomorph) Gummy stem blight, on crop. Mancozeb)
Potato- 14
Alternaria leaf spot, Late
days
blight, Early blight
AMISTAR 50 WG Banana, Beans, Cabbage, Wide range of fungal 0 days 210g/ha (3.0
(azoxystrobin) Cantaloupes, Cauliflower, Celery, diseases oz./acre)
Citrus, Cucumber, Eggplant, (leaf spots, powdery 0r 4.6 grams /
Lettuce, Ornamentals, Papaya, mildew) gallon of water
Pepper, Pineapple, Potato,
Pumpkin, Tomato, Watermelon
BANKIT AZ Banana,coffee Sigatoka leaf spot,Surface 12 hours
( azoxystrobin) mold,crown rot ,blight
Bravo 720 Bananas, Plantains, Vegetables Early and late blight, 15ml(1tbspn)/
(Chlorothalonil brown spot, anthracnose 4lt of water
BELLIS 38 WG Banana, Beans, Cabbage, Rhizoctonia sp. 12 hours 8-12g/3.8L
( Boscalid / Cantaloupes, Cauliflower, Celery, Cercospora spot; Botrytis water 2 to 4
Pyraclostrobin) Citrus, Cucumber, Eggplant, leaf blight, Alternaria Leaf teaspoons /
Lettuce, Ornamentals, Papaya, Spot, Black Sigatoka 3.8 Liters (US
Pepper, Pineapple, Potato, Gallon) of
Pumpkin, Tomato, Watermelon water
BOTRAN 75 W Post-harvest fungicide dip: Sweet Post- harvest rots caused Not 1/2 lb/100
(dicloran) Potato, Yams by fungal pathogens applicable gal of water
BUMPER 25 EC Banana, Plantain Black Sigatoka Read the label
(PROPICONAZOLE)
CALIXIN 86 OL Banana, plantain Black Sigatoka 0 days 0.5 l/ha
(tridemorph)
Bean (dry), Bean (snap), Cabbage, Wide range of fungal Read the 1-3 lbs/acre
CHAMPION 77 Carrot, Citrus, Cocoa, Coffee, diseases, mildews, label
WP Cucurbits (cantaloupe, Cucumber, Gummy stem blight, Early
(copper hydroxide) Melons, Pumpkin, Squash), Blight, Late Blight,
Eggplant, Guava, Lawns, Mango, Bacterial wilt,
Onion (green), Ornamentals, Anthracnose
Papaya, Peanut, Pepper,
DITHANE M-45 Banana, Corn, Cotton, Cucumber, Black Sigatoka Wide 3 -7 days Banana:
Cucurbits (cantaloupe, Cucumber, range of fungal diseases, depending 3kg/ha up
Melons, Pumpkin, Squash), Grape, mildews, Gummy stem on the crop to30kg/grow
Onion (dry Bulb), Papaya, Peanut, blight, Early Blight, Late cycle
Plantain, Potato (Irish), Tomato Blight, Anthracnose
0.5-2 lbs/acre
DITHANE M-45 Wide range of fungal 5 days
Asparagus, Conifer, Corn, Cotton,
NT Cucumber, Grape, Melon, Onion diseases, mildews,
( Mancozeb) Gummy stem blight, Early
(dry Bulb), Papaya, Peanut, Potato
Blight, Late Blight
Irish), Squash, Tomato
Anthracnose
DUPONT Banana, Cantaloupes, Cucumber, Mildews, leaf spots, 5 days 2-2.5 lbs/acre
MANKOCIDE Melon, Tomato, Watermelon bacterial speck, Early
(mancozeb &copper blight, Late blight, Gummy
hydroxide) stem blight, Anthracnose
MANZATE PRO- Banana, Cantaloupes, Corn, Mildews, leaf spots, 5 days 1-3 lbs/acre
STICK Cucumber, Garlic, Grape, Melon, bacterial speck, Early depending on
(mancozeb) Onion (dry Bulb), Papaya, Peanut, blight, Late blight, Gummy crop. Read
Plantain, Potato (Irish), Tomato, stem blight, Anthracnose, label
Editors note: PHI** (days) Pre-harvest interval. Do not apply within this many
Turf Grass, Watermelon black Sigatoka
days of harvest. Information should be used as a guide and is not a substitute

for manufacturer label.
Courtesy of Rural Agricultural Development Authority
For further information please contact: Marina Young <youngm@rada.gov.jm>

0 days
IMPULSE 80 EC Banana, Plantain Black Sigatoka 0.4 litre/ha
(spiroxamine) (5.8 floz/acre)
MAGNATE Banana, Pineapple, Yams 200-750 ppm
SULPHATE 75 SP Post-harvest treatment for
(imazalil) control of crown rot
MERTECT 220 SL Banana 91 ml/ 100L
(THIABENDAZOLE) Not
applicable
water
FUNGAFLOR Banana 200-600 ppm
75.0 SP
(imazalil)
KOCIDE 2000 Bean (dry), Carrot, Coffee, Fungal leaf spots, Late 1.5 lbs/acre
( COPPER Cucurbits (cantaloupe, Cucumber, blight, Early blight, downy Read the
HYDROXIDE) label
Melons, Pumpkin, Squash), mildew, Gummy stem
Mango, Pea, Pepper, Potato blight Anthracnose
(Irish), Tomato
ODEON 82.5 WG Banana, Melon, Plantain, Potato Fungal leaf spots, Late 7-14 days 2.5
(Chlorothalonil) (Irish) blight, Early blight, Litres/hectar
Anthracnose, Black e
Sigatoka
ODEON 82.5 WG Banana, Melon, Plantain, Potato Fungal leaf spots, Late 7-14 days 0.7 -1.0
(chlorothalonil) (Irish) blight, Early blight, kg/hectare
Anthracnose, Black
Sigatoka
PHYTON 27 Banana, Cabbage, Celery, Fungal leaf spots, Late 0 days 1.25-2.0
(COPPER SULPHATE Cucumber, Melon, Onion (green), blight, Early blight, ml/litre water
PENTAHYDRATE
Ornamentals, Papaya, Pepper, Anthracnose, Black
Tomato Sigatoka
RIDOML GOLD Cucurbits (cantaloupe, Cucumber, Early blight and late blight 14 days 2.5 kg/ha
MZ 68 WP Melons, Pumpkin, Squash), Onion on the foliage of potatoes;
(metalaxyl (green), Potato (Irish), Tobacco, downy mildew in onions
Mancozeb) Tomato and head lettuce; downy in
grapes; and the
suppression of Pythium
leak and pink rot in
potatoes.
MANCOZEB 80 Cucumber, Melons, Pumpkin, Anthracnose, bacterial Read the 15-30g/3.8
WP Squash), Grape, Mango, Onion speck, Fungal leaf spots, label Liters (US
(mancozeb) (green), Ornamentals, Papaya, Late blight, Early blight, Vegetables: Gallon) of
14 days
Potato, Tomato, Vegetables downy mildew, Gummy water
Banana, Beans, Citrus, Crucifers stem blight
(cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli,
Pak Choy Etc), Cucurbits
(cantaloupe,
Revus Onions,tomato,Cucurbits,potato,pe Early Blight,Late Blight; 5ml/4lt of
(Mandipropamid) ppers Downy Mildew water
SANCOZEB 80 Banana, Beans, Citrus, Cruciferae Fungal leaf spots, Late Read the 200g/100L
WP (cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, blight, Early blight, downy label water
(mancozeb) Pak Choy Etc), Cucurbits mildew, Gummy stem Vegetables:
(cantaloupe, Cucumber, Melons, blight Anthracnose, 14 days
Pumpkin, Squash), Grape, Mango, bacterial speck
Onion (green), Ornamentals,
Papaya, Potato, Tomato,
Vegetables
Score Vegetables ,Banana, Plantains Leaf spot, sigatoka 10ml
and potatoes diseases, early blight (2tspn)/4lt
Editors note: PHI** (days) Pre-harvest interval. Do not apply

of water
within this many days of harvest. Information should be used as

a guide and is not a substitute for manufacturer label.
Courtesy of Rural Agricultural Development Authority

SJFS CHAMPION Cabbage, Carrot, Cucurbits Fungal leaf spots, Late
WP (cantaloupe, Cucumber, Melons, blight, Early blight, downy 7 days 2.0
(COPPER Pumpkin, Squash), Pepper mildew, Gummy stem
HYDROXIDE)
kg/hectare
blight Anthracnose,
bacterial speck
SIGANEX 60 SC Banana, Plantain Black Sigatoka
( PYRIMETHANIL)
SULCOX-OH 50 Cabbage, Carrot, Citrus, Coffee, Fungal leaf spots, Late 7 days 15-30g/3.8
( copper Cucurbits (cantaloupe, Cucumber, blight, Early blight, downy Liters (US
hydroxide) Melons, Pumpkin, Squash), mildew, Gummy stem Gallon) of
Ornamentals, Papaya, Pepper, blight Anthracnose, water
Tomato bacterial speck
SOPRAL 7.5 EC Banana Black Sigatoka 30 days 1.0 litre/ha
( EPOXICONAZOLE)
TEGA 25 SC Banana, Plantain Black Sigatoka 0 days 0.33
(TRIFLOXYSTROBIN) litres/hectare
TILT 250 EC Banana, Coffee, Plantain Banana: Black Sigatoka 160 ml/acre or
(PROPICONAZOLE) 5 oz/acre
TOP COP WITH Beans, Beet, Broccoli, Carrot, Early Blight, Late Blight, Not given 4.6 - 6.9
SULFUR (copper Cauliflower, Corn, Cucumber, Gummy stem blight, litres/ha
sulfate /tri-basic) Onion (dry Bulb), Pea, Peanut, bacterial and fungal leaf
Pepper, Potato (Irish), Pumpkin, spots, mildews
Tomato
TOPSIN 70% WP Cucumber, Onion (green), Potato Fusarium wilt, Rhizoctonia 7 days 280-400
(Thiophanate (Irish), Pumpkin, Squash, spp., wide range of fungal gm/100L/ac
methyl) Watermelon leaf spots and powdery
mildew
TOPSIN-M 70.0 Banana, plantain Black Sigatoka Read 113 g/acre (=
OD label 4.0 oz/acre)
(Thiophanate
methyl)
TRIFMINE 30 WP Apple, Avocado, Cherry, Cucurbits Downy mildew Read label Read the label.
(Triflumizole) (cantaloupe, Cucumber, Melons, Dose rate
Pumpkin, Squash), Eggplant, ranges from 0.3
kg to 1.0 kg/ha
Grape, Green Pepper, Peach,
depending on
Rice, Strawberry, Tea, Tobacco,
the crop
Tomato
TRICHOZAM 8.3 Beans, Corn, Cucumber, Lettuce, Used for soil application to 0 days 240 gms per
WP Melon, Ornamentals, Pepper, suppress pathogenic fungi hectare
(TRICHODERMA (Fusarium spp.,
HARZIANUM)
Potato (Irish), Sweet Pepper,
Tomato, Watermelon Rhizoctonia spp., Pythium
spp.)
TRUBAN 30 WP Ornamentals Pythium spp. , Not 6-12 oz / 100gal
(ETRIDIAZOLE) Phytophthora spp. applicable
VOLLEY 88 OL Banana, Plantain Yellow Sigatoka 0 days 0.5 litres/
Editors note: PHI** (days)Pre-harvest

(FENPROPIMORPH) hectare
interval. Do not apply within this many

days of harvest. Information should be
used as a guide and is not a substitute
for manufacturer label.
Courtesy of
Rural Agricultural Development Authority
Marina Young <youngm@rada.gov.jm>

Health Tips for Men
Hope is a waking dream
Aristotle
1. Find a doctor. Choose one you're com-

fortable with, so you can openly discuss all
aspects of your health, from your mental
state to your sexual function to your overall
wellness.
2. See that doctor. "Just because you are
feeling well doesnt mean you are well.
Have a tendency toward denial? Dont ig-
nore things like black stools, vision loss, or
chest pain. Unfortunately, men have a ten-
dency to do just that."
3. Get informed. "You do want to be
knowledgeable and understand that you
shouldnt ignore symptoms or complaints, Check your Prostate
but you dont want to self-diagnose." Because the prostate gland tends
4. Vary your workouts. "The body gets to grow larger with age, it may
very comfortable when you always do the squeeze the urethra and cause
same workout. You have got to keep varying problems in passing urine. Some-
your exercises, and they have to be an age- times men in their 30s and 40s may
appropriate mix of aerobics, muscle train- begin to have these urinary symp-
ing, and stretching." toms and need medical attention.
5. Eat to thrive. Getting enough nutrition is For others, symptoms aren't no-
crucial. Its more important than anything ticed until much later in life. An in-
else except maybe sleep, Lamm says. fection or a tumor can also make
Focus on nutrients rather than calories, the prostate larger. Be sure to tell
and eat a variety of healthy foods. You your doctor if you have any of the
cant achieve optimum nutrition with lim- urinary symptoms.
ited choices."
6. Prioritize sleep. "Get at least 7 hours.
Thats not something you should compro- 8. Stay ready for sex. "When youre
mise. Men think they can overcome sleep stressed out, not sleeping, or drinking too
deprivation by exercising or whatever, but much, you cant get an erection on demand,
thats a bad idea, he says. and a mans erection is a barometer for over-
7. Check your head. "Mental health is re- all health. Exercising, eating well, and
ally, really important. Think about several sleeping well are the best ways to be sure
things: Are you drinking too much? Are you youre a stud in the bedroom."
paying attention to signs of depression or 9. Care for your prostate. "The prostate
bipolar disorder, which often get missed? If grows as you get older. Youll almost cer-
you have a family history of mental illness, tainly have symptoms, like urinary prob-
suicide, and/or substance abuse, you really lems. A really healthy, low-fat diet will
need someone to help you review the signs reduce the likelihood of prostate growth and
and symptoms." may reduce the risk of prostate cancer."

Change your thoughts and you change your world
Norman Vincent Peale
Strategies for a healthy diet

Eat enough calories but not too
many. Maintain a balance between your
calorie intake and calorie expenditurethat
is, dont eat more food than your body uses.
The average recommended daily allowance
is 2,000 calories, but this depends on your
age, sex, height, weight and physical activ-
ity.
Eat a wide variety of foods. Healthy
eating is an opportunity to expand your
range of choices by trying foodsespe-
cially vegetables, whole grains or fruits
that you dont normally eat.
Keep portions moderate, especially
high-calorie foods. In recent years serving
sizes have ballooned, particularly in restau-
rants. Choose a starter instead of an entre,
split a dish with a friend and dont order su- pleasure is good for the heart even if those
persized anything. French fries arent!
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, Get moving. A healthy diet improves
grains, and legumesfoods high in com- your energy and feelings of well-being
plex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and while reducing your risk of many diseases.
minerals, low in fat and free of cholesterol. Adding regular physical activity and exer-
Try to get fresh, local produce. cise will make any healthy eating plan work
Drink more water. Our bodies are even better.
about 75% water. It is a vital part of a One step at a time. Establishing new
healthy diet. Water helps flush our systems, food habits is much easier if you focus on
especially the kidneys and bladder of waste and take action on one food group or food
products and toxins. A majority of Ameri- fact at a time
cans go through life dehydrated. Eating smart: A key step towards
Limit sugary foods, salt, and refined healthy eating. Healthy eating begins with
grain products. Sugar is added to a vast learning how to eat smart. Its not just
array of foods. In a year, just one daily 12- what you eat, but how you eat. Paying at-
ounce can of soda (160 calories) can in- tention to what you eat and choosing foods
crease your weight by 16 pounds. See that are both nourishing and enjoyable helps
suggestions below for limiting salt and sub- support an overall healthy diet.
stituting whole grains for refined grains. Take time to chew your food: Chew
Dont be the food police. You can your food slowly, savoring every bite. We
enjoy your favourite sweets and fried foods tend to rush through our meals, forgetting
in moderation, as long as they are an occa- to actually taste the flavours and feel the
sional part of your overall healthy diet. textures of what is in our mouths. Recon-
Food is a great source of pleasure, and nect with the joy of eating.

FA R M J O K E S
Happiness is not something you postpone for the future;
it is something you design for the present Jim Rohn
Why shouldn't you tell a secret on a Why did the farmer feed his pigs
farm? sugar and vinegar?
Because the potatoes have eyes and the He wanted sweet and sour pork!
corn has ears!
"Why can't you make bread like my
What do you get when you cross a mother?" Wife: "Why can't you make
robot and a tractor? dough like my father?"
A transfarmer. What day do potatoes
hate the most?
What farm animal keeps the best

time? A watch dog!
Did you hear about the magic trac-

tor? It turned into a field!

GROW
WHEREVER YOU GO
WITH HIPRO.MOBI!
Visit us today at HiPro.Mobi for information

o n our products, promotions, locations and
services! Plus, get tips on feed, chicks,
gardening and farming as well!
EASY TO VIEW ON ALL DEVICES!

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Continued from page 1 Nevertheless, the government

Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017

Table of Contents TROPICAL

Statistics on Agriculture ....../4 FARMERS

For the latest news

Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017

STATISTICS ON JAMAICAN AGRICULTURE

REGISTRATED FARMERS FARMERS EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION DATA

Non-Traditional Export (US$000)

Traditional Export (US$'000)

Meat Fish and Dairy (000 kgs)

Domestic Food Crops (Tonnes)

Traditional Export Crops (Tonnes)

Sources: Economic and Social Survey, Jamaica, Statistical Yearbook of Jamaica

Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017

Holidays in Jamaica in 2017

Date Weekday Holiday Name Holiday Type

Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017

Karl Samuda JC Hutchinson Donovan Stanberry

Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017

Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017

Institute for Cooperation Commission

Health and Wealth

Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017

Health and Wealth with Miracle plants

Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017

Health and Wealth with Miracle plants

Health and Wealth with Miracle plants

Jamaican Ginger The traditional medical form of gin-

Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017

Health and Wealth with Miracle plants

Tumeric slightly hot peppery flavor and a mus-

Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017

Health and Wealth with Miracle plants

Sarsaparilla Sarsaparilla is commonly used for

Health and Wealth with Miracle plants

Leaf of life Various medicinal uses are associated

Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017

atureja viminea or Costa Rican Mint

Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017

Fever Grass the treatment of colic, catarrh and gastric

Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017

Health and Wealth with Miracle plants

itter melonor Cerassee, as it is

For the latest news and views of farming

Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017

Health and Wealth with Miracle plants

loe vera is a plant species of the

Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017

Health and Wealth with Miracle plants

M oringa, a multipurpose tree native

Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017

Health and Wealth with Miracle plants

N eem is an evergreen tree which is en-

Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017

Health and Wealth with Miracle plants

innamomum verum, called "true cin-

Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017

Health and Wealth with Miracle plants

Health and Wealth with Miracle plants

Tropical Farmers Almanac 2017

AVOCADO ble. Complete reaping, prune. Apply

The Tropical Farmers' Almanac 2017

The Tropical Farmers' Almanac 2017