Insecticide Use Practices in Cocoa Production in Four Regions in Ghana

Chemical control of insect pests of cocoa started in 1950, and insecticides from the various classes have been recommended and used by farmers since then. Presently, Imidacloprid (Confidor®), Bifenthrin (Akatemaster®) and Thiamethoxam (Actara®) are recommended by Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) for insect pest management. A survey was conducted in the Ashanti, Eastern, Volta and Western regions of Ghana using questionnaires and farm visits of 147 cocoa farmers’ fields to gather information on insecticide use practices by farmers. The survey showed that the farmers used mostly Imidacloprid and Bifenthrin insecticides and the frequency of application was more than that recommended by COCOBOD. Among the three recommended insecticides, 43% each of the farmers across the three regions used either Confidor® or Akatemaster® whilst the remaining 14% used Actara®. The number of years farmers had consistently used a particular insecticide ranged between 5 and 16 years. Whilst some cocoa farmers do not apply insecticides to their farms, others, however, do as many as 11 applications in a year. Most of the insecticides used are classified as class II under WHO Hazard category, and the farmers used very minimal protective clothing during pesticides application. The results of this study show that there is the need to intensify education on safe handling and use of pesticides to reduce pesticide abuse, especially by cocoa farmers, in order to sustain effective management of pests and protect farmers, consumers and the environment

HIV-1 Nef increases astrocyte sensitivity towards exogenous hydrogen peroxide

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>HIV-1 infected individuals are under chronic exposure to reactive oxygen species (ROS) considered to be instrumental in the progression of AIDS and the development of HIV-1 associated dementia (HAD). Astrocytes support neuronal function and protect them against cytotoxic substances including ROS. The protein HIV-1 Nef, a progression factor in AIDS pathology is abundantly expressed in astrocytes in patients with HAD, and thus may influence its functions.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Endogenous expressed HIV-1 Nef leads to increased sensitivity of human astrocytes towards exogenous hydrogen peroxide but not towards TNF-alpha. Cell death of <it>nef</it>-expressing astrocytes exposed to 10 μM hydrogen peroxide for 30 min occurred within 4 h.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>HIV-1 Nef may contribute to neuronal dysfunction and the development of HAD by causing death of astrocytes through decreasing their tolerance for hydrogen peroxide.</p

Is there Avocado sunblotch Viroid in Ghana?

The prevalence of Avocado sunblotch Viroid (ASBVd) among Ghanaian accessions was investigated. One hundred and eighty five (185) symptomatic and symptomless avocado trees were tested by DIGdotblot hybridization for the presence of ASBVd. One (0.01%) accession tested positive, 158 (85.8%) tested negative, while the results of the remaining 26 (14.1%) were inconclusive (herein referred to as“possible carriers”). Only one true symptomless carrier of the viroid was identified. The viroid showed no geographical or topographical preferences. The positive and ”possible carriers” were evenly distributed around the country. The incidence of the disease in Ghana was found to be very low and hence steps must be taken to eradicate it and maintain a clean industry