A survey of indigenous knowledge about food and medicinal properties of Solanum torvum in East Akim District of Eastern Region of Ghana

Solanum torvum is a popular plant in Ghana, especially among the Akan communities. It is believed that the plant has special properties of stimulating the production of blood cells and could be helpful in treating anaemia. A survey was carried out in 20 randomly selected communities in the East Akim District in the Eastern Region of Ghana to gather indigenous knowledge on food and medicinal properties of the plant. The respondents indicated that the plant had huge potential in controlling certain diseases, including malaria and cough. They also believed that the plant had certain properties that helped in producing blood cells. Nutritional analysis of the plant showed S. torvum to be a good source of iron, an essential element in haemoglobin production. However, further work needs to be done to verify the acclaimed properties of the plant

Sensory evaluation: The last hurdle in varietal development of yams (Dioscorea rotundata, poir) in Ghana

In variety development, sensory evaluation is not only the most important hurdle after all the necessary agronomic characteristics have been developed but also a major determinant of acceptability of thevariety, as well as a major determinant in the subsequent adoption and use of the variety. Eight yam genotypes out of thirty-six genotypes evaluated for yield, pest and disease tolerance and stability over athree year period, plus 3 farmers’ checks were assessed on parameters such as enzymatic oxidation, colour attractiveness, aroma, taste, texture and overall acceptability in relation to farmers’ checks (Dente,Brass and Dorban). Gender differences existed in the degree of perception of texture and taste of yams. KUP__2000/001 was the overall best genotype with respect to general acceptability in all agroecologiesfollowed by TDr_89/02665, 2000/001, TDr__ 89/02660, TDr__95/19177, Dente, Brass, Dorban, TDr__95/01932, TDr__95/01544 and TDr__98/02877 in that order. The results of this study indicated that accessions KUP_2000/001, TDr_89/02665 and 2000/001 were the most preferred accessions with respect to sensory evaluation. After clearing this all important hurdle of sensory evaluation, genotypes KUP_2000/001, TDr_89/02665 and 2000/001 were release as varieties CRIPona, MankrongPona and CRIKukrupa respectively in 2005

The rural farmer and plant genetic resources conservation: A case study in the Fanteakwa District in the Eastern Region of Ghana

The methods of conservation used by rural farmers were studied in the Fanteakwa District in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Ten rural communities were randomly selected, and10 rural farmers were interviewed in each community. Questions posed ranged from methods of conservation to traditional belief systems associated with conserving certain plants. It was observed at the end of the study that rural farmers are true conservers and their basically traditional methods of conservation are handed down to them from generation to generation. An example of these traditional methods is ntute, used to conserve cocoyam. However, most methods used by rural farmers are mostly effective on the short-term basis, according to scientists of the Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute (PGRRI), which has necessitated the need for long-term conservation methods. Also, it was established that some traditional belief systems associated with conservation had helped rural farmers to conserve certain plants. In all these, rural farmers have, in their own small ways, contributed to the sustainability of plants for a considerable period.Il a été établi que l'on ne peut pas parler de la conservation de plantes sans considérer les agriculteurs ruraux qui cultivaient les cultures sur une longue période de temps. L'étude cherche à savoir davantage de méthodes de conservation employées par les agriculteurs ruraux dans le district de Fanteakwa de la Région de l'Est du Ghana. Dix communautés rurales étaient sélectionnées au hasard dont dix agriculteurs ruraux étaient interviewés dans chaque communauté. Les questions formulées variaient de méthodes de conservation aux sytèmes de croyance traditionnelle liés à la conservation de certaines plantes. Il était observé à la fin de l'étude que les agriculteurs ruraux sont les conservateurs véritables et leurs méthodes de conservation sont fondamentalement traditionnelles qui se transmettent à eux de génération en génération. Un exemple de ces méthodes traditionnelles est ntute qui est employé pour conserver le taro. Toutefois la plupart de méthodes employées par les agriculteurs ruraux sont surtout efficaces à court terme selon les scientifiques de l' Institut pour la Recherche de Resources Génétiques de Plante qui a nécessité le besoin pour les méthodes de conservation à long terme. De plus, il était établi que vraiment les agriculteurs ruraux ont quelques sytèmes de croyance traditionnelle liés à la conservation qui leur ont aidé de conserver certaines plantes. En tout, ces agriculteurs ruraux, à leurs manières, ont contribué à la durabilité des plantes sur une période de longtemps. Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science Vol. 40 (2) 2008: pp. 159-16

Effects of moisture stress on germination and protein synthesis in root tips of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

Unpigmented cowpea seeds, TVX 3236 (cream and brown) and IT81S-818 (white), were subjected to more stressful constant moisture conditions (-0.1 and -0.15 MPa) for 10 days. Germination was reduced from 90 to 43 and 60 per cent, respectively, compared to 90 per cent in those subjected to readily water availability (-0.0015 Mpa). These seeds germinated at -0.0015 MPa for shorter periods of 12 and 24 h compared to 48 h before imposition of stress (-0.15 MPa) for 7 days and showed more reduced final germination, after they had been returned to readily water availability for a further 7 days. However, pigmented seeds, TVX 2724-01F (brown) and IT82D-32 (dark-brown), showed very high germination between 90 and 100 per cent even under stress. The difference between these two groups of seeds, therefore, lies in their abilities to withstand water stress which was related to the differences in damage caused to their embryonic cells as shown by the extent of staining with 2, 3, 5 triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC), and their abilities to synthesize protein after stress by incorporating L-4,5-3H leucine into their root tips.Les graines de dolique non pigmentées, TVX 3236 (crème et brune) et IT81S-818 (blanche), étaient exposées aux conditions d'humidité constantes plus stressantes (-0.1 et -0.15 MPa) pour 10 jours; Ces graines ont subi de germination réduite respectivement de 90 à 43 et 60% comparé à 90% en celles qui étaient exposées à l'eau facilement disponible (-0.0015 Mpa). Ces graines germinaient à -0.0015 MPa pour des périodes plus courtes de 12 et 24 h comparées à 48 h avant l'imposition de pression (-0.15 MPa) pour 7 jours et montraient de germination final plus réduite après avoir été remises à l'eau facilement disponible pour 7 jours. Les graines pigmentées TVX 2724-01F (brune) et IT82D-32 (brune-foncée), montraient cependant de germination très élevée entre 90 et 100% même sous les conditions de pression. La différence entre ces deux groupes de graines réside donc dans leurs capacités de résister à la pression d'eau qui était liée aux différences en dégats causés aux cellules embryonnaires comme révélé par l'ampleur de tacher avec 2, 3, 5 chlorure de triphényl tétrazolium (CTT), et leurs capacités de produire synthétiquement la protéiene après la pression par l'incorporation de L-[4, 5-3 H] leucine dans les bouts de racine. Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science Vol. 39 (2) 2006: pp. 165-17

Genomic resources for water yam (Dioscorea alata L.): analyses of EST sequences, De Novo sequencing and GBS libraries

Published online: 29 July 201

Nutritional status of alcoholics in Peri-urban areas of the greater Accra region of Ghana

Alcoholism is a common problem in developing countries. Epidemiological studies on the relationship among excessive alcohol consumption,  malnutrition and anaemia are inconclusive. The present study examined the association between alcohol intake and nutritional status of alcoholics in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study was cross-sectional involving 107 participants (men and women) aged between 20 and 76 years. Participants were identified as alcoholics after screening with a combined, but modified CAGE and AUDIT questionnaires. Anthropometric data including weight, biceps skinfold thickness, triceps skinfold thickness, hip circumference and waist circumference were collected. Body mass index (BMI) and Waist-to-hip ratio were computed using appropriate measures. Haemoglobin levels of participants were also assessed. Dietary intakes of respondents were estimated by 24-hour recall which was further converted into nutrients and energy using ESHA food processor. A pretested  questionnaire was also used to obtain data on socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics of participants. Differences between participants based on level of alcohol intake and correlations among variables were tested for statistical significance using ANOVA and correlation analyses, respectively. Logistic regression was performed to examine the relationship between levels of total ethanol intake and overweight and obesity factors while controlling for age, smoking status, physical activity and total energy intake. There was an inverse correlation between triceps skinfold and level of alcohol consumption irrespective of predominant type of alcoholic  beverage consumed (r= -0.213, P= 0.028). Further, there was a positive correlation between alcohol consumption and hip circumference among predominant beer consumers (r= 0.585, P= 0.046). A strong positive correlation was observed between alcohol intake and haemoglobin concentration for women (r= 0.729, P= 0.040) but not among men (r= -0.053, P= 0.722). Predominant beer consumers tend to have higher weight and BMI. Moderate level of total ethanol intake was associated with greater odds of being overweight/obese, whereas high levels of intake was associated with lower odds of being overweight/obesity although these were not statistically significant. The mechanisms for the observation of higher weight, BMI and hip circumference among predominant beer consumers in this population need further exploration.Key words: Alcoholics, alcoholic beverages, nutritional statu

Effects of farmers\' seed source on maize seed quality and crop productivity

Although farmer-saved seeds constitute about 90 per cent of maize seeds planted annually, their effects on crop performance are not well known. This study determined the seed quality and field performance of farmer-saved seeds of the most popular quality protein maize (QPM) variety, Obatanpa, compared to the certified seed of the same variety. Seed samples collected from four locations (Kwadaso, Ejura, Nkoranzah and Wenchi) showed higher percentage complete vital staining of embryos using 2, 3, 5 triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) and higher 1000-seed weight in certified seeds, indicating high vigour and complete seed development. Whereas germinating seedlings of the certified seeds did not show any fungal growth, farmersaved seeds showed profuse fungal development and stunting. Seedling counts showed 9 and 21 per cent reduction in certified and farmer-saved seeds, respectively; but plant counts before harvest showed 12 and 23 per cent reduction. Plants originating from certified seeds flowered at the predetermined date of 55 days, but the farmer-saved seeds flowered about a day or two later owing to reduced vigour. Lodging was less in plants originating from certified seeds, particularly in the trial planted at Ejura (transition zone) compared to Kwadaso (forest zone). The advantages of certified seeds reflected on increased grain yield, which was about 1.2 t ha-1, equal to ¢1,100,000.00 ($110) ha-1 or 47 per cent increases over the farmer-saved seeds. The study, therefore, showed the importance of certified seeds in increasing maize productivity and farmers' incomes. Bien que la semence gardée par l'agriculteur constitue environ 90 pour cent de graines de maïs semées annuellement, ses effets sur le rendement de culture ne sont pas bien connus. Une étude était entreprise pour déterminer la qualité de graine et le rendement sur le terrain de semence gardé par l'agriculteur de la variété la plus populaire du maïs protéique de qualité (MPQ), Obatanpa, comparé à la graine certifiée de la même variété. Les échantillons de graine recueillis de quatre emplacements (Wenchi, Nkoranzah, Ejura et Kwadaso) montraient un pourcentage plus élevé de tâches embryonnaires vitales et complétes, appliquant 2,3,5 chlorure triphényl tétrazolium (CTT), ainsi qu'un poids de 1000 graines plus élevées en semence certifiée, indiquant une vigueur élevée et un développement complet de graine. Tandis que les semis germant de semences certifiées n'ont pas montré aucune croissance fongique, les semences gardés par les agriculteurs montraient un développement fongique abondant et retardé. Les comptes de semis montraient 9 et 21 pour cent de réduction respectivement en semence certifiée et en semence gardée par l'agriculteur, tandis que les comptes de plante avant la moisson montraient 12 et 23 pour cent de réduction. Les plantes poussant de semences certifiées fleurissaient à la date déterminée de 55 jours, tandis que les semences gardées par l'agriculteur fleurissaient environ un ou deux jours plus tard à cause de vigueur réduite. Moins de la verse se produisaient chez les plantes poussant de semences certifiées, surtout dans les cultures d'essai plantées à Ejura (zone de transition) comparé à l'essai de Kwadaso (zone de forêt). Les avantages de semences certifiées se traduisaient dans l'augmentation de rendement de graine, qui étaient environ 1.2 t/ha, un équivalent de ¢1,100,000.00 ($110)/ha ou 47 pour cent d'augmentation par rapport aux semences gardées par l'agriculteur. L'étude, par conséquent, démontraient l'importance de semences certifiées à l'augmentation de la productivité de maïs et les revenus d'agriculteurs. Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science Vol. 40 (1) 2007: pp. 105-11

Sensory evaluation: the last hurdle in varietal development of yams (Dioscorea rotundata, poir) in Ghana

Open Access JournalIn variety development, sensory evaluation is not only the most important hurdle after all the necessary agronomic characteristics have been developed but also a major determinant of acceptability of the variety, as well as a major determinant in the subsequent adoption and use of the variety. Eight yam genotypes out of thirty-six genotypes evaluated for yield, pest and disease tolerance and stability over a three year period, plus 3 farmers’ checks were assessed on parameters such as enzymatic oxidation, colour attractiveness, aroma, taste, texture and overall acceptability in relation to farmers’ checks (Dente, Brass and Dorban). Gender differences existed in the degree of perception of texture and taste of yams. KUP__2000/001 was the overall best genotype with respect to general acceptability in all agroecologies followed by TDr_89/02665, 2000/001, TDr__ 89/02660, TDr__95/19177, Dente, Brass, Dorban, TDr__95/01932, TDr__95/01544 and TDr__98/02877 in that order. The results of this study indicated that accessions KUP_2000/001, TDr_89/02665 and 2000/001 were the most preferred accessions with respect to sensory evaluation. After clearing this all important hurdle of sensory evaluation, genotypes KUP_2000/001, TDr_89/02665 and 2000/001 were release as varieties CRIPona, MankrongPona and CRIKukrupa respectively in 2005

Optimal Allocation of Flows (Water) Within the Volta Basin System of Ghana

In this paper, a hypothetical network is proposed for the Volta Basin System (V.B.S) using the optimization technique for obtaining corresponding optimal allocation of flows from runoffs in the sub-basins (source) to the sink (Akosombo reservoir). Maximum flow paths and their capacities with consumptive and non-consumptive flows were identified. We are able to determine the optimal withdrawals on these flows for either consumptive or non-consumptive use.Keywords: Network, sub-basins, sources and sinks, consumptive and non-consumptive flows, optimal allocatio