Cocoa introductions into Ghana

Cocoa breeding and selection programmes in Ghana and other West African countries have been based largely on existing cultivated populations or on few collections of wild cocoa. The most widely used cocoa germplasm derives from the material collected by F. J. Pound during the periods 1937-1938 and 1942-1943 and distributed as the Iquitos Mixed Calabacillos (IMC), Nanay, Parinari, Scavina, and the Pound series of clones. This material collected in the Upper Amazon region has been particularly successful, suggesting that cacao would be greatly improved if more germplasm material were provided for use by breeders. Maintaining adequate genetic variability in cocoa germplasm collection, essential for sustainable cocoa production, can be realised through active and conscious germplasm acquisition. Because there is the risk of accidentally introducing diseases and pests along with cocoa germplasm material, effective indexing procedures, together with the availability of final quarantine houses in individual producing countries, are essential to ensure that introduced materials are free of diseases and pests. To be successful as breeding material for producing improved varieties for farmers, the introductions must have some desirable characteristics acceptable to chocolate manufacturers and farmers.Les programmes de reproduction et de sélection de cacao au Ghana et dans d'autres pays de l'Afrique occidentale ont été fondé en grande partie sur les populations de cultures existantes oú sur un tous petit nombre de collections de cacao sauvage. Le germeplasme de cacao le plus utilisé sur une grande étendue vient de matières ramassées par F. J. Pound en 1937-1938 et en 1942-1943 et distribuées sous les noms d'Iquitos Mixed Calabacillos (IMC), Nanay, Parinari, Scavina et Pound comme des séries de clones. Une succès particulier a été réalisé avec cette matière ramassée de la région de Haute Amazone. Ce succès suggère que même de plus grandes améliorations en cacao pourraient être possible si beaucoup auraient été disponible pour utilisation par les phytogéticiens. Le maintien de variabilité génétique adéquate en collection de germeplasme de cacao est essentiel pour la production durable de cacao et ceci pourrait être réalisé par acquisition active et consciente de germeplasme. Puisqu'il y a le risque d'introduire par hasard les maladies et les insectes nuisibles avec la matière de germeplasme du cacao, les procédures efficaces d'indexation, ainsi que la disponibilité de salles de quarantaine finale dans chaque pay producteur sont essentiel pour assurer que les matietes introduietes sont sans maladies et insectes nuisibles. Pour réussir comme matière de reproduction pour la production de variétés améliorés pour les agriculteurs, les introductions devraient avoir quelques caractéristiques désirables er acceptables aux fabriquants de chocolat et aux agriculteurs. Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science Vol. 39 (2) 2006: pp. 22

Plant-parasitic nematodes associated with sweet potato rhizosphere soil in the Semi- Deciduous Forest and Coastal Savannah Zones of Ghana

A survey was conducted in nine major sweet potato producing districts across the semi-deciduous forest and coastal savannah zones of Ghana to determine the prevalence of plant-parasitic nematodes parasitizing the crop. Soil samples were collected at 90-days after planting from the rhizosphere of sweet potato crop and analysed using Modified Baermann tray method from 100 farms across the study area. Seven plant-parasitic nematode genera were extracted from soil samples collected and morphologically identified under a microscope with four of them, namely Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Rotylenchulus, and Helicotylenchus being the most prevalent. Scutellonema sp. occurred in 89% while Tylenchus sp. occurred in 33% of the districts sampled. The ring nematode, Criconemella sp. was found in only two of the nine districts covered; Ketu North and Akatsi South which incidentally recorded 100% of the seven nematodes encountered in the survey. The abundant nematode was Meloidogyne sp. which represented 39% and Criconemella, the least (0.1%) of the total nematodes recovered in the survey. This study has shown that high diversity, incidence and density of economically important plant-parasitic nematodes are associated with sweet potato crop. Development of appropriate management strategies to mitigate the negative effects of plant-parasitic nematodes on sweet potato is recommended. &nbsp

Safe use of NSAIDs and RAS-inhibitors at Agogo Presbyterian Hospital, Ghana

Background: Preventable adverse events of medication are an important cause of hospital admissions in the developed world, in which non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and renin angiotensin system (RAS-) inhibitors are frequently involved. NSAIDs and RAS-inhibitors are also often used in Ghana. The purpose of this study is to assess whether biochemical monitoring in patients on RAS inhibitors, and co-administration of gastro protective agents (GPAs) in patients on NSAIDs, is done properly in Ghana.Material and methods: Two retrospective cross-sectional studies were carried out at the Agogo Presbyterian Hospital, Ghana, in 2013. In 114 out-and inpatients who are on NSAIDs, the risk for gastrointestinal side effects and the frequency of co-administration of GPAs were determined. In 301 outpatients who are on RAS-inhibitors, the risk for renal dysfunction and the frequency of biochemical monitoring were determined. Fisher’s exact test was used to determine the statistical strength.Results: Co-administration of GPAs was done in 1.8% of patients on NSAIDs. Serum creatinine and potassium monitoring within one month after initiation of treatment with RAS-inhibitors were performed in 6.3% and 3.7%, respectively. Risk factors were neither associated with prescription of a GPA in patients on NSAIDs (p=0.134), nor in performing biochemical monitoring in patients on RAS-inhibitors (p=0.219 for creatinine, p=0.062 for potassium).Conclusions: Biochemical monitoring in patients on RAS-inhibitors and use of GPAs in patients on NSAIDs is poorly performed at the Agogo Presbyterian Hospital in Ghana. Improving the already existing Ghanaian guidelines, especially those for RAS-inhibitors, and encouraging their widespread use among prescribers should be pursued.Keywords: Ghana, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Anti-Ulcer Agents, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists, Drug monitorin

Occurrence of entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernematidae, heterorhabditidae) as potential biocontrol agents against Spodoptera frugiperda infesting Zea mays

Synthetic insecticides are used worldwide to manage invasive fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in cereals, in spite of the chemical’s prohibitive cost and threats to environmental health. In Ghana, little attention has been given to entomopathogenic nematodes as insect pest biocontrol agents, due to the existence of dismal expertise in the field. This study evaluated maize (Zea mays L.) farms for endemic entomopathogenic nematodes as potential biological control agents against fall armyworms infesting maize in Ghana. Entomopathogenic nematode juveniles were extracted using an insect baiting technique, White traps. These Rhabditid nematodes (Heterorhabditis; Steinernema) were found in 75% of 200 soil samples; and 92.5% of 40 districts targeted by this study. The Greater Accra region recorded the greatest population density (1,820 juveniles per 5 fall armyworm larvae cadavers); while; the Central region recorded the lowest density (81 juveniles per 5 fall armyworm larvae cadavers). There was high presence of entomopathogenic nematodes across the study areas. Therefore, entomopathogenic nematodes offer a promising alternative strategy for managing fall armyworm infestation of maize in Ghana to minimise over-reliance on synthetic insecticides. &nbsp

Entrepreneurial orientation in dynamic environments: the moderating role of extra-organizational advice

YesPurpose- Research on entrepreneurial orientation (EO) has concluded a positive link between EO and firm performance and that relationship depends on several contingencies. The paper derives insights from the absorptive capacity and contingency perspectives to introduce extraorganizational advice as a moderator of the relationship between EO and firm performance in a dynamic environment. Design/methodology/approach-Using survey data from 340 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana, the study examines the moderating influence of extraorganizational advice on the EO-firm performance relationship in dynamic environments. Findings-The study’s empirical findings suggest that extra-organizational advice amplifies the EO-performance relationship in dynamic environments. Research limitations/implications-The cross-sectional design of the study does not permit causal inferences to be made regarding the variables examined. Future studies may use longitudinal design to examine the causal links of the variables. Limitations aside, the study helps to answer how extra-organizational advice translates EO into improved performance in an environment characterised by constant flux. Practical implications- The results of this paper can assist entrepreneurs and policy-makers in understanding the dynamics and processes involved in implementing a strategic orientation to achieve higher performance. For SME managers, firm performance is determined by high levels of EO and extra-organizational advice in dynamic environments. The understanding of this issue can promote the development and maintenance of entrepreneurial ventures. Originality/value-The paper examines an important, but under-researched issue-the moderating effect of extra-organizational advice on the EO-performance relationship in dynamic environments. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study pioneers research in this area

DOI: 10.5897/JSSEM12.068 ISSN 2141-2391 ©2013 Academic Journals Full Length Research Paper Nematode pests of plantain: A case study of Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions of Ghana

A survey of plantain farms was conducted in April 2012 at four locations in two districts of Ghana. The purpose was to identify plant parasitic nematodes (PPN) associated with plantain production in Ghana. The locations were Adomakokrom and Kenyasi in the Brong Ahafo, Adanwomase and Mpobi in the Ashanti region. Demographic and sociological data of farmers, plantain root lesion scores, PPN populations per 200 cm 3 soil and 5 g plantain roots were analyzed. Nematode damage to root at Adomakokrom, Adanwomase, Mpobi and Kenyasi were 50, 75, 75 and 50%, respectively. Five nematode species were recovered from the rhizosphere of plantain. The nematodes were in the order of importance; Pratylenchus coffeae, Meloidogyne spp., Rotylenchulus reniformis, Radopholus similis and Helicotylenchus multicintus. High populations of P. coffeae (803/200 cm 3), H. multicintus (292/200 cm 3) and R. reniformis (343/200 cm 3) were extracted from soil samples at Adomakokrom, Adanwomase and Adanwomase respectively. Four parasitic nematodes; Meloidogyne spp., P. coffeae, R. reniformis and R. similis were extracted from plantain roots. Root populations were higher compared with soil samples. For sustainable plantain production in Ghana, an efficient management option must be devised. Key words: Ghana, integrated pest management, Musa spp., plant parasitic nematodes

Within-Compound Versus Public Latrine Access and Child Feces Disposal Practices in Low-Income Neighborhoods of Accra, Ghana.

In crowded urban settlements in low-income countries, many households rely on shared sanitation facilities. Shared facilities are not currently considered "improved sanitation" because of concerns about whether hygiene conditions sufficiently protect users from the feces of others. Prevention of fecal exposure at a latrine is only one aspect of sanitary safety. Ensuring consistent use of latrines for feces disposal, especially child feces, is required to reduce fecal contamination in households and communities. Household crowding and shared latrine access are correlated in these settings, rendering latrine use by neighbors sharing communal living areas as critically important for protecting one's own household. This study in Accra, Ghana, found that household access to a within-compound basic latrine was associated with higher latrine use by children of ages 5-12 years and for disposal of feces of children < 5 years, compared with households using public latrines. However, within-compound access was not associated with improved child feces disposal by other caregivers in the compound. Feces was rarely observed in household compounds but was observed more often in compounds with latrines versus compounds relying on public latrines. Escherichia coli and human adenovirus were detected frequently on household surfaces, but concentrations did not differ when compared by latrine access or usage practices. The differences in latrine use for households sharing within-compound versus public latrines in Accra suggest that disaggregated shared sanitation categories may be useful in monitoring global progress in sanitation coverage. However, compound access did not completely ensure that households were protected from feces and microbial contamination

Air pollution perception in ten countries during the COVID-19 pandemic

As largely documented in the literature, the stark restrictions enforced worldwide in 2020 to curb the COVID-19 pandemic also curtailed the production of air pollutants to some extent. This study investigates the perception of the air pollution as assessed by individuals located in ten countries: Australia, Brazil, China, Ghana, India, Iran, Italy, Norway, South Africa and the USA. The perceptions towards air quality were evaluated by employing an online survey administered in May 2020. Participants (N = 9394) in the ten countries expressed their opinions according to a Likert-scale response. A reduction in pollutant concentration was clearly perceived, albeit to a different extent, by all populations. The survey participants located in India and Italy perceived the largest drop in the air pollution concentration; conversely, the smallest variation was perceived among Chinese and Norwegian respondents. Among all the demographic indicators considered, only gender proved to be statistically significant

SURVEY OF PLANT PARASITIC NEMATODES AND DISEASE SEVERITY OF COMMON BEAN LINES EVALUATED FOR REACTION TO ROOT KNOT NEMATODES INFESTATION

Plant parasitic nematodes are important pests in crop production in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to identify the occurrence of nematodes associated with common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and evaluate breeding lines for their reaction to Meloidogyne spp. in Ghana. Common bean rhizosphere soil was sampled and processed using Modified Baermann Tray method. Five nematode genera, namely Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus , Rotylenchulus , Helicotylenchus and Trichodorus were extracted. The first four genera listed above were prevalent across locations, with Trichodorus present in 30% of the fields sampled. The highest nematode population density of 319 juveniles per 200 cubic centimeter of soil was recorded for Meloidogyne spp. compared to 45 juveniles per 200 cubic centimeter, for Trichodorus. Twelve breeding lines were evaluated by inoculating roots of two-weeks-old plants with 2000 infective-stage juveniles of Meloidogyne sp. Reactions of test lines to Meloidogyne sp. infection were assessed by determining the number of egg masses and galling index (GI) on roots. Reproduction index (RI) was used to classify test lines as resistant or susceptible. Significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) were observed in the number of eggs, GI and RI among lines tested. No resistant line was identified; however, lines SEF 47, BFS 35 and BFS 60 were moderately resistant, with RI of 13.1, 17.4 and 23.7%, respectively. Line SEF 60, although classified as slightly resistant, recorded a 100 seed weight of 26.0 g, which was 60% higher than line SEF 53 with seed weight of 16.2 g. Moderately resistant common bean lines identified could be used in common bean improvement programmes to develop elite cultivars tolerant to root knot nematodes.Les n\ue9matodes phytoparasites sont des ravageurs importants dans la production agricole. L\u2019objectif de cette \ue9tude \ue9tait d\u2019identifier la pr\ue9sence de n\ue9matodes associ\ue9s au haricot commun (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) et d\u2019\ue9valuer les lign\ue9es g\ue9n\ue9alogiques pour leur r\ue9action \ue0 Meloidogyne spp. au Ghana. Le sol de la rhizosph\ue8re du haricot commun a \ue9t\ue9 \ue9chantillonn\ue9 et trait\ue9 \ue0 l\u2019aide de la m\ue9thode du plateau de Baermann modifi\ue9. Cinq genres de n\ue9matodes, \ue0 savoir Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Rotylenchulus, Helicotylenchus et Trichodorus ont \ue9t\ue9 extraits. Les quatre premiers genres \ue9num\ue9r\ue9s ci-dessus \ue9taient r\ue9pandus dans tous les emplacements, avec Trichodorus pr\ue9sent dans 30% des champs \ue9chantillonn\ue9s. La densit\ue9 de population de n\ue9matodes la plus \ue9lev\ue9e de 319 juv\ue9niles par 200/cm3 de sol a \ue9t\ue9 enregistr\ue9e pour Meloidogyne spp. contre 45 juv\ue9niles par 200/cm3 pour Trichodorus. Douze lign\ue9es ont \ue9t\ue9 \ue9valu\ue9es en inoculant les racines de plantes \ue2g\ue9es de deux semaines avec 2000 juv\ue9niles au stade infectieux de Meloidogyne sp. R\ue9actions des lign\ue9es de test \ue0 Meloidogyne sp. l\u2019infection ont \ue9t\ue9 \ue9valu\ue9es en d\ue9terminant le nombre de masse d\u2019\u153ufs et l\u2019indice de galle (IG) sur les racines. L\u2019indice de reproduction (RI) a \ue9t\ue9 utilis\ue9 pour classer les lign\ue9es de test comme r\ue9sistantes ou sensibles. Des diff\ue9rences significatives (P &lt; 0,05) ont \ue9t\ue9 observ\ue9es dans le nombre d\u2019\u153ufs, GI et RI parmi les lign\ue9es test\ue9es. Aucune lign\ue9e r\ue9sistante n\u2019a \ue9t\ue9 identifi\ue9e ; cependant, les lign\ue9es SEF 47, BFS 35 et BFS 60 \ue9taient mod\ue9r\ue9ment r\ue9sistantes, avec un RI de 13,1, 17,4 et 23,7 %, respectivement. La lign\ue9e SEF 60, bien que class\ue9e comme l\ue9g\ue8rement r\ue9sistante, a enregistr\ue9 un poids de 100 graines de 26,0 g, soit 60 % de plus que la lign\ue9e SEF 53 avec un poids de graines de 16,2 g. Les lign\ue9es de haricot commun mod\ue9r\ue9ment r\ue9sistantes identifi\ue9es pourraient \ueatre utilis\ue9es dans les programmes d\u2019am\ue9lioration du haricot commun pour d\ue9velopper des cultivars d\u2019\ue9lite tol\ue9rants aux n\ue9matodes \ue0 galles

Applying SNP marker technology in the cacao breeding programme in Ghana

In this investigation 45 parental cacao plants and five progeny derived from the parental stock studied were genotyped using six SNP markers to determine off-types or mislabeled clones and to authenticate crosses made in the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) breeding programme. Investigation was based on the 5\u2019 nuclease SNPassay using Illustra Hot Start mix Ready-To-Go PCR strips and BioTek FLx800TBP Fluorescence Microplate Reader. In a group of six cacao plants labeled as PA150 clones and another five labeled as Pound7, one clone in each group was unambiguously determined as off-type or mislabeled. Similarly, in a cohort of 23 PA7 "clones", four genotypes were differentiated. Cross-checking the fidelity of five progeny from the parental stock under study, it was established that no errors were made in the crossing. The most significant outcome of this study, however, was that out of the four categories of 23 PA7 candidate parental trees only one category can be comparable to the reference clone in the International Cacao Germplasm collection, Trinidad (ICG,T); thus informing the need for further work to find the correct clone among these for the breeding programme. It was thus concluded that thissimple yet cutting-edge genotyping procedure can be used in applied cocoa breeding programmes in a cocoa producing country. This work represents a first step in the genotypic characterisation of the CRIG germplasm collection and Seed Gardens.Au cours de cette recherche, 45 plants de cacao parentaux et 5 descendants d\ue9rivant du stock parental ont \ue9t\ue9 g\ue9notyp\ue9 en utilisant 6 marqueurs SNP, afin de d\ue9terminer les clones mal \ue9tiquet\ue9s et d\u2019authentifier les croisements effectu\ue9s dans le programme d\u2019am\ue9lioration de l\u2019Institut de Recherche sur le Cacao au Ghana (CRIG). Cette \ue9tude a \ue9t\ue9 bas\ue9e sur les 5' nucl\ue9ases SNP en utilisant des bandes PCR "Hot Start mix Ready-To-Go PCR strips" et un Lecteur Microplat \ue0 Fluorescence "BioTek FLx800TBP". Au sein d\u2019un groupe de six plants de cacao \ue9tiquet\ue9 PA150 et d\u2019un autre groupe de cinq \ue9tiquet\ue9 Pound 7, il a \ue9t\ue9 d\ue9termin\ue9 sans ambigu\ueft\ue9 qu\u2019un clone par groupe \ue9tait mal \ue9tiquet\ue9. De fa\ue7on similaire, quatre g\ue9notypes diff\ue9rents ont \ue9t\ue9 identifi\ue9s dans une m\ueame cohorte de clones 23PA7. En v\ue9rifiant la fid\ue9lit\ue9 de cinq descendants issus du stock parental \ue9tudi\ue9, il a \ue9t\ue9 \ue9tabli qu\u2019aucune erreur n\u2019avait \ue9t\ue9 faite lors du croisement. Le r\ue9sultat le plus significatif de cette \ue9tude a \ue9t\ue9 que, sur quatre cat\ue9gories de 23 candidats PA7 de souches parentales, une seule pouvait \ueatre comparable au clone de r\ue9f\ue9rence dans la collection Internationale du Germoplasme de Cacao, Trinidad (ICG,T), d\ue9montrant ainsi la n\ue9cessit\ue9 de travaux suppl\ue9mentaires pour d\ue9terminer le clone exact parmi ceux \ue9voqu\ue9s pr\ue9c\ue9demment. Il a ainsi \ue9t\ue9 conclu que cette m\ue9thode avant-gardiste de g\ue9notypage, pourtantsimple, peut \ueatre utilis\ue9e dans les programmes appliqu\ue9s d\u2019am\ue9lioration du cacao dans un pays producteur. Ce travail repr\ue9sente une premi\ue8re \ue9tape dans la caract\ue9risation g\ue9n\ue9tique de la collection du germoplasme CRIG et jardins semenciers