Table 3 Methods of harvesting indigenous vegetables and the associated advantages and limitations
From: Optimization of African indigenous vegetables production in sub Saharan Africa: a review
Harvesting method | Example of African indigenous vegetable | Advantage(s) | Limitation(s) | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Picking leaves or leafy branches | Amaranthus, Cleome gynandra, Vignia unguiculata, Bidens pilosa | High leaf and grain yield Prolonged production life cycle Reduced soil nutrient losses | Perpetuates cycle of pests and diseases Not suitable for low moisture conditions in rainfed systems | |
Uprooting the whole plant | Amaranthus spp., Cleome gynandra, Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis | Early maturity Breaks the cycle of diseases | Reduced production cycle Soil nutrient mining | Nambafu (2018); Keller (2004); Adenji and Aloyce (2013); Schippers (2004) |
Cutting from ground level | Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis, Bidens pilosa, Amaranthus, Cleome gynandra | Breaks the cycle of pests and diseases | Reduced leaf and seed yield Soil nutrient mining Short production life cycle |