Effect of Spacing on Growth and Yield of Five Bambara Groundnut (Vigna Subterranea (L) Verdc.) Landraces

An experiment was conducted under field conditions to study the effect of spacing on yield of five bambara groundnut landraces in 2008 cropping season. The experimental design was a split plot with bambara groundnut landraces; Nav 4, Nav Red, Black eye, Mottled cream and Burkina as the main plot factor and the three spacings (50 x 20cm, 50 x 30cm, 50 x 40cm) as the subplot factor. Sowing was done on the 17th of May 2008 at two seeds per hill and thinned to one seedling per hill 21 days after sowing (DAS). Growth analysis were carried out at six different sampling periods during which canopy spread, petiole length, leaf area index (LAI), total dry matter were measured. Yield data on number of plants per metre squared, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, mean seed weight as well as harvest index (HI) were also taken at harvest. Results indicated that the lower spacing of (50cm x 20cm) produced significantly (P < 0.05) the greatest pod and grain yield of 3399kg/ha and 1684.7kg/ha respectively. The same treatment also produced significantly higher number of pods than the higher spacing treatments. However, the number of seeds per pod and mean seed weight were not affected by spacing. Although, most vegetative data were not significantly affected by varying plant spacing, leaf area index was significantly highest at 50cm x 20cm than the other treatments. Among the landraces, Mottled Cream recorded significantly the highest shelling percentage of 70.6% and HI of 64.9. Based on high shelling percentage, HI and mean seed weight, Mottled Cream produced the highest seed yield (1656kg/ha). The optimum spacing for the highest pod yield in this study was 50cm x 20cm

Effect of Some Agronomic Practices to Increase Maize Yield in Ghana

Low plant densities of maize are often observed in fields of farmers practising no-till agriculture which causes low grain yield in Ghana. With the increasing population and consumption of maize in the country, research must be directed to solve this problem to enhance maize production. In this paper, a 2x3 factorial experiment in randomized complete block design with 4 replications was carried out at Wioso in the Atwima-Nwabiagya District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana during the major season of 2007 in order to come out with the best practices in maize production. The objectives of the study were to determine the right period of refilling maize field and the comparative effect of refilling with seed and seedling on the growth, optimum population density, and yield of maize. The factors were material for refill, which was either seeds or seedlings, and time of refilling either at 5, 10, and 15 days after planting. The results showed that refilling with seedlings produced the greatest positive effect in the number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf diameter, plant height and stem girth. Furthermore, refilling with seedlings contributed more to the optimum plant population density. Total grain yield when seedlings were used as refill was 967kg per hectare more than when seeds were used as refill material. On the other hand, plants from seeds refill were weak, lodged more and allowed much solar radiation penetration to the ground. Grain yield from seed refill plants was 6%, whilst seedling refill plants contributed 34% to the total grain yield. Refilling at 5 days after planting induced greater growth than 10 or 15 days after planting. The results indicate that it is possible to do refilling in maize field by using seedling as this contributes more than the traditional method of using seeds

Growth and yield response of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrrill] to inoculation and starter N fertilizer applications in the Tolon District of the Northern Region of Ghana

An experiment was conducted at Nyankpala in the 2012 cropping season and repeated in the 2013 cropping season in the Tolon District of the Northern Region of Ghana. This was to ascertain the effect of N fertilizer and inoculant applications on the growth and grain yield of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merrill). It was a 3 × 5 factorial experiment laid in Randomized Complete Bock Design (RCBD) with four replications. The factors were three soybean varieties (Jenguma, Quarshie and Anidaso) and four levels of N fertilizer (urea), which were 0, 15, 30 and 45 kg N ha-1 and inoculant. The inoculant was applied at the rate of 5 g to 1 kg of soybean seed through the slurry method that was estimated to give 107 of viable rhizobia cells. Planting was done on 14th and 10th July, 2012 and 2013, respectively, by drilling. Thinning was later done to two plants hill-1 at 10 cm within rows and 50 cm between rows with an approximate plant population of 400 000 plants ha-1. The N fertilizer was applied to randomly assigned plots 2 weeks after planting (2 WAP) in drills 5 cm away from the plants and covered. Growth parameters measured were plant height, leaf area, number of primary branches, nodule and shoot dry weights. Grain yield was measured from 2 m × 2 m net plot and extrapolated to kg ha-1. Results showed that all the varieties nodulated following the inoculation. It also showed that there was promiscuous nodulation where inoculants were not applied. The inoculated treatment produced greater plant growth, grain yield and the amount of N fixed than the uninoculated control. Growth and yield were greatest in the 30 and 45 kg N ha-1 treatment compared with the other treatments. The results showed that for profitable soybean production in the study area, inoculation or 30-45 kg N ha-1 fertilizer should be applied

Assessment of the impact of some common weed management methods on the growth and yield of pineapples in Ghana

A 5X5 Latin Square experiment was conducted in a farmer’s field in the Ga East Municipality of the Greater Accra Region to evaluate the efficacies of different weed management systems and their effect on pineapple production. The different weed management systems evaluated were T1 - weedy check, T2- manual weed control (hoeing) only, T3- synthetic herbicide alone, T4- manual weed control and plastic mulch and T5- herbicide and plastic mulch. Treatments were replicated five times. Suckers were planted at a spacing of 90cm X 60cm X 25cm on 27 August 2010. Appropriate cultural practices were done at the right times. The results indicated that in all the growth parameters, the two plastic mulched treatments showed the greatest effect, followed by the herbicide-applied only treatment over that of the manual weeding treatment. Weed reemergence was almost nil on the plastic mulched plots. Fruit weight of the two plastic mulched treatments was similar, but was significantly higher than all other treatment effects. However, percentage exportable fruits were similar among the synthetic and plastic mulch treatments. The results showed that farmers are better off if they add plastic mulch to the application of herbicides for more effective weed control and quality fruit yield. Keywords: Weed management, pineapple, plastic mulch, herbicide, forcin

Growth and Yield Response of Carrot (Daucus Carota L) to Different Green Manures and Plant Spacing

A field experiment was carried out to study the growth and yield response of carrot to different green manures and plant spacing at the College of Agriculture Education, University of Education, Winneba-Mampong Campus in 2015 and 2016. Four different soil amendments (10 t/ha Mucuna pruriens, Chromolaena odorata, Gliricidia sepium, 300Kg/ha NPK (15, 15, 15) and control) along with three spacing regimes (25 x 10cm, 25 x 15cm and 25 x 20cm) were employed in the investigation in Randomized Complete Block Design. The result revealed that the application of 10 t/ha Mucuna pruriens, Chromolaena odorata, Gliricidia sepium and 300Kg/ha NPK (15, 15, 15) improved the vegetative growth of carrot and translocated the assimilates into the final gross and marketable yield of the root compared to the control. Among the spacing regimes, 25 x 20cm produced the best vegetative growth. Application of 300kg/ha NPK was found suitable for maximum gross and marketable yields (28.73 t/ha and 27.23 t/ha, respectively) in 2015. In 2016, Mucuna pruriens, Chromolaena odorata, and Gliricidia sepium treatments produced gross and marketable yields similar to 300kg/ha NPK. With the spacing regime, 25 x 10cm produced maximum gross and marketable yield in both years. The combined treatment effect of 300kg /ha NPK and 10 t /ha of Mucuna pruriens at 25 x 10cm spacing resulted in the best performance in terms of gross and marketable yields. From the production as well as economic points of view a combination 10t/ha Mucuna pruriens at 25 x 10cm spacing may be suggested for maximizing carrot production in the study area. Keywords: Mucuna pruriens, Chromolaena odorata, Gliricidia sepium, green manure, plant spacing, vegetative growth, gross and marketable yields

Surveillance of bacterial pathogens of diarrhoea in two selected sub metros within the Accra metropolis

Background: In recent years, many localities within the Greater Accra Region (GAR) have witnessed several episodes of cholera outbreaks, with some deaths.Compared to previous epidemics, which usually followed heavy rains, recent outbreaks show no seasonality.Objectives: To investigate infective bacterial diseases in selected sub metros within the GAR.Methods: We used existing disease surveillance systems in Ghana, and investigated all reported cases of diarrhoea that met our case-definition. A three-daytraining workshop was done prior to the start of study, to sensitize prescribers at the Korle-Bu Polyclinic and Maamobi General hospital. A case-based investigationform was completed per patient, and two rectal swabs were taken for culture at the National Public Health and Reference Laboratory. Serotyping and antibiogramprofiles of identified bacteria were determined. Potential risk factors were also assessed using a questionnaire.Results: Between January and June 2012, a total of 361 diarrhoeal cases with 5 deaths were recorded. Out of a total of 218 rectal swabs cultured, 71 (32.6%) Vibrio cholerae O1 Ogawa serotypes, and 1 (0.5%) Salmonella (O group B) were laboratory confirmed. No Shigella was isolated. The Vibrio cholerae isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline. Greater than 80% of patients reported having drank sachet water 24 h prior to diarrhoea onset, and many (144/361) young adults (20-29 years) reported with diarrhoea.Conclusion: Enhanced surveillance of diarrhoeal diseases (enteric pathogens) within cholera endemic regions, will serve as an early warning signal, and reduce fatalities associated with infective diarrhoea.Keywords: Diarrhoeal disease surveillance, enteric pathogens, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonell

Effects of weed management on the prevalence of pink pineapple mealybugs in Ghana

An on-farm experiment was conducted in August 2010 to evaluate the efficacy of various weed management methods used in pineapple cultivation in Ghana in limiting the prevalence of the pineapple mealybugs and their tending ants. The experiment was a 5X5 Latin Square design with 5 replications. The weed management methods (the treatments) imposed was weedy check (no weed control), manual weeding by hoeing, synthetic herbicide application, plastic mulch + manual weeding and plastic mulch + synthetic herbicide application. The field was ploughed and harrowed and plots each measuring 2m by 2.7m were marked out. Suckers obtained from a nearby commercial farm were planted at the spacing of 90 x 60 x 25 cm. Fertilizer was applied at the recommended rate and pests were controlled by spraying with both fungicide and an insecticide. Data taken from the inner 20 plants of each plot were: time taken for weeds to re-emerge, weed species that emerged, weed population and weight and presence of mealybugs on the fruits and in the root zone. The result showed that, time of weed re-emergence was longest in the plastic mulch + herbicide treatment, whilst re-emergence was fastest in the manual weed control treatment. Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) belonging to the Poaceae family re-emerged on all treatment plots. The plastic mulch + herbicide treatment was able to control all broadleaved weeds, whilst most broadleaved and grass species re-emerged from the manual weeding treatment throughout the period. Weed population, weed dry weight and number of weed species re-emerged, were all significantly lower in the plastic mulch + herbicide treatment than in all other treatments but were greatest in the manual weed treatment. The results indicated that weed control efficiency of 90.6, 80.2, 73.4 and 69.2% in the plastic mulch + herbicide, plastic mulch + manual control, herbicide alone and the manual control over the weedy check, respectively. However, mealybug populations were not affected by the weed management methods employed, although all treatment effects were significantly greater than weedy check. The ability of the treatments to reduce mealybug populations on both the fruits and the root zone might be that during weed control, the mealybugs were exposed to predators that feed on them or that weed control dislodges their tending ants which subsequently limit their spread. This study affirms that proper weed control would reduce mealybug population and minimize the damage to fruits.Keywords: pineapple, mealy bug, weed control efficiency, plastic mulch, guinea gras

Quality of Carrot (Daucus Carota L.) As Influenced by Green Manure and Plant Spacing On Forest Ochrosols in Ghana

An experiment was carried out to study the influence of different green manures and plant spacing on quality of carrot at Enchi in 2015 and 2016. Four different soil amendments (10 t/ha Mucuna pruriens, Chromolaena odorata, Gliricidia sepium, 300Kg/ha NPK (15, 15, 15) and control) along with three different spacing regimes (25 x 10cm, 25 x 15cm and 25 x 20cm) were employed in the investigation in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) experiment. The result revealed that the branching (forking) percentage of carrot root increased with increase in plant population. Plants that received amendments recorded higher percentages of branched roots compared with the control. Percentage cracked roots increased with decreasing plant density. The highest percentage cracked root was produced by plants that received green manures and 300 kg/ha NPK whilst the lowest was found in control plots. Application of green manures improved the nutritional contents and biochemical properties of carrot relative to the NPK. Plant population density also influenced the nutritional content with contents increasing with decreasing plant density. From the results it may be concluded that application of 10/ha Chromolaena odorata along with 25 x 20cm better improved the quality of carrot in the study area. Keywords: Mucuna pruriens, Chromolaena odorata, Gliricidia sepium, green manure, plant spacing

Transformation in soil and availability to plants of 15N applied as inorganic fertilizer and grass residue

A pot experiment was conducted in the glasshouse at the Imperial College at Wye to study the transformations that occur following application of both inorganic and organic nitrogen (N) leading to availability to maize and losses into the environment. Organic N was applied as winter rye residue at the rate of 20 g per pot, whilst inorganic N was applied as double-labeled 15NH415NO3 (5 atom %) at the rate of 100 and 200 kg ha-1. Watering was done when the soil began to dry up. Results indicate that N uptake by maize was affected by the rate and source of N application. Seventy-nine days after fertilizer application, 33 % of the N applied at 100 kg ha-1 was recovered in maize, but this was reduced to 24 % when the N application rate was doubled. Of the total N applied in the enriched rye residue, maize N recovery was 20.9 %, soil recovery was 53.2 %, and 0.002 % was lost through N2O emission. By difference, the amount unaccounted for, 25.89 %, was presumably either leached out of the pots and/or incorporated into the soil microbial biomass

KEYWORDS Sweet potato Tillage Phosphorus fertilizer Growth Yield GROWTH AND YIELD RESPONSE OF SWEET POTATO TO DIFFERENT TILLAGE METHODS AND PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER RATES IN GHANA

ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted during the major cropping season of 2014 at the Plantation Section of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana to evaluate the effect of tillage and different application rates of phosphorus fertilizer on the growth and yield of sweet potato variety Okumkom. The tillage methods are ridge & mound while the different rates of phosphorus fertilizers are 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg P2O5/ha in triple superphosphate (46% P2O5) form. Factorial experiment was used and treatments were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. All the treatments were supplemented by 30 kg N/ha in the form of Urea (46% N). Results of this study indicated that plant growth was not significantly affected by tillage, but root yield was affected significantly with ridging produced the highest root yield. Further, highest growth and yield was observed from the 60 kg P2O5/ha treatment