Impact of climate variability on pineapple production in Ghana

Background: Climate variations have a considerable impact on crop production. For pineapple, variable temperatures and rainfall patterns are implicated, yet there is limited knowledge of the conditions and consequences of such variations. Pineapple production plays a major role in Ghana, primarily via socioeconomic impacts and the export economy. The aims of this study were to assess the impact of current climatic trends and variations in four pineapple growing districts in Ghana to provide stakeholders, particularly farmers, with improved knowledge for guidance in adapting to changing climate. Results: Trend analysis, standardized anomaly, correlation analysis as well as focus group discussions were employed to describe climate and yields as well as assess the relationship between climate and pineapple production from 1995 to 2014. The results revealed that, relative to Ga district, temperature (minimum and maximum) in the study areas was increasing over this period at a rate of up to 0.05 °C. Rainfall trends increased in all but Nsawam Adoagyiri district. Rainfall and temperature had different impacts on production, and pineapple was particularly sensitive to minimum temperature as accounting for up to 82% of yield variability. Despite consistent report of rainfall impact on growth stages later affecting quantity and quality of fruits, minimal statistical significance was found between rainfall and yield. Conclusions: With continuously increasing stresses imposed by a changing climate, the sustainability of pineapple production in Ghana is challenged. This subsequently has detrimental impacts on national employment and exports capacity resulting in increased poverty. Further research to explore short- and long-term adaption options in response to challenging conditions in the pineapple industry in Ghana is suggested

The response of Plantago major ssp pleiosperma to elevated CO2 is modulated by the formation of secondary shoots

The effect of elevated CO2 on the relative growth rate (RGR) of Plantago major ssp. pleiosperma was studied during the vegetative stage, in relation to plant development, by growing plants at 350 mu l l(-1) or at 700 mu l l(-1) CO2 in non-limiting nutrient solution with nitrate. To minimize interference by the accumulation of non-structural carbohydrates in the interpretation of results, RGR was expressed on a f. wt basis (RGR(FW)), as were all plant weight ratios. Stimulation of the RGR(FW) Of the whole plant by elevated CO2 was transient, and did not last longer than 8 d. At the same time a transient increase in root weight ratio (RWR) was observed. In order to investigate whether the transient effect of elevated CO2 on RGR(FW) was size-dependent, the data were plotted versus total f. wt (log(e) transformed). The transient period of stimulation of RGR(FW) and of RWR by elevated CO2 was still found, but in both CO2 treatments RGR(FW) decreased after a certain plant size had been reached. This size coincided with the stage at which secondary shoots started to develop, and was reached earlier in plants grown at elevated CO2. The RGR of these secondary shoots (RGR(see)) was Still increased when the period of whole plant stimulation of RGR(FW) had ended, indicating that the development of these new sinks took priority over a continuation of the stimulation of RWR. It is hypothesized that in this Plantago subspecies the response of the RGR(FW) of the whole plants to elevated CO2 is modulated by the formation of secondary shoots. Apparently, partitioning of the extra soluble carbohydrates at elevated CO2 to this tissue takes precedence over partitioning to the roots. resulting in a cessation of stimulation of plant RGR(FW) by elevated CO2.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Trevor Boucher and the Happy Hooker. by Sue Neales

tag=1 data=Trevor Boucher and the Happy Hooker. by Sue Neales tag=2 data=Neales, Sue tag=3 data=The Independent Monthly, tag=6 data=December/January 1990 tag=7 data=6,7. tag=8 data=PROSTITUTION tag=10 data=Michelle is a counsellor to politicians, big businessmen and the handicapped when she is not doing her masters degree at university. tag=11 data=1991/3/1 tag=12 data=91/0026 tag=13 data=CABMichelle is a counsellor to politicians, big businessmen and the handicapped when she is not doing her masters degree at university

Cotton grows again on the Ord River Scheme. by Sue Neales

tag=1 data=Cotton grows again on the Ord River Scheme. by Sue Neales tag=2 data=Neales, Sue tag=3 data=Rural Research, tag=5 data=171 tag=6 data=Winter 1996 tag=7 data=4-8. tag=8 data=AGRICULTURE tag=10 data=The controversial Ord River Irrigation Project foundered for nearly 2 decades after insect pests decimated cotton crops - the focal point of the ambitious agricultural scheme. But, new cultivars combined with integrated pest management and better agronomic systems may soon see cotton making a comeback on the Ord. tag=11 data=1996/2/4 tag=12 data=96/0167 tag=13 data=CABThe controversial Ord River Irrigation Project foundered for nearly 2 decades after insect pests decimated cotton crops - the focal point of the ambitious agricultural scheme. But, new cultivars combined with integrated pest management and better agronomic systems may soon see cotton making a comeback on the Ord

How fame almost felled Sara Henderson. by Sue Neales

When this struggling station owner swept to prominence as a best-selling author and star of the talk circuit, she thought her problems were over. Then she found herself on the edge of a new precipice

Frontier boy who made the grade. by Sue Neales

Neville Walker's first job in the Northern Territory was driving a grader. Now he and his partner run the Territory's biggest business