Improving bambara groundnut productivity using gamma irradiation and in vitro techniques

In recent times efforts are being made to improve the productivity of bambara groundnut. Studies were initiated (i) to characterise and evaluate landraces and to select superior ones for irradiation, (ii) to induce genetic variation through gamma irradiation and (iii) to use biotechnological approaches to shorten the generation cycle. The results of the study indicated that gamma irradiation induced higher genetic variation of up to four times within the varieties used in the study compared to the unirradiated control. Bambara groundnut yield could be increased through selection for number of pods per plant. Using the in vitro plus in vivo system and embryo axis explants, over four generations per year were obtained compared to 1 or 2 in the field. All the plants were morphologically normal and fertile. The shorter duration, high efficiency and genotype independency makes this system well suited for wider biotechnological applications in bambara groundnut. This novel approach is being applied to the variants/mutants obtained from gamma irradiation. Key words: Gamma irradiation; generation cycle; genetic variation; Vigna subterranean. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol.3(5) 2004: 260-26

Chemical composition of groundnut, Arachis hypogaea (L) landraces

Groundnut production and utilization in Ghana has tripled in the last decade due to its high nutritive value and the number of uses it can be put into. The chemical quality of seeds of Ghanaian groundnutare different from those of other countries, however, no previous studies has been done. This study was initiated to examine the nutritional quality of 20 groundnut varieties grown in Ghana. Dry samples wereexamined for oil content, crude protein, total carbohydrate, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, copper, iron and manganese. Results from these analyses showed significant variation betweenthe parameters measured. Virginia cultivars which belong to subspecies hypogaea had higher oil content (49.7%) than the Spanish and Valencia market types, which belong to subspecies fastigiata (47.3%). The mean protein content of subspecies fastigiata was however higher (25.69%) than subspecies hypogaea (22.78%). The mineral elements examined were substantial in reducing malnutrition especially in young and growing children. Broni fufuo, a Spanish market type had thehighest crude protein content (30.53%) and the least oil content (33.60%) and is idea for products which require more protein and less oil. Substantial genetic variability exists for chemical composition andnutritional traits which could be utilised for various food preparations and selection for breeding purpose

The role of genetic diversity in sustainable agriculture

The depletion of plant biodiversity with the rapid development of agriculture has attracted growing interest in recent years. This paper discusses the evolutionary consequences of monoculture with emphasis on the buffering effects of genetic heterogeneity on disease. The use of host plant resistance and systemic fungicides as disease control measures and their influence on sustainable agriculture are discussed. Three approaches of re-introducing genetic diversity into modern agriculture are indicated. These are composite crosses, multiline varieties, and variety mixtures. It is concluded that the variety mixtures approach holds promise for developing countries where low input cropping systems are practised. Ghana Jnl agric. Sci. Vol.31(2) 1998: 231-24

Genetic diversity within Ghanaian cowpea germplasm based on SDS-page of seed proteins

No Abstract. African Crop Science Journal Vol. 13(2) 2005: 117-12

Evaluation of nutritional quality of groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.) from Ghana.

Groundnut is the most important legume in Ghana. The crop is grown in all the agroecologies in the country; from the dry savannah regions to the moist forest areas. Several food preparations incorporate groundnut to improve the protein level, taste and flavour. Despite the importance of the crop, the chemical compositions of the varieties grown by farmers have not been analyzed according to their nutritional quality. Oil, fatty acids, protein, oleic/linoleic (O/L) acid ratio, iodine value and free soluble sugars were studied in 20 groundnut varieties grown in Ghana to determine their nutritional quality and to inform endusers which variety to choose for maximum benefit. Results indicated a significant difference (

Inheritance of fresh seed dormancy in groundnut

Pre-harvest sprouting in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L) seeds belonging to sub species fastigiata is undesirable since it leads to substantial loss of seeds, both in quantity and quality. A short period of dormancy is therefore desirable in this sub-species to reduce such losses. This study was conducted to determine the heritability of fresh seed dormancy in groundnut and to transfer this trait from exotic lines (ICGV 86158 and ICGV 87378) known to posses dormancy, into the genetic background of two groundnut varieties (Shitaochi and Aprewa) widely grown in Ghana but lack dormancy. Freshly harvested seeds of mature pods from parents, F1, F2 and the backcross populations were assessed for their dormancy by incubating in petri dishes in the laboratory. The F1 progenies from crosses between dormant and non-dormant parents were dormant. The F2 progenies fitted the expected 3 dormant to 1 non-dormant ratio. The study showed that seed dormancy is controlled by monogenic inheritance with dormancy dominant over non-dormant

Performance of some local and improved cowpea lines as a dual-purpose crop (Leaf/fodder and grain)

No Abstract. Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science No. 1, 2005: 155-16