Evaluation of twentyfive vegetable varieties at Aiyura, Eastern Highlands province.

Abstract

Two trials were conducted to compare 25 species of traditional and introduced vegetables. The object of the trials was to provide the basis for making recommendations to highland institutional farmers for suitable vegetable species to grow. Fresh and dry weight yield from first to final harvest are presented. The following species recorded yields ofover5t/ha (fresh weight) and 1 t/ha (dry weight): Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata), choko (Sechium edule), silverbeet(Beta vulgaris), Oenanthejavanica, cabbage (Brassica oleracea), Russian comfrey (Symphytum asperrimum), Rungia klossii and Dicliptera papuana. Based on yield, nutritional value, acceptability to the consumer, ease of cultivation and period of harvest, the following vegetables are recommended to institutional farmers: Pumpkin, silverbeet, oenanthe and rungia. Cabbage is recommended with reservations.