|
Integrated production and
protection practices of cashew (Anacardium occidentale)
in Nigeria
Asogwa, E. U.*, Hammed,
L. A. and Ndubuaku, T. C. N.
Cashew
Research Programme, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria,
Ibadan, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author. Email:
ucheasogwa1@yahoo.com.
Accepted
8 December, 2008 |
|
The history
of cashew in Nigeria dates back to 15th century.
Then, it was mainly used in afforestation schemes for the
control of erosion in the former Eastern Nigeria. However,
commercial cashew plantations started in Nigeria in the
early 1950s with the establishment of first commercial
plantations at Oghe, Oji and Mbala by the defunct Eastern
Nigeria Development Corporation (ENDC) and Iwo, Eruwa and
Upper Ogun by the defunct Western Nigeria Development
Corporation (WNDC). From these locations, the planting of
the crop spread to other parts of Nigeria particularly the
Central and Northern States of Nigeria. Cashew is an
emerging commodity crop whose cultivation cuts across the
seven agro-ecologies in Nigeria. In each of the 27 cashew
producing states in Nigeria, the numerical strength of the
farmers is astronomically increasing, while the crop’s
hectarage is correspondingly on the increase. Cashew was
generally believed to be almost free from serious pest
problems, until recently when large plantations were
established, resulting in the discovery of many insect pest
and diseases attacking different parts of the plant. This
therefore, necessitated a comprehensive evaluation of cashew
production and protection packages so as to ensure sustained
interests in the crop’s cultivation and to encourage the
prospecting cashew farmers.
Key
words:
Insect
pest, diseases, selections, apples, kernels, nuts, sinkers,
floaters. |
