Commercial Vegetable Production Research Articles

Evaluation of biological control option for Bagrada bug (Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister)) in Kenya

Brassica production is important for economic development of Kenya. Bagrada bug, a significant pest of brassicas, affects their yields and quality, currently posing a threat to both local and commercial vegetable production in Kenya. Biological control of bagrada bug using natural enemies is a cheaper and environmentally friendly method. The study aimed to identify native egg parasitoid species in Kenya. A field prospection survey of the bagrada bug egg parasitoid was done by a series of bagrada bug egg exposure in different parts of the country. Freshly laid bagrada bug eggs in cards were exposed for possible parasitism in the field for three days. The eggs were later carried to the laboratory at NSRC to await hatching. Two egg parasitoid species Trissolcus basalis (Hymenoptera, Scelionidae) and Gryon sp. were identified during the study after a period of bagrada bug egg exposure in Machakos and Kisumu. Two cards with parasitized bagrada bug eggs were recovered from Machakos from which one card yielded four parasitoids of one species Trissolcus basalis and the other yielded two parasitoids Trissolcus basalis and Gryon sp. One card with two parasitized eggs by Trissolcus basalis was recovered from Kisumu, however, there were no parasitoids identified in Nanyuki, Naivasha and Kitengela where bagrada bug is also prevalent. Results showed parasitoid presence in fields with high bug populations compared to areas with few or no Bagrada bug infestations. Conducting trials in both laboratory and field settings is recommended to obtain clear data on the effectiveness of the identified egg parasitoid in managing the bagrada bug population.

In‐vitro and in‐vivo assessment of biological control potential of nematode symbiont Xenorhabdus nematophila against Pseudomonas syringae, the causative agent of angular leaf spot of cucumber

AbstractBacterial diseases cause colossal losses in vegetable crops and are considered major limiting factors for the commercial production of vegetables around the globe. Among bacterial diseases, angular leaf spot of cucumber caused by Pseudomonas syringae is one of the most economically important diseases that cause substantial economic loss to the cucumber crop. In this study, the in‐vitro and in‐vivo effects of different strains (X1–X15) of the nematode symbiotic bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila was determined on the growth of P. syringae in different selected media (TB, SB, SOB, SOC, YT and LB) and at different pH levels (6.5, 7.5 and 8.5) and on the incidence of angular leaf spot disease on potted cucumber plants. According to the results, maximum growth inhibition of P. syringe (25 mm) was observed in the case of strain X12, followed by strains X10 (23 mm), X8 (21 mm) and X6 (20 mm), while maximum colony growth was observed in the control. Moreover, this P. syringae growth inhibition by the X12 strain of X. nematophila was significantly maximum in SB medium and at pH 7.5. Results of the in‐vivo experiment with potted plants showed a maximum incidence (90%) of angular leaf spot disease in control plants, while a minimum disease incidence (15%) was observed for the plants treated with two times dilution of X. nematophila culture, followed by ten times (23%) and fifty times (35%). The overall results of this study demonstrate the inhibitory effect of X. nematophila on the growth and incidence of P. syringae and underscore its putative role in the biological management of plant pathogenic bacteria.

Production, postharvest practice, marketing and challenges of smallholder vegetable producers in Tanzania

Beside staple crops, the fruits and vegetables subsector contribute significantly to domestic and export markets. Yet, this subsector faces a number of challenges that limits its full growth potential. Through 383 randomly selected farmers’ interviews in selected districts, the study revealed profound information on the vegetable value chain. Findings show that, there is fair participation of men (58%) and women (42%) in vegetable production. Majority of farmers were between 19 and 49 years old (70%), attained primary education (80%) and had more than 5 years in commercial vegetable production (71.8%). Further, 79.4% of farmers had less than 1 ha of vegetable farmland. Farmers cultivate a wide range of nutritious and commercially valued vegetables including broccoli (50.7%), cauliflower (37.3%), white cabbage (34.7%), crisphead lettuce (24.5%), Chinese cabbage (20.6%), zucchini (20.1%), carrot (18.5%), tomato (14.4%), purple cabbage (10.2%), beetroot (9.4%), African nightshade (8.4%), leaf lettuce (7.6%), green/snap bean (6.8%), snow/sugar-snap pea (5%), leeks (5%), spinach (4.2%), green pepper (4.2%), herbs (parsley, fennel and dill) (4.2%) and celery (2.9%). However, sustainable marketing of fresh vegetables is a challenge leading to most farmers opting to wholesale their produce at the farm gate (70.5%) instead of the marketplace, with the price often being set by the wholesale buyers (78.1%). With the exception of gender, household size, and farming experience; a farmer’s location and primary education level had a slightly statistically significant (p = 0.044) influence on opting to use farmgate as the point of sales. The unpredictable market (100%), costly and low-quality inputs (36.4%), pests and diseases (35.2%), and shortage of cold storage facilities (22.9%) were claimed to hamper vegetable production and the producers. In general, vegetables subsector can grow significantly in Tanzania due to the availability of irrigated nutrient-rich land, favorable climate and productive workforce. Thus, good farming practices, marketing and cold chain facilities have the potential to reduce postharvest losses and help realize national sustainable development goals. Key words: Fresh vegetables, postharvest practices, marketing, constraints, cold chains

Vegetable and potato growing in Kazakhstan as the main direction of agricultural production

The goal is to assess the development of potato and vegetable growing and their impact on the state of domestic and regional agricultural markets, to formulate proposals for stabilizing and improving the situation in the near future. Methods – comparative analysis, economicstatistical and structural approaches. Results – the authors note that in order to achieve the required level of food security, it is necessary to increase the volume of cultivation of these products in large agricultural enterprises, which will contribute to the growth of commercial production of vegetables and potatoes of proper quality. The state and potential of vegetable and potato farms, their regional characteristics, formation of vegetable market, and state support for vegetable growing industry at the national level are considered. The issues of regulating cultivation and sale of vegetable products are analyzed, the level of its consumption in the constituent entities of the Republic of Kazakhstan and factors determining it are shown. Monitoring of the areas of potatoes grown in open ground, tools and mechanisms for stimulating their expansion, the share of gross potato harvest for all categories of farms in the republic, the dynamics of prices of agricultural producers and consumer prices was carried out. Taking into account the scientific views and opinions of researchers, analysis of the category “sustainable development” is presented. Conclusions – it is necessary to carry out reclamation measures related to the involvement of agricultural land in circulation for vegetable and potato growing, increase in state support for agricultural producers, as well as funds to reimburse part of costs incurred for production of greenhouse vegetables, and technical re-equipment of production facilities. The implementation of investment projects is important, which will make it possible in the medium term to achieve complete food independence for vegetables and potatoes and ensure an acceptable price environment for their producers and consumers.

Chapter 1. Commercial Vegetable Production in Florida

Chapter 1 of the Vegetable Production Handbook of Florida

Evaluation of Different Growing Media for Tomato and Sweet Pepper Seedlings Raising in Pokhara, Nepal

Nine different compositions of growing media were evaluated for growing tomato and capsicum in two consecutive years (2020 and 2021). Experiments were conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) under rain shelter (poly house) with three replications. The growing media were Cocopeat, FYM+Cocopit+Perlite, FYM+ Cocopit+Vermiculite, FYM+Perlite, FYM+Soil, FYM+Vermiculite, Vermicompost+Perlite, Vermicompost +Soil and Vermicompost+Vermiculite. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in the observed parameters like number of seedlings emergence, number of seedling establishment, number of leaves, seedling height and diameter of seedling stem among the tested growing media. The highest seedling emergence of tomato and sweet pepper were recorded in cocopeat as a growing media. After 30 days after seed sowing (DAS) in tomato, the highest number of seedling (103.5) were found in Cocopeat and the tallest seedling height (19.92 cm) was found in Vermicompost+ perlite. Similarly, in Capsicum (40DAS), the highest number of seedling (83.5) were found for the growing media Cocopeat only, followed by Vermicompost + Perlite (78) and the tallest seedling height (13.89 cm) was found in Vermicompost+Vermiculite grown seedlings. The good root plug formation was found for the use of cocopeat. Therefore, use of vermicompost or FYM in the mixed form with cocopeat or the soil as a growing media would be sustainable technology for commercial seedling production of vegetables.

An assessment of good agriculture practices for safe and sustainable vegetable production in mid-hills of Nepal

The vegetable sector provides immediate income, nutrition, and food security and contributes significantly to the economy of Nepal. In recent decades, the sustainability of the vegetable sector has been challenged due to the unsystematic use of agrochemicals for commercializing production. Adopting Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) could reduce the use of agrochemicals in commercial vegetable production. This study conducted the assessment of GAP in Kathmandu Valley. A mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods, was adopted for the study, which included farmers' surveys, key informant interviews, and in-depth interviews. The results showed that farmers were adopting different GAP, such as cropping practices, livestock integration, soil fertility management practices, and integrated pest management practices. Upon adopting these practices, farmers reduced agrochemicals' use by more than 40%. The critical incentives for surveyed farmers to adopt GAP were soil health improvement, farmers' safety, and reduction in the use of agrochemicals while improving the farm's image. Further, the study revealed that farmers faced several challenges in adopting GAP. Management difficulty (I = 0.9) was identified as the most critical problem, followed by no premium price (I = 0.8), knowledge (I = 0.6), access to GAP inputs (I = 0.5), and other risks (I = 0.04). The study's findings imply that adopting GAP helps reduce the use of agrochemicals, consequently motivating farmers toward safe and sustainable vegetable production. The study recommends market-based solutions such as creating mass consumer awareness, ensuring premium prices with quality assurance mechanisms for making the GAP-based production profitable, and promoting its wider adoption. This is supported by facilitating farmers' access to government subsidies, price incentives, and insurance services and increasing access to GAP inputs. This study aims to generate evidence on a safe and sustainable vegetable production model that will be key to institutionalizing GAP in Nepal.

Effect of Seed Priming with Chitosan Hydrolysate on Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Growth Parameters.

Seed priming increases germination, yield, and resistance to abiotic factors and phytopathogens. Chitosan is considered an ecofriendly growth stimulant and crop protection agent. Chitosan hydrolysate (CH) is an unfractionated product of hydrolysis of high-molecular-weight crab shell chitosan with a molecular weight of 1040 kDa and a degree of deacetylation of 85% with nitric acid. The average molecular weight of the main fraction in CH was 39 kDa. Lettuce seeds were soaked in 0.01-1 mg/mL CH for 6 h before sowing. The effects of CH on seed germination, plant morphology, and biochemical indicators at different growth stages were evaluated. Under the 0.1 mg/mL CH treatment, earlier seed germination was detected compared to the control. Increased root branching was observed, along with 100% and 67% increases in fresh weight (FW) at the 24th and 38th days after sowing (DAS), respectively. An increase in the shoot FW was found in CH-treated plants (33% and 4% at the 24th and 38th DAS, respectively). Significant increases in chlorophyll and carotenoid content compared to the control were observed at the 10th DAS. There were no significant differences in the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, polyphenol oxidase, β-1,3-glucanase, and chitinase at the 24th and 38th DAS. Seed priming with CH could increase the yield and uniformity of plants within the group. This effect is important for commercial vegetable production.

Predatorska stenica Nesidiocoris tenuis (Heteroptera: Miridae), prirodni neprijatelj štetnih insekta u plasteničkoj proizvodnji paradajza

Species of zoophytophagous genus Dicyphina, plant bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae: Bryocorinae) are among the most abundant and effective predators of tomato pests. Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter, 1895 (Hemiptera: Miridae) is the predominant species of Dicyphina sp. and it is considered to be a major natural enemy of insect pests in tomato crops in the Mediterranean region. This predatory bug is proved to be particularly successful in suppressing Tuta absoluta Meadow, 1917 (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a major pest of tomato in greenhouse production. Aims of the study were to 1) investigate the efficiency of the mirid predatory bug N. tenuis in greenhouse tomato production and 2) to estimate the possibilities of its application in commercial vegetable production in Western Balkan countries of Europe. The significance of the study results relies on the possibility of commercialisation and general promotion of biological agent N. tenuis in tomato production in South East part of Europe, where the usage of pesticides still dominates the field of plant protection, both in vegetables and other agricultural sectors. According to the obtained results, the biological agent N. tenuis represents a reliable tool for controlling the level of the tomato leaf miner population by keeping the pest below its economic and intervention threshold.

Market outlet choices for African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs): a socio-economic analysis of farmers in Zambia

Agricultural research institutes in Sub-Sahara Africa have focused on establishing farmer groups that facilitate the commercial production and marketing of African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs) to address food and nutritional security. With the freedom of selecting the choices of market outlets, we explored the factors such as farmers’ characteristics, farm attributes, selling preferences, social relations, and other primary reasons that influence farmers' decision to choose a particular outlet to sell AIVs. A purposive random survey was conducted among the AIV farmers to understand the preferred market outlets for AIVs in Zambia. The results of the multinomial logit model indicate that male respondents are more likely to choose intermediary options to sell AIVs, particularly brokers and wholesalers. The rainfed farmers and those who receive primary income from farming activities are less likely to choose retailers and wholesalers to market their AIVs. Similarly, those who expect instant payment for their produce indicate that they are less likely to prefer retailers and brokers. Farmers who belong to the farmer's group exhibited a positive coefficient, meaning that they are more likely to choose intermediary options to sell their AIVs compared with the farmer-to-consumer direct sales option. However, good price, a positive momentum of AIVs price in the past, and processing activities were found to be insignificant determinants for market outlet choices when compared with farmer-to-consumer direct outlet option. Our findings could help to better cognize AIVs marketing channels and develop the intervention for new farmers to make an informed decision as to how best to market their AIVs.

Nitrogen Effect on Fruit Quality and Yield of Muskmelon and Sweet Pepper Cultivars

Yield and fruit quality are two of the most important parameters for the profitability of vegetable crops. In commercial vegetable production, nitrogen (N) is commonly applied in excess, which is associated with nitrate (NO3−) leaching loss. In addition, excess N application may affect yield and fruit quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of N applications of very deficient N (N1, 2 mmol L−1), deficient N (N2, 8 mmol L−1), and conventional N (N3, 14 mmol L−1), according to local fertigation practices, in soil-grown muskmelon and sweet pepper crops in Almeria, South-Eastern Spain. The evaluation was conducted in three cultivars of each species. The yield and the fruit quality parameters of firmness, colour, total soluble solids (TSS) and morphometric variables were evaluated in two years for each species. For most parameters in both species, the effects of N, when significant, occurred regardless of cultivar. In muskmelon and sweet pepper, application of 8.2 mmol N L−1 (i.e., N2) was sufficient to achieve a maximum yield of 6.7 and 7.4 kg m−2, respectively. In muskmelon, very deficient N application led to an increase of 58% in the percentage of fruit discarded, mostly due to malformed and undersized fruits. Fruit firmness and red–green axis coordinate (a*) were not consistently affected by N in any of the crops. However, the fruit lightness (L*) increased with N addition in both species, likely because of increased chlorophyll pigments. With N addition, fruit TSS slightly decreased in muskmelon and slightly increased in sweet pepper. However, fruit TSS of both species were within reference values for commercialisation in the three N treatments. There were differences in yield between cultivars in muskmelon but not in sweet pepper, likely due to differences in fruit number in muskmelon. There were differences between cultivars in TSS and colour a* coordinate in both muskmelon and sweet pepper. Cultivars with higher TSS and a* coordinate will likely be more desirable for consumers because of the sweeter taste and more intense orange colour in muskmelon and reddish colour in sweet pepper. Overall, our manuscript showed that N application can be reduced, relative to the conventional N application, without reducing yield or fruit quality in muskmelon, yet additional studies should be conducted in sweet pepper to complement the results of the 2020 crop.

Chapter 1. Commercial Vegetable Production in Florida

Chapter 1 of the Vegetable Production Handbook for Florida

Production Economics and Determinants for Adoption of Commercial Vegetable Production in Kathmandu Nepal

The vegetable sub-sector is considered a sector having high prospects of commercialization. It supports to create the job opportunities, thereby contributes to reducing the poverty rate. However, little empirical research has been done to know the benefits of commercial production and households’ behavior towards its adoption. Thus, this study seeks to assess the production economics and determinant factors of farmers for the adoption of commercial vegetable production in Kathmandu district, Nepal. In total 199 households were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. The primary data were collected from January to February 2022. The descriptive statistics, benefit-cost ratio, and binary logistic regression were applied for data analysis using SPSS. The results reveal that the gross margin and benefit-cost ratio of commercial vegetable farming were found to be NRs. 533,130/ha and 3.23 respectively, which were higher than the subsistence vegetable farming (gross margin NRs. 419, 031/ha and benefit to cost ratio 2.49). Further, the findings of binary logistic regression show that age, education of household head, experience, type of family, membership, and access to credit were significantly important determinants of commercial vegetable production. Therefore, any agricultural development programs such as financial services, business training, and encourage farmers to join into cooperatives could be instrumental for commercial vegetable farming.
 Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 9, Issue-3: 103-112

Breeding of parthenocarpic cucumber hybrids for unheated greenhouses

Relevance. Cucumber is very popular and in demand in households of the population (personal subsidiary farms), as evidenced by the data on the acreage occupied under this crop in the territory of the Russian Federation (37.4 thousand hectares).Methodology. This article presents the results of evaluating the combinational ability of eight parthenocarpic inbreeding lines and testing thirteen new hybrid combinations obtained on the basis of the studied lines under the conditions of spring-summer turnover in a polycarbonate unheated greenhouse in the Moscow region in comparison with the hybrids F1 SV 4097 CV (Seminis, the Netherlands) and F1 Piligrim (Agrofirma Poisk LLC, Russia).The purpose of the scientific work is to develop productive and high-yielding heterotic cucumber hybrids with a complex of economically useful traits for cultivation in unheated greenhouses. Testing and introduction of competitive and technologically advanced hybrids into commercial vegetable production is one of the important stages of scientific research in the field of breeding. The research was carried out in ARRIVG – a branch of FSBSI “Federal Scientific Vegeculture Center” in the conditions of polycarbonate unheated ground greenhouses during 2020-2021 (Moscow region, Ramensky district).Results. As a result of evaluation of the combinational ability of parthenocarpic inbreeding lines, it was found that inbreeding lines L.21 (2.4 kg/m2 ), L.415 (0.8 kg/m2 ), L.993 (0.4 kg/m2 ), L.1010 (0.1 kg/m2 ) should be used during hybridization as a paternal component for obtaining early-ripening parthenocarpic cucumber hybrids. To develop more productive and high-yielding parthenocarpic cucumber hybrids, inbreeding lines L.21, L.415, L.1008 should be used. As a result of the research work, four hybrid combinations (L.993×L.415, L.1010×L.21, L.993×L.21, L.993×L.1008) were identified for high yield and productivity in protected soil conditions, which exceeded the standards of SV 4097 CV F1 and Piligrim F1.

Determinants of production and marketing of vegetables in kailali district of Nepal

The objective of this study was to find out the existing vegetable production and marketing practices in the Kailali district of Nepal. A total of 100 vegetable growers were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data collection was done by using a semi-structured interview. Secondary data was collected from the reports and journal articles. Indexing techniques and descriptive statistics were used in this study. It was estimated that the average size of a household's landholding was 0.1689-0.337 hectares. Forty-eight percent of the households earned NRs 1,00,001–2,00,001/year from vegetable farming. About 93% of the farmers were interested in off-season vegetable production. Around 45% of households used different fertilizers, namely urea, DAP, and MOP. Insect and disease attacks (index value = 0.82) were the major problems. Aphid (index value = 0.818) and blight (index value = 0.768) were reported as the major pest and disease, respectively. About 47% of farmers grew hybrid seeds. Farmers sold their products in India (50%), Dadeldhura (30%), and local markets (20%).The management of insect pests and diseases, access to chemical fertilizers and hybrid seeds, and the provision of offseason vegetable production training to farmers are necessary for the promotion of commercial vegetable production in the district. SAARC J. Agric., 20(1): 239-252 (2022)

Impact of insecticide programs on pests, the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis, and staked tomato profitability.

Various insecticides are available to manage diverse pest complexes in commercial vegetable production, but knowledge gaps exist regarding their overall performance in pest suppression, profitability, and compatibility with biological control. We conducted trials in staked tomatoes in western North Carolina in 2017-2018 to compare how different insecticide programs managed key pests and their interactions with Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, a predator of the twospotted spider mite (TSSM, Tetranychus urticae Koch). Treatments compared no insecticides to broad-spectrum ('hard') foliar applications, selective ('soft') foliar applications, and to chemigation of selective systemic insecticides. Treatment efficacy was based on pest control, net profitability, and Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) ratings comparing environmental and human health risks. All programs similarly suppressed aphids, while flower thrips and flea beetle populations were low and unaffected by program. Only the 'hard' foliar program suppressed TSSM (including P. persimilis), which quickly rebounded. This program inhibited biological control, and eventual TSSM suppression was likely caused by P. persimilis immigrating from nearby plots. All programs were generally equivalent in reducing fruit damage. Net profits were similar among insecticide programs, which were significantly greater than in untreated plots. Yield and profit trends were similar both years, but impacted by record flooding in 2018. Safer and more selective chemigation and 'soft' foliar programs were as effective and economical as the 'hard' foliar program, while also conserving biological control. These results support existing research demonstrating that improved insecticide use can be integrated with biological control for more profitable and environmentally sustainable vegetable production. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chapter 1. Commercial Vegetable Production in Florida

Chapter 1. Commercial Vegetable Production in Florida

Alternating temperatures increase germination and emergence in relation to endogenous hormones and enzyme activities in aubergine seeds

High seed quality is important for obtaining high quality seedlings for commercial vegetable production. The rate of seed germination affects seedling quality since seeds which tend to germinate more slowly generally result in low-quality seedlings, especially in aubergine seeds. Alternating temperatures play a crucial role in determining the rate of seed germination in many plant species. This study investigated the effect of alternating temperatures on aubergine seed germination, emergence rates, and physiological changes regulating dormancy. Seeds from four open-pollinated aubergine cultivars were incubated for 14 days under the following temperature regimes: 35/20°C-24/24h, 35/20°C-16/8h, 35/20°C-8/16h, 30/20°C-24/24h, 30/20°C-16/8h, 30/20°C-8/16h, or at constant 25°C. The highest mean germination was 92%, with a corresponding highest mean emergence of 88%, which was found with the 35/20°C-16/8h treatment. All alternating temperature treatments displayed faster germination and emergence compared to the control (25°C), as well as high catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase antioxidant enzyme activities, and high auxin and salicylic acid levels. In contrast, lipase enzyme activity, abscisic acid and jasmonic acid content decreased. In conclusion, these findings showed that alternating temperatures improved aubergine seed germination rate, and seedling emergence, and also demonstrated positive correlations with enzymatic and hormonal fluctuations within the seeds.

Farm Food Safety Training for Amish Produce Growers Covered under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

Commercial production of fruits and vegetables on Amish farms provides significant amounts of fresh produce that are regionally distributed through wholesale markets. In response to several multi-state foodborne disease outbreaks linked to contamination of fresh produce, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated farm food safety standards that most commercial produce growers must implement. Although there have been no foodborne disease outbreaks attributed to fresh produce grown on Amish farms, this regulation poses regulatory challenges for those who sell produce at wholesale produce auctions, cooperatives, and distribution warehouses. This article describes recent farm food safety standards issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that require most harvesters and handlers of commercially grown fresh produce to attend workshops on the elements of the regulation and best practices to prevent on-farm contamination. We describe the current FDA-approved computer-based Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) national farm food safety curriculum and how Penn State Extension, working with PSA and a regional Amish food safety advisory group, created an alternative printed version of the curriculum that would be acceptable to all Amish growers regardless of restrictions on the use of learning technologies to present materials. We also present data that suggests the two curriculum delivery methods are equivalent in terms of knowledge gained by comparing pre- and post-workshop survey results. [Abstract by authors.]

Emerging Medium-Scale Tenant Farming, Gig Economies, and the COVID-19 Disruption: The Case of Commercial Vegetable Clusters in Ethiopia.

Driven by the fast spread of private irrigation pumps, there has been a rapid expansion of intensive vegetable cultivation in the central Rift Valley in Ethiopia, making it the most important commercial vegetable production cluster in the country. Supporting that “quiet revolution” has been an inflow of migrant laborers—paid through daily, monthly, or piecemeal contracts, with few employment benefits attached to them—and a gig economy as widely used contractors organize, among others, mechanized land preparation, the digging of wells and ponds, seedling propagation, and loading of trucks. Almost 60% of the irrigated area is cultivated by medium-scale tenant farmers relying on short-term rental contracts. It seems that gig economies characterized by flexible contract arrangements implemented by outside contractors, which are increasingly fueling sophisticated sectors in developed countries, are important in these commercial agrarian settings in Africa as well. We further find that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant disruptions of this model, as seen by more limited access to services and the unavailability or high price increases in factor markets, especially for labor, and large but heterogenous price changes in output markets.