the most common hindrances towards achieving the dream.

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The tree tomato especially the Red Oratia Variety has been dominating the market, because of its growth period and its continuous harvest cycle. There two main ways that one can earn from the tree tomatoes or the Tamarrillo as it is commonly referred to as, one is selling produce as it is to the available market(s) and you could also venture into value addition and produce your own jam and other sweeteners.

However, the tree tomatoes might not give you the expected yield if you are not keen to understand its growth process and also the ecological conditions the fruit tree thrives at.

When you plan to start tree tomato farming in Kenya, it is important to learn which diseases and pests might affect your plants. Diseases can be easily prevented by using the right seedlings and nutrients. Even established plants can be protected through crop rotation. Pests can be controlled by using pesticides or insecticides as advised by agricultural experts. But before you do any of these, ensure that you’ve carried out research on the farmer’s state of your region. This will help identify what could prove to be a threat to your plant growth plans.

Common diseases affecting tree tomatoes are;

Blight-

You will notice dark brown spots developing on older leaves. The infected leaves turn yellow and fall off as infection advances. Spots may appear on stems which enlarge as severity increases.

Powdery mildew-

When this infection attacks your crops, the leaves and stems become distorted. This is caused by the development of grey-white powdery growth majorly on leaves and stems. Wilting may eventually occur.

Common pests affecting tree tomatoes are;

Whiteflies-

These are white-winged insects that suck the sap of your plant. They attack the leaves. The result is downward curling, yellowing and finally the leaves dry.

Nematodes-

These are microscopic parasites found in the soil. When these parasites infect your tree, you will notice swollen and distorted roots that bear knots. As a result, the plants wilts and eventually it may die.

Aphids-

These are sap-sucking insects that pierce the lower surface of leaves. They mostly attack tender shoots. If they attack, you will notice curls and twists on the leaves of your plant. Aphids excrete honeydew that forms a sooty mold that affects photosynthesis