Uziza is a climbing plant grown for its leaves and fruits (seed), Its botanical name is Piper Guineense.
Description of Uziza Plant
It’s a perennial and climbing plant, the stem is thin, green in colour and the length can be about 5 m long.
The leaves are green in colour and have a narrow heart shape, compared to utazi leaves that are broad heart shaped.
The plant produces fruits that are also referred to as berries.
The fruits are green in colour and turn red or orange when ripe.
When the seeds are dried they come out black in colour that’s what we see in the market.
Planting Season For Uziza
It’s best to plant uziza during the rainy season between April – October.
Planting Uziza
Step 1: Choose a Location
- Choose a good location for the plant it does not require much space
- But ensure there is provision for it to climb either grow it close to an existing tree or make provision for a stalk or pole.
- Well drained soil
- Good loamy soil
- Good exposure to sunlight.
Step 2: Land Clearing and Preparation
Clear the portion selected for planting
Till the soil to soften it,
add manure or compost to the soil and mix
Step 3: Means of Propagation (Seed Selection)
Uziza is propagated by seeds and stem cuttings.
More success in cultivation has been recorded using matured stem cutting compared to using seeds over the years.
The seed loses its viability quickly.
Get stem cutting from a matured uziza plant,
Cut the stem about 15 cm (6 in) long.
Step 4: Planting
Till a small portion of the ground to raise the soil a little.
Pour water and allow the soil settle
Check the cut stem to note the position of the nodes, lie it down (place horizontally).
Make sure that the nodes are facing upwards.
Cover the soil lightly.
A spacing of 70 cm (28 in) or 90 cm (35 in) between each plant.
Step 5: Water
Water the plant immediately after planting
Water everyday until it sprouts.
After about 3 – 4 weeks water at least three times a week.
Maturity and Harvest
Uziza is ready for harvest after about 6 months,
The leaves can be harvested for home use as soon as the plant has grown leaves enough for about 1 – 2 months.
But for commercial or large harvest 6 month
To harvest, carefully cut the stem with a knife
Do not uproot the plant as it will reproduce again
Except it’s no longer needed.
The plant begins to fruit after 1 to 3 years depending on the species.
Pruning and Stacking
Prune the plant from time to time is important to help it produce better.
Use a stick or bamboo to stack the plant
Use a soft rope to attach the plant to the bamboo.
Pest and Diseases
Pests
- Aphids
- Caterpillar
- White flies
- Leaf miners
- Slugs
Diseases
- Bacterial Leaf Spot
- Powdery mildred
- Leaf Spot
- Root Rot
- Leaf blight
Pest and Disease Control
- Avoid over watering
- Use disease resistant plants
- Weed regularly
- Avoid dense planting
- Destroy affected plants
- Weed regularly
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