Harnessing the Therapeutic Properties of Ginger (<em>Zingiber officinale</em> Roscoe) for the Management of Plant Diseases

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is one of the most widely used spices in the world. The therapeutic benefits of ginger are mainly due to the presence of volatile oils, phenols, alkaloid, and high oleoresin content. Ginger extracts have been extensively studied for a broad range of biological activities including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticonvulsant, analgesic, antiulcer, gastric antisecretory, and antitumor. This is all the more necessary because ginger is of plant origin, specifically more biodegradable, readily available, cheaper, and environmentally friendlier than synthetic chemicals. Since, some farmers in developing countries use ginger extracts as traditional medicine in the treatment of human diseases, it will be easy for them to adopt these extracts as biopesticides for the management of plant diseases. This book chapter seeks to outline the bioactive compounds and therapeutic benefits of ginger in plant disease management, and the mechanisms of action are also discussed

Anthracnose Disease of Mango: Epidemiology, Impact and Management Options

Mango is one of the frequently cultivated seasonal fruit crops in several tropical and subtropical regions. It is consumed as whole fruits apart from serving as raw materials for most industries that are into mineral production. Mango production is, however, constrained by diseases, pests, and poor post-harvest handling of fruits. Anthracnose disease, caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz and Sacc, is one of the most important yields limiting constraint in mango production across the globe. The disease occurs in both the field and post-harvesting. In the field, it affects aboveground parts, such as the stem, branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Anthracnose disease reduces the shelve life and marketability of mango fruit. In Ghana, anthracnose disease is responsible for about 30% yield/fruit loss. Most farmers do not control it, although some have resorted to the application of various fungicides not registered for mango anthracnose disease management in Ghana. This chapter will highlight on the importance of the disease on the mango industry in Ghana, control strategies currently employed thereby reducing the over-reliance on chemical control option and propose ways to minimize the effect of the disease in the country

Aflatoxins: A silent threat in developing countries

Several mycotoxins are known to contaminate crop produce and processed forms but aflatoxins are the most common. They are mainly produced by fungi belonging to the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium. Cereals and their products which constitute the staples in most developing countries are particularly vulnerable to attack by aflatoxigenic fungi. Despite the potential health risk posed to animals and humans, many people in developing countries are oblivious of the ability of aflatoxins to cause cancer and other debilitating diseases. This review therefore examines the various types of aflatoxigenic fungi and toxins, their occurrence in foodstuffs, their harmful effects, economic losses caused, regulation including the tolerable limits set by various national and international agencies and how their effects can be minimized or eliminated. Since developing countries are less resourced, there is the need for their developed counterparts and international agencies to offer them financial and technical support, to enable them to embark on education, research and other activities and ultimately minimize contamination in their products.Keywords: Aflatoxicosis, fungi, regulation, standards, toxin

Pesticide use in Legume production in the Tamale Metropolis of the Northern Region, Ghana

Abstract This study was conducted in six communities namely Jangyili, Foosegu, Gawagu, Dundo, Kukuo and Dalogyili within the Tamale Metropolis of Northern Region. The study aimed at identifying the types of pesticides used for legume crop production and methods of handling them. Sixty (60) respondents were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire. Majority (76%) of the respondents were males most of whom were youth (15-35). The percentage of respondents who lacked formal education was high (52%) among the respondents with the highest level of education being Senior High School. Cereals were the most commonly cultivated crops (40%) followed by legumes (30%). Among the leguminous crops cultivated, cowpea was the most common (38%) followed by groundnut (32%), soybean (13%), pigeon pea (5%), bambara groundnut (5%) and others (8%). Almost all respondents (91%) used pesticides. Thirteen out of the pesticides identified were herbicides with Atrazine being the most common (50%). The pesticides encountered during the study were mainly herbicides and insecticides and belonged to the highly toxic category i.e. Group II based on WHO classification. Majority (88%) of respondents obtained their pesticides from Agrochemical retailers in the communities whiles the rest (12%) depended on their friends and relatives. In spite of the high level of toxicity, most farmers (49%) did not wear protective clothing. Pesticides and their containers were disposed off indiscriminately; most unused pesticides were poured on the ground and containers were burnt or used at home. Most farmers (76%) were ignorant about banned and recommended pesticides. It is therefore not surprising banned pesticides like DDT were still being used. There is the need for farmers to be properly trained on the use of Integrated Pest Management Techniques. Farmers also need to be educated on the use of pesticides and the potential dangers associated with their use. Protective clothing should be made available at affordable prices. Finally existing legislation on importation and sale of pesticides should be strictly enforced to prevent or reduce of influx of pesticides in the country