Horticultural Production Level 5, as defined by TVET CDACC (Technical and Vocational Education and Training Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council), involves a comprehensive set of competencies related to advanced horticultural practices. Here's a breakdown of what it generally entails:

  • Focus on Diverse Horticultural Production:
    • The curriculum covers a wide range of horticultural products, including:
      • Temperate fruits
      • Tropical fruits
      • Sub-tropical fruits
      • Horticultural nuts
      • Herbs and spices
      • Cut flowers
      • Mushrooms
      • Ornamental plants
      • Vegetable crops
      • Vine fruits.
  • Advanced Production Skills:
    • Level 5 indicates a higher level of proficiency in horticultural production, implying that individuals at this level are expected to have in-depth knowledge and practical skills in managing and optimizing the production of these various crops.
  • Competency-Based Training:
    • TVET CDACC emphasizes competency-based education, meaning the curriculum is designed to equip learners with the specific skills and knowledge required for success in the horticultural industry.  
  • Core Competencies:
    • It also contains basic units of competency that include communication skills, and numeracy skills.
  • Where to find more detailed information:
    • For specific curriculum details, the TVET CDACC website (portal.tvetcdacc.go.ke) is the official resource.  

In essence, Horticultural Production Level 5 prepares individuals to be skilled and knowledgeable horticultural producers capable of managing diverse crop production.

TVET CDACC
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PRODUCE TEMPERATE FRUITS

Temperate fruits represent a significant category within pomology and horticulture, characterized by their adaptation to climates with distinct seasonal changes, particularly a period of winter dormancy. These fruits thrive in regions with moderate temperatures, where they require a certain number of "chilling hours" to break bud dormancy and initiate growth in the spring. This physiological requirement distinguishes them from tropical or subtropical fruits.

Within the realm of pomology, the study of temperate fruits involves a deep understanding of their specific needs. This includes:

  • Climatic requirements:
    • Pomologists analyze the chilling requirements, optimal temperature ranges, and frost tolerance of various temperate fruit species.
  • Cultivar selection:
    • They focus on selecting and breeding cultivars that are well-suited to specific temperate regions, considering factors like disease resistance, fruit quality, and yield.
  • Orchard management:
    • This encompasses practices like pruning, training, fertilization, and pest management, all tailored to the unique characteristics of temperate fruit trees.

Horticulturally, temperate fruits are diverse, including:

  • Pome fruits:
    • Such as apples and pears, characterized by a core containing seeds.
  • Stone fruits:
    • Like peaches, plums, and cherries, which have a hard "stone" enclosing the seed.
  • Berries:
    • Including strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, which are small, soft fruits.
  • Nuts:
    • Such as walnuts, and pecans.