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COCOA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF GHANA

ANNUAL REPORT

1110

Published byCocoa Research Institute of GhanaNew Tafo-Akim

ISSN 0855 - 0506

Suggested Abbreviation: Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2010/2011

© Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, 2011

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. Application for such permission should be addressed to the publisher.

Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG)

P. O. Box 8

New Tafo-Akim

Eastern Region.

Ghana.

[email protected]

Printed in the Republic of Ghana

CONTENTS

Management Committee

Senior Staff List

General Report 01

Plantation Management Division 03

CRIG sub-stations 07

Cocoa Establishment Thrust 15

Cocoa Management Thrust 27

Cocoa Improvement Thrust 59

Cocoa Insects Management Thrust 67

Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus (CSSV) Thrust 78

Cocoa Fungal Disease Management Thrust 92

New Product Development Thrust 111

Coffee Agronomy Thrust 123

Coffee Improvement Thrust 134

Coffee Pests and Diseases Management Thrust 138a

Kola Development Thrust 139

Shea and Cashew Development Thrust 146

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2010-2011

ChairmanProf. Yaw AhenkorahPost Office Box BC 208Burma Camp, Accra.

MembersMr. Anthony FofieDeputy Chief Executive (A&QC)COCOBOD, Accra

Dr. Yaw Adu-AmpomahExecutive DirectorCocoa Research Institute, Tafo

Rev. (Fr.) Prof. Daniel Mensah BonsuU. C. C., Cape Coast

Dr. M. Owusu-AkyawCrop Research Institute, Kumasi

Mr. F. E. NsiahCSSVD Control Unit, Accra

Mr. Kofi Afrisah NuhuMinistry of Trade & IndustryAccra

Mr. J. A. AsamoahDirector of ResearchCOCOBOD, Accra

Dr. I. Y. OpokuStaff RepresentativeCocoa Research Institute, Tafo

SecretaryMr. A. A. AppletonGeneral Administrative ManagerCocoa Research Institute, Tafo

SENIOR STAFF LIST ( )APRIL 2010 - MARCH 2011


Office of the Executive Director

Executive Director

F.M. Amoah, BSc. (Ghana), Ph.D (London)

Deputy Executive Director (Coffee)

F.K. Oppong, B.Sc. (Ghana), Ph.D. (Bangor)

Deputy Executive Director (Cocoa)

I.Y. Opoku, B.Sc. (KNUST), Ph.D. (Imperial College)

Scientific Secretary

Victress Johnson (Mrs.), BSc. (UCC), M.Phil (Ghana)

Senior Private Secretary

Reindorf Nyarko, Private Secretary Certificate

Administration

Deputy Executive Director(Gen. Admi)

Pauline A. Dadzawa B.A Hons (Ghana),Post Graduate Diploma(GIMPA)

Human Resource Manager

M. Osman Abu, B.A. Hons (Ghana); M.Phil (Ghana) Postgraduate Dip. in Public Admin. (GIMPA)

Prin. Human Resource Officer

Francis Gyamfi Ocran, B.A. Hons. (Ghana), MBA ( Ghana)

Human Resource Officer

Andrew Asamoa Frimpong-Manso, B.M. S

(UCC)

Senior Security Officer

Joshua Matey Osiaw

Security Officer

Richardson Owusu, Dip. in Prison Admin. (Ghana)

Private Secretary

G. Opoku-Agyeman (Mrs), Private Secretary Certificate

Primary School Headmistress Sussana Bismarck, B. Ed. (UCC) M.Ed.Mgt. (UCC) Teachers R.S. Jiagge Dip. Maths Education (UCEW)

P.A. Sersah, B.Ed (UCEW)

Elizabeth Owusua

J.W.K. Degadzor, Dip. Agric. Education (UCC)

E. Ansah Addae

Y.T.Opare Donkor

G. K. Baffoe, B.Ed. (UCEW)

Samuel Obeng Adjei, B.Ed. (UCC)

Gladys Kuwornu, B.Ed (UCEW)

Michael Aboagye Asamoah, B.Ed (UCC)

Seth Twumasi Bosompem, B.Ed (UCC)

Frederick Appiah Ampofo, B.Ed (UCEW )

Benjamin Ofori, B.A. Arts (UCC)

Accounts/Audit

Accounts Manager

John Odametey, ICA (Ghana), MBA(GIMPA)

Accounts Officers

C. K Davudu, HND Accountancy

J.R. Kwami

E.N. Akutey, ICA II

Emmanuel Appiah, ICA I

James Buabeng, ICA I


Dora Tekper, HND Accountancy

John Opoku Arthur HND(Accountancy) MBA(Paris)

Valetine Ahoe

G. K. Tawiah ICA I

Audit Manager

Peter Henson -

Quatey ACCA (UK)

Audit Officer

Isaac Gregory Azumah, ICA(Ghana)

Emmanuel Ampofo, AIA

Scientific Information Division

Information System Manager

E. Attah Asamoah BSc. Computer Science (Ghana)

Public Affairs Officers

Florence Asuamah, Dip. in Journalism

J. Bishop Kabutey, Dip. in Public Relations and

Advertising

Information Systems

Officer

V. Marji Larweh, B. Ap Sc. (RMIT); Dip.

in Stats. (Ghana), BSc Computer Science (KNUST)

Betty Owusu

D. Mills-Robertson (Mrs)

Library Officers

Rose Lowor (Mrs.), Dip. in Librarianship (Ghana) Postgraduate Cert. in Management (UNE)

S. L. Gyamfi, Dip. in Librarianship (Ghana)

Agronomy

Head

K. Opoku Ameyaw, BSc. (Ghana) Ph.D. (Reading)

Research Officers

Kofi Acheampong, M.Sc. (KNUST), M.Phil.

(Reading)

Sampson Konlan, PhD(KNUST)

Patricia L. Adu-Yeboah, B.Sc. (U.S.T)

Technical Officers K.H.Y. Fiawotso, Dip. in Hort. (KNUST) Osei Sarkodie, Dip. in Agric. Mech. (Ghana) E. K. Akpertey H. R. Dorgbadzi

Soil Science Head

K. Ofori-Frimpong, B. Sc. (UCC), Dip. Edu.

(UCC),

Ph.D. (Reading)

A. A. Afrifa, B.Sc. (KNUST), M. Agric Sc. (Reading)

Solomon Acquaye, B.Sc. (U.S.T), Ph.D. (Chiba)

Alfred Arthur, PhD (KNUST)

A. Boateng, BSc. (UCC)

E. Atanga Nyaaba, Dip. in Hort. (KNUST)

S.Y. Mawudeku, Dip. Agric. Ed. (UCEW)

Divine Addo, B.Sc. Lab. Tech. (UCC)

Okrah Gyekye, Diploma in Agric (Ghana)

Entomology

Ag. Head

A.R. Cudjoe, M.Sc (Moscow), Ph.D. (London)

Research Officers

J.E. Sarfo, B.Sc. (Ghana) M.Phil (Ghana)


E. Agyemang Dwomoh, M.Phil (KNUST) Ph.D (KNUST)

R. Adu Acheampong, M.Phil (Ghana), PhD(Imperial)

Godfred Awudzi, B.Sc. (KNUST).

Technical Officers

Abraham K. Nkansah, Dip. in Lab.Tech.(UCC)

S.K. Ahadzi, B.Sc. Agric. (Ghana)

Esther Eunice Koranteng Dip. in Agric(UCC)

Godfred A.Somuah

Plant Breeding

Head

B. Adomako, B.Sc. (KNUST), M.Sc.(Lond), DIC., Ph.D (Wales)

Research Officers

Francis Padi B.Sc. (KNUST), Ph.D.

(UEA, Norwich)

Esther Anim-Kwapong, B.Sc. (Ghana). M. Phil. (Birmingham & Reading).

Enock K. Nsiah, B.Sc. (Ghana) M.Phil (Tromso)

Stephen Yaw Opoku, B.Sc. (Ghana). M. Phil (Ghana)

Ofori Atta, BSc. (Ghana), PhD(Germany)

Mustapha Abu Dadzie, B.Sc. (KNUST).

Paul K.K. Adu-Gyamfi, B.Sc. (KNUST).

Abraham Akpertey, B.Sc. (Ghana).

Technical Officers

S.A. Bosompem

Paul Seglah, Diploma in Statistics (Ghana)

P.E. Mensah, Dip. Lab. Tech. (UCC)

Emmanuel Ewe, Dip. in Agric. (Ghana), BSc (UCC)

Ernest K. K. Akotia, Dip. Hort. (KNUST)

A. Barfi Boamah, Dip in Agric (Ghana)

Debora Cobbina (Mrs), BSC. Agric (UCC)

Doris Akrobor, BSc Agric Tech. (UDS).

Plant Pathology

Head H.K. Dzahini-Obiatey, B.Sc. (Ghana), M.Sc. (Norwich) PhD(Reading)

Research Officers A.Y. Akrofi, B.Sc. (KNUST), M.Sc. (Bristol) M.K. Assuah, BSc. (UCC), M. Phil (Ghana)

Owusu Domfeh, BSc. (KNUST), M.Sc. (Bristol)

G. Akumfi Ameyaw, BSc. (KNUST), PhD (Reading )

Ishmael Amoako Atta, BSc.(KNUST), MSc.(KNUST) Technical Officers

E. Dede Anochi, Dip. in Lab. Tech. (UCC)

D.M. Adoblanui, Dip. Post Harvest Tech. (Ghana)

Osei Asare Bediako, Dip. in Agric. (Ghana)

Mercy Ofori, Lab Mycology Certificate

Rashid Bin Hakeem, Dip. in Agric. Education (UCEW)

S. Akomea Frempong,

Lab. Tech. Diploma (UCC)

Physiology/Biochemistry

Ag. Head

J.F. Takramah, B.Sc. (Ghana), Ph.D.(Windsor)

Research Officers

A. Oppong Dwapayin, B. Sc. (UCC), Dip. in Educ.

S.T. Lowor,


(UCC), Ph.D. (Reading)

S.T. Lowor, B.Sc. M.Phil.(Ghana) PhD (New England

Winifred Oforiwaa Kumi BSC (Ghana) M.Phil. (Ghana)

Mercy Anne Salifu, BSc (KNUST)

Technical Officers

J.N. Boafo, Lab. Tech. Diploma (UCC)

Plantation Management

Head

T. Tweneboa -Koduah, B.Sc. (Ghana)

Technical Officers

P.K. Bartels, Dip. in Lab. Tech. (UCC)

W.A. Darko, Dip. Hort. (KNUST)

Seth D. D. Asare

Alex Opare, Dip. Hort. (KNUST)

Environmental Health Officers

K. Anyomi

Jacob Asiedu Mensah

General Services

Head

Felix Quist, BSc. (KNUST)

Deputy Gen. Services Manager Daniel Ashitei Ashitey, MSc. Civil Engineering Electronics Engineer E. O. Afotey, M.Sc. (Minsk), MBA(GIMPA) Estate Officer Samuel Ayi -Donkor BSc.(KNUST) Works Superintendent M. Dautey, Inst of Tech Supervision Cer t (Weija)

R.A.A. Obeng, HND (B. Tech.)

Alfred Ackon, HND Civil Engineering

Alex Pipim Danquah, Ref/Air Con. Tech. III

Electrical Superintendent

C.K. Osei, City & Guilds Final Cert.

Transport Officer

Y.Z.K. Ayewubo, M.V.T. III, Diploma in Logistic a nd Transport

Mechanical Superintendent

Johnson Nkansah, HND Mech. Eng

Sub-stations

Afosu

Head

G.J. Anim-Kwapong, B.Sc. (Ghana), Ph.D. (Wales)

Technical Officer

Roger Fiakpornu, Dip. Hort. (KNUST)

I.A. Darko, Dip. in Gen. Agric.

(Ghana)

Sarfo Abbrese

Bole

Ag. Head

Julius Yeboah, BSc. (KNUST), MSc. (KNUST)

Research Officer

Michael T. Barnor, BSc. (Ghana), MSc.(Japan)

Technical Officer

Kwabena Acheampong

Justus Gariba,(UEW)

Victor N. Agene, BE.D Agric (UW)

Human Resource Officer

Martin Chenpuo, Diploma in Mgt Studies (UCC)

Sub-Station Bunso

Head

E .O. K. Oddoye, B.Sc. (Ghana), M. Phil

(Camb)

PhD.(Ghana)


Technical Officer

James Ahuble

Social Science & Statistical Unit

Ag. Head

F. Baah, B.Sc. (KNUST), Ph.D. (Reading)

Research Officers

F. Aneani, B.Sc. (Ghana), M. Phil. (Ghana)

Mercy Asamoah, B.A. Hons.(Ghana), M.Phil (Ghana), PhD(Ghana)

Vincent Anchirina, B.Sc. (Ghana) M.Sc. (Reading)

Frank Owusu Ansah, B.Sc. (KNUST) M.Sc. (KNUST)

Technical Officer

Sampson Duodu

Alberta Badu-Yeboah,

BSc Agric (KNUST)

Frederick

Amon-Armah, BSc (Ghana)

New Product Development Unit Ag. Head C.K. Agyente-Badu, B.Sc. (Ghana), M.Phil(KNUST) Research Officer Esther Gyedu Akoto, (Mrs) B.Sc. (Ghana) MPhil.(Ghana),

Ph.D(Ghana) Technical Officers

M. H. Andoh, HND (Chem. Eng.)

K. Asante Amponsah

Dominic Kwame Owusu

John Sefa, Diploma in Statistics (Ghana)

Commercial Unit

Resthouse Superintendent

Doris A. Addo, Dip. in Home Science

Ext. (Ghana)

Asibi Apotogse, BSc. Adm in(Ghana), HND Acct(K’Poly)

Plantation Officers

Mabang/Acherensua

Osei-Wusu Afriyie, National Dip. in General Agric. (Ghana), Cert. in Community Forestry (

Bangkok)

Wantram

Ofori Ntiamoah, Diploma in Gen Agric (Ghana)

Worakese

E. Owusu Gyekye, Dip. in Agric. (Ghana)

GENERAL REPORT

01


New arrivals, March 2010 – April 2011

The following Research Scientists were engaged: Dr. Sampson Konlan was appointed thResearch Scientist at the Agronomy Division on 11 October, 2010 and Dr. Alfred Arthur was

also appointed Research Scientist for Soil Science whilst Mr. Justus Gariba was appointed thTechnical Officer for CRIG Sub-station, Bole on 25 October, 2010

Promotions

Dr. I. Y Opoku, Principal Research Scientist was promoted to the position of Chief Research stScientist, effective 1 December, 2010 Mr. M.O Abu Deputy Human Resource Manager was

promoted to the position of Human Resource Manger, Rev. Fr. Dr. E. O. K. Oddoye Senior Research Scientist, Drs. G. J Anim-Kwapong Senior Research Scientist, H. Dzahini-Obiatey, Senior Research Scientist, A.A Afrifa, Senior Research Scientist, J. K Takramah, Senior Research Scientist, and Mr. Andrews Y. Akrofi Senior Research Scientist were all

stpromoted to the position of Principal Research Scientists on 1 December, 2010 and Dr. (Mrs.) Mercy Asamoah Research Scientists was also promoted to the position of Senior

stResearch Scientist on 1 December, 2010. Mr. Julius Yeboah Research Scientist and Mrs. Esther Anim-Kwapong Research Scientist were also promoted to the position of Senior

stResearch Scientist effective 1 December, 2010. Dr. George Ameyaw-Akumfi Assistant thResearch Scientist was upgraded to the position of Research Scientist effective 18 August,

2010.

thMr. Isaac G. Azumah was upgraded to the position of Senior Audit Officer on 15 June, 2010

The following persons were promoted from Senior grade to Principal Officers namely: Mr. Dickson M. Adoblanui, Principal Technical Officer, Mr. Osei Asare Bediako, Prin. Technical Officer, Mr. Ebenezer N. Atangah, Prin. Technical Officer, Rev. Agyenim Boateng, Prin.

stTechnical Officer. Mrs. Doris A. Addo Prin. G/H Supt. All promotions took effect from 1 October, 2010.

The following were also promoted from Officer grade to Senior Officer. Mr. John O. Arhur, Senior Accounts Officer, Ms. Dora Tekper, Senior Accounts Officer, Mr. Samuel F. Akomah, Senior Technical Officer, Mr. Divine Addo, Senior Technical Officer. All promotion took

steffect from 1 October, 2009Mrs. Vincentia Aheto, Mrs. Yayra Domfeh, Messer. Daniel Tierifar, Seth D. Yeboah, George O. Nkansah, George J. Kai, Stephen A. Amankwah and Francis O. Awuku all junior staff were also promoted to the positions of Accounts Officers and Technical Officers respectively

steffectively 1 October, 2010.

Transfers-out

Messer. John Odametey Accounts Manager, was transferred to Cocobod Head Officer, Accra ston 1 September, 2010. Mr. M. O Abu, Human Resource Manager was also transferred to

stCSSVD CU on 1 September, 2010. Similarly, Dr. Solomon Acquaye Research Scientist was thtransferred to HI-TECH (COCOBOD) effective 11 April, 2011 and Mr. Thomas Tweneboah

thKoduah Deputy Technical Manager was also transferred to CSSVD CU effective 11 April, 2011

Transfers-in

Messer Christopher M. Asakie, Human Resource Manager, Albert Yeboah, Accounts Manager, Francis A. Abarigah, Deputy Human Resource Mnager and Martin Asiamah Deputy Accounts Manager were all transferred from Seed Production Unit, Accra and

thQuality Control Company Limited effective 15 September, 2010 respectively. Similarly Mr. Isaac G. Azumah Senior Audit Officer was also transferred from Quality Control

thCompany Accra effective 15 June, 2010

RetirementsthMr. K. Asante Amponsah, Technical Officer retired on 4 November, 2010, Mr. Osei

rdSarkodie Prin. Technical Officer retired on 23 November, 2010. Mr. Kofi Anyomi Senior thEnvironmental Health Officer retired on 18 December, 2010, Dr. Frank Boakye Antwi,

thResearch Scientist resigned on 19 October, 2010, Mr. Paul Seglah Technical Officer stvoluntarily retired on 1 November, 2010 whilst, Ms. Betty Owusu Senior Info Systems

thOfficer retired on 15 April, 2010.

Study leave

The following Research Scientists were also pursuing Ph.D and Masters programmes both locally and foreign in various universities during the period. Mr. Andrews Yaw Akrofi, Senior Research Officer, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Mr. J. E. Sarfo, Research Officer, University of Greenwich, UK, Mr. Frank Owusu Ansah, Research Scientist , University of Reading, UK, Mr. Godfred K. Awudzi, Assistant Research Scientist, University of Reading, UK, Mr. Abraham Akpertey, Assistant Research Scientist, University of Illinois, USA. The following senior officers were also pursuing degree programme in various universities during the period. Mrs. Pauline A. Dadzawa, Deputy Executive Director(Gen. Admi), GIMPA, Mr. Samuel L. Gyamfi, University of Ghana, Mr. Charles K. Davudu, Institute of Professional Studies, Mrs. Gift Opoku Agyameng, GIMPA, Mr. Roger K. Fiakpornu, University of Cape Coast, Mr. Emmanuel D. Anoch,i University of Cape Coast, Mr. Y. Z. K. Ayewubo, Senior Transport Officer, GIMPA, Ms. Esther E. Koranteng, Technical Officer, University of Cape Coast, Mr. Emmanuel Ewe, Senior Technical Officer, University of Cape Coast. Mr. Ebenezer A. Asamoah, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Mr. Felix Quist, GIMPA


02

Land use and development

Three new plots totalling 18 acres (7.28 hectares) are at various stages of development for cocoa cultivation. Six acres in Block R shall be a Demonstration Cocoa Farm. Another 10 acres in Block R and 2 acres in Block K are for Seed Garden establishment. The Plant Breeding Division is developing five new plots of various sizes in Blocks D, E, O and U totalling 6 acres (2.43 hectares) as experimental coffee farms.

Weather

Over the period, the total rainfall recorded was 1778.4 mm from 144 wet days. The figure for the previous year was 1248 mm and 123 wet days. There was precipitation in every month with the least monthly rainfall of 17.7 mm from five wet-days recorded in December. The wettest month was October 2010 with 338.6 mm of rain from 22 wet-days representing 19.0 percent of the total rainfall.

The warmest month during the period was April 2010 with a mean maximum temperature of 33.5 °C and the mildest month was January 2011 with a mean of 19.5 °C. The total sunshine duration recorded over the period was 2134.4 hours. As expected December was very clear and sunny with 245.2 hours of sunshine that is more than double the sunny period experienced in August which was cloudy with 100.3 hours of sunshine.

Cocoa production

Monthly cocoa production figures are in Table 1. Apart from June and July cocoa production increased from August to peak production in November with 147,676 pods and declined rapidly to a low of 3,011 pods in March 2011. November also recorded the lowest discard production of 7.5% as against the highest of 44.9% recorded in May.

PLANTATION MANAGEMENT DIVISION


03

The Fermentation Unit received 472,232 field usable cocoa pods made up of 401,052 pods from the Scientific Divisions and 71,180 pods from the Plantation/Station Management Division during the crop year for processing as in Table 2. After breaking, 74,234 pods being 15.7 percent of the field usable cocoa were discarded. Black pod infestation, mammalian damage, capsid damage, germinated beans and immature ripening are the factors that contributed to the waste or discarded cocoa. No pods were sold.


Table 1: Monthly Cocoa Production.

Month

Field

Usable

Pods Rcvd

No of Pods Broken

Wet Wt of Cocoa

Beans (kg)

% of Discarded

Cocoa

Discards

Pods Fermented

April 2010

11397

3715

7682

740

32.6

May

14712

6608

8104

772

44.9

June

40800

8631

32169

3181

21.2

July

42864

10552

32312

3203

24.6

August 33100 4865 28235 2817 14.7

September 39457 4895 34562 3492 12.4 October 80061 8541 71520 7298 10.7

November

147676

11132

136544

13635

7.5

December

35483

8224

27259

2694

23.2

January 2011

20306

4924

15382

1527

24.2

February

3365

1267

2078

208

37.7

March

3011

880

2131

212

29.2

Total

472,232

74,234

397,998

39,779

15.7

Table 2: Summary of Cocoa Production

Division

Pods Received

No of Pods Broken

Wet Weight of Beans (kg)

Discarded

Fermented

Scientific Divisions

401,052 61,947

339,105

33,995

Plantation/Management 71,18?0 12,287 58,893 5,784

Total 472,232 74,234 397,998 39,779

04


Cocoa processing

The result of processing is in Table 3 below. The 397,998 fermented cocoa pods representing 84.3 percent of production that yielded 39,779 kg of wet cocoa beans produced 13,937.5 kg (≈14.0 tonnes) of dry cocoa beans through 46 fermentations. The conversion factor from wet to dry cocoa beans was 35. A mean of 9.6 and 27 pods gave one kilogram of wet and dry cocoa beans respectively.

Table 3: Result of Processing.

Source No of Pods Fermented

Wet Wt of Beans

Dry Wt. of Beans

% Dry Wt of Beans

No of Pods/kg

Wet Wt Dry Wt Scientific Divisions 339,105 33,995 11,910.9 35.0 10.2 29.1

Plantation/Management 58,893 5,784 2026.6 35.0 8.9 25.4 Total 397,998 39,779 13,937.5 35.0* 9.6* 27.3*

*Mean Values

Nursery activities

Thirty thousand cocoa seedlings have been raised for sale to farmers. Flowering plants and other ornamentals are in stock for landscaping and sale to the public. Seedlings of forest or timber trees species like terminalia, etc. have been propagated for re-forestation purposes.

Revenue

A total of 223 bags of cocoa at 62.5 kg wt per bag which is the equivalent of 13,937.5 kg of dry cocoa beans and 689 kg of waste dry cocoa were handed over to the Central Stores for sale. The unhulled coffee processed by the Agronomy Division weighed 2700 kg. An amount of forty-one thousand, five hundred and and fifty Ghana cedis (GH C 41,550.00) was realised from the sale of cocoa beans. The 689 kg of waste cocoa beans fetched an amount of three hundred and seventy-eight Ghana cedis and ninety-five pesewas. In the Commodity and Revenue Table below are the other farm produce handled during the period under review.

05


Farm Produce

Amount (GH C)

1

Dry cocoa beans

41,550.00

2

Discards (waste cocoa beans)

378.95

3

Coffee

-

unhulled

Not valued

4

Firewood

1,390.00

5

Palm fruits

707.87

6

Kola nuts

147.50-

7

Oranges

-

8

Coconuts –

fresh

-

9

Maize

-

10 Plantain 250.20 11

Ornamentals

300.00

12

Grass

-

13

Cocoa seedlings

1,565.00

14

Vegetables

1,181.00

15

Terminalia seedlings

-

16

Palm trees

-

17

Coconut seedlings

-

18

Cassava

-

Total

47,420.07

Table 4: Commodity and Revenue

06

Land use

Two new trials were established within the year under review. These are; 1. Rootstock Genotype effect cocoa establishment and yield in drought prone areas (N1). 2. Evaluation of Guyana clones (M6). Regular maintenance schedule were adhered to on cocoa, coffee, and kola experimental plots during the year under review. Regular maintenance schedules were strictly adhered to on cocoa, coffee and kola experimental plots throughout the year. Pentadesma butyraceae, Shea observational plot, Terminalia superb/ Terminalia ivorensis and oil palm plantation which are all non- experimental plots were also maintained.

Weather and cropping

The annual rainfall recorded during the reporting year was 1,521.1 mm which was 3.58% higher than the 2009/2010 record of 1,466.7 mm. There were however higher rainy days (109 days as against 93 days recorded in 2009/2010).

General crop growth was excellent as a result of fairly good rainfall distribution pattern within the year. A total of 6.26 metric tons of dry cocoa beans was obtained from both experimental and non experimental plots during the year, which was 14.38% higher than the previous year's records of 5.36 tons. The yield of dry unhulled coffee berries was 8.45 metric tons which was 75.07% lower than that of the previous year of 33.9 metric tons due to coppicing of major of the coffee plots.

Revenue

A total amount of forty-six thousand five hundred and sixty-one Ghana cedis only (GH¢ 46,561.00) was realized as revenue during the year under review. This amount was 23.28% higher than what was realized in 2009/2010. The revenue generated did not include proceeds from the sale of the 8.45 metric tons of dry unhulled coffee berries.

CRIG SUBSTATION

AFOSU


07

Weather

The total number of rains recorded was 80 resulting in 1362.9mm of rainfall. The mean maximum and minimum temperatures for the same period were 32.8 and 21.1, respectively; whiles mean relative humidity of 73.8% and 53.6% for 900 and 1500, respectively.

Shea research

Four new trials, “Effects of gamma irradiation of sheanut seeds and stem cuttings on growth traits of shea, Germplasm collection and diversity study of shea (Vitelleria paradoxa) in Ghana, “Effect of period of girdling and hormone on the rooting performance” and “Effect of types of cuttings and hormone application on the rooting performance of shea” were initiated/conducted within the period under review. Shea germplasm collection was carried in all districts in upper west and east regions except Bawku central due to the then pending conflict within the municipality. Also, an Mphil student from the University of Ghana conducted his research project on the topic, 'Asexual propagation techniques of sheanut (vitellaria paradoxa c.f. Gaertn)' at the station during the period.


Revenue sources and amounts:

Items

GH¢

Cocoa Pods

144.50

Cocoa Seedlings

7,820.00

Kola Nuts

1,765.00

Dried Cocoa Beans

20,024.00

Fire Wood

200.00

Palm Fruits

226.00

Plantains 375.00 Rest House Revenue

15,882.5

Meteo Data

124.00

Total

46,561.00

BOLE

08

Cashew research

A four acre experimental trial, “Effect of polythene bag size on cashew seedling growth, development and ease of transporting' was established within the period under consideration. Routine maintenance activities were carried out on all existing cashew trials including germplasm evaluation, clonal evaluation, propagation and fertilizer trials. A total of 15000 cashew clones of elite cashew varieties in the scion bank were produced and distributed to farmers under the Cashew Development Project.

Cashew plantation

A team of sprayers from the entomology division carried out the control of insect pest on cashew plantation at the station. Raw cashew nut yield obtained from plantations and cashew experimental fields was 17040kg (213bags). Cashew yield for the season under consideration was31% lower than that of the preceding year.

School

A unit classroom block with lavatory and headmaster's office was completed. Subsequently, 35 five pupils were admitted to Kg2.

Cashew Processing

The cashew processing plant saw the acquisition and installation of a BORMA and Cooker with one ton/day processing capacity.

Honey production

The station obtained 52 gallons of pure honey from 40 fully colonized bee hives.

Livestock

Screening of the station's herd by veterinary officers from the Central Veterinary Laboratory, Pong-Tamale revealed the presence of bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis within the herd. Seventy-four animals were sold whiles 53 animals mainly, heifers were purchased for replacement.

Revenue

Revenue generated by various activities at the station is as indicated below.


09

Item GH?

Livestock sales 23,767

Cashew nut 42120

Honey sales 2700

Total 68,587


Weather/Rainfall

The total annual rainfall recorded on 112 wet days was 2,329.10mm. April, 2010 and October, 2010 gave the highest total rainfall of 368.8 mm and 353.7mm, respectively. The months of October and September, 2010, however, recorded the highest number of wet days of 19 and 14 respectively. The details of the annual rainfall figures are shown in the table below:

BUNSO

st stAnnual Rainfall Figures (1 April, 2010 – 31 March, 2011)

Month/Year

Wet days

Amount (mm)

April, 2010

11

368.8

May, 2010

10

306.5

June, 2010

10

250.5

July,2010

6

279.4

August, 2010

8

135.5

September, 2010

14

200.9

October, 2010

19

353.7

November, 2010 10 138.8 December, 2010

2

7.8

January, 2011

2

20.7

February, 2011

7

80.6

March, 2011

13

185.9

Total

112

2,329.10

10

.Cashew scion bank

Maintenance activities such as weeding, pruning of flowers and off-shoots of grafted seedlings as well as watering of sown nuts and young seedlings were carried out. Insecticide

stand fungicide applications were also carried out during the period under review. As at 31 March, 2011, the Bank had 249 grafted plants in stock. The already established plants are doing very well on the field.

Cocoa plots

Regular maintenance activities which include weeding, pruning, removal of basal chupons, epiphytes and mistletoes were carried out in the cocoa plots. Other activities undertaken during the period included regular inspection and recording of any incidence of the cocoa swollen shoot virus disease and regular spraying by the Mirid Investigation Team at Bunso to control pests. During the period fertilizer application was also carried out in all mature cocoa plots, except those that are earmarked for specific experimental projects. A total of 342,665 usable cocoa pods were harvested from all the cocoa plots during the period.

Coffee plots

Like the cocoa plots, regular maintenance activities such as weeding, pruning and topping of the coffee trees were carried out in all the coffee plots during the period under review. A total number of 54 bags of unhulled dry coffee berries were harvested from all the coffee plots.

Kola plots

As done in the cocoa and coffee plots, regular maintenance activities such as weeding, pruning as well as removal of mistletoes/epiphytes were carried out in all the kola plots. A total of 3297.83kg of kola nuts were collected from the progeny plot which showed a reduction of 1.5% in the previous year's yield. Kola plots (1&11) also yielded 3853.36kg and 3231.65kg respectively. In all, 10,382.84kg of kola nuts were realized from all the kola plots.

Coffee propagation

During the period under review, the propagators made a total of 44 trips to Tafo and Afosu stSub-Station for coffee cuttings. As at 31 March, 2011, a total of 58,558 cuttings had been

harvested and inserted. Out is this number, 5,230 propagated clones were supplied to Afosu Sub-Station and 400 clones to individual farmers at Afosu. The propagation was, however, continued in order to meet the 60,000 target that was allocated to the Station to achieve within the year. The propagation shed was also extended (with 80 metal poles) within the period under review. Maintenance activities such as watering of the inserted cuttings and constant clearing of the shed were also carried out within the period.


11

Cocoa nursery

The Station was able to raise 60,000 cocoa seedlings for sale to interested cocoa farmers. As stat 31 March, 2011, no sale was made because the seedlings were not grown by then. Thus the

sale of the seedlings will be accounted for in 2011/2012 annual report. As regards to the 50,500 seedlings that were brought forward from 2009/2010 season, 4,487.50 seedlings were sold and the amount realized (GH¢4,487.50) was paid to chest. One thousand, two hundred (1,200) seedlings were sent to Tafo as protocol. Three thousand, one hundred and twenty five (3,125) seedlings were dead and one thousand three hundred (1,300) seedlings became stunted and could not be used and therefore declared as lost.

Oil palm plots

Maintenance activities such as weeding and pruning were carried out in the oil palm plots. A total of 971 bunches of palm fruits were harvested and sold to staff and the amount realized is shown in the revenue side.


Revenue Gh¢

Dry Cocoa Beans - 27,250.00

Cocoa Seedlings - 4,487.50

Palm Fruits - 383.30

Kola Nuts - 2,467.25

Kola Seedlings - 177.50

Plantain - 975.67

Wawa Boards - 423.00

Emire Boards - 520.00

Eggs - 1,635.00

Unserviceable Items - 63.50

Total 38,382.72

12


Coffee hulling

During the period under review, 472 bags of dry coffee were hulled, cleaned and sent to Tafo for further action.

Poultry/ livestock

Broliers: During the period under review, the Unit at Bunso had 450 broilers. These birds were raised and sold to staff during the Christmas season. Second batches of 400 broilers were also ordered in February, 2011. These batches of birds were sold to staff at Easter time.

Layers: The Unit had 217 layers. Eggs were collected and sold to staff at Bunso and Tafo respectively. Second batches of 600 pullets were also ordered in February, 2011. These birds are yet to be sold.

Pigs: The Unit also had 16 pigs at various stages of growth.

Sheep: Currently, the Unit has five ewes, two rams and a breeding ram in stock.

Mirid investigation team

During the period under review, the Mirid Investigation Team at Bunso carried out demarcation and maintenance of plots for small-scale insecticide trials. Pre, post and monthly treatment assessment, application of insecticides, tree population, yield and foliage assessment at Nsutam, Anum Apapam, Mfranor, Kokoteasua, Atiebu, Achiansa, Teawia, Subriso, Koodum, Akwasiho and Kwame Adjei. The team also carried out regular spraying of insecticides and fungicides on cocoa, kola, cashew and coffee plots at Ettokrom and Asiakwa Blocks at Bunso.

New establishments

L.C.T.I and R.V.T. I.

Cocoa clones were planted in June, 2011. However, most of the clones could not survive. This had called for re-planting to be done again later. Weeding, however, was constantly done to maintain the growth of shade trees and crops. During the period under review, some bunches of plantain were harvested from the plot and sold to staff. The amount realized from sale was paid to chest as indicated in the revenue side.

CSSVD/Miami project

Land preparation had been completed. Lining and pegging, planting of shade trees and digging of holes for planting of cocoa were completed. Weeding is also constantly done to

13

maintain growth of the shade plants. What remains to be done is planting of the clones.

Cocoa flower garden

Land preparation had been completed. Lining and pegging as well as planting of shade trees had also been completed. The few clones that were brought from Tafo were also planted. However more clones are needed to cover the 1-hectare plot. Weeding is constantly done to; maintain the plot.

Oil palm plantation

A 10-acre oil palm plot has been established for the Station. Weeding is constantly done to maintain growth of the plants. It is planned to extend the plantation by an additional 5 acres in 2011/2012 period.

Coffee wood garden

A 1-acre coffee wood garden has also been established for the Station. It is planned to extend it in 2011/2012 period.

Coffee fruit crop intercropping

stAs at 31 March, 2011, all the fruits crops had been planted. Regular maintenance activities such as weeding and replacement of dead fruit crops were carried out during the period.


14

The yield of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L) recorded in the trial “The use of Pawpaw (Carica

papaya) as potential temporary shade for young cocoa” confirmed the results obtained during the establishment phase which showed lack of significant differences between the treatments in the vegetative growth of young cocoa plants. These results suggest that pawpaw could be used as alternative temporary shade for young cocoa during establishment. Evaluation of Cedrela odorata, a commercial timber species, as permanent shade in cocoa cultivation - Results obtained so far in this trial suggest that delayed thinning of Cedrela

thodorata planted at 6m x 6m until the 6 year after planting was detrimental to the growth and thyield of young cocoa plants. Thinning Cedrela, planted at 6m x 6m to 12m x 12m at the 4

year after planting resulted in better growth and initial yield of cocoa plants. After 3 years of treatment application in the trial investigating the effects of slash-burn, and slash-no burn as land clearing methods and intercrops on soil fertility, growth and yield of cocoa, no significant differences were observed between the slash and burn and slash and no burn treatments for the properties measured except Calcium which was higher in the slash and no burn plots. In the evaluation of a diversified cocoa /fruit tree system trial, treatments had no significant effect on the growth of cocoa at 8 months after transplanting. However, growth of the shade tree species at 20 months after transplanting was significantly affected by treatments. Milicia excelsa and Allanblackia floribunda exhibited very slow growth rates compared to Terminalia superb, T. ivorensis and other species.

Investigations into the use of Pawpaw (Carica papaya) as potential temporary shade for

young cocoa. (F. K. Oppong, K. Ofori-Frimpong, G. J. Anim-Kwapong, K. Opoku-Ameyaw and A. Y. Akrofi).

The experimental detail of the above trial which was presented in the 2004/2005 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2004/2005., 20-21) was continued during the year under review. General maintenance of the experimental plot was carried out during the year. Previous results indicated that the use of pawpaw as temporary shade for cocoa during the initial three years of establishment had no adverse effects on the vegetative growth of young cocoa plants (Progress Report 2004/2005, 2005/2006, 2006/2007). The trial was however continued to study the residual effects of the treatments on yield of the cocoa plants. All activities planned for the year were carried out. The Afosu and Tafo trials entered their fourth and third year of bearing respectively. Routine monitoring of disease incidence in the plots was carried out at both locations.

COCOA ESTABLISHMENT THRUST


15


Results

Afosu – H4

There were no significant differences in the yield between the treatments during the 2010/11 season. The highest yield of dry cocoa beans was however recorded in Treatment 1 whereas the lowest yield was recorded in Treatment 2. Treatment 1 also gave the highest cumulative yield after 4 years of bearing followed by Treatment 5. Treatment 4 gave the lowest cumulative yield. There were no significant differences in the cumulative yield between the treatments (Table 1.1). The incidence of black pod disease, immature pods and pods damaged by rodents were generally low.

Table 1.1: Residual effects of treatments on yield of cocoa beans recorded during theinitial four years of bearing in Plot H4, Afosu

Treatment

Cocoa yield

(dry beans kg/ha)

2007/08

Cocoa yield

(dry beans kg/ha)

2008/09

Cocoa yield

(dry beans kg/ha)

2009/10

Cocoa yield

(dry beans kg/ha)

2010/11

4 years cumulative yield (kg/ha)

T1-Pawpaw planted at 3m x 3m and cocoa at 3m x 3m

43.2

159.0

307.1

555.0

1064.3

T2-Pawpaw planted at 3 x 1.5 m and cocoa at 3m x 3m

34.2

189.0

271.8

452.0

947.0


39.9

116.0

286.8

503.0

945.7

T4-Pawpaw/plantain planted in alternate rows at 3m x 3m and cocoa at 3m x 3m

17.5

151.0

168.1

484.0

820.6

T5-Plantain planted at 3m x 3m and cocoa at 3m x 3m (Control)

30.8

189.0

277.1

486.0

982.9

Sig. level (5%)

ns

ns

ns

ns

ns

16

No significant yield differences were recorded in the Tafo trial in 2010/11. The yield recorded in Treatment 3 was however lower than that of the other treatments. Similar observations were made during the 2008/09 and 2009/10 seasons. The yield followed the same pattern over the 3-year period of bearing with Treatment 5 consistently giving the highest yield followed by Treatments 1 and 2. There were no significant differences (P< 0.05) in the cumulative yield between the treatments even though the yield recorded in Treatment 3 was much lower than those of the other treatments (Table 1.2). The incidence of black pod infection, rodent-damaged pods and percentage of immature pods were low in all the treatments.


Treatment

Cocoa yield

(dry beans kg/ha)

2008/09

Cocoa yield

(dry beans kg/ha)

2009/10

Cocoa yield

(dry beans kg/ha)

2010/11

3 years cumulative yield (kg/ha)


24.4

163.0

342.0

529.4

T2-Pawpaw planted at 3 x 1.5 m and cocoa at 3m x 3m

34.2

141.0

304.0

479.2


17.5

65.0

208.0

290.5

T4-Pawpaw/plantain planted in alternate rows at 3m x 3m and cocoa at 3m x 3m

19.9

76.0

269.0

364.9

T5-Plantain planted at 3m x 3m and cocoa at 3m x 3m (Control)

34.5

174.0

476.0

684.5

Sig. level (5%)

ns

ns

ns

ns

Table 2: Residual effects of treatments on cocoa yield during the initial three years of bearing inPlot H25, Tafo.

Conclusion

The yield results recorded in the treatments over a period of four and three years at Afosu and Tafo respectively confirmed the results obtained during the establishment phase which showed lack of significant differences between the treatments in the vegetative growth of young cocoa plants. These results suggest that pawpaw could be used as alternative temporary shade for young cocoa during establishment.

17


Evaluation of Cedrela odorata, a commercial timber species, as permanent shade in

cocoa cultivation. (F. K. Oppong, G. J. Anim-Kwapong, K. Ofori-Frimpong, J. E. Sarfo and A. Y. Akrofi).

The experimental details of the above trial were provided in the 2004/2005 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2004/2005., 23-24). General maintenance of the treatment plots was carried out. Dead cocoa seedlings were replaced and pest and disease monitoring was done. Growth data on the cocoa, Cedrela odorata and Terminalia plants were also recorded. The Cedrela odorata trees in Treatments 3 and 4 were thinned to the planting distances indicated in the two treatments in June 2010. General maintenance of the plots was carried out and pest and disease monitoring was also done during the year. Harvesting and yield recording was carried out. Light transmitted through the canopy in each of the treatments was determined from August 2010 to March 2011.

ResultsthDelaying the thinning of the Cedrela plants until the 6 year after planting (Treatments 3 and

4) adversely affected the cocoa plants as poor yields were recorded in these treatments. Thinning the Cedrela plants in Treatments 3 and 4 from 6m x 6m to planting distances of 12m x 12m and 12m x 18m respectively in June 2010 allowed more light into the plots (Table 1.3) but this could not immediately impact positively on the growth and yield of cocoa plants (Table 1.4). Most of the leaves of the Cedrela, Terminalia and Gliricidia were shed during the dry season in January and February 2011 and this might have accounted for the lack of significant differences between the treatments in the percentage light transmitted into the plots (Table 1.3).

Flowering, pod set and pod developments were generally below expectation and this appeared to be a direct reflection of the individual treatments on the young cocoa trees. Yield of dry cocoa beans was generally low in all the plots. However, thinning the Cedrela plants

thfrom the initial planting density of 6m x 6m to 12m x 12m at the 4 year after planting resulted in significantly higher yield than all the other treatments (Table 1.4). There were no significant yield differences between Treatments 1, 3, 4 and 5. The higher yield recorded in Treatment 2 may be attributed to the high percentage light transmitted into the plot after thinning the Cedrela plants to the wider spacing of 12m x 12m. The same reason accounted for the bigger stems of the young cocoa recorded in Treatments 1 and 2 when the initial

thplanting distance of Cedrela was thinned from 6m x 6m to 6m x 12m and 12m x 12m at the 4 year in Treatments 1 and 2 respectively (CRIG Progress Report 2008/09, 2009/10).

18


Table 1.3: Effects of treatments on percentage light transmitted into the plots at different periods

Treatments

August

2010

Sept.

2010

October

2010

Nov.

2010

January

2011

February

2011

March

2011

T1-

Cocoa + C. odorata

at 6m x 6m but thinned to 6m x 12m at 4th year

33.6

35.1

42.3

31.7

74.9

64.7

63.7

T2-

Cocoa + C. odorata


35.8

52.6

47.6

30.5

64.5

48.0

59.9

T3-

Cocoa + C. odorata


60.8

44.3

65.3

33.9

68.0

70.1

79.0

T4-

Cocoa + C. odorata

at 6m x

6m but thinned to 12m x 18m at 6th year

77.1

72.9

67.2

64.3

47.8

59.7

80.7

T5-

Cocoa + G. sepium at 6m x 6m but thinned later to 12m x 12m + and T. ivorensis at 12m x 18m (Control).

50.4

60.6

46.5

45.8

64.8

43.3

53.3

Sig. level (5%)

-

-

ns

-

ns

ns

19.8 Sig. level (1%):

l.s.d.

21.3

9.9

-

12.5

-

-

-

19


Table 1.4: Effects of treatments on initial cocoa yield (kg/ha).

Treatments

Initial cocoa yield -2009/10

(kg/ha)

Cocoa yield –

2010/11 (kg/ha)

T1-

Cocoa + C. odorata


14.2

41.9

T2-

Cocoa + C. odorata

at 6m x 6m

but thinned to 12m x 12m at 4th year

8.2

92.8

T3-

Cocoa + C. odorata

at 6m x 6m but thinned to 12m x 12m at

6th year

0.6

8.1

T4- Cocoa + C. odorata at 6m x 6m but thinned to 12m x 18m at 6th year

0.8

11.7

T5- Cocoa + G. sepium at 6m x 6m but thinned later to 12m x 12m + and T. ivorensis

at 12m x 18m (Control).

16.2

24.9

Sig. level (5%)

ns

- Sig. level (1%):

l.s.d.

-

36.2

Conclusion

The results obtained so far suggest that delayed thinning of Cedrela odorata planted at 6m x th6m until the 6 year after planting was detrimental to the growth and yield of young cocoa

thplants. Thinning Cedrela, planted at 6m x 6m to 12m x 12m at the 4 year after planting resulted in better growth and initial yield of cocoa plants.

Remarks

Evidence from the data obtained so far could lead to the speculation that thinning Cedrela

odorata initially planted at 6m x 6m earlier than 4 years after planting could be more beneficial to the growth and development of young cocoa plants.

Effects of slash and burn and slash and no burn methods and intercrops on soil fertility,

growth and yield of cocoa, Bunso (K. Ofori-Frimpong, A. A. Afrifa, F. K. Oppong, K. Opoku Ameyaw, M. K. Assuah, A. R. Cudjoe and F. Aneani). The objectives of the above trial were provided in the 2007/2008 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa

Res. Inst. Ghana, 2007/2008., 22-23). The experimental design was split with land clearing methods as main plots and cocoa/food crops combinations as sub plots with 4 replicates.

Main plot treatments- slash and burn- slash and no burn

Split-plot treatments

20

Figure 1.1: Effects of land clearing methods on soil pH


- sole cocoa- cocoa + maize + cassava- cocoa + maize- cocoa + cassava

All activities planned in the trial for the year under review were carried out.

Results

Effects of slash and burn and slash and no burn methods of land clearing on some selected soil properties are presented in Figs 1.1-1.6.

After 3 years of treatment application there were no significant differences between the slash and burn and slash and no burn treatments for the properties measured except Calcium (Ca) which was higher in the slash and no burn plots.

Figure 1.2: Effects of land clearing methods on soil total N

21


Figure 1.3: Effects of land clearing methods on soil organic C

Figure1. 4: Effects of land clearing methods on soil available P

Figure1. 5: Effects of land clearing methods on soil Exchangeable K

22


Figure1.6: Effects of land clearing methods on Exchangeable Ca

Conclusion

No noticeable changes were observed for the major plant nutrients in burnt and no burnplots after 3 years of treatment application.

Evaluation of a diversified cocoa /fruit tree system – F2, Afosu (G. J. Anim-Kwapong, K. Opoku-Ameyaw, M. K. Assuah, A. A. Afrifa, A. R. Cudjoe, F. Aneani, A. O. Dwapanyin, O. Domfeh, F. Owusu-Ansah)

The objectives of the above trial were provided in the 2009/2010 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa

Res. Inst. Ghana, 2009/2010).

Experimental design

Randomized complete block design with four replicates and treatments detailed as follows:

T1- Two each of Allanblackia floribunda, Ricinodendron heudelotii, Persea americana and

Tetrapleura tetraptera integrated as a mixed stand into cocoa at a spacing of 12m x 9m.

T2 – Two each of A. floribunda, R. heudelotii, P. americana and T. tetraptera integrated as a mixed stand into cocoa at a spacing of 12m x 12m.

T3 – Two each of A. floribunda, R. heudelotii, P. americana and T. tetraptera integrated as a mixed stand into cocoa at a spacing of 15m x 15m.

T4 - Two each of Terminalia superba, T. ivorensis and Milicia excelsa integrated as a mixed stand into cocoa at a spacing of 15m x 18m (control treatment).

23


Cocoa was planted, a year after planting the shade trees, at a spacing of 3m x 3m in all the treatments. Plantain was planted to provide initial shade in all the treatments.

All the planned activities outlined for the year under review were successfully executed.

Results

The treatments had no significant effect on the growth of cocoa at eight months after transplanting (Table 1.5). The growth of the shade tree species at twenty (20) months after transplanting was significantly affected by treatments (Tables 1.6 and 1.7). Large growth increments were observed over the previous year's (2009/2010) growth (Tables 1.8 and 1.9). The control treatment which comprised T. superb, T. ivorensis and M. excelsa planted at 15 m x 15 m recorded the best growth during the period followed a similar trend as observed in 2009/2010. This was mainly due to the characteristic fast growth rate of the two Terminalia species. Milicia excelsa and Allanblackia floribunda exhibited very slow growth rates compared to the other species.

Differences in some soil chemical and physical properties in the various treatment plots were not significant (p=0.05) with the exception of Magnesium which recorded a significantly (p<0.05) higher value in treatment T4 compared to the other treatments. Generally, significant changes were observed in soil nutrient status between the baseline level (2009/2010) and the current year's (2010/2011) level. Specifically, pH declined whilst increases were observed in Magnesium levels across the treatments (Tables 1.10 and 1.11).

Table 1.5: Effect of shade tree species and density on growth of cocoa seedlings at 8 months aftertransplanting at Afosu

Treatments

Girth (mm)

Height (cm)

Means

SD

Means

SD

T1

14.5

1.2

94.5

1.6

T2

14.3

2.0

90.7

4.7

T3

15.2

1.3

94.3

3.2

T4 13.9 0.8 97.2 13.6 NS NS

NS = not significant

24


Table 1.6: Effect of spacing on mean stem diameter and mean height (growth) of the mixed shadetree stand at 20 months after transplanting (2010/2011)

Treatments

Stem diameter (cm)

Height (cm)

Mean SD Mean SD T1 14.6a 3.1 266.5a 45.5 T2 12.5a 2.4 235.6a 52.2 T3 11.8a

2.5 208.5a 48.7

T4 21.1b

3.9 371.4b

46.4

Means with different superscript letter in a column are significantly different at p < 0.05.

Table 1.7: Mean stem diameter and height (growth) of the component shade trees in the mixedshade tree stand (n=8) at 20 months after transplanting (2010/2011)

Tree species Stem diameter (cm) SD Height (cm) SD Allanblackia floribunda (Sonkyi) 1.2 0.6 72.5 27.8

Ricinodendron heudelotii (Owama) 16.0 6.9 212.1 131.2 Persea americana (Paya) 15.8 3.1 311.6 99.0

Tetrapleura tetraptera

(Prekese)

17.9

2.9

310.8

60.5 Terminalia ivorensis

(Emire)

35.9

5.2

615.0

137.2 Milicia excelsa

(Odum)

1.0

2.4

89.3

16.2 Terminalia superba

(Ofram)

30.7

6.2

470.4

44.0

Table 1.8: Effect of spacing on mean stem diameter and mean height (growth) of the mixed shadetree stand at 9 months after transplanting (2009/2010)

Treatments

Stem diameter (cm)

Height (cm)

Mean

SD

Mean

SD

T1

1.6a

0.1

101.7a

15.7

T2

1.6a 0.2

99.8a

17.9

T3 1.3a 0.2 89.8a 11.1 T4 2.4b 0.1 157.5b 13.5

Means with different superscript letter in a column are significantly different at p < 0.05.

Table 1.9: Mean stem diameter and height (growth) of the component shade trees in the mixedshade tree stand (n=8) at 9 months after transplanting (2009/2010)

Tree species

Stem diameter (cm)

SD

Height (cm) SD

Allanblackia floribunda (Sonkyi) 1.0 0.24 47.1 14.1

Ricinodendron heudelotii (Owama) 1.3 0.35 91.0 34.6 Persea americana (Paya) 1.7 0.51 115.9 36.1

Tetrapleura tetraptera (Prekese) 1.8 0.48 131.0 31.6 Terminalia ivorensis (Emire) 3.4 0.24 196.3 33.6

Milicia excelsa (Odum) 0.9 0.10 92.3 19.5 Terminalia superba

(Ofram)

3.0

0.51

177.9

27.7

25


Table 1.10: Some topsoil (0-15 cm depth) chemical and physical properties under the varioustreatments (second year data- 2010/2011).

Treatments

pH

% C

% N

Available P

(µg/g soil)

K

(meq/100g soil)

Mg

(meq/100g soil)

Ca

(meq/100g soil)

Soil Bulk Density

T1 4.93 1.22 0.16 13.07 0.99 0.70a 2.78 1.20 T2 4.76 1.41 0.18 13.54 0.99 1.36b 3.22 1.19 T3 4.64 1.17 0.16 12.72 0.97 0.92ab

2.24 1.18 T4 4.48 1.38 0.17 15.02 1.05 1.02ab

2.85 1.21

ns

ns

ns

ns

ns

ns

ns

Means with different superscript letter in a column are significantly different at p < 0.05.ns = not significant

Table 1.11: Some topsoil (0-15 cm depth) chemical properties under the various treatments(Baseline soil fertility status- 2009).

Treatments

pH

% C

% N

Available P

(µg/g soil) K

(meq/100g soil)

Mg

(meq/100g soil)

Ca

(meq/100g soil)

CEC

(c mol+ /kg)

T1 5.18 0.98 0.11 5.18 0.20 0.60 0.32 12.75 T2 4.93 1.15 0.12 5.43 0.21 0.74 0.33 8.06 T3 5.00 0.98 0.10 5.14 0.19 0.62 0.33 6.58 T4 5.11 1.14 1.24 5.80 0.22 0.87 0.34 10.49

ns

ns

ns

ns

ns

ns

ns

ns

RemarksNot enough information is available now to reach a conclusion. The trial should therefore continue to enable more information to be gathered.

ns = not significant

26

Intercropping cocoa with food crops is beneficial even in the absence of fertilizer application. This vindicates peasant farmer practice. Establishing cocoa by close planting and thinning slightly increases labour cost (established earlier on in the course of the trial), has no effect on yield and does not vindicate peasant farmer practice. Close planting at 1.5 m x 1.5 m does not confer any early yield advantage. Intercropping does not seem to affect the initial yield of cocoa and oil palm. Responses of cocoa to fertilizers vary with locations. Production of healthy and diseased pods did not differ significantly with the month of application of the fertilizers at the locations.

Reports compiled for the Forestry Department (Unpublished) show that there are about 674 species of woody plants attaining 5cm dbh (diameter at breast height) in the Ghanaian rain forest therefore, the 109 trees species encountered in the survey makes the cocoa production landscape relatively poor in tree species diversity. Though the cocoa production landscape is relatively low in tree species diversity as a result of farm establishment and management methods (rustic cocoa management system), it does contain important tree species that are potential mother trees for the long-term maintenance of the floristic (tree) composition of the landscape.

Women are actively involved in cocoa production as most of them are the owners of their cocoa farms. Though the farmers have a general positive attitude towards cocoa production they face many constraints including inadequate access to capital and labour, and poor extension support. The women however appear well informed on child labour issues. Scale adjustment was found to be the main marketing problem of farmers. The perception of farmers is that the liberalization of the internal marketing of cocoa has not helped to address marketing malpractices in the cocoa sector. Government should put in place measures such as introducing standard weights in all the buying centers so that farmers can verify whether the scales have been tampered with or not before having their beans weighed.

Effect of thinning on establishment and yield of cocoa (K. Opoku-Ameyaw, F.K. Oppong, K. Acheampong, K. Ofori-Frimpong and E. A. Dwomoh).

Routine maintenance of the plots and data recording continued from 2009/2010 (Rep. Cocoa

Res. Inst., Ghana, 2009/10). The yield of cocoa during the year was not significantly affected by the treatments (Table 1.2a). Close spacing of 1.5 m x 1.5 m with the highest tree population density continued to produce the lowest yield indicating that competition may be occurring between the plants in this treatment. Examination of the cumulative yield for the

COCOA MANAGEMENT THRUST


27


first six years indicates that close planting and pruning did not impart any positive effect on the trees. This could be attributed to the lack of significant treatment effect on growth observed the in early part of the trial.

Table 1.2a: Effect of thinning on early yields of cocoa

Thinning

regime

Yield (kg/ha)

‘05/06

‘06/07

‘07/08

08/09

09/10

‘10/11

Cumulative

T1 (1.5 m x 1.5 m)

9.6

156.2

271

107

49 78

670.8

T2 (1.5 m x 1.5 m thinned to 3.0 m x 3.0m)

26.2

138.9

516

139

65.7

81

966.8


14.0

118.9

575

141

60.1

106

1015.0

T4 (1.5 m x 3.0 m thinned to 3.0 x 3.0m)

24.2

116.6

420

193

106.0

94

923.8

T5 (3.0 m x 3.0 m)

12.9

124.8

434

229 180.4

161

1142.1

Lsd (5%)

ns

ns

Ns

ns

49.4

ns Cv (%)

78.4

47.4

41.1

51.7

34.8

52.1

ns - not significant at P=0.05

Similar to the yield of cocoa, black pod disease incidence was not significantly affectedby treatments (Table 1.2b)

Table 1.2b: Effect of thinning on black pod disease incidence

Thinning regime

% Black pod

‘05/06

‘06/07

‘07/08

08/09

09/10

‘10/11

T1 (1.5 m x 1.5 m)

6.6

20.1

36.3(36.9)

54.0 (47.3)

39.7 (39.0)

32.0 (32.5)


9.1

16.2

26.2 (30.6)

42.2 (40.3)

24.8 (29.7)

36.5 (36.5)


17.1

17.1

33.9

(35.6)

41.1 (39.8)

41.1 (39.7)

30.7 (33.3)


14.3

10.8

28.9

(32.0)

42.1 (40.2)

23.7 (28.7)

27.9 (31.2)

T5 (3.0 m x 3.0 m)

6.8

15.1

7.9 (16.4) 29.9 (33.1)

17.2 (23.7)

31.6 (33.5)

Lsd (5%)

ns

ns

(9.4)

(7.46)

(8.8)

(ns) Cv (%)

Values in parenthesis are angular transformations; ns - not significant at P=0.05

28


Similar to the previous years immature ripe pod production during the year was not significantly affected by treatments (Table 1.2c). However, the close spacing of 1.5 m x 1.5 m gave the highest amount of immature ripe pods. This could probably be as a result of the intense interplant competition within this system which might have affected the physiology and the production of the trees.

Table 1,2c: Effect of thinning on immature ripe pod production

Thinning regime

% Immature ripe pods

‘05/06

‘06/07

‘07/08

08/09

09/10

‘10/11

T1 (1.5 m x 1.5 m)

7.2

37.9

27.6

29.2 (32.6)

28.4 (32.2)

31.6 (33.9)


14.3

23.9

21.6

25.7 (30.4)

14.4 (18.8) 17.9 (21.7)


13.2

27.2

23.3

25.7 (30.4)

17.0 (21.2) 18.1 (25.2)


10.8

24.0

17.4

20.4 (26.6)

13.9 (20.6)

24.6 (29.7)

T5 (3.0 m x 3.0 m) 6.8 25.9 11.1 21.0 (27.0) 13.1 (21.1) 22.6 (27.7) Lsd (5%) ns ns Ns ns ns ns Cv (%)

47.2

27.4

Values in parenthesis are angular transformations; ns - not significant at P=0.05

Cocoa/oil palm intercropping trial (K. Opoku-Ameyaw, F.K. Oppong, K. Acheampong, K. Ofori-Frimpong and E. A. Dwomoh).

Routine maintenance of the plots and data recording continued from 2009/2010 (Rep. Cocoa

Res. Inst., Ghana, 2009/10).There were no significant differences between treatments with regard to initial yield of cocoa beans, incidence of black pod and immature ripe. However cocoa under oil palm spaced at 10.1m triangular gave the lowest yield. Incidence of black pod and immature ripe pod production were slightly high in 10.1m triangular. In the case of black pod incidence it may be due to high humid atmosphere created as a result of close spacing of the oil palm. Intercropping did not significantly affect oil palm yield.

29


Table2.2: Effect of intercropping on initial yields of cocoa and oil palm, incidence of black pod,immature ripe

Cropping systems

Yield (kg/ha)

% Black pods

% Immature

ripe

Oil palm (ton/ha)

Cocoa and oil palm spaced at 10.1m triangular

29.4

12.3 (19.5)

15.3 (20.5)

3.6

Cocoa and oil palm spaced at 10.7m triangular

41.3

11.5 (17.1)

4.2 (10.5)

3.2

Sole cocoa (control) 43.7 6.8 (10.3) 10.4 (15.1) -

Sole oil palm - - - 2.7 Sig. level

ns

ns

ns

ns

Cv%

58.2

49.4

29.7

47.2

Values in brackets are angular transformed

Cocoa-food crop intercropping (K. Opoku-Ameyaw, K. Osei-Bonsu, F. K. Oppong, K. Acheampong, K. Ofori-Frimpong and E. A. Dwomoh).

General maintenance of the plots and collection of cocoa yield data continued from Afosu and Bunso trials (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2009/10). Similar to the previous years, the tenth year yield of cocoa beans was not significantly affected by the treatments (Table 1.1). This implies that intercropping with food crops did not impact negatively on the environment. Examination of the ten years cumulative yields indicated that with the exception of the cocoa/cassava combination, intercropping increased cocoa yields by 21.8% to 53.9%. This implies that in addition to the economic benefit established earlier on when the food crops were present, intercropping is also biologically beneficial for cocoa cultivation even in the absence of fertilizer application. Intercropping cocoa with food crops is beneficial even in the absence of fertilizer application. This vindicates peasant farmer practice.

30


Tabl

e 1.

1: E

ffec

t of

inte

rcro

ppin

g on

the

yiel

d of

coc

oa b

eans

Tre

atm

ent

Y

ield

kg/

ha

2001

/

02

2002

/

03

2003

/

04

2004

/ 05

2005

/ 06

2006

/

07

2007

/

08 20

08/

09

20

09/

10

20

10/

11

C

umu-

lativ

e

% I

ncre

ase/

depr

essi

on in

yi

eld

rela

tive

to s

ole

coco

a

Sole

coc

oa

7.5

91

30

0

265

41

2 56

6

215

41

0 386

45

8

3110

.5

C

ocoa

/pla

ntai

n

3.1

13

4

517

48

0

730

750

57

6

444

750

40

3

4787

.1 +5

3.9

C

ocoa

/cas

sava

1.

3

82

284

20

3

280

412

28

2

449

378

46

5

2836

.3 -8

.8

Coc

oa/ m

aize

3.

1

76

525

38

9

674

591

42

0

515

559

41

2

4164

.1 +33

.9

Coc

oa/c

assa

va/p

lant

ain

0.

6

208

48

0

370

57

5 58

5

360

38

6 462

48

5

3911

.6 +25

.8

Coc

oa/c

assa

va/m

aize

13

.0

11

3

43

3

39

6

58

5 58

1

32

6

49

7

507

53

7

39

88.0

+28

.2

C

ocoa

/pla

ntai

n/m

aize

1.9

153

505

398

575

765

436

386

634

477

4330

.9

+39

.2

C

ocoa

/pla

ntai

n/ca

ssav

a/

M

aize

14.9

221

535

370

530

435

344

386

510

442

3787

.9

+21

.8

Se

d (2

4 df

)

Ns

Ns

ns

Ns

ns

ns

ns

Ns

ns

nss

CV

(%

)

87.3

47.7

36.8

44.0

40.6

48.8

34.7

38.4

28.3

th n

s –

not s

igni

fica

nt a

t 5%

pro

babi

lity;

* 1

0 y

ear

yiel

d

31


Manipulation of cocoa cropping pattern through the timing of fertilizer application to

optimize cocoa production in black pod endemic areas (K. Ofori-Frimpong, A. A. Afrifa, I. Y. Opoku, A. O Dwapanyin, J. E Sarfo and F. Aneani)

General maintenance of the plots and collection of cocoa yield data continued from Afosu and Bunso trials (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09). Responses of cocoa to the fertilizers at different periods of fertilizer application varied with the locations (Table 2.4). Both the number of healthy and diseased pods were significantly (p=0.01) different between the locations. However at each location, the different periods of fertilizer application did not significantly (p=0.05) influence pods production.

32


Mon

th o

f

fert

ilize

r ap

plic

atio

n

N

umbe

r of

pod

s ha

-1

A

cher

ensu

a

Te

chim

antia

Off

inso

Sefw

i W

iaw

so

Te

chim

an

H

ealth

y

Dis

ease

d H

ealth

y

Dis

ease

d

Hea

lthy

D

isea

sed

H

ealth

y

Dis

ease

d

Hea

lthy

D

isea

sed

May

13

191

17

78

4463

42

7

4688

2

807

39

52

308

13

432

33

0

June

95

31

904

61

82

827

46

982

72

6

3571

20

8

1276

1

403

Aug

ust

83

10

798

66

26

756

47

493

75

3

2358

17

1

1678

1

343

Sept

embe

r

7213

92

9

2133

12

29

4771

9

755

61

94

238

14

966

47

8

Oct

ober

83

29

814

13

60

1467

48

280

90

1

4149

14

0

2747

6

508

Unf

ertil

ized

75

95

1029

12

86

938

11

536

87

2

1955

11

5

1250

0

489

Mea

n

9028

.17

10

42

3675

94

0.67

41

482

80

2.33

36

96.5

19

6.67

16

319.

33

425.

17

L

SD b

etw

een

mea

ns o

f tw

o lo

catio

ns f

or h

ealth

y po

ds =

12,

208

(20

df)

LSD

bet

wee

n m

eans

of

two

loca

tions

for

dis

ease

d po

ds =

497

.7 (

20 d

f)

Tabl

e 2.

4: E

ffec

t of

diff

eren

t per

iods

of

fert

ilize

r ap

plic

atio

n on

pro

duct

ion

of h

ealth

y an

d di

seas

ed p

ods

33

A study of shade tree species diversity and characteristics in a cocoa agroecosystem. (G. J. Anim-Kwapong , A. A. Afrifa, K. Opoku-Ameyaw and M. K. Assuah )

Table 2.5 shows some quantitative farm characteristics that were recorded in the six cocoa growing regions [locations]. Information on shade tree species composition was collected from 166 cocoa farms [28 in Ashanti (AR); 27 in Brong-Ahafo (BAR); 34 in Eastern (ER); 26 in Central (CR); 26 in Western (WR) and 25 in Volta (VR)]. Only 17 out of the 166 respondents were women. There was no strong correlation among farm characteristics. The highest variance inflation factor was 3.2 for locations (respondents were younger in the Central and Western regions [variance explained by linear regression: 14%, p=0.005]. Farms were larger and older in Ashanti region [var. 10%, p=0.004; var. 11%, p=0.002]). Over 50% of the respondent had very little or no basic education (Figure 2.1).


Table 2.5: Some characteristics of farmers and farms surveyed in the study area

Variable

Mean

Minimum

Maximum

Median

Farm size (acres)

5.7

0.5

25.0

5.0

Farm age (years)

56.0

25.0

85.0

50.0

Farmer age (years) 33.9 35.0 3.0 70.0 Shade tree size (DBH-cm)

67.9 12.7 639.3 62.0

Time under current management (years)

25.0

3.0

65.0

20.0

MSLC =Middle School Leaving Certificate

Figure 2.1: Education level of respondent farmers

34

Farmers' perception of illegal chainsaw operators stealing timber trees and destroying cocoa varied among locations. In Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions perception was very high compared to the Eastern and Western regions but was non-existent in the Volta region. Despite the perception or otherwise, farmers nurtured and maintained some high value (class 1) timber tree species e.g. Edinam (Entandrophragma sp) and Odum (Milicia excela) as shade trees on their farms due to the high level of awareness of the benefits of shade trees to cocoa. Though none of the farms surveyed had suffered illegal chainsaw operation, 20% of farmers indicated that they have had contact with forestry department officials on issues of timber rights. All respondent (100%) said they actively guard against any activity that might threaten the productivity of their farms and consequently their livelihoods.

Species richness

Figure 2.2 shows the diversity (Species richness) recorded for each of the survey sites (locations). The Eastern (ER) and Volta (VR) regions recorded the highest and least diversity of 76 and 65 respectively. In the complete survey, 109 shade tree species were encountered of which 98% are indigenous to Ghana. Mango and Avocado pear (paya) which are exotic constituted the other 2%. The total number of shade trees encountered was 7643. Average number of shade tree species per farm was 18 (Minimum: 7, Maximum 36, Median 19).


Figure 2.2: Number of shade tree species encountered in the separate locations (Regions)

35


Diversity

Figure 2.3 is a rank-abundance curve for the tree species encountered in the survey. The curve is based on the total number of trees for every species ranked in descending order. The 10 most dominant species contain 42% of all the trees that were encountered. Two of these species, Ofram (Terminalia superba) and Odum are well known timber species (Table 2.6). Eleven percent of all the species recorded are known to be alternative host to the Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus (CSSV) (Table 2.7).

Figure 2.3: Shade tree species rank-abundance curve for the survey with vertical axis on linear scale

Table 2.6: Abundance (numbers of trees) for the ten most dominant species in the survey

Species

Rank

Abundance

Proportion

Nyamedua

1

402

5.3

Ofram

2

389

5.1

Odum

3

369

4.8

Odoma

4

360

4.7

Konkroma

5

322

4.2

Sofo

6

293

3.8

Nyankyerene

7

284

3.7

Fruntum 8 278 3.6 Kuokuoninsuo 9 271 3.6 Owama 10 263 3.4 Total

3231

42.2

36


Table 2.7: Abundance (tree numbers) of alternative host of CSSV encountered in the survey

Species

Rank

Abundance

Proportion

Sofo

6

293

3.8

Onyina

12

222

2.9

Akonkodie

15

195

2.6

Watapuo 27 92 1.2 Wawabema 39 51 0.7 Kwakuobese 71 7 0.1 Onyinakobin

77

5

0.1 Krabese

93

1

0.0001

Total

866

11.4

Figure 2.4 show the Rényi diversity profiles for the six locations (regions). All the profiles declined from left to right. This indicates that shade tree species were not evenly distributed for all the locations. The Volta region (VR) had the lowest profile and therefore had the least species diversity (species richness and evenness). The profile value for alpha = 0 provide information on species richness. The profile value is the logarithm of the species richness. The profile value for alpha = infinity provides information on the proportion of the most abundant species. Alpha = 1 is the Shannon diversity index and alpha = 2 is the logarithm of the reciprocal Simpson diversity index.

Figure 2.4: Rényi diversity profiles comparing the diversity of the locations.

37


A socio-economic study of women cocoa farmers in Ghana (F. Baah, V. Anchirinah, Mercy Asamoah, K. Opoku Ameyaw and F. Owusu- Ansah).

Questionnaires which were informed by the outcome of the focus group discussions were administered to 453 women cocoa farmers in four cocoa districts (Tables 2.13).

Table 2.13: Region, district and number of respondents interviewed

Region

District

Number of respondents

Western south

Dunkwa

Enchi 149

100

Western north Juaboso 175

Volta

Hohoe

29

Total

453

a. Description of respondents

Majority (69.3%) of the women cocoa farmers were indigenes (Table 2.14). This means that they come from the communities where they were interviewed. Education enhances farmers' understanding of technologies and facilitates adoption decisions. In this study, more than half (53.9%) of the respondents were not educated reflecting trends reported elsewhere. Farmers in this study were categorized into five groups (Table 2.14). The modal age group (26.9% of respondents) was 60 years and above. This suggests that, as often reported, the population of women cocoa farmers is ageing. Farmers are often encouraged to join associations to provide a platform from which they could demand for the services they require and also influence policy. However, due to many farmers' negative experiences with farmer associations, they are not keen to join. Most of the farmers (99.8%) are not part of any farmer association. Other farmer characteristics are as shown in Table 2.14.

38

Table 2.14: General feature of respondent women cocoa farmers


Feature

Number of Farmers Reporting

Percentage

Residential Status

Indigene

1st Generation migrant

2nd Generation migrant

314

108

31

69.3

23.8

6.8

Age

(in years)

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60 and above

31

102

110

88

122

6.8

22.5

24.3

19.4

26.9

Education

None

Primary

JSS Secondary/Commercial/Vocational College/University

244

77

113 18 1

53.9

17.0

24.9 4.0 0.2

Marital status Married

Single Divorced

Widowed

Cohabitation

272

21 68

90

2

60.0

4.6 15.0

19.9

0.4

Member of farmer organization?

Yes

No

1

452

0.2

99.8

b. Access to resources

(I) Land

Though most of the respondents (94.9%) were owner- operators, majority (82.6%) did not have any legal document confirming their ownership of the land on which they operate. They however have no sense of insecurity on the land. They conceded that having title deeds was helpful but they were put off by cost and red tape associated with the documentation process. Most of the women (85.2%) indicated that they did not experience any difficulty in acquiring their cocoa farm which they (40.8%) inherited from their families. Currently the situation is different, as 84.1% of the women said it is difficult to acquire new land now in their communities for cocoa cultivation. This they attributed in part to scarcity of land (28.4%) and land litigation (32.8%) issues (Table 2.15).

39


Table 2.15: Access to land and related issues with regards to women cocoa farmers (n=453)

Feature

Frequency

Percentage

Farmer category

Owner-operator

Abunu tenant

Abusa tenant

430

17

6

94.9

3.8

1.3

Do you have documents covering your land?

Yes

No

79

374

17.4

82.6

How land was acquired?

Purchased

Leased

Inherited

Gift from husband

Gift from family

Sharecropping

11

16

185

89

135

17

2.4

3.5

40.8

19.6

29.8

3.8

Did you experience any difficulties in acquiring the land?

Yes

No

67

386

14.8

85.2

Difficulties associated with access to land for cocoa cultivation (n=67)

High cost of land Land scarcity Discrimination against

women Land litigation

14 19 12

22

20.9 28.4 17.9

32.8

Farmers rating of ease access to land for cocoa cultivation

Very easy

Easy

Difficult

Very diffi cult

15

57

176

205

3.3

12.6

38.9

45.2

Source: Survey data, 2010

(ii) Capital

Capital remains a vital resource in cocoa production as it enhances farmers' ability to adopt research recommendations and manage the farm sustainably. Most (87.6%) of the respondents depend on their own income for the maintenance of their cocoa farms as they do not have access to any credit facility. However, some women (12.4%) obtained credit from purchasing clerks (25.5%) and money lenders (23.6) for the maintenance of their cocoa farms and the upkeep of the homes (Table 2.16)

40


Table 2.16: Access to capital by women cocoa farmers (n=453)

Feature

Frequency

Percentage

Access to any credit facility?

Yes

No

56

397

12.4

87.6

Source of Loan (n=55)

Purchasing clerk

Husband

Relative Money lender

Rural Bank Other Banks

Other

14

2

10 13 9 6 1

25.5

3.6

18.2 23.6 16.4 10.9 1.8

Rating of ease accessibility to loans?

Very easy

Easy

Difficult

Very difficult

3 7

178

265

0.7

1.5

39.3

58.4

(iii) Labour

Unlike men, Women cocoa farmers often complain about their inability to exploit their kinship ties to harness labour for their farm operations. Reliance solely on family labour for cocoa farming activities is no longer an option for most women cocoa farmers. This is partly because of relatively more children being at school in recent times and most out of school youth are in the towns and cities in search of jobs. Consequently, most (77.7%) of the women employed hired labour for the maintenance of their cocoa farms. The old age of the women and the poor state of health of many does not enable them to rely on their own strength to undertake maintenance activities on their farms. Most of the farmers felt that it was increasingly difficult for them to obtain labour for their farm operations (Table 2.17).

41


Table 2.17: Labour related issues of women cocoa farmers (n=453)

Feature

Frequency

Percentage

Do you hire

labour

for farm operations?

Yes

No

352

101

77.7

22.3

Reasons for not using hired labour (n=101)

Wages too high Labourers not available

Other

94 2 5

93 2 5 Rating of ease of access to labour for farm

operations Very easy

Easy

Difficult

Very difficult

16

74

187

176

3.5

16.3

41.3

38.9

Total

453

100

Source: Survey data, 2010

c. Farmers' attitude towards cocoa cultivation

The study sought to explore the myriad of problems farmers face and their effects on the psychological evaluation of cocoa as an enterprise. Farmers were asked to respond to a series of positively and negatively worded statements on a five-point Likert scale. These statements were merely indicators of their attitudes and were derived from statements they made during the focus group discussions. The responses are presented in Table 2.18. Farmers displayed a generally positive attitudinal disposition towards cocoa cultivation production, agreeing to most of the positive statements (Table 2.18).

42


Table 2.18: Farmers' reactions to attitudinal statements

Statement

Farmer response

Frequency

Percentage

1. Cocoa farming is the best way for women in this community to improve their standard

of living

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Undecided

Agree

Agree strongly

8

17

9

193

226

1.8

3.8

2.0

42.6

49.9

2. Cocoa farming provides a secured and reliable source of income especially in old age.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Undecided

Agree

Agree strongly

2

4

8

216

223

0.4

0.9

1.8

47.7

49.2

3. To women farmers in this community, the future is cocoa

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Undecided

Agree

Agree strongly

2

10

7

205

229

0.4

2.2

1.5

45.3

50.6

4. The government is providing the necessary support to women cocoa farmers which have motivated them to maintain their farms well and boost output.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Undecided

Agree Agree strongly

75

95

18

184 81

16.6

21.0

4.0

40.6 17.9

5. Many farmers do not see any future in cocoa and are therefore investing

in other

farms enterprises or even sending their children abroad in the hope of securing a better future.

Strongly disagree Disagree

Undecided Agree

Agree strongly

112 130

23 119 69

24.7 28.7

5.1 26.3 15.2

6. It has been suggested in some quarters that many farmers regard Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG, WACRI) as being very remote from them.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Undecided

Agree

Agree strongly

11

20

47

148

227

2.4

4.4

10.4

32.7

50.1

7. Extension support for farmers at the moment is very poor.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Undecided

Agree

Agree strongly

7

19

13

156

258

1.5

4.2

2.9

34.4

57.0

8. It is better for someone Strongly disagree

187

41.5

43


A study into marketing constraints farmers face in the cocoa sector and its effects on

their Attitude (F. Baah, V. Anchirinah, Mercy Asamoah and F. Owusu- Ansah)

Description of respondentsMajority of the respondents interviewed were males (94.2%) and most (69.2%) have had some form of formal education. The general characteristics of the sample are presented in Table 2.20.

Table 2.20: General features of respondents

Feature

Category of respondents

Frequency

Percentage

Sex

Male

Female 49

3 94.2

5.8

Religious inclination

Christianity

Islamic Others

50

1 1

96.2

1.9 1.9

Educational level JHS/Middle school Senior high school Vocational /technical

Polytechnics/university Other

36 11 3

1 1

69.2 21.2 5.8

1.9 1.9

Many (29%) of the purchasing clerks worked with Produce Buying Company (PBC) which remains the predominant company to which farmers sell their cocoa (Fig 2.8). It was found in the first phase of this study that 57.7% of farmers sold their cocoa to the Produce Buying Company. Adwumapa, Transroyal and Olam are some of the other companies to which farmers sell their produce

Figure 2.8: Proportion of purchasing clerks working with Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs).Problems of farmers as perceived by purchasing clerks

44


Purchasing clerks were asked to mention the main problems of farmers and how farmers themselves and government can help address these problems. Farmers presenting low quality cocoa to PCs at the sheds is the main challenge to the farmers (Table 2.21). This is because it is a potential source of conflict when farmers' cocoa beans are either rejected or discounted. In addition, PCs feel that inadequate access to institutional credit is the bane of many farmers. It places them in the vicious cycle of acute indebtedness and occasional relief. They also stated that the financial problems of farmers could be addressed if they manage their finances well in addition to Government ensuring that access to institutional credit was improved.

Table 2.21: Problems of farmers from the perspectives of PCs

Problem

Number of times mentioned

Percentage

Poor access to institutional credit Presentation of low quality cocoa at the sheds Lack of inputs Low price of cocoa

High transportation cost

Delay in payment for farmers’ cocoa

37

52 26

19

13

13

24.0

32.5 16.2

11.9

8.1

8.1

Purchasing clerks response to farmers' allegations

Scale adjustment

Farmers allege that purchasing clerks adjust the weighing scales such that the true weight of their dry beans is reduced sometimes by as much as 12 kilogrammes. This was the number one marketing problem of farmers. Most of the PCs denied this but a few conceded that they do adjust the scale as reported by farmers. They insist that they were forced to do this to off-set some costs that they incur but are not reimbursed by the Licensed Buying Companies. These include security at the sheds, labour to re-dry cocoa and 'tips' to drivers of evacuating trucks. One or two PCs also confirmed that they were often required by the district managers to 'pay' them a number of bags of cocoa at the end of the season. Since they were not cocoa farmers, they have to pass on this cost to the farmers.

Inducing farmers to mortgage their farms for loans

Although PCs conceded that mortgaging farmers' farms for loans practice was rampant, they denied that they induced farmers to do that. It was rather the farmers who come to them with

45


the offer of their cocoa farms for loans. The farmers were often in critical financial situations such as bereavement or wards going to university or secondary school, and therefore had to help. In doing this, many PCs said that they borrow from banks or use their own savings to help farmers.. It was said to be a very lucrative business especially during the lean season (outside the main harvesting months).

The district managers denied all the allegations made by the farmers and the PCs. They said that some PCs do engage in those malpractices but the LBCs frown on them and when caught, they were reprimanded.

How has the liberalization of internal marketing of cocoa fared?

Some purchasing clerks believe that the liberalization of the internal cocoa market system has ensured prompt cash payments to farmers and reduced the incidence of farmers being cheated. It has also brought about competition in the marketing of cocoa beans and even turn some farmers into PCs within their communities (Figure 2.9).

Figure 2.9: Positive effects of the Liberalization of the Internal marketing of cocoa from theperspectives of purchasing clerks

On the other hand, many buying companies and increased competition for cocoa beans has led in some instances to farmers compromising on the quality of their cocoa, increased theft of cocoa and PCs bolting with farmers' money among others (Figure 2.10).

46


Figure 2.10: Some negative consequences of the internal liberalization of cocoa marketing(PCs' perspectives)

A survey of living standards in cocoa farming communities in Ghana (Mercy Asamoah, V. Anchirinah F. Owusu- Ansah and Victress Johnson).

Results from the focus group discussions indicate that the majority (90%) of the respondents regarded their current living conditions as poor, especially, those in the cocoa swollen shoot endemic areas in the Essam district of the Western Region. Interestingly, there is a perception among the farmers that it is only the seriously ill, the bed-ridden or the lazy person who could be described as poorest of the poor. Some of the respondents vehemently denied that they are poor based on their religious belief that denounces negative confession. Thus, although their own wealth ranking put them in the poor category, their religious faith puts them on an abstract level. To such people determination and hard work coupled with the availability of the needed productive assistance can lift them from the current poverty status to a better living condition. Figures 2.7 and 2.8 show how the farmers in Essam district described their current standard of living and wealth status. More than half of the respondents were neither happy about their standard of living nor their wealth status.

47


Level of Education

No Formal Education

Primary School

JHS/Middle School

Secondary School

Vocational /Technical

Polytechnic/University

Other

355

170

804

76

40

16

7

24.2

11.6

54.8

5.2

2.7

1.1

.5

48


Five levels of wealth/poverty were identified with clearly conceptualized and varying indicators to differentiate each stratum as perceived in each community. The levels were: wealthy, fairly wealthy/middle, average, poor and very poor. The respondents used eight variables to distinguish each level from the other. The variables were: cocoa production per year, number of labourers (both permanent and casuals) that one has, the size of one's well managed cocoa farm, the type, number and location of one' houses, ability to handle one's family responsibilities and the extended relations, educational level of one's children's, number of cars and other variables including nature of businesses apart from cocoa farms.

There are wide variations in the results because their decisions were informed by the type of community they lived in, the social amenities available and by their own beliefs. The general trend is that the farmers stratified themselves into wealth/ poverty status using their ownership of resources. The smaller communities (less than 1000 people) tended to use fewer numbers in each of the variables indicated by them (Tables 2.20 – 2.24).

Table 2.20: Perception of wealth status by cocoa farmers in Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions usingcocoa production during a focus group discussion

Table2.21: Perception of wealth status by cocoa farmers in Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions usingnumber of labour employed during a focus group discussion

Table 2.22: Perception of wealth status by cocoa farmers in Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions usingnumber of acres of well managed farms during a focus group discussion

Communities

Wealthy

Middle

Average

Poor

Very poor

Konkontriso, B/A 80 45 25 1.5 0 Dwomo, B/A 60 15 10 5 1 Awadua, A/R 100 100 50 20 0

Bonsukrom, A/R

200

150

50

5

0

Communities

Wealthy

Middle

Average

Poor

Very poor

Konkontriso, B/A 5 3 2 0 0 Dwomo, B/A 10 6 3 1 0 Awadua, A/R 13 5 4 2 0

Bonsukrom, A/R

4

3

3

1

0

Communities

Wealthy

Middle

Average

Poor

Very poor

Konkontriso, B/A 150 60 35 3.5 0 Dwomo, B/A 350 75 90 30 7.5 Awadua, A/R 500 300 80 50 0

Bonsukrom, A/R

500

200

100

20

1

49

It is important to note that the majority of the farmers believed that significant improvement in their lives could be achieved by granting them sustainable credit, access to productive resources and improving community infrastructure. In addition, their children should be taken as the target of change by extending basic social amenities such as health posts, junior and senior high schools in the rural communities. By this, they advocated for improvement in government policies that directly or indirectly impact on their lives such as cocoa board scholarships to wards, increase in cocoa prices, reduction of input prices, making national health insurance scheme free for cocoa farmers and rural electrification projects. Based on these insights, it has been decided that the variables identified in the RRA shall be included in the questionnaire for the formal survey to assist in the stratification of cocoa farmers as per the objective of this study.

Studies on the agronomic efficacy of some foliar fertilizers on mature cocoa (A. A. Afrifa, K. Ofori-Frimpong, and S. Acquaye)

Routine maintenance and yield recording also continued (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2009/2010).


Table 2.23: Perception of wealth status by cocoa farmers in Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions usingother business operated by a farmer

Village Very Wealthy Fairly wealthy Average wealthy Poor Very poor

Kokontriso Stores (10) Stores (6) Petty Trading 0 0 Dwommo Stores (10) Stores Store Livestock Livestock Awadua Stores/factory Stores Petty trading 0 0 Bonsukrom Stores (10) Stores (7) Stores (3) Petty Trading 0

Table 2.24: Perception of wealth status by cocoa farmers in Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions usingnumber/ type of vehicles owned by a farmer.

Town Very Wealthy Fairly wealthy Average wealthy Poor Very poor

Kokontinso 4 (C) 3 (C) 2 (C) 0 Dwomo 8 (P, C) 5 (P , C) 1 (P), 1(MB) 1 (B) 0 Awadua 5 (C), 2 (P) 3 (C) ,1 (P) 2 (C) , 1 (P) 1 (MB),(B) 0 Bonsukrrom 5 (C) , 4 (P) 2 (C) , 1 (P) 2 (C) , 1 (P) 1 (MB) 0

Legend: C - commercial cars (articulated truck, cargo cars and mini cab)P - private carsMB – motorbikeB - bicycle.

50


From Table 2.8 Sidalco 3 in 1 treated plot recorded the highest yield of 847 pods/subplot while the control recorded the lowest yield of 335 pods /sub plot. Percent good pods ranges from 71.0 in Boost Xtra at 60ml/tank to 96.4 for the control. This means the per cent bad pods for the treatments are 29 to 3.6 respectively. This means the lowest yield was obtained from the untreated plot where there were no pesticide and fertilizer applications. The mean total number of pods produced was 613 and that of mean number of good pods produced was 486 (Table 2.8). The percentages of good and bad pods obtained from the untreated plot were 79.2 % and 20.8 % respectively. Although, Sidalco 3 in 1 treated plot and the untreated plot produced the highest and lowest number of good pods respectively, the former gave a higher percentage of bad pods than the latter (Table 2.8). The overall yield (total pods) produced on

2the 700 m converted to yield per hectare basis ranged from 11033.4 and 5325 pods / ha (Table 2.9). On the basis of kilogram dry cocoa beans per hectare, the range is from 123.7 to 394.0 which seems to be very low for fertilized plots.

Table 2.8: Total number of pods categorized into good and bad with their respective percentages per2subplot (700m )

Treatment

Good

Bad

Total

% Good

% Bad

1

659

188

847

77.8

22.2

2

476

194

670

71.0

29.0

3

570

196

766

74.4

25.6

4

485

133

618

78.4

21.6

5

542

218

760

71.3

28.7

6

581

172

753

77.2

22.8

7 543 180 723 75.1 24.9 8 512 161 673 76.0 24.0 9

503

13

516

97.4

2.6

10

295

28

323

91.3

8.7

11

346

29

375

92.2

7.8

12

323

12

335

96.4

3.6

Mean

486.2

127

613.2

82.0

18.0

S.E D

64.0

6.0

120.0

11.2

1.3

51

Fertilizer Verification Trials on Farmers Farms (A. A. Afrifa, K. Ofori-Frimpong and S. Acquaye)

General maintenance of the plots and collection of cocoa yield data continued on the trials plots (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2009/10). From Table 2.5, T4 plots recorded the highest mean total pod of 9036.0 pods per the sub plot of 0.2 ha. The lowest of 4395.1 pods was recorded from control plot. Comparing the various fertilizer treatments with the control, it could be noted that yields from the fertilized plots were higher than the Control. The individual performances of the treatments in relation to the total number of pods obtained follows a descending order from the highest to the lowest as T6> T4>T2> T1> T3>T5>T7. Records on healthy and unusable pods produced are in Tables 2.6 and 2.7. The highest and the lowest percentages of healthy pods recorded in the trials were 96.5% and 92.7% for T4 and T7 respectively. The highest and the lowest percentages of unusable pods were recorded inT7 (7.3%) and T4 (3.5%). Converting the yield figures to kg/ha using 28 pods to 1kg dry cocoa beans, T6 treated plots produced the highest mean of 1020.4 kg/ha whiles T7 recorded the lowest mean yield 784.6 kg /ha. Considering the individual yield records, T6 treated plot in New Edubiase produced as high as 11806 pods /sub plot compared with 1804 pods/ subplot obtained from Bibiani, T7. Yield from the fertilized plots was almost the same. This means the fertilizers have almost the formulation and or from the same primary materials.


Table 2.9: Total number of pods from the subplot converted to per hectare bases and kg dry cocoabeans.

Treatment

Total Pods / Ha

Kg Dry Cocoa Beans / Ha

1

11033.4

394.05

2

9514

339.7

3

10792

385.4

4

8775.6

313.4

5

10792

385.4

6 10692.6 381.8 7 10266.6 366.6 8 9556.6 341.3 9

8179.2

292.1

10

4586.6

163.8

11

5325

190.1

12

3464.8

123.7

Mean 8583.2 306.4 S.E D 640.2 45.3

52


Table 2.5: Total Number of Pods /Subplot (0.2 Ha)

Treatments

Towns

T1

T2

T3

T4

T5

T6

T7

Nsuaem

6393

5950

5048

4443

4078

4062

2356

Juaboso

2442

4225

2979

2845

2606

3113

2169

Wassa Akropong

2690

3120

5918

5310

4103

3489

3309

Bibiani

2237

2190

2345

2285

2119

2856

1804

Kukuom

4445

4685

4948

5259

5621

5539

3674

Kwabeng 8026 8002 8161 8496 8954 9138 8416 New Edubiase

10140 8616 6949 8614 8720 11806 9038

Mean

5196.1

5255.4 5192.5

9036.0

5171.5

5714.7

4395.1

No Of Pods/Ha

25980

26277

25960

26608

25857

28573

21975 Kg Dry Beans/Ha

927.8

938.5

927.2

950.4

923.4

1020.4

784.6

Table 2.6: Number of Healthy Pods / Sub Plot (0.2 Ha)

Treatments

Towns

T1

T2

T3

T4

T5

T6

T7

Nsuaem

5824

5714

4566

4005

3633

3843

2079

Juaboso

2264

4050

2803

2696 2449

2889

1938

Kukuom

4293

4513

4781

5083 5446

5369

3500

Wassa Akropong 2628 3084 5884 5255 4030 3123 3309

Bibiani 1838 1696 1796 1774 1657 2482 1378 Kwabeng 7869 7863 7989 8140 8754 8970 8181

New Edubiase

9587

8074

6449

8047 8121

11161

8157

Total

34303

34994

34268

35000

34090

37837

28542 Mean

4900.4

4999.1

4895.4

5000.0

4870.0

5405.2

4077.4

% Healthy Pods

94.3

95.1

94.2

96.5

94.1

94.5

92.7

Table 2.7: Number of Unusable Pods/Sub Plot (0.2 Ha)

Treatments

Towns

T1

T2

T3

T4

T5

T6

T7

Nsuaem

569

236

482

438

445

219

277

Juaboso

178

175

176

149

157

224

241

Wassa Akropong

62

36

34

55

73

61

180

Bibiani 399 494 547 511 462 374 426 Kwabeng 157 139 180 356 200 168 235 Kukuom 152 172 167 176 175 170 174

New Edubiase

553

542

500

567

599

645

881 Total

2070

1794

2086

2252 2111

1861

2414

Mean

295.7

256.2

298.0

321.7

301.5

265.8

344.8

% Unusable Pods

5.7

4.9

5.8

3.5

5.9

5.5

7.3

53

A comparative study on the agronomic efficacy of organic fertilizer on the performance

of mature cocoa (A. A. Afrifa, K. Ofori-Frimpong, and S. Acquaye)

General maintenance of the plots and collection of cocoa yield data continued on the trials plots (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2009/10). Table 2.10 shows the total number of pods obtained from the various treatments at each location. Total number of pods from the treatments in each location ranges from 510 pods / subplot (0.2ha) in Assin Nsuaem T7 to15928 pods / subplot (0.2ha) in Techiman T5. T3 recorded mean number of total pods of 7220.7 pods / subplot (0.2ha) followed by T5 with 5310.6 pods / subplot (0.2ha). The lowest mean number of total pods was 2133.4 recorded from the control plotT7. Mean yield in kg dry beans per hectare ranges from 990.5 in the control to 3352.5 in treatment 3. The yield results seems higher than the yield results from most of the trial plots so far conducted. Table 2.11 shows the number of healthy pods obtained from the various treatments at each location for the individual treatments. Percentages of healthy pods to the total number of pods for the treatments for the locations range from 97.4% (T1) to 90.7 in the control. Table 2.12 shows the number of unusable pods obtained from the various treatments at each location. These figures converted to percentages ranges from 4.1 % for T3 to 9.3 % for T7. Looking at the yield figures from the trials for the first year, the candidate fertilizers are promising.


Table 2.10: Total Number of Pods / Sub Plot (0.2 Ha)

Treatments

Towns

T1

T2

T3

T4

T5

T6

T7

Assin Nsuaem

2390

1516

1513

2063

970

961

510

Assin Fosu

2541

1944

2197

2108

2203

2206

1297

Sefwi Wiawso

2079

1493

1546

1546

1667

1735

1653

Juaso

2048

2630

2602

2184

2477

2950

2289

Twifo Praso

4060

2756

5575

4768

4309

3966

2530

Asankragua

9273

13083

7846

7971 11104

11646

3755

Bechem 2745 2642 2609 2886 2199 2311 1236 Mankranso 5414 5877 6452 6141 7070 8507 4418

Dormaa Ahenkro 3686 2263 3182 2801 2741 3870 1181 Asamankese

2012

2321

3675

3061

2420

2343

889 Techiman

10282

15670

10602

13843 15928

4596

1761

Enchi

2757

2965

3321

3795

4147

3435

2243

Jacobu

9781

6272

9750

10769

11799

13134

3973

Total

59068

61432

93870

63936

69034

61660

27735

Mean

4543.6

4725.5

7220.7

4918.1

5310.3

4743.0

2133.4

No Of Pods/Ha

22718

23627.5

36103.5

24590.5

26551.5

23175

10667

Kg Dry Beans/Ha

2109.5

2194

3352.5

2283.4

24655

2202.1

990.5

54


Table 2.11: Number of Healthy Pods / Sub Plot (0.2 Ha)

Treatments

Towns

T1

T2

T3

T4

T5

T6

T7

Assin Nsuaem

1463

828

870

907

579

578

510

Assin Fosu

2431

1608

1867

1801

1848

1890

1015

Sefwi Wiawso

1894

1345

1373

1413

1484

1608

1502

Juaso

2048

2630

2598

2184

2462

2944

2253

Twifo Praso

3892

2648

5425

4639

4060

3735

2552

Asankragua

8661

12098

7188

7193

10169

10706

3327

Bechem

2495

2256

2609

2576

2031

2136

1144

Mankranso

4556

4949

5729

5140

5547

7015

3441

Dormaa Ahenkro

3240

1970

2737

2475

2445

3271

1058

Asamankese

2012

2318

3675

6061

2420

2343

889

Techiman

10038

15459

10446

13609

15433

4460

1669

Enchi

2529

2732

3090

3523

3862

3057

1947

Jacobu

9503

6153

9589

10620

11709

13049

3856

Total

54762

56994

57196

62141

64049

56792

25163

Mean

4558.6

4384.1

3264.8

4780.0

4926.8

4368.6

1935.6

% Healthy Pods

92.7

92.7

95.9

97.1

92.8

92.2

90.7

Table 2.12: Number of unusable Pods / Sub Plot (0.2 Ha)

Treatments

Towns T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 Assin Nsuaem 927 688 643 566 391 383 215

Assin Fosu 353 336 330 307 355 316 282 Sefwi Wiawso

185

148

173

133

183

127

151

Juaso

0

0

4

0

26

27

76

Twifo Praso

168

108

150

129

249

231

278

Asankragua

612

985

658

778

935

940

428

Bechem

250

386

172

310

168

175

92

Mankranso

854

928

723

1001

1523

1492

977

Dormaa Ahenkro

446

293

450

326

286

575

123

Asamankese

0

3

0

0

0

0

0

Techiman

244

211

156

234

495

136

92

Enchi

228

233

231

272

285

378

296

Jacobu

278

119

161

149

90

85

117

Total

4545

4438

3851

4205

4986

4865

3127

Mean

349.6

341.3

296.2

323.4

383.5

374.2

240.5

% Unusable Pods

7.6

7.3

4.1

2.9

7.2

7.8

9.3

55

Pilot studies for developing effective and sustainable credit models for cocoa

communities in Ghana (Mercy Asamoah, Winefred Kumi, F. Owusu- Ansah and V. Anchirinah).

Membership of the groups

Membership is still open to cocoa farmers in the communities who are willing to abide by the rules and regulations (social constitution) of the various groups. Among the most important rules are attendance at meetings and compulsory cash savings contribution. Membership now stands at 306 in the five groups. Savings mobilization. As reported last year, savings mobilization is an important component of the credit project. Each group member pays a group dues ranging from GH¢ 1.50 to GH¢2.50 per month now. In addition, each member pays monthly contribution into a bulk savings account, but with individual access as and when needed. All the groups except Bosuso rolled on their savings contributed in the year 2010 with their interests. The Bosuso group collected their savings to maintain their group commercial vehicle but have started afresh from January this year as required by the savings club. Table 2.3 indicates the strength of the groups' savings as of now.


Table 2.3: Savings Mobilization of Farmer Groups in the Eastern region

Groups

Balance rolled on from 2010

Group Account

(GH¢)

Individual account ( GH¢)

Total monthly (GH¢) in

2011

Akooko

Nkronso

Agyapomaa

Busoso

Nyafoman

Total

1,600.00

1,200.00

-

-

-

2,800.00

100.00

100.00

20.00

100.00

50.00

370.00

625.00

400.00

25.00

110.00

50.00

1,210.00

725.00

500.00

45.00

210.00

100.00

1,580.00

These monies are deposited with Quality Savings and Loans Club (QSLC) at New-Tafo. It is important to note that the farmers have shown great interest and commitment to this savings culture by honoring their payments on time. Apart from the savings above, the Busoso and Nyafoman groups have saved at the Agricultural Development Bank at Nkawkaw and Atiwa and Fanteakwa Rural Banks. Skill Training

As part of the objective of promoting additional sources of income for the farmers, the Nyafoman and the Akooko groups have benefited from the World Cocoa Foundation Alata Soap training support programme. The groups have since the training tried to make the soap for sale. Their only challenge is the difficulty in accessing the potash, especially, during the raining season.

56


Credit Needs & Cash flow analysis

Interaction with the groups revealed that the farmers are in need of some soft loans for their farm maintenance, especially, for weeding as well as payment of their children's school fees. This is due to the fact that the majority of the farmers have more than one farm, all of which need equal attention in terms of maintenance coupled with their ageing problems and high cost of labour. It was clear that access to such loans is virtually non-existent. However, the Bosuso group had managed to secure some farm credit (in cash and in kind) from the Millennium Challenge Account ranging from GH¢500.00 to GH¢2,500 per person. Nevertheless, they complained about high cost of interest which was 28% per annum and some other improprieties on the part of the credit officers. A few of the women in the Akooko and Nkronso benefited from loans from the Savings Club. They could comply with the five monthly repayment schedule since they used the loans to enhance their trade rather than to maintain their farms. The farmers look forward to a farmer friendly loan that could meet their production characteristics.

The results of the cash flow indicates that that cocoa contributes greatly (about 92%) to farmers income (Fig2.4). Household expenditure also takes a chunk of farmers' income (Fig 2.4). Impliedly, although farmers get a lot of money from cocoa farming, very little is invested in the farms' maintenance.

Fig 2.4: Farm & household expenses of Akooko farmers for the year 2010

This calls for efforts to re-orient the minds of farmers towards business- like culture of investment for positive returns. Though on the average, total household expenditure is more than twice the farm expenditure, there was a very high variation in the household expenditure as compared to that of farm expenditure. Cash inflow is high between September and December as a result of sale of cocoa beans (Fig 2.5). Expenditure is also high in January and the last quarter of the year (Fig 2.6). This could be related to the increased farm activity around the last quarter of the year, Christmas festivities and the payment of school fees during those times.

57

Access to fertilizer on creditA total of 118 farmers have paid GH¢52.20 each as part of a 30% commitment fee for six bags of Hi-Tech fertilizer per person to be purchased from COCOBOD.


N=22 N=22

58

COCOA IMPROVEMENT THRUST

The research focus of the Cocoa Improvement Thrust is the development of varieties that are tolerant to prevailing field stresses so as to express the yield potential of the crop in farmers' fields. During the year, 50 new clones were introduced, and observed under quarantine prior to their field establishment. Eight research projects initiated during the 2009/2010 year continue to be executed. One clone evaluation trial that has the objective of developing new set of parental clones for the Seed Gardens was successfully established at Tafo. Also, At Tafo and Akumadan, progeny trails that are examining the potential of new cocoa hybrids were established. Baseline data on vegetative vigour has been taken on all test plants. Land preparation and generation of test plants for five other new research activities has been completed to enable planting during the 2011/2012 year. Progress has been made in introducing commercial scale production of fine flavor grade cocoa to farmers in the Offinso District in Ashanti Region on a pilot basis. In collaboration with industry partners, fermented beans from six clones were confirmed as meeting the fine flavor profile. Fifteen acres of land have been planted, and additional 64 acres has been prepared for planting with these six clones in the coming year. To validate the performance of newly developed hybrid varieties prior to their general release to farmers, 14,000 seedlings of these hybrids have been generated and raised in three nurseries in the Eastern, Central and Volta Regions. Performance of these under farmers' production conditions will inform on the best set of parental clones for the Seed Gardens.

Germplasm collection, conservation, characterisation and evaluation (A. Ofori, B. Adomako, S. Y. Opoku, I. Y. Opoku, J. E. Safo and F. Owusu-Ansah)

The objective and details of this project have been outlined in a previous report (Rep. Cocoa

Res. Inst, Ghana 2000/2001, 42-43).

Cocoa Germplasm collection

Aconsignment of budwood was received from the Intermediate Cocoa Quarantine Centre in Reading, UK. This comprised a total of 13 clones. These clones were successfully budded onto mixed hybrid rootstocks. The list of clones received is indicated in Table 3.1.


59


Table 3.1: Clones received from the International Cocoa Quarantine Unit at Reading in 2010

Clones

Accession Number

Clones

Accession Number

NA387

RUQ1057

GU227/G

RUQ771

GU249/H

RUQ228

GU114/P

RUG813

GU171

RUQ195

GU183/G

RUQ1543

PA156 (PER)

RUQ1531

NA670

RUQ1238

AM1/8(Pou)

RUQ469

GU207/H

RUQ225

MO109

RUQ1537

PA194 (PER)

RUQ966

NA26

RUQ1230

GU221/H

RUQ226

NA399

RUQ1572

GU123/V

RUQ187

GU123/V

RUQ1068

NA33

RUQ1577

UPA134

RUQ1172

GU136/H

RUQ221

GU147/H RUQ222 GU310/P RUQ815

LCTEEN37/A RUQ148 GU259/C RUQ203 NA756 RUQ468 GU168/H RUQ223 VENC4/11 (FRA)

RUQ1210

GU219/F

RUQ768

GU195/V

RUQ1069

GU255/V

RUQ149 LCTEEN15/5-3

RUQ685

MO4

RUQ1529

ICS60

RUQ959

RB29 (BRA)

RUQ129

NA232

RUQ1504

GU221/C

RUQ2OO

EQX27

RUQ857

GU226/V

RUQ1070

GU125/C

RUQ188

PBC123

RUQ1499

SILECIA5

RUQ1349

GU144/C

RUQ191

PA124 (PER)

RUQ1576

GU255/P

RUQ846

LCTEEN261/5-4

RUQ1452

PA169 (PER)

RUQ1479

GU243/H

RUQ814

NAP25

RUQ1547

CCN51

RUQ1347

LCTEEN127

RUQ69

60

For the germplasm plots at Tafo (D8, L6, Q6, Q6 EXT.4, Q6 EXT.2, Q6 EXT.3A, Q6 EXT.3B, Q6 EXT.3C, M6, M6 EXT, and Q9), the census indicate that 41.5% of the trees are surviving. For the out station plot at Assin Fosu, the surviving rate is about 60% of the original population.

Evaluation of cocoa clones for yield and resistance to black pod and cocoa swollen shoot

virus diseases (F. K. Padi, S. Y. Opoku, M. K. Assuah, O. Domfeh, A. R. Cudjoe and F. Owusu-Ansah)

The objective and details of this project have been outlined in the 2009/2010 report (Rep.

Cocoa Res. Inst, Ghana 2009/2010). Fifty-two clones were developed from the best families in 12 progeny trials. Stem diameter was measured in September 2010 and March 2011. Difference in diameter was used as estimate of vigour. The clones that flowered 9 months after transplanting (March 2011) had significantly higher vigour than those that did not (Fig 3.1).


Figure 3.1: Increase in stem diameter of cocoa clones with or without flower cushions 9 months

after planting

Developing high yielding, disease resistant and drought tolerant cocoa hybrids (F. K. Padi, S. Y. Opoku, M. K. Assuah, O. Domfeh, A. R. Cudjoe and F. Owusu-Ansah)


Cocoa Res. Inst, Ghana 2009/2010). The trial was planted at Akumadan and Tafo. At Akumadan, sixty four families were planted, whereas 60 families were planted at Tafo. Stem diameter was measured in September 2010 and March 2011. Difference in diameter was used as estimate of vigour. Ranking for vigour followed a normal distribution at both locations (Fig 3.2). At both locations, POUND 7 x POUND 10 was among the least vigour families whereas PA 7 x C6035/110 and T63/971 x SCA 9.

61


Figure 3.2: Frequency distribution for vigour among 60 cocoa families evaluated at Tafo over a sixmonth period.

Survival of seedlings, particularly at Akumadan nine months after field establishment was related to the stem girth at planting. Based on a t-test, significant differences were observed for stem diameter at planting between living and dead plants (Fig 3.3).

Figure 3.3: Influence of initial seedling size on survival in the field after transplanting

62


Though the initial seedling size appears important, the influence of genotype on survival was evident. Plotting of percent of surviving seedlings against initial girth reveals differential reaction of the families to surviving field establishment stress (Figure 3.4).

Figure 3.4: Relationship between seedling survival among cocoa families and seedling size attransplanting.

Estimation of general combining ability effects showed that there were no effects of male parents on survival. The effects of female parents on survival was significant, with PA 7 displaying the most positive effect on survival and CRG 03 the most negative influence on survival (Figure 3.5).

63

Figure 3.5: General combining ability effects for seedling survival for female parents of familiesevaluated at Akumadan over a nine month period.

Regional cocoa germplasm exploration trial: estimating the breeding value of under-

utilised populations (F. K. Padi, B. Adomako, S. Y. Opoku, M.K. Assuah, O. Domfeh, S. T. Lowor and F. Owusu-Ansah)


Cocoa Res. Inst, Ghana 2009/2010).

Land preparation and establishment of temporary shade have been completed at Tafo and Bunso. Forty-nine full-sib families have been generated based from a factorial mating of seven females and seven males to be established at Tafo. For the plot at Bunso, 30 families have been generated. For each family, 150 individuals are being nursed.

Evaluation of some cocoa hybrids for drought tolerance (F. K. Padi, P. K Adu-Gyamfi, A. Akpertey, J. F Takrama, S. Acquaye, O. Dwapanyin and F. Owusu-Ansah)


Cocoa Res. Inst, Ghana 2009/2010). Based on a factorial crossing scheme, 250 seedlings for each of 20 families were been produced during the 2009 pollination season. The seedlings generated were used as rootstock for the trial investigating rootstock/scion interaction in drought prone areas (CRIG/CC/3/11). Another set of 300 plants for each of 18 families have

been generated for testing seedling-stage drought tolerance under this project.


64


Evaluation of rootstock genotype effect on cocoa establishment and yield in drought

prone areas (F. K. Padi, P.K Adu-Gyamfi, A. Akpertey, J. F Takrama, S. Acquaye, O. Dwapanyin and F. Owusu-Ansah)


Cocoa Res. Inst, Ghana 2009/2010). Land preparation for this trial has been completed at Afosu. For each of the 18 families being tested at rootstocks, three scion genotypes have been budded. The numbers of plants successfully generated for each rootstock-scion combination is indicated in Table 3.1.

Table 3.2: The number of cocoa plants successfully generated for a selection of rootstock:scion combinations

SCION

ROOTSTOCK

Pa 150

EET 59H

ICS 43

IMC 53 X PA 188

44

-

51

IMC 53 X SCA 12

53

65

56

IMC 53 X IMC 76

49

48

39

IMC 53 X POUND 10

49

55

-

NA 242 X IMC 76

42

50

23

NA 242 X PA 188

38

60

50

NA 242 X SCA 12

65

54

64

NA 79 X PA 188

50

60

57

PA 107 X IMC 76

49

63

41

PA 107 X PA 188 47 54 45 PA 107 X POUND 10

60

50

58

PA 107 X SCA 12

59

54

41

SCA 6 X POUND 10

41

52

53

SCA 6 X SCA 12

46

59

50

SCA 9 X IMC

76

61

54

50

SCA 9 X POUND 10

57

53

54

SCA 9 X SCA 12

56

54

48

T60/887 X POUND 10

23

56

54

T60/887 X POUND 15

36

45

37

T60/887 X POUND 7

40

43

-

65


Evaluation of some genetic characteristics of selected Guiana cocoa clones (A. Ofori, B. Adomako, F. K. Padi, J. F. Takrama, G. J. Anim-Kwapong, O. Domfeh, M.K. Assuah, R. Adu-Acheampong and F. Owusu-Ansah)


Cocoa Res. Inst, Ghana 2009/2010). The trial is located at Afosu and Tafo. So far, land preparation at both locations has been completed. Temporary shade using plantain has also been established.

Participatory Development of Improved Cocoa Varieties and Expansion of Production

Capacity of the existing Seed Gardens for Supply of Planting Materials to Farmers:

Cocoa Sector Support Programme (CSSP) II (S. Y Opoku, F. K Padi and B. Adomako)


Cocoa Res. Inst, Ghana 2009/2010). In addition to the ten farms established in each of the Western, Brong Ahafo and Ashanti Regions during the previous year, the project was extended to farmers in three additional Regions. Data collection on the previously esablished plots have been initiated. The new Regions include the Central, Eastern and Volta Regions. Land prepration for each of the one acre of farmers' plots have been completed and temporary shade has bee established. In each region, a nursery has been established and for this year the three nurseries have collectively 14,080 seedlings.

Enhancing Farmers' Livelihood through production of Fine Flavour Cocoa (S. Y Opoku, F. K Padi and B. Adomako)


Cocoa Res. Inst, Ghana 2009/2010). The project activities are located in the Offinso Distrct of the Ashanti Region. A total of 12,000 plants of six clones have been generated for planting this year. The six clones include CC 11, VENC 4, SGU 50, ICS 16, ICS 60, PLAYA ALTA. These were previously confirmed to have fermented beans meeting the fine flavour profile by industry parners. To increase the number of clones, dry fermented beans of 15 additional clones were prepared and sent to Hershey, USA for profiling.A total of 64 acres of farm sites have been selected at Offinso, and land preparation is underway. These will be planted next year.

To assist farmers with the techniques involved in the use of cloes as planting material, a manual on the use of clones is at an advanced stage of drafting.

66

COCOA INSECTS MANAGEMENT THRUST

Insect pests and their natural enemies remained important biological factors in sustaining cocoa production. The thrust continued with short and long term research activities directed at cocoa insects with special reference to understanding their biology, their population dynamics, and determining the efficacy of both conventional and natural products to control them. Search for alternatives to currently recommended insecticides for use on cocoa was pursued with the screening of fifteen (15) insecticide formulations at laboratory and cage stages. Another six (60 products were undergoing screening at small scale and three products at large scale researcher and farmer managed trials. Six (6) products were undergoing residue and taint trials and analysis. The tested formulation showed potentials for controlling mirids on cocoa. The search for a stable botanical product to replace neem seed extract to control mirids on organic farms, led to the screening of a formulated product, Pyrethrum 5 EW. The product showed good attributes for its consideration for use on cocoa. Stem borer, as an emerging insect pest of cocoa, was studied further to understand its biology in order to develop an integrated pest management strategy (IPM) strategy for its control. Hercules 50SC was screened on termites to replace Dursban which contained Chlopyrifos, a molecule banned on cocoa due to high residues. The insect problems on young cocoa was investigated further in order to identify the pests status of such insects and develop control measures for them. At all locations the known mirid species, termites, stem borers and attendant ants of mealybugs were dorminant. The thrus's major challenge was the urgent need to solve the pesticide residue problems in dry cocoa beans reported from Japan. Safer alternatives for residue free cocoa was imperative.

Integrated pest management programme in the cocoa industry in Ghana:

i. The use of pheromones and other semio-chemicalsii. The use of natural enemies

(A.R. Cudjoe, R. Adu- Acheampong, G. K. Awudzi, J. E. Sarfo, F. Aneani and M. Asamoah)

This objectives and details of this trial was reported in the 2008/2009 report (Rep. Cocoa Res.

Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 76 - 80)

Work on mirid pheromone was an on-going PhD study which was to be presented later by the fellow. Under the use of natural enemies, work on the search for myco-insecticides for mirid control was carried out. Dead insects from cocoa farms were sampled. Collected insect samples were surface sterilized with 5% sodium hypochlorite and 75% ethanol solution. Cadavers were incubated on moistened


67

sterile filter paper in Petri dishes and observed for growth of fungal pathogens. Growths originating from specimens were sub-cultured and further incubated for sporulation on Potato Dextrose Agar. Identification of fungal isolate was done using the manual on Pathogenic Fungi and Bacteria developed by the International Mycological Institute (IMI). Cultures of Beauveria bassiana were raised and conidia suspensions of different concentrations were prepared for bio-efficacy test. Insects treated with 1,000 and 2,000 spore concentrations died within 6 days with 50% re-isolation of fungus used for the inoculation one week after death of insect. Insects inoculated with spore concentrations of 3,000 spores/ml and 4,000 spore/ml died within 4 days with 70% re-isolation of fungus used for treatment 3 days after death of insect. Fungus re-isolated from all the concentrations used was identified as Beauveria bassiana. Cadavers without growth one week after treatment and two weeks after incubation were discarded. There was the need to confirm the entomopathogenicity of the isolate and produce quantities that could be used for small field work.

Screening and field trials on Conventional Insecticides for the control of cocoa mirids. (A.R. Cudjoe, R. Adu- Acheampong, E. A. Dwomoh, F. Aneani and M. Asamoah)The objective of this study was reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 80-84)Laboratory bio-assay and cage tests were conducted on fifteen (15) insecticide formulations. Small scale researcher-farmer trials were also conducted on seven insecticide products in Eastern, Central and Ashanti Regions (Reagent 50Sc, Sunpyram, Lambda Aceta, Bifenthrin 80W, XDE, Imida- bifenthrin and Attack). Large scale trials were also carried out for two products (Imida-bifenthrin and Attack). Residue and Taint analyses were done for six products (Seizer 100EC, EC 900, Callifan Super, Attack, Hercules 50SC and XDE 208SC). The 15 formulations tested in the laboratory differed in the LD LD values (Table 4.1). 50 and 95

When the insecticides were applied in semi-field 'cage' spray tests (at their respective LD 95

rates or lower), they were all found to be biologically active and, therefore, they were recommended for testing in small-scale field trials in 2011/2012 (Table 4.1).


68


Table 4.1a: Efficacy of different insecticides on mixed populations of S. Singularis at 24 hours afterapplication in laboratory and cage bio-assay.

Insecticide

Active ingredient of formulation

LD50

LD95

Akakil 200 SL

Aryna 80EC

Buffalo 40EW

BYI 02960

Cobra Super 45EC

Conka 2.5 EC

Cypermethrin

Deltamethrin

D-Lion 1.5% EF 300 [5.4, 4.5, 3.7,

3.5%] Lambda Aceta Lambda cyhalothrin 5.1EC

Normax 150 SC Thiacloprid 480SC

Viktory

Imidacloprid 200g/L

Acetamiprid 20g/L + Indoxacarb 60g/L

Acetamiprid 40g/L

Imino-bulenolide & propylene carbonate 200g/L

Acetamiprid 20g/L + Spinetoram 25g/L

Bifenthrin 2.5g/L Cypermethrin 10.1g/L Deltamethrin 25.5g/L Neem oil 15g/L Rosemary, Sesame, Peppermint, Thyme, Cinn’on

ë-

Cyhalothrin 15g/L + Acetamiprid 20g/L

ë-

Cyhalothrin 5.1g/L

á-

Cypermethrin 75g/L + Teflubenzuron 75g/L

Thiacloprid 480g/L

Thiamethoxam 100g/L + Deltamethrin 50g/L

0.0830

0.0933

0.0063

0.2377

0.1209

0.0001

0.0043

0.00001

0.0062 0.4420 0.0483 0.0047 0.0313 0.3424

0.4183

4.5870

0.7726

0.0327

0.9157

1.6471

0.0005

0.1067

0.4879

0.0849 3.2390 0.3524 0.0365 0.7146 1.2634

1.1821

69


Table 4.2a Pesticides undergoing first year small scale screening

Test insecticides

Regent 50SC (Fipronil 50g /l)

Sunpyram (Nitenpyrum 500g/kg

Lambda Aceta (Lambda-cyhalothrin 30.2g/l

+ Acetamiprid 6g/l

Actara (Thiamethoxam 240g/l)

Bifenthrin 80W (Bifenthrin 80g/l

Untreated control

Mean percent population reduction

(Mean±

SE)

88.96 ± 4.5

99.5 ± 0.4

94.8 ± 0.9

98.9 ± 1.1

94.2 ± 1.8

-24.4

± 6.4

Mean No. of fresh damaged trees

7

5

11

4

4

22

Seasonal cumulative number of mirids

104

24

137

48

57

335

Table 4.2b: Insecticides undergoing second year small scale trials

Test Insecticides

XDE

(Sulfoxaflor 208SC) Imida bifenthrin

(Imidacloprid

250g/l + Bifenthrin 50g/l

Attack

(Emamectin Benzoate 50g/l

Mean percent population reduction (Mean± SE)

95.6

±

1.30

99

±

1.0

97.3

±

0.2

Mean No of fresh damaged trees

4 5 8

Seasonal cumulative number of mirids

71

69

145

70


Satisfactory control (population reduction) was achieved with Sunpyram, Lambda Aceta, and Bifenthrin during the first year trials. The mirid population recovery (seasonal cumulative numbers) was unusually higher on the Lambda Aceta treated plots (Table 4.2a). The three insecticides screened in the second year were also effective against cocoa mirids with Imida bifenthrin being marginally effective than the other two (Table 4.2b). In large-scale researcher-farmer-managed trials, the average bean yield on the Imida bifenthrin and Attack plots were yielding 745.8 and 507.6kg/ha, respectively. Corresponding yields on the standard insecticides, Akatemaster and Confidor 200SL were 736.6 and 579.6, respectively. The proportion of users that had skin irritation after using Imida bifenthrin, Attack, Akatemaster and Confidor 200SL was 23, 20, 40 and 0%, respectively. Insecticides that were analyzed for residue and taint are summarized in Table 4.3.

Table 4.3: Insecticides undergoing residue and taint tests

Insecticides

Active ingredient

Seizer 100EC

Bifenthrin 100g/l

EC 900 (Miricon EC)

Deltamethrin and Pyrethrum

Callifan Super

Acetamiprid 100g/l +Bifenthrin 100g/l

Attack Emamectin benzoate Hercules 50SC Fipronil 50SC for termites control XDE 208SC

Sulfoxaflor 240g/l

In conclusion, the search for alternative insecticides for control of cocoa insect pests continued unabated. More new molecules were submitted for screening and hopefully, environmentally friendly products would be made available for cocoa.

Screening and use of botanical pesticides for the control of cocoa mirids and other

insects (A. R. Cudjoe, R. Adu- Acheampong, F. B. Antwi, G.K. Awudzi, F. Aneani and M. Asamoah)

The aim of this project was to identify insecticides of plant origin which are environmentally safer for the control of mirids and other insects within the context of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy. Four field rates- 0.33L/ha, 0.44L/ha, 0.55L/ha and 0.66L/ha of Pyrethrum 5EW was tested in a small scale field trials. Two applications of Pyrethrum 5 EW were made in August and September 2010 on 0.4 ha (one acre) plots of mature cocoa in 9 locations in the Suhum Kraboa-Coaltar District of the Eastern Region. In the field the efficacy of Pyrethrum 5EW (the rates tested) fell below the acceptable level of control (i.e. ≥ 95% population reduction) for suitable miridicides.

71

In conclusion, the seasonal cumulative numbers indicated shorter persistence of Pyrethrum compared with approved conventional insecticides. This product, targeted at controlling mirids in organic cocoa farms showed potential for replacing neem seed extract which was the only recommended organic insecticide for controlling cocoa mirids.

Development of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy for stem borer control

on cocoa by chemical and non-chemical methods (R. Adu- Acheampong, S. Lowor, J.E. Sarfo, M. Asamoah, F. Aneani and G. Ameyaw Akumfi)

Aim of the project was to develop an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy for stem borer control on cocoa by chemical and non-chemical methods. Visual assessment of fresh borer holes and field trapping of adults were carried out. Trapped adult female borers were dissected and ovipositor extracts were collected and maintained at 4°C .Samples of collected insects were maintained in ventilated vials for emergence of parasitoids and humidified Petri dishes for sporulation of entomopathogens. Observations on sexual attraction and copulatory behaviour of the pest were also carried out. Eulophonotus myrmeleon was present on cocoa throughout the year. Occurrence of E. myrmeleon did not follow any particular pattern between Kwadaso and Tafo. There was decline in numbers in July and December at Kwadaso but a single decline at Tafo in October-November. No natural enemies were found, although occasionally, ants including Oecophylla longinoda have been seen pulling dead larvae into their nests. The insect did not thrive on other plants. Female moths were again found to attract males. No natural enemies have been found yet, although occasionally, ants including Oecophylla longinoda have been seen pulling dead larvae into their nests. The insect did not thrive on other plants. Female moths were again found to attract males. In conclusion, the studies added vital information to understanding the biology of the stem borer to contribute to its eventual control.


Table 4.5: Efficacy of Pyrethrum 5EW on mixed populations of S. Singularis at 24 hours afterapplication

Field rates

0.33L/ha

0.44L/ha

0.55L/ha

0.66L/ha

Mean Percent population reduction (MEAN ± SE)

75.4 ± 14.4

75.6 ± 14.1

74.4 ± 21.8 66.6

± 20.8

Mean no. of fresh damaged trees

5.0 4.8 3.5 4.7

Seasonal cumulative no. of mirids

18

17

23

29

72

Assessing insect species associated with cocoa during establishment and developing

control methods against pest species (A. R. Cudjoe, G. K. Awudzi, M. Assuah, V. Anchirina, F. Owusu-Ansah, M. Asamoah and P. Adu Yeboah)

The objective of the study was to identify insect species associated with cocoa at the establishment stage and determine their pest status for control. Monthly assessment of insects continued on the plots that have been selected at Apregya 1 and 2, Adadekrom 1 and 2, Nkyesa, Minta Bomeng, Praso-Kuma, Wisiwisi and Tafo. At each location 30 randomly selected plants were inspected for insect species. Trained data collectors identified insects in

situ. They were separated into pest species, ants and Natural enemies. The accumulated numbers of insect species encountered were presented for each location. The relative abundance of species encountered was used as an indicator of its importance in the cocoa eco-system. Mirid damage was recorded over the period at all locations. The main insects encountered on young cocoa were grasshoppers, mealybugs, termites, mirids, stink bugs (Bathycoelia), stem borers, psyllids, defoliators such as Anomis spp. and Earias spp. The three important ant species, which attend mealybugs and aphids, Crematogaster

striatula/africana, Camponotus acvapimensis and Pheidole megacephala were recorded at all locations.


Table 4.6: Temporal distributions of E. myrmeleon larvae on a 3-ha mature cocoa plantation atKwadaso, Ashanti Region.

Monthly counts per 0.4 ha

May 2010

July

August

September

October

November

December

February 2011

March

Larvae Adult Larvae Adult Larvae Adult Larvae Adult Larvae Adult Larvae Adult Larvae Adult Larvae Adult Larvae Adult 32

11

21

6

62

7

81

2

100

1

84

2

59

5

150

4

119

3

Fig 4.7: Mirid damage on young cocoa from different location

73


Fig. 4.8: Mealybug populations on young cocoa from different locations

Fig 4.9: Attendant ant populations on young cocoa at different locations

74


Fig. 4.10: Stem borer population (fresh exit holes) on young cocoa from different locations

Termites were present at all locations except Nkyesa with Apregya A and B being the most predominant.

Natural enemies (praying mantis and spiders) were present at all locations but were more abundant at New Tafo and Minta Bomeng.

Fig. 4.11: Earias / Anomis populations on young cocoa from different locations

75


Fig. 4.12: Termite presence on young cocoa from different locations

Fig. 4.13: Attendant ant species

76

In conclusion the insect species associated with young cocoa documented, are diverse and location specific for most species. The project will now focus on the development of pest management strategies that is environmentally friendly, species and location specific.

Studies on termites (Isoptera) associated with cocoa ecosystem (A. R. Cudjoe, J. E. Sarfo, A. A. Afrifa, I. Y. Opoku and J. F. Takramah)The objective of the study was to develop effective methods for termite control as a replacement for the use of products containing Chlorpyrifos which was banned for use on cocoa. Testing of the product, Hercules 50SC, at Afosu Plot D 12 continued. Monthly and Bi-monthly treatment regimes with cocoa plants tagged. Fifteen (15) trees per plot spaced at 3m x 3m covering 72 metre square. Hercules at 0.01g a.i. /tree and 200ml of solution applied per tagged tree. Water was used as control. Termite damage was recorded based on presence of bites, hollowness, runways found on cocoa plants. Death of plants was recorded. Non target insects were also assessed. The results showed that Hercules (Fipronil) had a protective capability against termites in both regimes i.e. monthly and bi-monthly application (Tables 4.14a & b)


Tables 4.14a: Termites activity following the application of Hercules

Treatments

No. of trees with termite activities after Hercules treatment

Bites

Termite Runways

Hollow

Wilt

Death

Monthly 1 1 0 20 3 Bi-monthly 0 0 1 12 3

Control

1

6

19

15

26

Tables 4.14 b: Termite activity following the application of Hercules 50SC

Treatment

No. of trees with non-target insects after Hercules 50SC

treatment

Mealybugs

Aphids

Psyllids

Beetles Mirids

Caterpillars

Monthly 32 28 144 159 3 24

Bi-monthly 33 31 154 134 0 25

Control 27

15

140

273

1

20

In conclusion, the results showed that Hercules (Fipronil) had a protective capability against

termites in both treatment regime i.e. monthly and bi-monthly (Tables 4.14a & b). It showed potential as alternative to Dursban and other Chlorpyrifos based products banned on cocoa.

77

COCOA SWOLLEN SHOOT VIRUS THRUST

There was a worrying increase in the number of CSSV infections on CRIG plots in the year under review. The diseased trees were 101.1 % higher than what was recorded in the previous year (2009/2010). The number of trees coppiced also rose by an alarming 126.2 %. Plant Breeding plots were the most affected and this is a worrying situation. For the studies on the effect of mild strains on growth and yield of cocoa, N1 inoculated plants again and consistently had slightly bigger stems than the healthy control, and the highest growth was recorded for T85/799XT79/501. The main effect of strain on pod yield was statistically significant, and the N1 and SS365B treated trees out-yielded the healthy control. T85/799 x Pa7/808 and T85/799 x T79/501 have so far been consistent in being the highest in growth and yield in the presence of mild and severe CSSV and these could therefore be good candidates in cross-protection programmes. On the evaluation of mild strain symptom expressions and effect on growth, the type of cocoa variety grown affected yield significantly. Amazon-Amazon hybrid had the highest yield while Amelonado had the lowest. The outcome of the post sensitisation studies carried out to evaluate the impact of the awareness creation workshops, radio programmes and field visits for farmers on the threat posed by CSSV disease generally indicated a well-received programme by farmers, extension agents and other stakeholders.

The general consensus was that programme was well-conceived, planned and executed. On the basis of the outcome of the evaluation study the following recommendations are offered:

?Land tenure security in Ghana is one of the underlying social issues that could undermine efforts to effectively control CSSVD and hence must be brought to the fore, discussed and addressed.

?The sensitisation programme needs scaling up to other endemic areas in Ghana to ensure total containment of the disease.

?Extension officers and CSSVD spotters are vital players in the management of the disease. They have expressed some concerns including the provision of certain logistics and other motivational packages that needs to be addressed as matter of priority.

?Some platform should be created for sharing the outcome of the evaluation exercise so that all stakeholders become aware of them.


78

Swollen shoot disease control at CRIG (H. Dzahini-Obiatey and G. A. Ameyaw)

The experimental detail of the above trial was presented in the 2009/2010 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2009/2010).

The routine monthly inspections and treatment of swollen shoot disease were carried out for the year under review. As usual, the diseased trees found in outbreaks were completely removed while the adjoining apparently healthy trees were coppiced to the second or third row depending on the number of visible infections found. The worrying observation for the year under review is that the number of diseased cocoa trees removed has not only increased but has more than doubled i.e. 101.1% higher than the previous year (2009/2010). The story for the coppiced trees was not different either, the number was 126.2% higher than the previous year (2009/2010). The contribution of experimental plots as compared to the non-experimental plots to this statistics is even more staggering. The diseased trees removed from experimental increased by 132.4% while the coppiced trees from them increased by 185.2% over the previous year (2009/2010). The total number of plots with infection also increased from 35 to 38. Plot N17, an experimental plot belonging to Plant Breeding had the highest number of diseased trees removed i.e. 16.3 % of the total number trees removed. Plant Breeding plots were also the worst affected by the disease i.e. 67 % of all the diseased trees removed were from Plant Breeding plots. Overall, it seems CSSV control at CRIG is getting out of hand due partly to staff depletion of the control gang of the Plant Pathology Division. This worrying observation suggests the piece meal control, which is currently being implemented at CRIG may not be beneficial to contain the spread of the disease. The need to replenish staff of the control gang is strongly recommended as well as more drastic removal of infected trees from both experimental and non-experimental plots.


79


Table1: Number of CSSV diseased trees removed and coppiced from CRIG plots(2010/2011)

Plot No.

No. trees removed

No. of trees coppiced

Remarks

R2

12

6

Q6 Ext 3A

1

-

Q6 EXT. 4

15

10

Q6

68

8

Worst area Old Station

Q11

8

-

V4 4 8

G7 10 17

G8 35 32 B13

6

10

C6

16

8

D8

63

-

D17A

26

44

D17B

26

30

D18A

28

24

F12

1

3

G Annex 1&2

2

6

G11

33

21

H17

19

25

H24

1

5

H25

1

3

H26

13

-

J8A

13

23

J8B

7

18

80

The effect of CSSV mild strains on growth and yield of cocoa (O. Domfeh, H. Dzahini-Obiatey, G. A. Ameyaw, and E. Anochie).

The aims and objectives of this trial were clearly stated (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 1997/98, 110). Similar to what was reported last year (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2009/2010), the main effects of strain and variety on stem circumference (growth) were significant (p<0.001). However, the effect of each mild strain on growth was not significantly different from that of the healthy control. The N1 inoculated plants had slightly bigger stems than that of the healthy control. This trend has been consistent for some years now. However, when combined with severe 1A, growth was significantly lower than that of the healthy control. The highest growth was recorded in the variety T85/799 x T79/501, while Amelonado recorded the lowest growth (Table 5.1). There was no interaction between strain and variety on growth.


J9

A

20

31

J9

B

2

5

J9

C

27

-

K5

95

75

K5 Ext

13

19

K602

103

106

K7

51

66

L6

1

2

M5

27

20

N17

153

-

Worst area (square mile)

N18

A 8 21

N19 8 22

N22 2 2 T2

23

7

Grand total

941

677

81

The main effect of strain on pod yield (kg/ha) was significant (p=0.019). N1 and SS365B treated trees significantly out-yielded the healthy control. SS365B + 1A treatment also significantly out-yielded the control for the first time. The yield of N1 + 1A treatment was not significantly different from that of the control.

The main effect of variety on pod yield (kg/ha) was significant (p=0.05). The varieties T85/799 x Pa7/808 and T85/799 x T79/501 were the highest yielding, while the remaining ones recorded relatively lower yields, with T85/799 x T65/326 being the lowest for the second consecutive year (Table 5.2). There was no interaction between strain and variety on pod yield.

The results suggest that CSSV mild strains N1 and SS365B do not cause reduction in growth and yield of cocoa. T85/799 x Pa7/808 and T85/799 x T79/501 have so far been consistent in being the highest in growth and yield in the presence of mild and severe CSSV and these could therefore be good candidates in cross-protection programmes.


Table 5.1: Effect of CSSV strains on stem circumference (mm) in six cocoa progenies on plot A23for the year 2010/2011.

Variety

Strain

Healthy

N1

N1 + 1A

SS365B

SS365B + 1A

Variety mean

Amel

305.5

354.9

319.3

310.1

273.1

312.6

T79/467 x T87/1312 368.2 370.6 290.0 375.4 351.3 351.1

T85/799 x Amel 346.8 354.0 353.4 316.4 314.9 337.1

T85/799 x Pa7/808 386.7 391.7 319.3 394.0 320.3 362.4 T85/799 x T65/326

359.1

358.9

318.2

323.9

298.4

331.7

T85/799 x T79/501

392.7

365.2

324.7

363.3

352.8

359.7

Strain mean

359.8

365.9

320.8

347.2

318.5

LSD (Variety) = 22.050.05

LSD (Strain) = 20.130.05

82

Table 5.2: Effect of CSSV strains on yield (kg/ha) in six cocoa progenies on plot A23 for the year2010/2011.

Variety

Strain

Healthy

N1

N1 + 1A

SS365B

SS365B + 1A

Variety

mean

Amel

133

364

266

593

163

304

T79/467 x T87/1312

114

363

185

590

557

362

T85/799 x Amel 284 472 308 287 517 374

T85/799 x Pa7/808 616 790 286 703 351 549

T85/799 x T65/326

160

314

205

298

328

261

T85/799 x T79/501

351

743

304

544

531

495

Strain mean

277508

259502408

LSD (Variety) = 206.50.05

LSD (Strain) = 188.50.05

Evaluation of mild strain protection of cocoa seedlings exposed to natural spread of

CSSV severe 1A (O. Domfeh, H. Dzahini-Obiatey, G. A. Ameyaw, and E. Anochie).

The aims and objectives of this trial were clearly stated (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 1995/96, 158-161). For the year under review, the type of cocoa variety grown significantly (P=0.003) affected the expression of CSSV symptoms. The number of trees with severe CSSV symptoms was highest in Amelonado and lowest in Amazon x Amelonado for the second consecutive year (Fig. 5.1). Even though more unprotected (healthy control) and N1-protected trees showed severe CSSV symptoms than SS365B protected plants, the difference was not significant (P = 0.299).

The type of cocoa variety grown affected yield significantly (P=0.015). Amazon-Amazon hybrid had the highest yield while Amelonado had the lowest (Fig. 5.1). Even though the effect of strain on yield was not significant, both N1 and SS365B protected plants yielded more than the unprotected control plants (Fig. 5.2).As reported in the previous year (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2009/2010), cross-protection of the cocoa trees by N1 and SS365B against the adverse effects of CSSV 1A could not be firmly established. Amelonado, as expected, is confirmed by the results as being very susceptible to the swollen shoot virus.


83

Fig. 5.1: Reaction of CSSV mild strains N1 and SS365B protected plants to natural spread of CSSV1A in three cocoa progenies for the year 2010/2011.

Fig.5.2: Effect of mild strain cross-protection on yield (kg/ha) in three cocoa progenies for the year2010/2011.


84

Field assessment of the protective capability of mild strain SS365B against CSSV

severe 1A (plot a 20) (H. Dzahini-Obiatey, O. Domfeh, G. A. Ameyaw, and E. Anochie).

The aims and objectives of this trial were clearly stated (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 1993/94,117-118). Strain and variety did not significantly affect the spread of swollen shoot virus (Table 5.3). Yield was also not significantly affected by both strain and variety (Table 5.3). This unusual observation could be due to challenges with accurate recording of CSSV SS365B symptoms. This is because the trees have grown very tall and it is now difficult to distinguish between symptoms of CSSV 1A and those of SS365B. The trial will be coppiced this year.

Table 5.3: Effect of strain and variety on CSSV spread (number of trees showing symptoms of CSSV1A or SS365B) and cocoa yield (kg/ha) for the year 2010/2011.

Treatment

Spread (trees with severe symptoms)

Yield (kg/ha)

Strain

1A + Healthy

16.2

282

1A + SS365B

14.3

393

1A + SS365B + Healthy

12.4

290

Healthy

16.7

248

SS365B + Healthy

13.5

294

Variety T63/967 x T65/326

14.7

266

T85/99 x Amel

14.3

335

T85/799 x T79/501

14.9

304

Sign. level

ns

ns

cv%

s.e

16.40

2.39

23.60

71.00


85


Determination of the optimum number of rows of mild strain N1-inoculated cocoa trees

required for the control of CSSV severe 1A (plot a24) (O. Domfeh, G. A. Ameyaw, J. E. Sarfo, J. Yeboah, M. K. Assuah, S. Acquaye and F. Owusu-Ansah).

The aims and objectives of this trial were clearly stated (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2006/2007, 118). As was reported last year (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2009/2010) there were no significant differences in stem circumference and yield among the treatments during the year under review (Table 5.4). Table 5.5 also shows the spread pattern of CSSV severe 1A so far.

Table 5.4: Effect of inoculating different numbers of rows of cocoa with N1 on stem circumferenceand yield for the year 2010/2011.

Treatments

Circumference (mm)

Yield (Kg/ha)

All rows a fter source plants inoculated with N1 (T4)

254.8

633

First five outer rows after the source plants inoculated with N1 (T1)

249.3

436

First three outer rows after the source plants inoculated with N1 (T2)

241.8 492

No mild strain –

No plant inoculated wi th mild strain after source plants –

T3

229.3

506

Sig. level ns nscv % 4.20 21.90s.e 10.31 113.10

N.B. Source plants – two outermost rows of each treatment inoculated with CSSV 1A.

86

Table 5.5: The spread of CSSV 1A through N1-protected plants for the year 2010/2011

Treatment

Rep.

No. of plants in outer

rows showing 1A symptoms after inoculation

Spread of CSSV 1A into inner rows

R1

R2

R3

R4

R5

First five outer rows after the source plants inoculated with N1 (T1)

1

99 (72.79%)

2

92 (67.64%)

3

89 (65.44%)

First three outer rows after the source plants inoculated with N1 (T2)

1

111 (81.62%)

2 83 (61.03%)

3 65 (47.79%)

No mild strain –

No plant

inoculated with mild strain after source plants –

T3

1

97 (71.32%)

1

1

2

104 (76.47%)

3

51 (37.50%)

All rows after the source plants inoculated with N1 (T4)

1

86 (63.23%)

2

1

2

106 (77.94%)

3

58 (42.64%)


87

Evaluation of the effects of CSSV mild strains on growth and yield of cocoa (plot B14).

(O. Domfeh, G. A. Ameyaw, H. Dzahini-Obiatey J. E. Sarfo, J. Yeboah, M. K. Assuah, S. Acquaye and F. Owusu-Ansah).

The aims and objectives of this trial were clearly stated (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2006/2007, 118). Like in the previous year (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2009/2010), there were no significant differences in stem circumference and yield among the treatments (Table 5.6).

Table 5.6: Effect of CSSV mild strain N1 and SS365B on growth and yield of cocoa for the year2010/2011.

Treatment

Circ. (mm)

Yield

(kg/ha)

N1

218.993

SS365B

205.766

Healthy

216.4103

Sig. level cv%

s.e

ns ns5.422.6 11.619.8

An integrated programme for the control of cocoa swollen shoot virus disease in West

and Central Africa (Dzahini-Obiatey, O. Domfeh, F. M. Amoah, I. Y. Opoku, M. Assuah, A. R. Cudjoe and F. Baah)

The aims and objectives of this trial were clearly stated (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2009/2010)

Component 1

Post sensitisation studies (evaluation) were carried out in some of the districts covered in the component one of the programme. The method employed was focus groups discussions (FGDs) for farmers and a one-to-one interview using a checklist for extension agents (i.e. extension agents of Cocoa Swollen Shoot Disease Control Unit (CSSVDCU) of Ghana Cocoa Board). Twenty FGDs were conducted (Table 5.7). The farmers were sampled using lists of registered farmers in the district offices of the CSSVDCU. The sampling size was determined using the method by Casley and Kumar (1988). The extension agents were randomly selected based on their working relationship with the farmers. Taking out the


88

districts in Ashanti, which was not covered in the programme, 105 farmers (Table 5.7) and 10 extension agents of CSSVDCU were interviewed, using standard questionnaires for the farmers and a one-on-one interview with a checklist in the informal mode for the extension agents. Details of the FGDs held for the farmers in the covered districts are shown in Table 5.7. A detailed report on the evaluation by Francis Baah and Edwin Badger is attached as an appendix.

Evaluation

Key issues that emerged in relation to the management of CSSVD from the FDGs held with the farmers were:

i. High cost of cocoa establishmentii. Loss of household income during cocoa re-establishmentiii. Tenure arrangement and security

By and large, farmers were generally satisfied with the objectives of the sensitisation programme. The use of radio programme (with phone in), the community sensitization and the farm visits excited the farmers.The farmers found no fault with the trainers or the project team or the content of the training materials. They however wished to have clearer and vivid pictures of the desirable and undesirable shade trees so that they could easily identify them on their farms.The farmers also expressed the following additional concerns in relation to the management of CSSVD in Ghana:

i. Delayed payment of ex-gratia ii. Delay and inadequate supply of cocoa seedlingsiii. High cost of cocoa inputs on the marketiv. The absence of recommended cocoa agrochemicals on the marketv. High cost of labour especially in mining communities

Interview with extension agents

The overall perception of the extension agents was that, the programme had gone on well in terms of the collaboration with CSSVDCU, which now manages cocoa extension. They felt that the programme had been well planned with the active involvement of farmers, extension agents, researchers and policy makers at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). They however felt that more extension materials including posters, leaflets and flyers were needed to saturate the cocoa communities with information on the management of CSSVD. They also re-echoed reluctance of farmers to the treatment of their CSSVD infected farms due to insecurity of tenure when the land does not carry cocoa.


89

Table 5.7: Focus Groups Discussions and interviews held for farmers during evaluation exercise

Region

District

Number of FGDs held

Number of farmers interviewed

Brong Ahafo

Goaso, Dormaa Ahenkro

4

25

Central Nyakrom, Breman Asikuma

4 20

Western South

Dunkwa, Wassa Akropong

2

25

Western North

Juaboso, Akontombra, Enchi

4

35

Total

105

Important Remarks from farmers

Despite the general endorsement of the training materials by farmers, they made very useful suggestions for improvement on the leaflets, posters and flyers.The suggestions include:?Improvements in colour separation to make the pictures sharper?Inclusion of pictures of desirable and undesirable shade trees on cocoa farms in the

posters and leaflets to aid farmers' identification?Many more of the posters, leaflets and flyers need to be printed for distribution to farmers

Comments by Extension of officers

The extension officers made the following suggestions:i. That any new extension materials for the next phase should be pretested to ensure

that they are conveying the intend messages.ii. That the content of the radio sensitization and farmer rallies should be developed and

pretested so that the format is standardised for the various encounters with farmers and other stakeholders

iii. That the disease spotters who spend weeks in cocoa farming communities should be adequately resourced for them to do their work effectively. Items such as camp beddings, motorbikes should be provides while their overnight allowances must be paid regularly and on-time.


90

Concluding remarks and recommendations

The outcome of the evaluation exercise generally indicates a well-received programme by farmers, extension agents and other stakeholders. The general consensus was that programme was well-conceived, planned and executed.On the basis of the outcome of the study the following recommendations are offered:?Land tenure security in Ghana is one the underlying social issues that could undermine

efforts to effectively control CSSVD and hence must be brought to the fore, discussed and addressed.

?The sensitisation programme needs scaling up to other endemic areas in Ghana to ensure total containment of the disease.

?Extension officers and CSSVD spotters are vital players in the management of the disease. They have expressed some concerns including the provision of certain logistics and other motivational packages that needs to be addressed as matter of priority.

?Some platform should be created for sharing the outcome of the evaluation exercise so that all stakeholders become aware of them.

Component 3:

Increasing knowledge and strengthening the information base for early identification

of CSSV infected cocoa trees.

Samples (budwood), which were collected during the visits to CSSV outbreak areas were biologically characterised by indexing them onto Amelonado cocoa by grafting. The rationale is to increase knowledge on CSSV and to strengthen the information base for early identification of CSSV infection in cocoa trees as well as to determine the nature of the various strains of the virus. The grafted cocoa seedlings have been studied using symptomatological and serological tests and analysis as a first step in the classification and characterisation of the sampled viruses. Some of the samples (infected and/or suspected leaves) were sent to France for further studies and characterisation.Those showing symptoms of CSSV have been characterised biologically and are being kept in the CSSV museum and gauze houses.

Out of the total number of 16 samples sent on 3 occasions to France, virus has been detected in 6 using CSSV primers. These six samples have thus, been sequenced and are being studied for their relationship with known and sequenced CSSV strains. Five have been found to be related to CSSV groups A and B (Muller and Sackey, 2005), while one is different from any known CSSV sequence. This is an interesting result, which needs to be pursued further, therefore more samples will have to be analysed to determine if this strain is in a different group altogether.


91

COCOA FUNGAL DISEASEMANAGEMENT THRUST

In the 2010 black pod survey, Phytophthora megakarya continued to be the dominant species causing the disease in Ghana. All the cocoa growing regions are now P. megakarya endemic. This virulent pathogen continues to spread to other Districts of newly infected regions such as the Eastern and Central Regions. Birim South district of the Eastern Region was the newest district affected by P. megakarya. Other diseases assuming economic importance in Ghana are white thread blight, stem canker and root rots on cocoa. The incidence of leaf blight was also recorded.

The efficacies of CFG 7535, KG 002505, Fantic Plus, Fluazinam, Champ DP, Fungikill 50 WP and Sidalco Defender were assessed as fungicides for the control of black pod disease in Ghana. All the test fungicides were promising and compared well with Ridomil Gold, the reference fungicide. AIso, decoctions of Momordica charantia, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta

and Tridax procumbens and oils from Xylopia aethiopica, Monodora mystica and cashew nut shell liquid and their combinations have also been found to be effective for the control of the disease.

On a search for cocoa varieties resistant to the black pod disease, some eighteen apparently resistant clones assessed by the attached pod method were recorded. These clones which were collected from farmers' farms are being further evaluated. Also, progenies of Na79 (selfed) and Pound 7 × P30 were observed to be more resistant when the stems were inoculated and assessed for canker lesion development.

Survey of Phytophthora isolates in Ghana (A. Y. Akrofi, I. Y. Opoku and M. K. Assuah and J. E. Sarfo)

The survey of Phytophthora isolates in Ghana continued (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 1998/99, 114; 1999/2000, 110-111; 2005/06, 102-103).

In the year under review, visits were made to farmers' farms in Offinso district (Ashanti Region), Tano South, Ahafo-Ano South, Asunafo North and South (Brong-Ahafo Region) and East Akim, Suhum Kraboa-Coaltar, Birim North and South (Eastern Region). Randomly selected farms and farms with reported cases of higher black pod disease incidence or incidence of unusual or 'strange disease' on cocoa were visited. The severity of the black pod


92

disease incidence and 'strange/new' disease on any particular farm was recorded. Diseased samples were taken from infected cocoa leaves, stems, pods and roots. These were cultured on agar media and the isolates identified based on their cultural and morphological characteristics. Rallies, organised farmer groupings and other forms of interactions were used to educate farmers and extension agents on practices for managing and controlling the black pod and other diseases on cocoa.

One hundred and seventy six (176) successful isolations of Phytophthora were made from the 200 samples collected from 57 farms (Table 6.2). Out of the 176 isolates, 20 (11.4 %) were identified as P. palmivora and 156 (88.6 %) as P. megakarya. P. megakarya continued its spread in the Eastern Region with farms in Birim South district being the newly affected district (Table 6.3). The distribution of Phytophthora in this survey confirms earlier reports that areas affected by the two species are eventually dominated by P. megakarya. Other fungi isolated from the remaining 24 samples were Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Fusarium spp. and Colletotrichum spp. These were mostly saprophytes. All the diseases found in the cocoa farms were already known in the country and none was new or 'strange'. These included stem canker caused by both P. palmivora and P. megakarya, leaf blight by Colletotrichum

gloeosporioides and white thread blight caused by Marasmius scandens. The distribution of the diseases is shown in Figure 6.1How different is this map from the previous ones?. Forty (70 %) of the 57 farms visited had severe thread blight disease incidence. Leaf blight incidence, however, occurred in 13 (22 %) of the farms. Stem canker was identified as the main cause of cocoa tree deaths in almost all the farms where such trees were encountered. Mistletoes infestation was widespread and on infested farms, the parasite was observed to be having a debilitating effect on the trees. Epiphytic plants including mosses, lichens and tree

+climbers were prevalent in poorly maintained and older (18 yrs) farms.

Leaf diseases on pawpaw, kola and coconut trees intercropped with cocoa on CRIG experimental plots were also studied. Newly infected pawpaw leaves were distorted, wrinkled and chlorotic. Such leaves die slowly by turning dark-brown and collapsing. The Kola leaves were infected with brown sunken necrotic spots, surrounded with yellow halo margins. Symptoms on the infected coconut leaves included older leaves close to the soil surface showing numerous dried-out brown lesions. Fungi found associated with the diseased leaves of pawpaw, kola and coconut were Fusarium, Colletotrichum and Pestalotia species respectively. Pure cultures of these fungi have been maintained for pathogenicity testing and future studies. Farmers and extension staffs were educated on management of black pod disease during the field visits. Scientists were involved in training of facilitators of Farmer Field Schools in a Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop on identification and management of cocoa diseases as part of the Sustainable Tree Crop Programme (STCP) in


93


Kumasi. A similar programme was organised for TECNOSERVE at Sefwi-Wiawso. Farmers' schools and outreach programmes were also organised for some farmer groups in the Eastern Region.

Phytophthora megakarya is certainly becoming the main cause of black pod disease in Ghana and must be a major source of concern to all stakeholders. The pathogen has now affected cocoa farms in Birim South district; in addition to East and West Akim, Birim North, Atiwa, Suhum Kraboa Coaltar and Fanteakwa districts in the Eastern region which were reported in previous years. The various educational programmes to sensitise farmers and extension agents on the management and control of the black pod disease, particularly the type caused by P. megakarya needs to be intensified and expanded to cover all cocoa growing districts.

Mistletoes and epiphytes infestations and white thread blight incidence are assuming economic importance in cocoa farms in Ghana and needs to be addressed.

Table 6.2: Isolation of phytophthora spp. from cocoa in three regions of Ghana

Region

District

No

of farms visited

No

of samples collected

Phytophthora isolates

P. palmivor

a

P.

megakarya

Ashanti

Offinso North

2

11

0

9

East Akim

17

47

0

42

Eastern Suhum Kraboa Coaltar

8 26 0 20

Birim North 11 34 10 19

Birim South 7 17 10 7

Tano South

2

16

0

11 Brong-

Ahafo

Asunafo North

3

16

0

16

Asunafo South

3

16

0

15

Ahafo Ano South

4

17

0

17

Total

57

200

20

156

94


Table 6.3: Districts in cocoa growing regions of Ghana infected with P megakarya from 1990 - 2010

District

Capital

Year of 1 st

isolation

ASHANTI

Afigya-Sekyere

Agona

2001

Ahafo Ano North

Tepa

1991

Ahafo Ano South

Mankranso

1994

Asante Akim North Municipal

Konongo

2005

Asante Akim South

Juaso

2005

Atwima Mponua

Nyinahin

1992

Atwima Nwabiagya

Nkawie

1992

Mampong Municipal

Mampong

1999

Offinso Municipal

Offinso

1992

Offinso North new

Akomadan

1985*

BRONG AHAFO

Asunafo North Municipal

Goaso

1992

Asunafo South Kukuom 1999 Asutifi Kenyasi 1992 Berekum Municipal Berekum 1990 Dormaa East Wamfie 2006 Dormaa Municipal Dormaa Ahenkro 1991 Jaman South Drobo 1995 Sunyani Municipal

Sunyani

1992

Tano North

Duayaw Nkwanta

1986 Tano South

Bechem

1986*

CENTRAL

Assin North Municipal

Assin Fosu

2007

Assin South

Nsuaem Kyekyewere

2008

Twifo/ Heman/ Lower Denkyira

Twifo Praso

2005

Upper Denkyira East Municipal

Dunkwa-on-Offin

2005

EASTERN

Atiwa

Kwabeng

2007

Birim North

Abirem

2007

Birim South

Akim Swedru

2010

East Akim Municipal

Kyebi

2001

West Akim

Asamankese

2001

Fanteakwa

Begoro

2008

Suhum/ Kraboa/ Coaltar

Suhum

2001

VOLTA

Hohoe Municipal

Hohoe

1990

Jasikan

Jasikan

1990

Kadjebi

Kajebi

1990

South Dayi

Kpeve

2000

95

Evaluation of fungicides for the control of black pod disease (M. K. Assuah, A.Y. Akrofi, I. Amoako-Attah, I.Y. Opoku, J. E. Sarfo and F. Baah)

As part of the search for better control of the black pod disease and reduce the high cost of fungicide application, the efficacies of some fungicides were assessed.

Field evaluation of candidate fungicides were conducted both at the small-scale, researcher managed and large scale, farmer managed levels during the year under review. At the small-scale level, eight fungicides, namely CA 2241, Revus, Dimethomorph + Chlorothalonil, Dimethomorph + Fluazinam, Carlit Express, Forum R, Volar and CA 2422 were tested at Tafo, a predominantly P. palmivora affected area and at Acherensua, a P. megakarya endemic area. Each fungicide was tested at two dosage levels and each level on a plot of 20 trees. The trial was replicated four times on a block design. At the large scale, seven fungicides, namely, Fantic, CFG 7535, KG 002506, Fungikill 50 WP, Fluazinam Sidalco Defender and Champ DP were evaluated at Biemso and Akomadan in Ashanti Region and Duayaw-Nkwanta and Goaso in Brong-Ahafo Region on farmers' farms on 200 tree plots. The fungicides under investigations are contained in Table 6.3. In all the trials, Ridomil Gold was used as the reference fungicide. In addition, untreated controls were included in the small scale trials. Cultural practices were common to all the treatment plots. Harvesting of pods was done monthly from August, 2010 to February, 2011 and at each harvest, pods were categorised into Healthy Ripe (HRP - pods completely free from black pod disease); Usable Black Pod (UBP - diseased pods but of commercial value) and Non-Usable Black Pod (NUBP - diseased pods and of no commercial value). From these data, Total Black Pod (TBP= UBP + NUBP), Fermentable Pods (FP= UBP + HRP) and percentage disease incidence [% DI= (TBP ÷ TP) x 100] were calculated. Where TP is the total number of pods given as (TP= HRP + TBP).


WESTERN

Aowin/ Suaman Enchi 2001 Bia Essam 2008 Bibiani/ Anhwiaso/ Bekwai Bibiani 1999 Jomoro Half Assin 2009 Juaboso Juaboso 2003 Wassa West

Tarkwa Nsuaem

2008

Mpohor/ Wassa East

Daboase

2008 Nzema East Municipal

Axim

2009

Sefwi-Wiawso

Wiawso

1999

Wasa Amenfi East

Wassa Akropong

2000

Wasa Amenfi West

Asankragua

2001

*Districts confirmed to be infected earlier than commencement of the routine survey

96

Data for the small scale trials at Tafo and Acherensua are presented in Tables 6.4 to 6.8. In the Tafo trial 1, the lowest number of pods was obtained on Forum R at 75g but it was not significantly different from the other treatments except CA 2241 at 50g which had the highest number of pods (Table 6.4). The disease incidence recorded in plots treated with Volar at 100g was significantly lower than the control, the lower rates of DMM+Chloro and CA 2241. Fermentable pods obtained on all the treatments were not different from each other including the control (Table 6.4). In trial 2, more pods were obtained on plots treated with Carlit at 100g. The number was significantly higher than pods obtained from plots treated with DMM+Fluazinam at 75g which had the least number of pods (Table 6.5). The disease incidence ranged from 27.6 % on CA 2422 at 75g to 51.5 % on untreated control plots. However, among the fungicide treatments, %DI was not significantly different from each other. The highest DI was obtained on the untreated control and it was different from only CA 2422 at 75g. The FP obtained on all the treatments was not significantly different from each other (Table 6.5).

In similar trials at Acherensua, more cocoa pods were obtained on Ridomil Gold (661) plots. This was however, not significantly different from the other treatments (Table 6.6). The lowest DI of 11.8 % was obtained on CA 2422 at 100g but was not significantly different from the other fungicide treatments except Revus at 75ml which recorded 21.7 %. Untreated control had the highest DI of 22.9 % and it was significantly different from both rates of CA 2422 (Table 6.7). The lowest FP of 363 and 370 were obtained on Revus at 75 ml and untreated control, respectively. Those obtained from the remaining treatments were not significantly different from each other (Table 6.6). In trial 2 at Acherensua, pods obtained from the various treatment plots were not significantly different from each other (Table 6.7). The DI ranged from 11.1 % on DMM+Fluazinam at 75g to 20.6% on the untreated control plots but they were not significantly different (Table 6.7). Similarly, FP obtained from the various treatments was also not significantly different.

In the large scale trial, significantly higher number of pods was obtained from plots treated with Sidalco Defender at 100ml than those obtained from Fluazinam at 75 ml and Fantic at 50g (Table 6.8). The lowest DI of 19.8 % was obtained from CFG at 75g and it was significantly lower from the highest incidence of 28.9 % obtained from Ridomil Gold (reference fungicide) plots (Table 6.8). The highest FP of 1,880 was obtained on Sidalco Defender at 100ml and it significantly higher from the lowest FP of 1,288 obtained on plots treated with Fantic at 50g (Table 6.8).

The efficacies of some of the fungicides under screening compared favourably with that of the reference fungicide, Ridomil Gold, in the control of the black pod disease. At the large scale, all the seven test fungicides were more efficacious in controlling the disease than Ridomil Gold. CFG (75g), Fluazinam (75ml) and Fungikill were particularly effective during the season.


97


Table 6.3: Test fungicides and their status

S/N

Trade name

Active ingredient

Status

1.

DMM+Chloro

80g/kg Dimethomorph

+ 400g/kg chlothalonil

Small scale

2.

Revus

250 SC

23.3% Mandipropamide

Small scale

3.

DMM + Fluazinam

Dimethomorph + Fluazinam

Small scale

4.

CA 2241

266.6g/l

Tribasic Copper sulphate + 40g/L Zoxamid

Small scale

5.

Carlit Express

31.1%fosetyl Aluminium + 31.1% Mancozeb + 2.2% Benalaxyl

Small scale

6.

Forum R 60g/kg Dimethomorph + 400g/kg Copper

Small scale

7.

Volar

6% Dimethomorph +

40% Copper oxychloride

Small scale

8.

CA 2422

7.5% Mefonoxam

+

35% Copper hydroixde

Small scale

9.

Fluazinam

500g/l Fluazinam

Large scale

10.

Champ DP

57.6% Copper hydroxide

Large scale

11.

Fantic 75g

60% Copper

+ 9% Benelaxyl-M

Large scale

12.

Sidalco Defender

58.8% Copper oxychoride

Large scale

13.

CFG 7535

35% Copper oxide +

7.5%

Mefonoxam

Large scale

14.

KG 0025206

-

Large scale

15

Fungikill 50g

15 % Metalaxyl + 35 % copper

Large scale

98


Table 6.4: Effect of fungicide application on black pod disease incidence and fermentable pods insmall scale trial 1 at Tafo

Fungicides

Total Pods

% Disease Incidence

Fermentable Pods

Volar (75g)

428

12.3

414

Volar (100g)

274

7.0

269

Forum R (75g)

178

12.8

170

Forum R (100g)

460

13.9

414

DMM+Chloro (50g)

256

21.3

224

DMM+Chloro (75 g)

424

9.3

411

CA 2241 (50g)

510

24.4

436

CA 2241 (75g)

394

11.9

375

Ridomil Gold (50g) 282 10.5 272

Control 484 22.7 431 LSD (p<0.05)

312.5

13.1

ns

Table 6.5: Effect of fungicide application on black pod disease incidence and fermentable pods insmall scale trial 2 at Tafo

Fungicides

Total Pods

% Disease Incidence

Fermentable

Pods

Carlit (75g)

393

41.9

268

Carlit (100g)

567

46.6

360

CA 2422 (75g) 388 27.6 303

CA 2422 (100g) 450 35.9 329

Revus (50ml) 426 35.7 317 Revus (75ml)

445

37.0

305

DMM+Fluazinam (75g)

362

44.5

234

DMM+Fluazinam (50g)

437

42.9

295

Ridomil Gold (50g)

393

32.1

293

Control

390

51.5

225

LSD (p<0.05)

193.2

22.8

ns

ns – not significant


99


Table 6.6: Effect of fungicide application on black pod disease incidence and fermentable pods insmall scale trial 1 at Acherensua

Fungicides

Total Pods

% Disease Incidence

Fermentable Pods

Revus (50ml)

481

18.2

426

Revus (75ml)

415

21.7

363

Forum R

(75g)

576

16.5

528

Forum R (100g)

497

19.2

448

DMM+Chloro (50g )

573

18.5

543

DMM+Chloro (75g)

527

16.9

494

CA 2422 (75g)

595

12.2

552

CA 2422 (100g)

629

11.8

556

Ridomil Gold (50 g) 661 13.5 614

Control 420 22.9 370 LSD (p<0.05) ns 9.23 238


Table 6.7: Effect of fungicide application on black pod disease incidence and fermentable pods insmall scale trial 2 at Acherensua

Fungicides

Total Pods

% Disease Incidence

Fermentable Pods

Carlit (75g)

755

11.4

709

Carlit (100g)

684

15.0

646

CA 2241 (50g)

779

18.4

705

CA 2241 (75g)

594

14.9

544

Volar (75g)

526

19.1

470

Volar (100g)

595

15.1

543

DMM+Fluazinam (50g) 630 12.1 592

DMM+Fluazinam (75g) 630 11.1 593 Ridomil Gold (50g)

655

13.3

612

Control

647

20.6

574

LSD (p<0.05)

ns

ns

ns


100


Table 6.8: Effect of fungicide application on black pod disease incidence and fermentable pods atthe large scale

Fungicides

Total Pods

% Disease Incidence

Fermentable Pods

CFG (50g)

1,810

21.6

1,696

CFG (75g)

1,888

19.8

1,772

Fantic (50g)

1,400

23.3

1,288

Fantic (75g)

1,608

24.1

1,451

KG (50g)

1,938

24.1

1,815

KG (75g)

1,634

26.6

1,458

Fluazinam(50ml)

1,635

22.5

1,540

Fluazinam (75ml)

1,426

20.0

1,341

Sidalco Defender (75ml ) 1,829 23.5 1,674 Sidalco Defender (100ml) 2,014 21.5 1,880 Fungikill (50g)

1,721

20.2

1,636

Fungikill (75g)

1,963

20.4

1,813

Champ DP (75g)

1,882

24.9

1,670

Champ DP (100g)

1,800

24.2

1,639

Ridomil Gold (50)

1,744

28.9

1,572

LSD (p<0.05)

568.4

6.8

548.7

The development of resistant varieties for the control of Phytophthora megakarya (M. K. Assuah, A. Y. Akrofi. I. Y. Opoku, I. Amoako-Attah, Y. Adu-Ampomah & Ofori – Frimpong).

The collaborating institutions are International Institute for Biological Control (IIBC), UK and CABI-Bioscience, UK.

The objectives were to select and breed cocoa varieties with sufficient resistance or tolerance to black pod disease caused by Phytophthora megakarya and to obtain biological control agent(s) for the effective control of black pod disease caused by Phytophthora megakarya.

101


Forty two (42) clonal collections with sufficient flowers were further evaluated for resistance to black pod disease by attached pod inoculation. To provide adequate number of uniform pods of similar age for screening, pollens of A1/154 and A1/197 which are known to be tolerant to P. megakarya black pod infection (Opoku et al., 2003) were collected from the trees in COCOBOD station plots. These were used to randomly hand pollinate flowers of the test trees. Three trees per clone were randomly selected and 10 attached pods were inoculated 4 months after pollination by spraying each pod with approximately 1 ml of P. megakarya

5zoospore suspension containing 2 x 10 spore/ml. The pods were enclosed in a polythene sheet with about 30mls of water to create a humid condition for infection. Disease assessment was done 7 days after inoculation by counting the number of infected pods per tree and number of lesions on each pod. The lesions were categorized as localized or expanding and rated on a scale of 1-8 as described by Iwaro (1996).

The levels of infection recorded following the attached pod inoculation are shown in Table 6.9. The lesion score ranged from 1.0 to 4.4 with overall mean lesion score of 1.4. As many as eighteen clones had mean lesion scores of 1.0, an indication of relatively higher resistance of these clones to the black pod disease. The most susceptible clone had a mean lesion score of 4.4. The lesions on the pods of this clone were localized.

Following the attached pod inoculation, wide variations in the level of resistance of the test clones to P. megakarya have been observed. The lesion score has been inconsistent for some of the clones over the years. These suggest that other factors, including the weather in any particular year, may be important in disease expression and hence the varied resistant levels of the clones. Additional attached pod inoculations as well as molecular analysis of the resistant levels of the clones are recommended to confirm the results.

References:Opoku, I.Y., Akrofi, A. Y., Abdul-Karimu, A. and Adu-Ampomah, Y. (2003). Selection of cocoa genotypes as parents for resistance to Phytophthora megakarya and Phytophthora

th th thpalmivora. In: 14 International Cocoa Research Conference, Accra, Ghana. 13 – 18 Oct, 2003. pp 817-825.

Iwaro, A. D. (1996). Strategies of variety improvement in cocoa with emphasis on durable disease resistance. An external review prepared for INGENIC. In: Proceedings of international workshop on the contribution of disease resistance to cocoa variety improvement. Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Nov, 1996. pp 23-32.

102


Table 6.9: Responses of mature attached pods of apparently black pod resistant trees identified onfarmers' fields to P. megakarya infection at Bechem in 2010/2011

No

Clone code

Lesion score*

No

Clone code

Lesion score*

1

T 4

1.0

22

T 48

1.2

2

T 6

1.0

23

T 55

1.2

3

T 12

1.0

24

T 35

1.2

4

T 14

1.0

25

T 29

1.6

5

T 14A

1.0

26

T 3

1.8

6

T 15

1.0

27

T 45

1.8

7

T

17

1.0

28

T 28

2.0

8

T 18

1.0

29

T 30

2.0

9

T 19

1.0

30

T 59

2.1

10

T 26

1.0

31

T 41

2.2

11

T 33

1.0

32

T 24

2.4

12

T 36

1.0

33

T 34

2.4

13

T 40

1.0

34

T 2

2.6

14

T 44

1.0

35

T 27

2.8

15

T 49

1.0

36

T 43

2.8

16

T 50

1.0

37

T 23

3.4

17

T 51

1.0

38

T 47

3.4

18

T 52

1.0

39

T 21

4.0

19

T 62

1.1

40

T 69

4.0

20

T 72

1.1

41

T 14B

4.0

21

T 42

1.2

42

T 1

4.4

Mean score

1.4 Each value is a mean of 5 pods

*Score rating: 1 = no lesion formed 5 = 1 - 5 expanding lesions

2 = 1 - 5 localised lesions 6 = 6 - 15 expanding lesions

3 = 6 - 15 localised lesions 7 = > 15 expanding lesions

4 = > 15 localised lesions 8 = fast expanding coalesced lesions

Incidence of Phytophthora palmivora and Phytophthora megakarya canker and search

for effective control methods. (I.Y. Opoku, A. Y. Akrofi, M. K. Assuah, Y. Adu-Ampomah, K. Ofori-Frimpong & F. Baah)

The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence and distribution of Phytophthora palmivora and Phytophthora megakarya canker, search for effective control method(s) and screen cocoa varieties resistant to Phytophthora canker.

103

Fifteen progenies/clones were tested following the method previously reported (Rep. Cocoa

Res. Inst., Ghana, 2009/10). The barks of six-month old seedlings were each opened with a 2knife at about 10 cm from the soil surface. Agar plugs of 1 mm diameter were taken from the

margins of actively growing colonies of 5-day 10-day Is 10 day-old culture not too old for such inoculation. I will go for 5-day old culture which will be actively growingold P.

megakarya cultures and placed separately on the wounds with the mycelium portion on the wood of the seedling. Plastic film was wrapped over the inoculated point and tightly secured with adhesive tape. The seedlings were arranged in a CRD with three replicates (five seedlings per replicate). Three months later, the tape was removed and the margins of the observed lesions traced onto translucent sheets. The outer bark of all the seedlings were then carefully peeled off and the canker lesions developed on the wood were also traced out on separate translucent sheets. A leaf area meter, (winDIAS, Delta-T Devices Ltd., Cambridge, England), was used to measure the area of the lesions marked out on the translucent papers for the seedlings. The area of the lesions on the seedlings before and after scrapping of the bark were analysed separately with ANOVA and differences were separated by LSD.

The areas of Phytophthora canker lesions formed 3 months after inoculation are presented in 2Table 6.10. The largest canker area of 50 mm was observed on the bark of progeny Pa107

and it was significantly (p < 0.05) larger than the Na79 selfed, Pound7 x P30 and A1/154 x 2T85/187 which had the least values of 0, 7.5 and 17.4 mm respectively. With the exception of

three progenies (Pa107, N8/122 x T60/887 and T16/613 x P30), the canker lesions appeared smaller on the wood (after scrapping of the bark) than on the bark (Table 6.10). In an extreme

2instance, Pound7 x P30 showed lesion growth of 7.5 mm but when the bark was removed, the tissue underneath was free of lesion (Table 6.10). Is observation of the bark enough evidence of canker lesion development? From the table, external observation may be deceptive. It would have been ideal if weplated end of lesion on Phytophthhora selective medium to ascertain that the lesion was due to Phytophthora.

Na79 selfed and Pound7xP30 were apparently the most resistant among the progenies tested with Pa107 as the least resistant to P. megakarya infection.


104

Studies on the incidence of Thread Blight Diseases (TBD) of cocoa and development of

control measures. (I. Amoako-Attah, M. K. Assuah, A. Y. Akrofi, I Y. Opoku, F. Aneani & K. Acheampong)

The objectives of the study were to determine the importance of Thread Blight Diseases (TBD) on cocoa and to develop effective measures to control them.


Table 6.10: Phytophthora canker lesions on cocoa seedlings inoculated with agar plug of mycelia3 MAI

Cocoa progeny/clone

Before bark scraping (mm2)

After bark scraping (mm2)

Pa7

x

P30

29.8

10.0

N8/122

x

T60/887

26.6

33.3

T79/501

28.7

16.4

T85/799

x

AlphaB36

32.3

20.8

A1/154

x

T85/187

17.4

14.5

Pa107

50.0

66.6

EET59H 20.3 11.5

T85/799 35.7 30.6

Na33

x

Na79

32.3

17.3

AlphaB36

x

Sca9

32.2

21.0

T85/799

x

Amel

25.1

9.0

T16/613

x

P30

18.2

27.4

Na79

selfed

0.0

0.0

T85/799

x

T79/501

33.0

18.7

Pound7

x

P30

7.5

0.0

Lsd (5%)

31.8

32.2

1Each value is a mean of 15 seedlings.

105

Field observations indicate that the White Thread Blight Disease caused by Marasmius

scandens Mass is the most prevalent on cocoa farms in Ghana. White thread infected trees on Plot M 7 were selected for the study. The disease on each tree was assessed and categorised as mild (less than 25% of the canopy infected), moderately severe (more than 25% but less than 50% of the canopy infected), severe (more than 50% but less than 75% of the canopy infected) and very severe (more than 75% of the canopy infected). Twenty trees per category were randomly selected and twenty healthy trees were also included as control. At each harvest, pods located in either thread blight infected or uninfected parts of the canopy were grouped into diseased and healthy pods. Effects of thread blight severity and the relative pod positions in thread blight infected canopy on black pod disease incidence were assessed.

In the main crop season, black pod disease incidence (DI) was significantly higher on white thread blight (WTB) infected cocoa trees than the healthy ones. DI on the healthy trees was 38.7% of the blighted trees. Also on the blighted trees, DI in WTB infected part of the canopy was higher (p= 0.001) than those in the healthy part. That is, 49.1% more healthy pods were obtained from the healthy part of the canopy compared to the WTB canopy (Table 6.11). Though DI correlated well with the degree of WTB severity, significant differences were not detected in the DI on trees with more than 50% of the canopy blighted. Also, there were no significant interaction between WTB severity levels and the pod positions in blighted cocoa canopy.

The pattern of DI in light crop season was identical to that discussed for the main crop (Table 6.12). This, possibly, suggests that the presence of WTB which causes infected dead leaves hanging in the canopy creates humid conditions that favour fungal infection of the pods.

Earlier reports on the trial showed no clear relationship between WTB and DI. However, results of this season describe a relationship between WTB and DI. The study therefore needs to be repeated.


106


Table: 6.11. Negative binomial regression estimates of black pod disease incidence due to whitethread blight (WTB), severity levels and the relative position of cocoa pods in a blighted canopy- 2010 Main Crop Season

Variables

Categories

Estimates (%)

p-value

Tree’s WTB status

WTB present *

–

Healthy

38.7

0.001

Pod position

Blighted part *

–

Healthy part 50.8 0.001

WTB Severity Very severe * –

Severe 87.8 0.579

Moderately severe

71.0

0.156

Mildly severe

47.2

0.002

Constant

70.5

* These were the reference levels for the categories.

Table: 6.12. Negative binomial regression estimates of black pod disease incidence due to whitethread blight (WTB), severity levels and the relative position of cocoa pods in a blighted canopy- 2010 Light Crop Season

Variables

Categories

Estimates (%)

p-value

Tree’s WTB status

WTB present *

–

Healthy

36.2

0.001

Pod position

Blighted part *

–

Healthy part

55.9

0.001

WTB Severity Very severe * –

Severe 85.9 0.513

Moderately severe

69.4

0.111

Mildly severe

53.0

0.006

Constant

95.1

* These were the reference levels for the categories.

107


The use of plant products as bio-fungicides for the control of important fungi on cocoa. (M. K. Assuah, S. T. Lowor, A. Y. Akrofi, I. Y. Opoku & I. Amoako-Attah)

To address environmental and health concerns about the use of synthetic chemicals in agriculture, this work was started to assess the effectiveness of botanicals in the control of fungi associated with cocoa.

In the year under review, the field performance of decoctions of whole plant of Momordica

charantia and Tridax procumbens and roots of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, some of the most bio-active plants obtained so far and their combinations (1:1;v/v), were assessed for the

control of the black pod disease. The extracts were applied to the pods on 20 trees in a plot once a month from June to October and treatments were replicated three times in a randomised block design.What design is this? Ridomil Gold (a recommended fungicide) and untreated control were included as references. Pods were harvested monthly from October to February 2011 and were assessed for black pod disease incidence.

The effect of the plant products on black pod disease incidence is presented in fig. 6.1. Aqueous extract of Momordica charantia (MOM), and combinations of Tridax + Crypt and MOM + Tridax performed better than the untreated control. The performances however, were not as good as the reference fungicide, Ridomil Gold. The percent disease incidence was significantly lower on the reference fungicide plots than all the other treatments. Whole plant extract of Momordica charantia and combinations of decoctions of Momordica charantia + Tridax procumbens and T. procumbens + Cryptolepis sanguinolenta have proved promising. They will therefore be developed further, through formulation and testing, for possible use in the control of the black pod disease in organic cocoa cultivation.

Fig. 6.1: Effect of plant extracts on black pod disease incidence. Bars represent the standard errors

KEY: Crypt – Cryptolepis sanguinolenta Tridax – Tridax procumbens MOM -Momordica charantia

108

Studies on the effect of some plant oils and acetone extracts on growth and sporulation

of cocoa Phytophthoras in Ghana (S. T. Lowor, M. K. Assuah, P. C. Aculey & F. Owusu-Ansah)

The objective of this project was to determine the effect of some plant oils and acetone extracts on the growth and sporulation of cocoa Phytophthoras.

Field bioassays were conducted using two promising oils and their combination for the control of the black pod disease. The oils were applied to pods on 20 trees in a plot once a month from June to October and treatments were replicated three times in a block design. Ridomil Gold (a recommended fungicide) and untreated control were included as references. Pods were harvested monthly from October 2010 to February 2011 for black pod counts.

The effect of the oils on black pod disease incidence is presented in fig. 6.2. Oil from Xylopia

aethiopica (XA) and Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) performed better than the untreated control but their performance was not as good as the reference fungicide (Ridomil Gold treatment). The performance of the product when the two oils were combined was not different from that of the control.

In conclusion, the oil of Xylopia aetiopica and Cashew nut shell liquid have proved promising and will therefore be further developed through formulation and testing for possible use in the control of the black pod disease in organic cocoa cultivation.

Figure 6.2: Effect of plant oils on black pod disease incidence. Bars represent the standard errors

KEY: CNSL – Cashew nut shell liquidXA - Xylopia aethiopicaXAM – X. aethiopica +Monodora mystica


109

Studies to determine the presence of metalaxyl resistant strains in Phytophthora megakarya. (I. Amoako-Attah, A. Y. Akrofi, M. K. Assuah, I. Y. Opoku & F. Owusu-Ansah)

The objective of this project was to determine the probable occurrence of strains of P.

megakarya resistant to metalaxyl in the field. Different weights of metalaxyl (Ridomil Gold) were separately incorporated into Carrot Agar (CA) medium to obtain final concentrations (g/15L of water) of 15 (three tenth of recommended), 25 (half of recommended), 50 (recommended) and 75 (one and half of the recommended) application rate. Approximately 20 ml of each concentration was poured into five replicate 90-mm diameter Petri dishes. Five CA plates containing no metalaxyl were included as control. All the plates were centrally inoculated with 10-mm diameter mycelia plugs from a 5-day old P. megakarya culture and

oincubated at 25 C. P. megakarya isolates obtained from sprayed farms were designated as metalaxyl resistant (MR) and those from non sprayed farms as metalaxyl sensitive (MS). Colony diameters of the incubated plates were measured 14 days after inoculation and only plates that had growths are presented here.

At the two weeks assessment period, colony diameters ranging from 18 to 34.5 mm were obtained on three of the isolates assigned letters A, B and C (Table 6.13). Isolate obtained from sprayed farm grew at slightly higher metalaxyl concentration than the others. However, none of the isolates grew at the recommended metalaxyl rate or above. The results, thus, did not show the presence of metalaxyl resistant strain among the P. megakarya isolates.

Table 6.13: Diametric colonies (mm) formed by metalaxyl sensitive (MS) and metalaxyl resistant(MR) P. megakarya isolates in vitro

Concentration (g/15L)

Isolates1

Remarks

A

(MS)

B (MR)

C (MS)

0

90

90

90 Sensitive

15 34.5 0 18.0 Lowly resistant

25 0 21.5 0 Mod resistant

50

0

0

0

Resistant

75

0

0

0

Highly resistant

1Isolates A and B were from the Brong-Ahafo region and C from the Eastern region.


110

NEW PRODUCTS DEVELOPMENT THRUST

Work of the New Product Development Unit (NPDU) centered on the implementation of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) and the Ghana Cocoa Board financed programme entitled 'Pilot Plants to Process Cocoa by-products in Ghana'. Work continued on the production of cocoa based by-products. A gross revenue of GH¢172,383.94 was realized from the sale of these products. Dry cocoa beans production at the three CRIG plantations totaled 120.09 tonnes. Mabang/Acherensua and Worakese recorded an increase of 32.88% and 3.97% respectively over the previous year while Wantram recorded a decrease of 19.4%. Studies carried out on the beneficial usage of reject cashew kernels revealed that they could

-1form up to 300 g Kg of growing pig feeds without any deleterious effects and at this level maize is not required in the diet at all. A similar work is being carried out to investigate the use of shea kernel cake as a feed ingredient for poultry and livestock. The yeast, Kodamaea

ohmeri, gave gin and brandy of desirable characteristics as far as taste and smell are concerned in an on-going study aimed at developing standard operating procedures for large-scale production of alcohol and vinegar with micro-organisms derived from cocoa fermentation. Pleurotus ostreatus grown on cashew pulp had the least growth and significantly lower levels of total polyphenols than those grown on shea pulp, cocoa, kola and coffee husk. However, in terms of o-dihydric phenols and soluble sugars, cashew pulp had significantly higher amounts compared to the other six. Levels of Cadmium, Cobalt and Chromium were very low and within recommended levels for food. Iron and copper were however very high in P. ostreatus grown on kola and cocoa pod husk substrates. Ginger extract and Xylopia aethiopica at 200 ppm used in shelf life studies were found to slow down free fatty acid formation in shea butter stored for 20 months. Efforts by the Unit to add value to shea butter is very encouraging. Different cosmetic and edible products have successfully been developed and are now under observation.

Large-scale production and marketing of cocoa and cashew by-products (C. K. Agyente-Badu, J. F. Takrama, E. O. K. Oddoye, Esther Gyedu-Akoto, Winifred Kumi and F. Aneani)

Various quantities of products were produced for sale during the year. Procurement of raw materials, packaging materials and labels continued. Nine hundred and twenty litres (920 L) of sweatings was received from Worakese and is now undergoing fermentation for wine production at Tafo. The Unit reintroduced cashew apple juice production as well as added a new product, cashew nut butter, to the production line. The summary of production and the revenue derived from the sales of the products are


111

presented in the Table 7.1. A gross revenue of GH¢172,383.94 was generated from the sales of various quantities of 16 by-products during the reporting period. Cocoa butter soap and alata samina recorded the highest sales of GH¢59,941.08 and GH¢26,990.10 respectively due to an increase in demand for the products (Table 7.1).


Table 7.1 Summary of products produced during the year under review

Product

Unit

Quantity

Amount (GH¢)

Cocoa Gin

carton

39.66

2,343.00

Cocoa Brandy

"

39.58

2,338.00

Alata Samina

"

1539

26,990.10

Cocoa Butter Soap

"

2899

59,941.08

2nd Image Toilet Soap

cake

1000

900.00

Cocoa Butter Pomade L/S

carton

762

21,957.00

Cocoa Butter Pomade S/S

"

243

6,694.56

Cocoa Jam " 75.5 4,530.00 Cocoa Vinegar " 9 102.70 Cocoa Wine " 46 4,548.00 Cocoa Biscuits

"

421

6,765.60

Roasted Cashew Nuts

"

637.5

20,449.20 Cashew Jam

"

33.5

2,012.50

Cashew Nut Butter

"

140

6,544.00

Cashew Apple Juice

"

65

771.00

Raw Cashew Kernels

Kg

870

5,497.20

Total

172,383.94

Pigs and Chicken Production at Bunso

Twelve pigs were raised at Worakese cocoa plantation and sold during the reporting period. Two hundred and ten (210) layers and four hundred and two (402) broilers were raised at Bunso using feeds which included CPH as an ingredient and these were sold to staff. One thousand three hundred and ninety-seven crates of whole eggs and 59 crates of cracked eggs were collected and sold to staff.

Cocoa Plantations (S. Okrah-Gyekye, O. Ntiamoah and S. F. Akomea)The three CRIG Plantations focused on the production of cocoa beans, alcohol and potash during the period under review. Table 7.2 shows the summary of by-products generated at the various plantations. Figure 7.1 also shows the annual cocoa beans production records for the plantations. Annual production figures were 50.03, 25.93 and 44.13 tonnes for Worakese, Wantram and Mabang/Acherensua respectively.

112

Investigating the use of reject cashew kernels in pig feeding (E. O. K. Oddoye, K. Agyente-Badu and V. Anchirina)

This project which commenced in January 2010 and ended in June 2010 sought to address the problem of build-up of broken, scorched and oily cashew kernels (reject) at cashew processing plants in the country by identifying possible ways of using these kernels as feed ingredient for pigs. The feeding trials were carried out at Worakese plantation.

The chemical composition of reject cashew kernels, ingredient composition of experimental diets and the chemical composition of experimental diets are shown in tables 7.3, 7.4 and 7.5, respectively. Chemical composition of reject cashew kernels compared favourably with what was obtained in the literature. The inclusion of reject cashew kernel tended to lower feed costs (see table 7.4). The inclusion of palm oil in 0 RCK to raise energy levels resulted in


Table 7.2 Summary of potash and alcohol production of at CRIG Plantations

Plantation

Potash (kg)

Cocoa alcohol (L) (%v/v)

Acherensua/Mabang 1909 575.5 (40%) Wantram 750 400 (40%) Worakese 2538 484 (90%) Tafo

471

23.3 (40%)

Figure 7.1 Annual production of cocoa at CRIG Plantations (1992/1993 - 2010/2011)

113


high ether extract for that diet as compared with 150 RCK. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between treatments for average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio (Table 7.6). Cost of gain, however, tended to decrease with the inclusion of reject cashew kernel (RCK) in the diet, with treatment 0 RCK being significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the other two diets and treatment 150 RCK being significantly (P < 0.05) higher than treatment 300 RCK.

Table 7.3 Chemical composition of reject cashew kernels (RCK)Chemical Composition

Dry matter (DM) (g Kg-1)

(g Kg-1DM)

870

Organic matter

(g Kg-1

DM)

980

Crude protein

(g Kg-1

DM)

229

Ether extract

(g Kg-1

DM)

580

Crude fibre (g Kg-1 DM) 27.5 Nitrogen-free extract (g Kg-1

DM) 13.5 Calcium

(g Kg-1

DM)

0.21

Phosphorus

(g Kg-1

DM)

7.3

Estimated ME (MJ kg-1)

5639

Table 7.4 Composition of experimental feeds

Experimental feed

Ingredients (g Kg-1)

0 RCK

150 RCK

300 RCK

Reject cashew kernel

0

150

300

Maize

310

250

0

Wheatbran

300

241

245.2

Copra cake

150

100

100

Cocoa pod husk

40

150

300

Soyabean cake

80

50

0

Palm oil

50

0

0

Tuna meal

50

40

40

Oyster shell

13

13

10

Common salt 2.5 2.5 2.5 Vitamin/mineral mix 1.25 1.25 1.25 Synthetic lysine

2.25

1.25

0

Michochem

1

1

1

TOTAL

1000

1000

1000

Calculated Analysis

Digestible Energy (MJ Kg-1)

12.3

12.5

12.9

Crude protein (g Kg-1)

173.9

170.2

171.8

Lysine (g Kg-1)

10.0

10.2

10.6

Methione + cystine (g Kg-1)

5.3

5.2

5.1

Calcium (g Kg-1)

8.0

8.3

8.5

Available phosphorus (g Kg-1)

6.6

6.6

7.4

Cost (GH¢ metric tonne-1)

430.00

360.00

280.00

114

NB1. 1GH¢ = 0.69USD as at December 20, 2010.2. Michochem is a commercial mould fixing agent which is added to feeds at a rate of 1 Kg per 1000 Kg of feed. It binds mycotoxins in vivo preventing them from causing harm to the animals.

Key0 RCK - Control

-1150 RCK - 150 g Kg reject cashew kernel in feed-1300 RCK - 300 g Kg reject cashew kernel in feed

Table 7.5 Proximate analysis of experimental feeds

Parameters

0RCK

150RCK

300RCK

Dry matter

(g Kg-1)

(g Kg-1DM)

880

880

875

Organic matter

(g Kg-1DM)

920

935

940

Crude protein

(g Kg-1DM)

185

189

177

Ether extract

(g Kg-1DM)

265

85

200

Crude fibre (g Kg-1DM) 63.2 119.6 163.3 NDF (g Kg-1DM) 525 600 610 ADF (g Kg-1DM)

440

550

365

ADL

(g Kg-1DM)

180

225

250

Calcium

(g Kg-1DM)

8.6

8.5

8.1

Phosphorus

(g Kg-1DM)

7

6.2

6

Table 7.6. Feed intake and average daily weight gain

0RCK

150RCK 300RCK

Mean

SED

SIG

Average daily gain (Kg day-1) 0.39 0.39 0.38 0.39 0.012 NS Average daily feed intake (Kg day-1) 2.31 2.22 2.15 2.23 0.066 NS Feed conversion ratio 5.92 5.77 5.68 5.79 0.276 NS Cost of gain (GH¢)

2.54a

2.08b

1.59c

2.07

0.098

*

Key0 RCK - Control

-1150 RCK - 150 g Kg reject cashew kernel in feed-1300 RCK - 300 g Kg reject cashew kernel in feed

Conclusion-1It was concluded that reject cashew kernels could form up to 300 g Kg of growing pig feeds

without any deleterious effects and at this level maize is not required in the diet at all.


115

Investigating the use of shea kernel cake in animal feeding (E. O. K. Oddoye, K. Agyente-Badu and V. Anchirina)

The objective of this project is to assess the use of shea kernel cake as a feed ingredient for poultry and livestock. Samples were collected from seven different locations and in collaboration with Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), some of the samples have been analysed for their chemical constituents. Work was also carried out on various methods for removing tannins from the cakes. Analysis of the residues for tannin and its comparison with the untreated control is in progress.

Although not statistically tested, there was quite a large variation between samples of shea nut cake, even among three (3) samples taken from three (3) different processors in the Bole township (Table 7.7). Even though the processors use basically the same methods of extraction (addition of water to allow shea fat to float to the surface) the methods have not been standardized and could lead to such variation. Generally, it appears that the water-based extraction produces a material with a lower level of tannin, as tannins are known to be water-soluble. The material from the Ghana Nuts Factory (Techiman) had the lowest tannin level of the industrial samples (Table 7.7). This is probably because they use a solvent-extraction method, followed by pressing. Again appreciable amounts of tannin may be taken away by the solvent

Table 7.7 Nutritional content of shea cake from different sources

Bole A

Bole B

Bole C

Shebu Industries, Tamale

Tamale

NPDU

Ghana Nut

Ltd, Techiman

Dry matter

900

885

940

905

Organic matter

945 955 960 980

Ether extract 425 390 545 330 Crude fibre 53.8 59.3 45.5 93.8 Crude protein

116

133

117

159 NDF

250

290

320

570 ADF

180

220

250

450

ADL

172.8

211.7

240

445.9

Tannin

0.319

0.244

0.206

0.447

0.940

0.386

0.356

KeyNDF – Neutral detergent fibreADF – Acid detergent fibreADL – Acid detergent lignin


116

Developing standard operating procedures for large-scale production of alcohol and

vinegar with micro-organisms derived from cocoa fermentation (J. F. Takrama, Winifred Kumi, and V. Anchirina)

The objectives and the details of the fermentation process have been reported (Rep. Cocoa

Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/2009). The alcohols produced by the different yeast strains were blended into gin and brandy. A consumer type of sensory evaluation was conducted for the blended gin and brandy to show how the various products are likely to be accepted on the market. Twenty untrained personnel from CRIG were used in the evaluation. Cocoa gin and brandy produced by the New Product Development Unit were used as controls (Tables 7.8 and 7.9).

Table 7.8 Sensory evaluation of formulated using cocoa gin obtained from alcohol distilled fromfermented cocoa pulp juice using different yeasts strains

Sample

Taste

Smell

Bitterness

Biting Effect

Bitter

Not Bitter

Water-

like

Biting

Not Biting

Good

Bad

Does Not Smell

Control

4

16

0

0

20

8

0

12

S fermentation

0

16

4

0

20

0

8

12

P. manshuric a

20

0

0

0

20

0

12

8

S. ludwigii

8

12

0

4

16

0

4

16

I. orientalis 12 8 0 0 20 0 12 8 P. kluyveri 0 8 12 8 12 0 4 16 P. carribica 0 20 0 0 20 0 4 16 K. ohmeri 4 16 0 4 16 4 4 12 C. orthopsilosis

4

16

0

0

20

0

8

12 S. cerevisiae/I.

orientalis

0

16

4

4

16

0

8

12

*Control = alcohol from triple distillation S Fermentation = spontaneous fermentation


117

Table 7.9 Sensory evaluation of formulated cocoa brandy using alcohols distilled from fermentedcocoa pulp juice using different yeast strains

Sample

Taste

Smell

Bitterness

Biting Effect

Bitter

Not

Bitter Water-

like Biting

Not

Biting Good

Bad

Does Not

Smell

Control

15

5

0

0

20

5

5

10

S fermentation

5

15

0

5

15

0

15

5

P. manshurica 10 10 0 5 15 0 15 5 S. ludwigii 10 5 5 0 20 0 10 10 I. orientalis 20 0 0 0 20 0 15 5 P. kluyveri 0 15 5 10 10 0 10 10 P. carribica

5

10

5

0

20

0

10 10

K. ohmeri

0

20

0

10

10

5

10

5 C. orthopsilosis

5

10

5

5

15

0

15

5

S. cerevisiae/I. orientalis

5

10

5

10

10

0

5

15

Conclusion

After the sensory evaluation, it was deduced that K. ohmeri gave gin and brandy of desirable characteristics as far as taste and smell is concerned.

Evaluation of cashew and shea pulp, kola and coffee husk as substrates for cultivation

of edible mushroom (S. T Lowor, F. Owusu Ansah, M. Assuah, Winfred Kumi)

The objective of this study is to add value to cashew and shea pulp, coffee and kola husk which ordinarily go waste. Kola, Cocoa and coffee husk, cashew pulp and cashew shells were dried and fermented. Spawn for mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) was obtained from Food Research Institute and inoculated. It was realized that P. ostreatus colonized the substrate much easily when grown on saw dust and least growth was observed on cashew pulp (Figure 7.2).

Figure 7.2. Graph showing growth rate of P. ostreatus on various substrates


118

Table 7.12 indicates some of the elemental composition of the mushrooms grown on various substrates. Levels of heavy metal compounds like Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co) and Chromium (Cr) were very low and within recommended levels for food. Iron and copper were however very high in mushrooms grown on Kola and Cocoa pod husk substrates

Table 7.12: Mineral composition of mushroom harvested from various substrates

Substrate

Concentration (Total) mg/Kg

Fe

Mn

Cu

Zn

Cr Ni

Cd

Co

Cocoa pod husk

51.77

4.55

25.57

15.94 <0.006

1.71

<0.002

<0.005

Cashew shell 25.73 1.30 16.18 8.84 <0.006 0.08 <0.002 0.005 Cashew pulp 25.73 1.30 16.18 8.84 <0.006 0.54 <0.002 <0.005 Saw dust 30.41 0.97 15.82 12.99 <0.006 0.29 <0.002 <0.005 Kola husk

52.55

3.44

23.79

7.16 <0.006

1.88

<0.002

<0.005

Coffee husk

49.18

3.85

14.34

15.10 <0.006

<0.001

<0.002

<0.005

Mushroom grown on cashew pulp had significantly lower levels of total polyphenols

than the other five substrates (Table 7.13). In terms of o-dihydric phenols cashew pulp had significantly higher amounts compared to the other five. The influence of substrate on the sugar composition of mushroom is also reflected in Table 7.13 where the cashew pulp mushroom had significantly higher levels of soluble sugars than the others. Generally all the substrate grown mushroom had low levels of insoluble sugars and fat content. Percentage ash content was however high.

Table 7.13 Chemical composition of mushroom grown on various substrates

Phenolics (mg/g)

Carbohydrates (mg/g)

Percentage (%)

Substrate

O-dihydric

Total

soluble

Insoluble Ash

Fat

Cocoa pod husk 0.22 ± 0.03 5.09 ± 0.38 80.73 ± 1.4 29.55 ± 0.3 7.2 ± 0.4 2.83 ± 0. 16 Cashew shell 0.25 ± 0.04 6.11 ± 0.37 88.14 ± 2.0 34.16 ± 1.6 8.1 ± 0.2 1.51 ± 0.03 Cashew pulp 0.37 ± 0.01 4.46 ± 0.17 158.67 ± 0.5 47.82 ± 2.3 6.2 ± 0.6 1.32 ± 0.02 Coffee husk 0.22 ± 0.05 5.58 ± 0.18 111.89 ± 3.0 43.67 ± 2.7 7.7 ± 0.3 0.99 ± 0.01 Sawn dust

0.20

± 0.04

5.92

± 0.06

134.89 ± 8.1

27.78 ± 1.6

7.6 ± 0.2

1.57 ± 0.05

Kola husk

0.22

± 0.04

5.57

± 0.22

154.25 ± 3.4

32.03 ± 0.4

9.0 ± 0.5

0.95 ± 0.08

Biological efficiency

The biological efficiency based on the dry weight of each substrate is presented in Table 7.14 Maximum bioefficiency of Pleurotus ostreatus was on sawdust and the least on coffee husk.


119


Table 14 Biological efficiency, weight and average yield of mushrooms from the substrates

Substrate

Weight of substrate (g)

Average yield in three flushes (g)

Biological efficiency (%)

Cocoa pod husk

1000

610.0

61.0

Cashew shell 1000 440.4 44.0 Cashew pulp 1000 415.9 41.6 Coffee husk 1000 200.6 20.6 Sawn dust

1000

640.0

64.0 Kola husk

1000

615.0

61.5

Indications are that, four of these substrates could be used for mushroom cultivation.

Improving shelf life of shea butter (S. T. Lowor, M. K. Assuah, V. Anchirinah, F. Owusu-Ansah and J. Yeboah)

The objective of this study and the experimental design have been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res.

Inst., Ghana, 2008/2009). In the year under review, shea butter that have been treated with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), Ginger extract (G), Xylopia aethiopica (Xa) at 200 ppm and stored were sampled monthly for analysis. Duration of storage and treatment were found to significantly affect the peroxide value of the butter (Figure 7.3). Similarly the free fatty acid value, another indicator of rancidity was found to have increased during the study (Figure 7.4) with the control having the highest.

Figure 7.3: Changes in peroxide value during shea butter storage

120

Figure 7.4: Changes in free fatty acid during shea butter storage

Conclusion

Changes in the free fatty acid levels (FFA) and perioxide values of the stored butter increased, thus indicating that rancidity increases with time. The control sample seems to be deteriorating faster than the treated samples. Xa and G could be recommended for use to slow down FFA formation in shea butter compared to not using anything.

Development of shea butter-products (C. K. Agyente-Badu, S. T. Lowor, Winifred Kumi, F. Aneani and Mercy Asamoah)

The objective of this study is to add value to shea butter. Different cosmetic products namely toilet soaps, body lotions, body creams, body pomades and hair pomades have successfully been developed. Shea butter was also formulated into margarine and the samples are now under observation after which they may be reformulated and subjected to consumer preference and quality assessment. Consumer acceptance studies conducted on the body lotions were very encouraging. Further studies are being conducted on the development of other cosmetic and edible products from shea butter.

Evaluation of quality characteristics of cashew nuts and kernels in Ghana (Esther Gyedu-Akoto, S.T. Lowor, M. Assuah, E. Agyemang Dwomoh, F. Owusu-Ansah and S.Y. Opoku)

The objectives of this study have been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/2009). A total of 105 farmers and 2 buyers were interviewed in 10 cashew growing districts. The


121

districts were Jaman North, Wenchi and Kintampo in tha Brong Ahafo Region, Yendi, Gonja West and Bole in the Northern Region, Jirapa and Nadowli in the Upper West Region, Afram Plains in the Eastern Region and Ho and Hohoe in the Volta Region. Samples of raw nuts were obtained from the farmers for quality assessment. Cutting test, determination of weight distribution, identification of insects and diseases of raw nuts were done. Insects that were found on the raw nuts during the period of quality assessment have been identified as Ephestia sp and Araecerus fasciculatus. Analysis of aflatoxin is on-going. Table 7.15 shows the minimum and maximum storage temperature and humidity under which the raw nuts were kept and their moisture contents. Most raw cashew nuts sampled had moisture contents ranging from 6.1-10.0%. However, nuts with high moisture contents came from the Brong Ahafo Region and this may be due to the high storage humidity in the area.

Table 7.15: Storage temperature, humidity and moisture contents of raw nuts

Region

Storage temp (o

C)

Humidity (%) Moisture content (%)

Min

Max

Min

Max

Min

Max

Upper West 20.7 32.2 28.4 36.3 8.9 17.6 Eastern 34.4 38.2 26.3 43.0 7.6 19.7 Brong Ahafo 27.6 38.3 42.0 89.0 7.8 21.1 Northern 33.8 36.4 25.0 72.3 8.9 17.6 Volta

21.1

23.7

63.3

81.7

5.7

21.4

For the year under review, nuts sampled from all the regions were mostly of the standard grade except for the Brong Ahafo region which produced excellent grade nuts. For weight distribution, most of the nuts weighed between 5.1-6.0 g followed 6.1-7.0 g indicating that the nuts were small in size.


122

COFFEE AGRONOMY THRUST

In integrating Cedrela odorata into Robusta coffee cultivation, initial yield data indicate that although high initial density of the tree may not adversely affect vegetative growth of coffee plants, the yield could be negatively affected as a result of low light transmission into the plants. Sole application of inorganic fertilizers to coffee seedlings seems to depress the vegetative growth of coffee at Afosu. At Tafo, soil amendments significantly affected both the length and number of laterals of coffee plants. There was however, no significant difference between the chemical and manual weed control methods for the length and number of laterals. At Afosu, stem girth differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the soil amendments. Soil moisture in the dry season was not significantly different between the treatments at both locations. While intercropping significantly affected the girth of the coffee seedlings six months after transplanting, it had no effect on plant height. In evaluating the effects of poultry manure and its combinations with cocoa pod husk ash on yield of Robusta coffee, initial results indicate that the treatments influenced vigorous growth of new shoots during the raining season. Results from the evaluation of foliar fertilizer formulations on growth and yield of coffee showed that, after 24 months of planting in the field the fertilizers applied did not significantly influence the growth of young coffee plants.

Integrating Cedrela odorata into Robusta coffee cultivation (F. K. Oppong, G. J. Anim-Kwapong, K. Ofori-Frimpong, F. Owusu-Ansah, V. Anchirinah, A. R. Cudjoe, and M. K. Assuah).

The experimental detail of the above trial was presented in the 2009/2010 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2009/2010). Routine maintenance of the experimental plots was carried out. The trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six treatments and four replications. The treatments were as follows: T1 - Coffee + C. odorata at 4.8 m x 4.8 m, T2 - Coffee + C. odorata at 4.8 m x 4.8 m but to be thinned to 4.8 m x

th9.6 m at 8 year, T3 - Coffee + C. odorata at 4.8 m x 9.6 m, T4 - Coffee + C. odorata at 4.8 m x th4.8 m but to be thinned to 9.6 m x 9.6 m at 8 year, T5 - Coffee + C. odorata at 7.2 m x 7.2 m

thand T6 - Coffee + Gliricidia sepium at 7.2 m x 7.2 m but to be thinned to 14.4 m x 14.4 m at 4 year (Control).The trial was located at Afosu.

The coffee plants did not show significant differences (P > 0.05) in girth and height between the treatments after 26 months in the field (Table 8.1). Similarly, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the number of laterals and length of laterals of the coffee plants at 26 months after transplanting (Table 8.2). Percentage light transmitted through the canopies of


123

the C. odorata and G. sepium plants at 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44 and 45 months after planting (corresponding to August 2010, September 2010, October 2010, November 2010, January 2011, February 2011 and March 2011 respectively), was generally lower in T1 and T2 than the other treatments (Table 8.3). Significant differences (P < 0.05) were recorded in the percentage light transmitted through the canopies in September, October, November 2010 and February 2011 (Table 8.3).

There were significant differences in the initial yield of the coffee plants with T1 and T2 recording lower yields than the other treatments (Table 8.2). This could be attributed to the high density of C. odorata in the two treatments which resulted in low transmission of light into T1 and T2.


Table 8.1: Effect of treatments on girth and height of clonal coffee plants at 26 months aftertransplanting

Treatments

Girth (mm)

Height (cm)

T1-

Coffee + C. odorata

at 4.8 m x 4.8 m (434 plants ha-1).

32.7

99.5

T2-

Coffee + C. odorata

at 4.8 m x 4.8 m (434 plants ha-1) but to be thinned to 4.8 m x 9.6 m (217 plants ha-1

) at 8th

year.

32.6

99.6

T3-

Coffee + C. odorata

at 4.8 m x 9.6 m (217 plants ha-1).

33.1

98.4

T4-

Coffee + C. odorata

at 4.8 m x

4.8 m (434 plants ha-1) but to be thinned to 9.6 m x 9.6 m (108 plants ha-1) at 8th

year.

34.9

99.5

T5-

Coffee + C. odorata

at 7.2 m x 7.2 m (192 plants ha-1).

36.2

98.9

T6-

Coffee + Gliricidia sepium

at 7.2 m x 7.2 m (192 plants ha-1) but to be thinned to 14.4 m x 14.4 m (48 plants ha-1) at 4th

year (Control).

34.3

99.1

Sig. level (5%)

ns

ns

% CV

15.2

2.1


124


Table 8.2: Effect of treatments on number of laterals and length of laterals of clonal coffee plants at26 months after transplanting and initial yield of coffee.

Treatments

Number of

laterals/plant

Mean length

Yield of

laterals/plant

hulled

(cm)

coffee

(kg/ha)

T1-

Coffee

+ C. odorata

at 4.8 m x 4.8 m (434 plants ha-1).

18.3

72.6

78.5

T2-

Coffee + C. odorata


) at 8th

year.

18.6

72.3

59.9

T3-

Coffee + C. odorata

at 4.8 m x

9.6 m (217 plants ha-1).

19.6

70.3

151.5

T4- Coffee + C. odorata at 4.8 m x 4.8 m (434 plants ha-1) but to be thinned to 9.6 m x 9.6 m (108

plants ha-1) at 8th

year.

18.9

75.6

167.1

T5-

Coffee + C. odorata

at 7.2 m x 7.2 m (192 plants ha-1).

20.7

81.4

213.6

T6-



year (Control).

20.0

80.6

194.7

Sig. level: L.s.d. (5%)

ns

ns

72.8

% CV

6.9

13.7

33.5


125


Table 8.3: Percentage light transmitted into treatment plots at monthly intervals.

Months

Treatments

August

2010

Sept.

2010

Oct.

2010

Nov.

2010

Jan.

2011

Feb.

2011

March

2011

T1-

Coffee + C. odorata

at 4.8 m x 4.8 m (434 plants ha-1).

21.7

32.4

30.3

32.6

62.6

45.7

74.1

T2-

Coffee + C. odorata


) at 8th

year.

22.6

35.1

25.9

21.4

53.1

54.1

61.8

T3-

Coffee + C. odorata

at 4.8 m x 9.6 m (217 plants ha-1).

35.8

53.5

55.9

43.0

63.2

82.0

70.9

T4- Coffee + C. odorata at 4.8 m x 4.8 m (434 plants ha-1) but to be thinned to 9.6 m x 9.6 m (108 plants ha-1) at 8th

year.

49.9

56.8

72.0

59.9

78.5

68.1

78.1

T5-

Coffee + C. odorata

at 7.2 m x

7.2 m (192 plants ha-1).

47.2

54.8

56.3

61.2

61.3

75.2

80.1

T6-



year (Control).

52.9

64.1

65.8

62.6

79.2

85.8

75.5

Sig. level: l.s.d. (5%)

ns

18.8

8.2

13.4

ns

13.5

ns

% CV

48.8

25.2

22.7

19.7

20.1

13.1

16.7


Remarks

The initial yield data indicate although high initial density of Cedrela Odorata may not adversely affect the vegetative growth of coffee plants, the yield could be negatively affected.

126


Investigating the productivity of coffee through the combined application of mulch,

fertilizers and weed control (K. Ofori-Frimpong, S. Acquaye, K. Opoku-Ameyaw, F.K. Oppong, M. K. Assuah, A.O. Dwapanyin, A. R. Cudjoe, V. Anchirinah and F. Owusu-Ansah).

The experimental detail of the above trial was presented in the 2009/2010 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2009/2010). The investigation continued with routine maintenance of plots. The investigation was a split plot arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The main plot factor was weed control with combination of mulch and fertilizer as subplot factor.

The treatments were as follows:

T1 - manual weed control

T2 - chemical weed control (CWC)

T3 - chemical weed control + coffee husk at 8 tonnes / ha

T4 - chemical weed control + fertilizer at 40g N: 20g P O : 40g K O / tree2 5 2

T5 - chemical weed control + coffee husk at 8 tonnes / ha + fertilizer at 40g N: 20g P O : 40g K O / tree2 5 2

T6 - chemical weed control + fertilizer at 60g N: 30g P O : 60g K O / tree2 5 2

T7 - chemical weed control + coffee husk at 8 tonnes / ha + fertilizer at 60g N: 30g P O : 60g K O / tree2 5 2

T8 - manual weed control + coffee husk at 8 tonnes / ha

T9 - manual weed control + fertilizer at 40g N: 20g P O : 40g K O / tree2 5 2

T10 - manual weed control l+ fertilizer 8 tonnes / ha + fertilizer at 40g N: 20g P O : 40g 2 5

K O / tree 2

T11 - manual weed control + fertilizer at 60g N: 30g P O : 60g K O / tree 2 5 2

T12 - manual weed control + coffee husk 8 tonnes / ha + fertilizer at 60g N: 30g P O : 2 5

60g K O / tree. The trial was located at Tafo and Afosu.2

127

At Tafo, soil amendments significantly affected both the length and number of laterals of coffee plants (Table 8.4). Plots receiving 60g N: 30g P O : 60g K O/tree produced shorter and 2 5 2

fewer number of laterals. There were however no significant difference between the chemical and manual weed control methods for the length and number of laterals.


Table 8.4: Mean length of laterals (cm) and number of laterals of young coffee at 24 months aftertransplanting - Tafo

Treatments/Soil amendments

Mean length of

Laterals/plant (cm)

Mean Number of

laterals/plant

No soil amendments

75.0

55

Coffee husk at 8 tonnes/ha

85.6

71

40g N, 20g P2O5, 40g K2O/tree

88.3

70

Coffee husk at 8 tonnes/ha + 40g N, 20g P2O5, 40g K2O/tree 80.3

60

60g N, 30g P2O5, 60g K2O/tree 66.0 46 Coffee husk at 8 tonnes/ha + 60g N, 30g P2O5, 60g K2O/tree

78.8 61 Lsd at 5%

8.2

12

Weed control Manual

81.1

62

Chemical

76.9

58

Lsd at 5%

ns

ns


At Afosu, stem girth differed significantly (p<0.05) between the soil amendments (Table 8.5). Plots receiving 40g N: 20 P2O5 K2O/tree had the lowest girth increment. At both Afosu, soil moisture in the dry season was not significantly different between the treatments (Table 8.6).


Girth (mm)

Height (cm)

No soil amendments

20.1

100.4


23.2

105.2


16.7 91.0

Coffee husk at 8 tonnes/ha + 40g N, 20g P2O5, 40g K2O/tree 30.5

100.0

60g N, 30g P2O5, 60g K2O/tree 20.3 102.4 Coffee husk at 8 tonnes/ha + 60g N, 30g P2O5, 60g K2O/tree 18.1 103.9 Lsd at 5% 10 ns Weed control

Manual

22.7

96.8

Chemical

20.3

104.2

Lsd at 5%

ns

ns

Table 8.5: Effects of treatments on coffee growth at 12 months after transplanting - Afosu


128

Conclusion

Application of inorganic fertilizers alone to coffee seedlings seems to depress the growth of coffee stems weight at Afosu. Weed control treatments and soil amendments did not affect soil moisture content in the year under review.

Diversifying coffee cultivation through interplanting with fruit crops (K. Opoku-Ameyaw, F. K.Oppong, K. Ofori-Frimpong, A.R. Cudjoe, M.K. Assuah, V. Anchirinah and F. Owusu-Ansah).

The experimental detail of the above trial was presented in the 2009/2010 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2009/2010). Routine maintenance was carried out on the trial plots in the reporting year. The trial was laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications and six treatments. The treatments were as follows: T1 Sole coffee, T2 Coffee + coconut, T3 Coffee + avocado, T4 Coffee + citrus, T5 Coffee + pawpaw and T6 Coffee + pineapple. The trial was located at Bunso.

While intercropping significantly affected the girth of the coffee seedlings 6 months after transplanting, it had no effect on plant height (Table 8.7). The pawpaw established poorly and will have to be replanted.


Table 8.6: Mean percentage soil moisture in Tafo and Afosu (December, 2010 – January, 2011)


% soil moisture (0-15cm depth)

Tafo

Afosu

No soil amendments

6.9

8.3


7.1

8.0


7.0

8.7

Coffee husk at 8 tonnes/ha + 40g N, 20g P2O5, 40g K2O/tree 7.4 8.4 60g N, 30g P2O5, 60g K2O/tree 7.4 8.4 Coffee husk at 8 tonnes/ha + 60g N, 30g P2O5, 60g K2O/tree 7.8 8.6 Lsd at 5% ns ns

Weed control

Manual

7.4

6.4

Chemical

7.1

6.0

Lsd at 5%

ns

ns

129

Effects of poultry manure and its combinations with cocoa pod husk ash on yield of

Robusta coffee (S. Acquaye, A. A. Afrifa, F. M. Amoah, V. Anchirinah, M. K. Assuah, J. E. Sarfo and F. Owusu Ansah).

The investigation commenced within the reporting period (i) to determine the biological effects and economics of the use of poultry manure alone or its combination with cocoa pod husk ash on Robusta coffee yield. The investigation was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and nine treatments. The treatments were as follows: T1 - Control (unfertilized), T2 - PM (5 tons/ha), T3 - PM (10 tons/ha), T4 - PM (15 tons/ha), T5 - PM (20 ton/ha), T6 - PM (5 tons/ha)

+ CPHA (200 kg/ha), T7 - PM (10 tons/ha) + CPHA (200 kg/ha), T8 - PM (15 tons/ha) + CPHA (200 kg/ha) and T9 - PM (20 ton/ha) + CPHA (200 kg/ha). The trial was located at Tafo and Afosu.

(Note: PM – poultry manure; CPHA - Cocoa Pod Husk Ash)

There was a vigorous growth of new shoots during the raining season. Three shoots were selected on each coppiced plant to serve as bearing stems for ensuing years.

Evaluation of foliar fertilizer formulations on yield of mature coffee (S. Acquaye, A. A. Afrifa, F. M. Amoah, V. Anchirinah, M. K. Assuah, A. R Cudjoe, F. Owusu Ansah and A. O. Dwapanyin)

The experimental detail of the above trial was presented in the 2009/2010 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2009/2010). Routine plots maintenance continued. The trial


Table 8.7: Effect of cropping system on the growth increment of coffee seedlings 6 months aftertransplanting

Cropping system

Girth increment (mm)

Height increment

(cm)

Sole coffee

1.1

5.3

Coffee + pawpaw

1.6

10.9

Coffee + coconut

1.5

5.8

Coffee + citrus 1.4 5.6 Coffee + avocado 1.2 5.7 Coffee + pineapple

1.9

6.3 Lsd

0.42

ns

%cv

13.4

31.6

ns- not significant at 5% probability

130

was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with eight treatments replicated three times. The treatments applied/ha/yr were as follows: T1 - Unfertilized control, T2 - Soil NPK - 100kgN, 50kg P O , 100kg K O/ha, T3 – 1L Foliar NPK 20:2:4, T4 – 2 5 2

2L Foliar NPK 20:2:4, T5 – 1L Foliar NPK 10:10:10, T6 – 2L Foliar NPK 10:10:10, T7 – 1L Foliar NPK 6:0:20 and T8 – 2L Foliar NPK 6:0:20. The trial was located at Tafo.

Three shoots were selected to serve as bearing stems. No serious pest and disease incidence was observed.

Evaluation of foliar fertilizer formulations on growth and yield of coffee (S. Acquaye, A. A. Afrifa, F. M. Amoah, V. Anchirinah, M. K. Assuah ,A. R. Cudjoe, F. Owusu Ansah and A. O. Dwapanyin)

The trial continued with routine plots maintenance. The trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Twelve treatments applied/ha/yr were as follows: T1 - Unfertilized control, T2 - NPK - 100kgN, 50kg P O , 100kg K O/ha, T3 2 5 2

– 1L Foliar NPK 20:2:4, T4 – 2L Foliar NPK 20:2:4, T5 – 1L Foliar NPK 10:10:10, T6 – 2L Foliar NPK 10:10:10, T7 – 1L Foliar NPK 6:0:20, T8 – 2L Foliar NPK 6:0:20, T9 – 1L Foliar

NPK 13:1:12, T10– 2L Foliar NPK 13:1:12, T11 – 1L Foliar NPK 15:6:7 and T12 – 2L Foliar NPK 15:6:7. The trial was located at Tafo.

After 24 months of planting in the field, coffee plant height (Table 8.8) and stem girth (Table 8.9) were similar for the fertilizer treatments at each data recording date. With respect to plant height, the control performed better than all the other treatments except the NPK 13:1:12 (1L/ha) treatment. Treatment means were however, not significantly different. NPK 10:10:10 (1L/ha) treatment recorded the highest stem girth with NPK 15:6:7 (1L/ha) recording the lowest after 24 months of planting.


131


Table 8.8: Time-course of effects of fertilizer treatments on coffee plant height

Coffee plant height (cm)

Months after field planting

Treatment

0

3

6

9

12

15

18

21

24

Control

19.3

36.6

47.9

57.8

70.8

93.0

122.7

141.1

157.3

NPK

20.9

39.1

44.8

56.2

71.3

86.5

103.8

112.4

130.7

NPK 20:2:4 (1L/ha)

18.6

33.1

47.2

57.7

69.4 88.3

111.2

129.7

152.1

NPK 20:2:4 (2L/ha)

19.4

34.6

47.5

56.7

68.1 85.1

107.6

127.0

151.3

NPK 10:10:10 (1L/ha) 16.6 28.5 43.1 53.5 63.8 79.4 103.8 118.7 139.7

NPK 10:10:10 (2L/ha)

20.5 36.9 49.6 60.8 68.6 85.8 105.8 118.8 135.3 NPK 6:0:20 (1L/ha)

20.4

38.0

49.7

61.3

68.8 80.6

106.3

120.5

133.0

NPK 6:0:20 (2L/ha)

16.6

31.7

43.3

52.0

61.5 76.6

97.6

116.1

144.4

NPK 13:1:12 (1L/ha)

18.2

34.7

45.8

54.0

69.0

87.5

115.5

134.7

160.7

NPK 13:1:12 (2L/ha)

17.2

34.0

47.5

56.5

64.3

80.4

107.7

117.4

133.0

NPK 15:6:7 (1L/ha)

16.8

31.2

41.9

49.3

59.7

77.3

104.6

117.2

142.0

NPK 15:6:7 (2L/ha)

16.7

33.9

49.5

54.8

69.9

85.2

110.3

121.6

141.9

lsd (p≤ 0.05)

ns

ns

ns

ns

ns

ns

ns

ns

ns


Table 8.9: Time-course of effects of fertilizer treatments on coffee plant girth

Coffee plant stem (mm)

Months after field planting

Treatment

0

3

6

9

12

15

18

21

24

Control

4.2

4.9

7.9

10.3

13.2

16.7

19.7

22.8

26.3

NPK

4.1

5.4

6.4

9.3

12.9

16.3

19.1

19.9

23.6

NPK 20:2:4 (1L/ha)

4.7

5.5

8.7

10.7

15.3 18.5

21.1

23.3

28.3

NPK 20:2:4 (2L/ha)

4.6

5.5

8.3

10.1

12.7 15.7

18.8

21.3

26.0

NPK 10:10:10 (1L/ha) 3.7 4.4 7.1 8.7 12.5 15.4 18.5 20.0 29.4

NPK 10:10:10 (2L/ha) 4.3 5.2 8.0 9.6 12.6 16.0 19.2 20.7 24.5 NPK 6:0:20 (1L/ha) 4.5 5.3 8.3 9.6 12.8 15.2 18.0 19.9 23.7 NPK 6:0:20 (2L/ha) 4.5 5.2 8.3 9.5 13.7 16.3 20.4 23.0 27.8 NPK 13:1:12 (1L/ha)

4.4

5.2

8.2

10.7

14.2 18.4

21.3

23.8

28.9

NPK 13:1:12 (2L/ha)

4.4

5.3

9.3

11.1

14.0 17.6

21.3

22.5

26.8

NPK 15:6:7 (1L/ha)

3.6

4.2

6.6

7.4

10.1

12.8

16.4

18.1

23.1

NPK 15:6:7 (2L/ha)

4.4

4.9

8.6

9.8

13.5

17.4

21.0

21.6

26.7

lsd (p≤ 0.05)

ns

ns

ns

ns

ns

ns

ns

ns

ns


132

Conclusion

Application of foliar fertilizers did not significantly influence the growth of young plants


133

COFFEE IMPROVEMENT THRUST

Robusta coffee breeding at CRIG is now focused on the production of seed planting material, which is less costly to produce and distribute, with a high multiplication rate than clones. Programmes are underway to develop clone hybrids and improved populations. To broaden the genetic base for breeding, germplasm recently collected from local and foreign sources are being characterised and evaluated for genetic worth.

Development of seed planting material of Robusta coffee – trial 3 (population development) (E. Anim-Kwapong)

The aims and objectives of this trial were clearly stated in the 2008/2009 report (Rep. Cocoa

Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/2009, 135). 54 individual plants based on yield and bean weight selected from the first cycle of recurrent selection were cloned and planted in the field in June 2009, to encourage random mating to provide seed for the next generation of recurrent selection. The clones were also being evaluated for traits of agronomic importance to select the best as planting material.

Growth measurements were recorded on the vegetative traits: girth (mm), height (cm), number of primary branches, diameter of primaries (mm), span (cm) and squat (height divided by span). Drought reaction was recorded during the dry season, using leaf scorching on an 8-point scale, 0 – 7: tolerant – susceptible. Some genetic parameters for the population were also estimated at this young-plant stage.

Highly significant genetic differences were observed for all the traits (Table 9.1). Genotypic (CV ) and phenotypic (CV ) coefficients of variation were high for all the traits. Heritability G P

2(h ) estimates were also high to moderate for the traits. Selection based on both genotypic and phenotypic values is therefore feasible at this early growth stage of the plants.

Highly significant genetic correlations were estimated among girth, height, span, number and diameter of primary branches (Table 9.2). This is not surprising since all these traits express general vigour of the coffee plant. But this vigour seems not to be significantly related to tolerance to drought as expressed by the correlation coefficient between values of these traits and drought reaction scores. Correlation coefficient between squat and drought reaction scores was positive and significant. Squat is a ratio of height to span. High value for squat is therefore an indication of an erect or opened crown nature and low value for squat is representative of a spreading nature or a closed crown. The significance of the direct


134

association between squat and drought reaction shows that genotypes with opened crown are more susceptible to drought than their counterparts with closed crown.


Table 9.1: Variation and heritability of vegetative traits at 15 months after field planting for fifty-fourgenotypes of Robusta coffee

Traits

Plot mean

P-value (%) CVP

(%)

CVG

(%)

h2

Girth

(mm)

15.8

0.1

26.0

10.5

0.32

Height (cm) 101 0.1 22.2 5.8 0.54

No. primaries 23 0.1 31.1 11.3 0.26 Diam. Primaries(mm) 3.8 0.1 20.5 9.0 0.38 Span (cm) 107 0.1 23.0 7.0 0.19 Drought reaction 3.19 0.1 33.6 14.1 0.35 Squat

0.96

0.1

18.7

9.7

0.53

Table 9.2: Genetic correlations among plant vegetative traits from 54 clones of Robusta coffee at 15months after field planting

1

2

3

4

5

6

1. Girth

-

2. Height

0.68***

-

3. No. primaries

0.65***

0.55***

-

4. Diameter of primaries

0.81*** 0.38**

0.36** -

5. Span 0.72*** 0.58*** 0.49*** 0.72*** -

6. Squat -0.10 0.63*** 0.14 -0.23 -0.26 -

7. Drought reaction -0.09 0.09 0.13 -0.16 -0.14 0.29*

* ** *** , , Significance at 0.05, 0.01 and 0.001 levels

Development of seed planting material of Robusta coffee – trial 4 (Hybrid development) (E. Anim-Kwapong)

The aims and objectives of this trial were also clearly stated (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana,

2008/2009, 135). Recording of data on important agronomic traits on the full-sib families continued this year.

Growth measurements were recorded on the vegetative traits: girth (mm), height (cm), number of primary branches, diameter of primaries (mm), span (cm) and squat (height

135


divided by span). Drought reaction was recorded on an 8-point scale, 0 – 7: tolerant – susceptible as in trial 3. Similarly, some genetic parameters for the population were estimated.

Highly significant genetic differences were observed for all the traits (Table 9.3). Genotypic 2(CV ) and phenotypic (CV ) coefficients of variation were generally high. Heritability (h ) G P

estimates were also generally high to moderate. Selection based on both genotypic and phenotypic values is therefore feasible at this early growth stage of the plants.

Highly significant genetic correlations were estimated among girth, height, span, number and diameter of primary branches similar to what has been reported for trial 3 (Table 9.4). Significant and inverse genetic correlations were observed between drought reaction scores and the vegetative traits span and diameter of primary branches. Correlation coefficient between squat and drought reaction scores was positive. The direct association between squat and drought reaction in this trial tend to confirm the observation in trial 3 that genotypes with opened crown are more susceptible to drought than their counterparts with closed crown. The inverse association between drought reaction scores and span and diameter of primary branches also indicates that, plants with wider span and stronger primary branches are more drought-tolerant than their counterparts with smaller span and diameter of primary branches.

Table 9.3: Variation and heritability of vegetative traits at 15 months after field planting forforty-eight full-sib families of Robusta coffee

Traits

Plot mean

P-value (%)

CVP

(%)

CVG

(%)

h2

Girth(mm)

16.6

0.1

22.8

12.0

0.28

Height (cm)

100

0.1

21.5

11.2

0.27

No. primaries

17

0.1

34.0

20.5

0.36

Diam. Primaries(mm)

3.8

0.1

16.9

9.9

0.34

Span (cm) 97 0.1 28.3 15.2 0.29 Drought reaction 2.36 0.1 32.6 11.9 0.13 Squat 1.09 0.1 26.5 13.2 0.25

136

Table 9.4: Genetic correlations among plant vegetative traits from forty-eight full-sib families ofRobusta coffee at 15 months after field planting

1

2

3

4

5

6

1. Girth

-

2. Height

0.75***

-

3. No. primaries

0.84*** 0.65*** -

4. Diam. of primaries 0.81*** 0.65*** 0.62*** -

5. Span 0.75*** 0.63*** 0.69*** 0.79*** - 6. Squat -0.33*

0.10 -0.32*

-0.48***

-0.65***

- 7. Drought reaction

-0.20

-0.22

-0.01

-0.36*

-0.34*

0.19

* ** *** , , Significance at 0.05, 0.01 and 0.001 levels

Characterisation, evaluation and conservation of local coffee germplasm (E. Anim-Kwapong, G.J. Anim-Kwapong, R. Adu Acheampong, I. Amoako-Attah, S.T. Lowor and F. Owusu-Ansah).

The aims and objectives of this trial were also clearly stated (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana,

2009/2010). One hundred and ninety accessions from six localities in Ghana were planted in June 2010 at each of two locations, namely: Tafo and Afosu. Planting was done using a 14 x 14 lattice square design with three replications and five plants per accession per replication.

Data on survival percentage, reflecting success of establishment, was recorded for Tafo and Afosu nine months after field planting. At Tafo (Table 9.5), percent survival ranged from average of 91.3 % in accessions from Bepong to 96.8 in accessions from Bodi, compared with a mean survival percentage of 95.7.

Table 9.5: Mortality rate for 190 accessions collected from six sites recorded in March 2011 at Tafo

Collection site

No. accessions

Total planted

Total dead/ (% dead)

Bibiani

31

465

17 (3.7)

Manso Mim 38 570 22 (3.9) Brofoyedru 40 600 20 (3.3) Bodi 40 600 19 (3.2) Bepong 13 195 16 (8.2) Kenyasi 28 420 29 (6.9) Total

190

2850

123 (4.3)


137


Percent survival of the accessions at Afosu ranged from 86.7 in accessions from Bepong to 96.5% in accessions from Bodi compared with a mean survival percentage of 92.9 (Table 9.6). Survival of the plants at Afosu was lower than that at Tafo. This is not surprising as Afosu experienced a much severe drought over the period than Tafo. Similar trend in survival rate of the accessions was observed for the two locations, with accessions in Bepong recording lower survival rate than those from Bodi.

Table 9.6: Mortality rate for 190 accessions collected from six sites recorded in March 2011 at Afosu

Collection site

No. accessions

Total planted

Total dead/ (% dead)

Bibiani

31

465

54 (11.6)

Manso Mim

38

570

29 (5.1)

Brofoyedru

40

600

40 (6.7)

Bodi

40

600

21 (3.5)

Bepong 13 195 26 (13.3) Kenyasi 28 420 33 (7.9) Total 190 2850 203 (7.1)

138

COFFEE PESTS AND DISEASESMANAGEMENT THRUST

The thrust had only one ongoing research project to investigate into potentials of pathogens associated with the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrara) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae). The pestilence of the coffee berry borer was a universal problem and its occurrence on coffee in Ghana was extremely important. Coffee plantations were surveyed and collections were made for insectary and laboratory studies. Cadavers of H. hampei, live insects, berries infested with H. hampei and dead insects other than H. hampei were the main samples collected. Out of a total of 1,050 insects collected from coffee fields during the period under review, 350 were collected dead while 700 live insects were reared in cages till they died. Incubation of the cadavers gave 74 % positive fungal sporulation. Fusarium spp, Aspergillus flavus, Beauveria bassiana, Penicillium digitatum and Hemileia vestatrix were isolated and identified from specimens collected and incubated for pathogen growth. They occurred at the following percentages: Fusarium spp (19%); Aspergillus flavus (32%); Beauveria bassiana (10%); Hemileia vastatrix (13%); Penicillium digitatum (19%) and unidentified fungus (7%). Hemileia vastatrix was identified as the fungus which causes the coffee rust disease. Further investigations were ongoing to obtain a pathogen for formulation of a myco-insecticide to control the berry borer.

Investigations into pest control potentials of pathogens associated with the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrara) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) (G. K. Awudzi, A. R. Cudjoe, M. K. Assuah, F. Owusu–Ansah)

The aim of the investigation is to identify pathogens associated with the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrara) and explore the possibility of using such pathogens to manage the pest. Coffee plantations were surveyed and the following collections made for insectary and laboratory studies; cadavers of H. hampei, life insects, berries infested with H. hampei and dead insects other than H. hampei. Insects that were alive at the time of collection were reared in cages at the insectary, monitored till they die and incubated for possible emergence of pathogen. Cadavers of insects collected from coffee fields surveyed were surface sterilized with 5% sodium hypochlorite and 75% ethanol solution and washed with sterile distilled water (SDW). The cadavers were then left to dry for 48 hours and incubated on moistened sterile filter paper in Petri dishes and observed for growth of fungal pathogens. Growths originating from the specimens were sub-cultured and further incubated for sporulation on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) as described by Poinar and Thomas (1984). Identification of fungal isolate was done as described by the International Mycological Institute (IMI, 1983). The incidence of the isolates was recorded. 10µl of three different concentrations (2,000, 3,000 and 4,000 spores/ml) of aqueous suspension of the pathogen were dropped on each of the ten adult insects in Petri dishes lined with sterile filter paper, covered and kept for fungal growth. Ten adult insects were inoculated with SDW as control.


138a


The set up was replicated 10 times. Out of a total of 1,050 insects collected from coffee fields during the period under review, 350 were collected dead while 700 life insects were reared in cages till they died. Incubation of the cadavers gave 74 % positive fungal sporulation. Fusarium spp, Aspergillus flavus, Beauveria bassiana, Penicillium digitatum and Hemileia vastatrix were isolated and identified from specimens collected and incubated for pathogen growth. They occurred at the following percentages: Fusarium spp (19%); Aspergillus flavus (32%); Beauveria bassiana (10%); Hemileia vastatrix (13%); Penicillium digitatum (19%) and unidentified fungus (7%). Hemileia vastatrix was identified as the fungus which causes the coffee rust disease.

138b

Table 9.6a: Identification of entomopathogenic fungiIsolates

Growth Morphology

Colour

Phialides

Spores

Probable Organism

A

Sparse to abundant mycelium, wrinkled in old culture

White or peach

Simple lateral

Oval, cylindrical to straight micro conidia

Fusarium sp

B

Fasting growing and heavy sporing

Dirty green

Typically radiate

Typically globose to sub-globose

Aspergillus flavus

C

Powdery mycelia

White or pale yellow

Clustered globular to flask shaped conidia

Beauveria bassiana

D

Restricted and thin growth on synthetic media. Rapid, plane velvety growth on malt agar.

Dull yellow to grayish olive with age

Few in number

Smooth sub-globose to cylindrical but usually elliptical conidia.

Penicillium digitatum

E

Dense

sporangiosphores

Ash

Not seen

Not seen

Unknown fungus


Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium digitatum and Fusarium sp were saprophytic, hence were not used for the bio-efficacy test. Insects treated with 2,000 and 3,000 spores/ml died within 5 days and had 50% fungal growth after two week of incubation of cadaver. Insects infested with the fungus suspension with spore concentration of 4,000 spore/ml died within 3 days with 75% fungal growth after two week of incubation of cadaver. Fungus growths on cadavers were identified to be Beauveria bassiana, the fungus used for the artificial inoculation.

In conclusion, Beauveria bassiana isolate tested were effective on the coffee berry borer. There was therefore the need to produce spores of the isolate in quantities that could be used in a small scale field trial.

138c

Fig. 7.4a: Incidence of entomopathogenic fungi isolated from incubated cadavers.

KOLA DEVELOPMENT THRUST

The kola introductions made in the year 2007 into the germplasm collection did not differ significantly from each other in girth size over ten months of observation. Yield of individual accessions in the progeny trials were generally high with mean yield around 1409Kg/Ha. Again significant differences observed in yield could be attributed to genotypic effect. In the young clonal trial, it was observed that ease of establishment depends on size. i.e the larger the girth size the better the establishment. Micro propagation of floral buds and immature embryo were also carried out during the year under review. It was realised that immature embryo performs better in media supplemented with GA hormone than the floral 3

buds.

Germplasm collection (A. Akpertey, G. J. Anim-Kwapong, A. A. Dadzie, F. M. Amoah, I. Y. Opoku and J. E. Sarfo)

The objectives of the Germplasm collection have been reported in (Rep. cocoa Research

Inst., Ghana, 1996/1997, 187). No new introductions were made into the genebank during the year under review. However, evaluation of clonal materials introduced in the year 2007 continued. Data analysis of both girth and height of the materials introduced were not significant at six and ten months after planting. See table 1.


139


Clone

Girth (mm)

Height (cm)

6months

12

months

6 months

12

months

AMGK I

13.93

18.56

69.74

79.23

AMSA I 13.65

17.30

73.09

78.50

AMOO I

13.29

16.78

52.08

57.24

AMKO

12.32

13.61

48.57

56.52

AMOO II

12.30

16.73

59.97

68.03

AMKA I 12.17

16.60

47.87

56.78

AMAM 12.11

14.38

57.65

66.16

AMGK II

11.27

12.55

42.42

59.18

AMGK III

11.11

14.56

68.66

78.20

AMKA II

11.11

16.18

52.97

63.36

AMSA IV 10.57 12.45 53.02 64.83

AMAP 9.86 14.71 52.53 55.82

AMSAII

9.49

13.46

58.64

63.82

Average

11.78

15.22

56.71

65.21

Range

9.49-13.93

15.22-18.56

56.71-69.74

65.21-79.23

Lsd (P<

0.05)

ns

4.60

18.16

ns

Table 1: Girth and Height measurements of kola clones at six and ten months after Planting

Kola progeny trials (A. Akpertey, G. J. Anim-Kwapong, A. M. Dadzie, F. M. Amoah, K. Ofori-Frimpong, I. Y. Opoku, J. E. Sarfo and F. Aneani)

The experimental detail of the above trial was presented in the 2008/2009 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2008/2009, 142-144). The Kola progeny trial seeks to provide an in-depth information on kola yield, sterility and gestational cycles. Data analysis of 36 genotypes showed significant differences in yield among the genotypes evaluated. Net yield ranged between 465 – 2067 kg/ha with cross JX1/24 x JX1/22 being the highest yielding line during the crop year. Cross JX1/9 x JX1/11 recorded the highest weight per nut and also recorded a relatively high yield of 1723 kg/ha. See table 2

140

Table 2: Yield and yield components for year 2009/10 of kola progenies planted at Bunso


Cross

Yield (kg/ha)

Average no. of trees/plot

Total pods harvested

Weight/nut (g)

JX1/5xJX1/9

1679

5.0

524

15.7

B1/296xB1/177

1627

5.0

552

17.6

B2/177xB2/156

1873

5.0

612

15.6

JX1/23xJX1/53

1716

5.0

583

15.8

JX1/17xJX1/9

1676

5.0

436

16.7

B1/11xB1/71

1457

5.0

583

13.7

B1/149xB1/151

1261

5.0

958

13.7

JX1/9xJX1/11

1723

5.0

498

18.7

JB1xA2

1254

5.0

573

15.7

B1/142xB1/151

1990

5.0

610

15.3

GX1/46xGX1/53

1978

5.0

471

18.0

GX1/46xGX1/16

1582

5.0

656

17.2

GX1/46xGX1/33

1800

5.0

578

16.4

B1/149xB1/180 1376 5.0 449 14.7

B1/236xB1/276 980 5.0 411 16.2 JX1/24xJX1/22

2067

5.0

560

16.4

B1/212xB1/210

1420

5.0

556

15.8

B1/209xB1/39

1785

5.0

670

14.4

CLUBxJB32

1841

5.0

485

17.2

B1/120xB1/193

1269

5.0

432

15.1

JX1/14xJX1/32

1309

5.0

388

17.7

JX1/17XJX1/5

1576

5.0

554

16.3

B1/211xB1/209

1229

5.0

419

16.3

B1/151xB1/147

1534

5.0

676

14.9

141

Table 2: Yield and yield components for year 2009/10 of kola progenies planted at Bunso (continued)


B1/151xB1/149

1603

5.0

585

18.3

B1/151xB1/180

1134

5.0

354

15.3

B1/271xB1/200

1484

5.0

435

15.1

CLxBX1/441

1465

5.0

384

14.5

B1/208xB1/39

465

5.0

180

15.7

A2xJB1

1061

5.0

397

14.3

B1/208xB1/180

942

5.0

472

15.2

B2/218xB2/177

842

5.0

301

15.8

CLxJB1

958

5.0

262

16.0

JX1/7xJX1/53 1260 5.0 391 15.6

CLUBxW25 1051 5.0 230 16.3

CLUBxA2

476

5.0

121

17.0

Average

1409

5.0

482

15.9

Range

465-2067

3.0-5.0

121-958

13.7-18.7

Lsd (P<

0.05)

858.6

0.85

ns

ns

Kola clonal trial (A. Akpertey, G. J. Anim-Kwapong, A. M. Dadzie, F. M. Amoah, K. Ofori-Frimpong, I. Y. Opoku, J. E. Sarfo and F. Aneani)

The experimental detail of the above trial was presented in the 2008/2009 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2008/2009, 145). Sixteen kola clones assessed for vigor and precocity showed significant differences among the clones evaluated. The average girths of the clones at six and ten month after planting were 8.49mm and10.14mm respectively. Table 3.

142


Table 3: Girth and height of kola clones six and ten months after planting

Clone

Girth (mm)

Height (m)

6 months

10 months

6 months

10 months

A1

8.84

9.9

0.41

0.49

A10

9.47

10.72

0.43

0.48

A10/JB26

7.95

9.17

0.35

0.38

A12

7.75

9.78

0.34

0.43

A2

9.34

11.14

0.48

0.57

A2/A12

8.59

9.80

0.47

0.58

A22

8.83

10.87

0.37

0.48

A22/JB32

7.18

8.98

0.30

0.41

B1/22

10.02

11.87

0.51

0.61

B1/243 9.03 10.47 0.36 0.43

CLUB 9.71 11.37 0.55 0.64 JB17

8.25

10.12

0.31

0.37

JB26

5.99

7.84

0.30

0.42

JB27

7.19

8.76

0.37

0.47

JB3

9.55

11.12

0.44

0.52

JB32

8.47

10.36

0.39

0.46

Average

8.49

10.14

0.39

0.48

Range

7.18 -

10.02

7.84 -

11.87

0.3 -

0.55

0.37 -

0.58

Lsd (P<

0.05)

1.19

1.58

0.07

0.10

143


Evaluation of budding and tissue culture technique for the propagation of kola (cola

nitida) in Ghana. (A. Akpertey, G. J. Anim-Kwapong, A. M. Dadzie, F. M. Amoah, K. Ofori-Frimpong, I. Y. Opoku, J. E. Sarfo and F. Aneani)

The objective of this project is:1. To develop, evaluate and improve modern and conventional method of propagating

kola (cola nitida).2. To provide farmers with the appropriate technological packages for kola budding.

Two main trials were carried out to assess 1. The effect of rootstock age on budding success.2. Propagation of kola by tissue culture.

Inflorescence and vegetative shoots were used as source of scions for the study. No significant differences were observed among the scions used. See table 4Micro propagation of floral buds and immature embryo showed that immature embryo performs better in media supplemented with GA hormone than the floral buds. Table 53

Table 4: Effect of rootstock age on success and growth of grafted kola seedlings.

Percentage “take”

Scion

A1 A12 JB1

Rootstock age (months) Average

Six 55.0 55.0 62.5 57.5 Eight

35.0

85.0

60.0

60.0

Ten

47.5

60.0

52.5

53.3

Twelve

65.0

65.0

77.5

69.2

Average

50.6

66.3

63.1

Lsd (P<

0.05)

ns

ns

ns

Scion

10.9

Scion*rootstock age

21.8

144


Table 5: Callus characteristics of kola explants after 6 weeks of culturing

Explant

No. of explants in culture

No. of callus formed

Callus morphology

Callus type

% Callogenesis

No. contaminated

Leaves 50 10 Brown Friable 20 40

Embryo 50 30 Brown Friable 60 20

145

SHEA AND CASHEWDEVELOPMENT THRUST

Covering the propagating bin with a two layer white polythene sheet lid gave better rooting and reduced leaf drop. Higher success was achieved when semi-hardwood scions were grafted onto rejuvenated shoots and young plants.The absence of any significant adverse effect of intercropping on early yield of cashew indicates that cashew farms can be intercropped with yam and maize to enhance establishment and generate income to partially offset the cost of establishment. Confidor appears to give better protection to cashew trees than Akate-Master and Actara in the first year of insecticide application. Somatic embryos were induced from immature cotyledon explants following the transfer of embryogenic callus from M1 medium containing 0.1 mg/l and 0.01mg/l X to M1 medium without growth regulators after four weeks in darkness. Stamens and petal explants were the most responsive to M3 having % embryogenic calli means of 57.3% and 46.7% respectively, whereas ovaries were the most responsive explants to M1 medium with % embryogenic calli mean of 62.3%. But following transfer into their corresponding M1, M2 and M3 medium without growth regulators no embryo induction occurred.

Carlit Express and Ridomil Gold may be applied to control leaf blight disease of cashew. Gamma ray dose beyond 200Gy is 100% lethal to shea seeds. Also, radicle emergence may not be suitable for the determination of radio-sensitivity of shea seeds. Plumule emergence could be used for the determination of LD50 for shea seeds. From the results of this study, the LD50 for shea seeds was estimated to be 65Gy and could be used for mass irradiation of shea seeds for breeding programmes. Considerable variation was apparent among the Benin and the local accessions in terms of yield. The Benin and the local accessions at Wenchi performed better than those at Bole. Tentatively, it can be concluded that the Benin accessions (exotic) have a higher yield potential than the local ones.

No significant interaction effect for girth and height in the two locations was observed but the most vigorous genotypes were BE 575 in Bole and SG 266 in Wenchi. The low girth and height increases recorded among the genotypes in Bole may reflect the response of the genotypes to the low rainfall, humidity and high temperatures in the Guinea savanna zone.

There is the potential to add value to shea fruit pulp through the production of jam and possibly wine and vinegar. No significant effect of poultry manure and cow dung at the diferrent application rates on plant girth , height and number of leaves per plant were observed at three months after transplanting. There was a significant variation in the initial cashew nut yield. It may be too early to ascribe this significant difference to the effects of the soil amendments. Poultry manure or cow dung did not significantly influence plant growth parameter. It is early to observe any significant effects of organic manures on cashew nut


146

yield. Some foliar fertilizer formulations could improve cashew nut yield but the practice is not economically viable. The interactive effects of fertilizers and their application periods significantly influenced cashew nut yield as the application of larger amounts of fertilizers at transplanting (0 month) resulted in significantly higher cashew nut yield than when fertilizers were applied at 6, 12 and 18 months after transplanting. Application of fertilizer in cashew is uneconomical and may result in huge losses.

The survival and growth vigour of seedlings raised six weeks before transplanting was higher than those raised for eight weeks and confirms earlier recommendation of transplanting cashew seedlings at six weeks after sowing. Smaller bag size increases survival of transplants, eases transportation and reduces volume of potting media thereby reducing cost than bigger bags.

Halving of leaves, pruning of roots and halving of leaves alongside root pruning could be used as pre-planting treatment to improve the survival of over-aged cashew seedlings aged beyond five months. Cashew seedlings below five months can be planted directly in the field without any pre-treatment. Stripping of leaves is the worst pre-treatment for over-aged cashew seedlings.

Sheanut tree improvement project (J. Yeboah, F. M. Amoah, A. Akrofi, M. Assuah and S. T. Lowor)

The experimental detail of the above trial was presented in the 2008/2009 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2008/2009, 146-147). Analysis of the results showed significant interaction between the thickness of the white polythene sheet and hormone application on rooting, roots developed and leaf drop. Three layer of polythene sheet did not improve rooting with application of hormone. One and two layers of polythene sheet though improved rooting in the presence of hormone, were not significantly different (Tables 12.1). Two and three layers of polythenen sheet produced more roots with the application of hormone (Table 12.2). The highest number of leaf drop on cuttings was recorded by the one-layer of polythene sheet with application of hormone while the two and three layers of polythene gave the lowest number of leaf drop though there were not significantly different.


147


Table 12.1: Effect of poly sheet thickness and type of hormone on % rooting of stem cuttings

Hormone

Type

(%)

Poly

sheet thickness

Control

Seradix powder

Mean

One layer

20.0 (18.0)

60.0 (57.6)

(37.8)

Two layers

46.7 (48.0)

69.5 (71.5)

(59.3)

Three layers 30.0 (28.0) 30.0 (28.2) (28.1) Mean (31.3) (52.4)

Lsd (p=0.05) - Poly sheet thickness x Type of Hormone = (24.4) Numbers in parenthesis are angular transformed values

Table 12.2: Effect of poly sheet thickness and type of hormone on roots developed on rooted cuttings

Hormone

Type

(%)

Poly

sheet thickness

Control

Seradix powder

Mean

One layer

15.0

20.7

17.9

Two layers

14.0

23.0

18.5

Three layers 20.0 22.0 21.0 Mean 16.3 21.9

Lsd (p=0.05) - Poly sheet thickness x Type of Hormone = 3.3

Table 12.3: Effect of poly sheet thickness and type of hormone on % leaf drop of stem cuttings Hormone

Type

(%)

Poly sheet thickness

Control

Seradix powder

Mean

One layer

40.0 (45.0)

72.0 (71.3)

(58.2)

Two layers 30.0 (27.2) 33.0 (32.2) (29.7) Three layers 10.0 (13.3) 20.0 (18.0) (15.7) Mean (28.5) (40.5)

Lsd (p=0.05) - Poly sheet thickness x Type of Hormone = (24.7) Numbers in parenthesis are angular transformed values

Application of top working techniques for shea in Ghana (J. Yeboah, K.O. Ameyaw, A. A. Oppong Dwapanyin, E. A. Dwomoh, M. Assuah and F. Owusu-Ansah)

The experimental detail of the above trial was presented in the 2008/2009 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2008/2009, 147-149). Analysis of the grafting success data shows significant (p<0.05) interaction between scions of different physiological age and grafting stocks. While semi-hardwood scions show higher success on both rejuvenated shoots (70%) and young plants (70%), softwood scions recorded a higher success on suckers (60%) (Table 12.4). Hardwood scions on the other hand recorded the lowest success for all

148

the grafting stock with the exception of rejuvenated shoots which was slightly (though not significant) higher than the softwood. There were no significant main interaction effects of scions of different physiological ages and grafting stock on dormant grafts at the end of the experiment. The mean dormant grafts (Table 12.5) for scion was 37.8 whilst that for the rootstock was 39.8.


Table 12.4: Effect of physiological age of scion and type of rootstock on success of graft unionformation

Physiological

age of scions

Type

of

rootstock

Mean

Rejuvenated shoots

Seedlings

Young plants

Suckers

Softwood

47.7 (45.4)

50.0 (54.9)

47.7 (50.0)

60.0 (65.0)

(53.8)

Semi-hardwood 70.0 (72.3) 54.0 (56.9) 70.0 (69.9) 50.0 (33.2) (58.6) Hardwood 45.0 (46.7) 40.0 (37.3) 30.0 (34.0) 20.0 (23.0) (35.3)

Mean

(54.8)

(49.7)

(51.3)

(40.4)

Lsd (p=0.05) - Physiological age of scion x Type of rootstock = (21.7) Numbers in parenthesis are angular transformed values

Table 12.5: Main effect of age of scion of different physiological age and type of grafting stocks ondormant grafts

Treatment factor

Dormant grafts

Softwood

39.0 (42.8)

Semi-hardwood

32.5 (36.8)

Hardwood

42.0 (40.7)

Mean

CV

37.8

28%

Rootstocks Rejuvenated shoots 30.0Seedlings 45.0Young plants 42.0Suckers 42.1Mean 39.8 CV 23%

149

The effect of spacing on the growth and yield of cashew (K. Opoku-Ameyaw , F.M. Amoah, J. Yeboah, K. Ofori-Frimpong, M.K. Assuah, E.A. Dwomoh)

The trial had just commenced.

Cashew intercropping during establishment (K. Opoku-Ameyaw , F. K. Oppong, F, M. Amoah J. Yeboah, K. Ofori-Frimpong, M. K. Assuah, E.A. Dwomoh)

The experimental detail of the above trial was presented in the 2008/2009 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2008/2009, 155-157).

Similar to the previous years, cashew yield during the year under review was not significantly affected by treatments (Table 12.8). This indicates that food crop intercropping during establishment did not have any residual effect on cashew yield. Economic analysis of the cropping systems performed earlier in the trial (2005-2007) showed the maize and yam intercrops to be profitable producing on average net benefits of Gh¢ 302.53 and Gh¢ 501.4,

respectively. Since these combinations in some cases produced slightly higher cumulative cashew yields than the sole cashew, they are the best options for farmers who would want to engage in cashew cultivation.


Table 12.8: Effect of cropping system on the first four years' yield of cashew nuts at Bole

Cropping system

Cashew yield (kg/ha)

2008

2009

2010

2011

Cumulative

Sole cashew 70.8 149.5 (21.5) 96.6 (29.4) 157 (36.00 473.9 Cashew + groundnut 71.0 161.6 (10.6) 123.5 (32.4) 111 (52.0) 467.1 Cashew + maize 51.8 104.3 (20.8) 98.1 (33.7) 166 (56.0) 420.2 Cashew + sorghum 55.5 145.5 (36.2) 120.7 (16.1) 168 (49.0) 489.7 Cashew + yam 80.3 168.5 (10.5) 165.0 (68.3) 121 (16.6) 534.8 Cashew + sorghum/groundnut 74.9 161.3 (28.7) 88.7 (16.9) 122 (12.1) 446.9 Cashew + groundnut/maize

80.8

154.3 (59.7)

138.0 (51.5)

142 (3.6)

515.1

Sig. level

ns

n.s

Ns

ns

Values in parentheses are standard errors of the meansns- not significant at 5% probability

150

Studies on the population dynamics of the stem borer, Apate telebrans (Coleoptera:

Bostrichidae) on cashew and its control (E. A. Dwomoh, A. R Cudjoe, M. K. Assuah, F Aneani and F. Owusu-Ansah).

The experimental detail of the above trial was presented in the 2008/2009 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2008/2009, 160-163).

The effects of Akate-Master, Actara and Confidor on borer infestation in cashew plantations are given in Table 12.6. Water (control) treated trees recorded the largest borer infestations in all the months. Confidor treated trees, however, recorded a significantly (P<0.05) lower borer infestation compared to that of the control in all the months. In December, January and February, mean numbers of infested trees in the control plantation were 6, 2 and 2 times, respectively, greater than those recorded in plantations treated with Confidor.


Table 12.6: The effects of Akate-Master, Actara and Confidor on borer infestation on cashew(December- February 2011)

Mean borer entry holes in

Treatment

December

January

February

Akate-Master

0.8 ± 0.2

1.6 ± 0.3

1.1 ± 0.2

Actara 0.6 ± 0.2 1.5 ± 0.1 1.0 ± 0.2 Confidor 0.2 ± 0.1 0.7 ± 0.2 0.5 ± 0.2 Control

1.2 ± 0.3

1.7 ± 0.3

1.3 ± 0.2

LSD(P=0.05)

0.4

0.6

0.4

Investigations into pest control potentials of entomopathogens associated with the

major sap-sucking pests of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) in Ghana. (E. A. Dwomoh, R. Adu-Acheampong, I. Amoako-Atta, F. Aneani, Mercy Asamoah, F. Owusu-Ansah, Winifred O. Kumi, C.K. Agyente-Badu) Trial just commenced there is therefore no data available.

Development of in- vitro propagation technique for shea (P. K. Adu-Gyamfi, S.Y. Opoku, M. A Dadzie, S. T. Lowor and F. Owusu-Ansah) The experimental detail of the above trial was presented in the 2008/2009 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2008/2009, 153-155). Significant differences (p< 0.05) among treatments (PGR mg/l) were observed for the percentage of embryogenic calli produced. Immature cotyledon explants became swollen and produced whitish to yellowish

151


embryogenic callus at the cut ends after two weeks of inoculation on M1 and M2 media in both light (16hrs) and dark conditions. Explants cultured on M1 containing 0.1mg/l Y + 1.0 mg/l X in light produced the highest embryogenic callus (98%) whereas in dark condition 0.2mg/l X produced the highest embryogenic callus (88.9%) (Table 12.10). No callus (0%) was induced on 1mg/l Y + 0.01mg/l X in both light and dark conditions, instead, greenish, opaque embryos were induced directly without callus development. Somatic embryos were induced following the transfer of embryogenic callus from M1 medium containing 0.1 mg/l and 0.01mg/l X to M1 medium without growth regulators after four weeks.

In M2 no embryo induction occurred, only root proliferations and formation of nodular structures were observed in some of the treatments. Significant interaction effects were also observed among treatments in both light and dark conditions in M2 medium but not in M1 medium. M2 media containing 0.1mg/l X produced the highest embryogenic callus in light whereas 1mg/l Y + 1mg/l X medium in dark produced the highest embryogenic callus. The induction of embryogenic calli in M1 medium was also generally higher in light (mean 63.0 %) than in dark conditions (mean 60.7 %) whereas in M2 it is the vice versa a mean of (61.8%) embryonic calli in dark and a mean 44.4% in light. (Table 12.11). Tentatively, light is not essential for the induction of somatic embryos from immature cotyledons of shea since embryos developed in darkness.

Significant interaction effects were observed in the response of Stamens, petals and ovaries explants to various auxin/cytokinin combinations in M1, M2 and M3 basal medium (Table 12.12). Stamens and petal explants were the most responsive to M3 having % embryogenic calli means of 57.3% and 46.7% respectively, whereas ovaries were the most responsive explants to M1 medium with % embryogenic calli mean of 62.3%. But following transfer into their corresponding M1, M2 and M3 medium without growth regulators no embryo induction occurred.

152


Treatments (PGR mg/l)

% of Embryogenic callus

Light (16 hr)

Dark (24hr)

(0.1) Y + (1.0) X

98.0

66.7

(0.2) X

97.1 88.9

(0.10) X 88.9 66.7 (1) Y + (0.4) X 77.8 77.8

(1.0) X 77.8 66.7

(0.5) X

77.8 77.8

(0.1) Y + (0.2)X 66.7 44.4

(1.0)Y + (0.2)X

66.7 55.5

(0.01)

X 66.7 44.4

(0.1) Y + (0.4)X 55.5

77.8

(1) Y + (1)X 55.5 55.5

(0.1)Y + (0.01)X 44.4 66.7

(1)

Y+(0.1)X 38.2 88.9

(0.1)Y + (0.1)X 33.3 33.3

(1) Y+(0.01) X

0.0 0.0

Mean 63.0 60.7

Lsd

34.12 42.95 CV (%) 14.3 11.8

Treatment X environment (light vrs Darkness)

ns ns

Table 12.10: Percentage of embryogenic callus induction from immature cotyledons of shea(vitellaria paradoxa) cultured on M1 basal medium supplemented with different types, levels andcombination of PGR after 30 days in culture.

153

Table 12.11: Percentage of embryogenic callus induction from immature cotyledons of shea(vitellaria paradoxa) cultured on M1 basal medium supplemented with different types, levels andcombination of PGR after 30 days in culture.

Treatments (PGR mg/l)

% of Embryogenic callus

Light (16

hr)

Dark (24hr)

(0.10) X

86.7

53.3

(1)

Y + (0.4) X 80.0

53.3

(1.0) X

80.0 80.0

(0.1) Y + (1.0) X

73.3

46.7

(0.2) X

33.3

73.3

(0.5) X 46.7 80.0

(0.1) Y + (0.2)X 33.3 73.3

(1) Y + (0.2) X 46.7 53.3

(0.2) X 33.3 73.3

(0.1) Y + (0.4)X 20.0 80.0

(1) Y + (1)X

53.3 86.7

(0.1)Y + (0.01)X 53.3

20.0

(1) Y+ (0.1)X 20.0 33.3

(0.1)Y + (0.1)X 20.0 80.0

(1) Y + (0.01) X

0.0 46.7

Mean 44.4

61.8

Treatment X environment lsd (light and Darkness) 27.33

CV (%) 31.5


154

Tabl

e 12

.12.

Perc

enta

ge o

f em

bryo

geni

c ca

llus

indu

ctio

n fr

om f

lora

l tis

sues

of

shea

(vi

tell

aria

par

adox

a) c

ultu

red

on M

1, M

2 an

d M

3 ba

sal

med

ium

sup

plem

ente

d w

ith d

iffe

rent

type

s, le

vels

and

com

bina

tion

of P

GR

aft

er 3

0 da

ys in

cul

ture

.

Tre

atm

ents

(PG

R m

g/l)

% o

f E

mbr

yoge

nic

callu

s

Stam

ens(

M1)

Sta

men

s(M

2) S

tam

ens(

M3)

O

vari

es(M

1) O

vari

es(M

2) O

vari

es(M

3) P

etal

s(M

1) P

etal

s(M

2) P

etal

s(M

3)

(1) Y

20.

0

20.0

20.0

33.

3

53

.3

33.

3

2

0.0

2

6.7

26.7

(1)

X

10

0.0

73

.0

1

00.0

100

.0

86.7

0

93

.3

86.

7

33

.3

100.

0

(1)

V

2

0.0

53

.3

53

.3

20.0

46.7

4

0.0

20.

0

13.

3

2

6.7

(1)

W

2

0.0

20

.0

20.

0

20.0

53.

3

2

0.0

6.

70

3

3.3

(1) Y

+ (

4) X

100.

0

5

3.0

1

00.0

100

.0

80.

0

8

6.7

60.

0

53.3

93.

3

(1)

W +

(4)

X

10

0.0

93.

3

100

.0

1

00.0

60.

0

9

3.3

60.

0

66.7

86.

7

(1)

V +

(4)

X

1

00.0

73.

0

100

.0

1

00.0

1

00.0

86.

7

6

6.7

93

.3

9

3.3

(1) Y

+ (

4) Z

33.3

3

4

0.0

40.0

5

3.3

46.7

46.

7

2

6.7

33

.3

3

3.3

(1

)

W

+ (

4) Z

3

3.33

20.

0

46.

67

8

0.0

86.7

33.3

20.

0

13.3

20.

0

HO

RM

OR

NE

FR

EE

2

0.0

13

.33

20.

0

16.7

0

20.

0

2

0.0

20.0

6

.70

20.

0

Mea

n

54.

67

4

8.67

57.3

3

62.

3

60.

7

58.0

4

0.7

38.

0

4

6.7

C

V (

%)

17.2

0

22

.7

37.1

0

(T

reat

men

t Lsd

)

8.6

65

12.9

2

14

.61

(T

reat

men

t X m

edia

Lsd

)

15

.01

2

2.38

25.3

0

KE

Y-

(M1,

M2,

M3)

-MO

DIF

IED

ME

DIU

M

13.3


155

Aetiology and control of leaf blight disease(s) of cashew in Ghana: (M. K. Assuah, I. Y. Opoku, E. A. Dwomoh, J. Yeboah)

The experimental detail of the above trial was presented in the 2008/2009 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2008/2009, 159).

No new organism was isolated during the year. The already isolated and identified organisms were recorded. These included Alternaria citri, Pestalotia spp, Lasiodiplodia theobromae,

Aspergillus and Penicillium spp.

The severity of the blight disease of the selected cashew plants increased from March to May for the higher severity scales (scales 4 & 3) but dropped sharply from July onwards (Fig. 12.12). This led to an increase in the lower scales (scales 1 & 2) and the number of trees without the disease symptoms. The severity of the disease remained low till the end of the year. This observation is in variance with the severity of the disease in previous years where higher severity scales were recorded from June to October. The observation in the current year can be attributed to the monthly application of fungicides for the control of the disease in August to November. This invariably accounted for the lower severity scales at a time when the blight disease was expected to be severe and also accounted for the higher number of trees without symptoms for most part of the year (Fig. 12.12).

Fig.12.12: Temporal severity of leaf blight disease on cashew at Bole.


156

Key: Bars represent number of trees without the blight symptoms during the year.

The six fungicides under screening on the field for the control of the leaf blight disease on cashew are listed on Table 12.18. Generally, the severity of the blight disease decreased from July/August with the application of the fungicides (Fig.12.13). Carlit express and Ridomil Gold were more effective in controlling the blight disease than the other fungicides. The mean severity for the 20 trees which were sprayed with these fungicides was always below the lowest severity scale (1) for the application period. Goldazim, Agriete and Shavit were the least effective fungicides against the leaf blight disease on cashew (Fig. 12.13). The mean severity for the control trees was relatively high during the period.

Table 12.18: Fungicides under screening to control leaf blight disease of cashew

Name of fungicide

Active ingredient and concentration

Dosage used (/11L)

Goldazim

Carbendazim –

500g/L

5.5ml

Agriete

Fosetyl –Al –

800g/Kg

22 g

Carlit Express Fosetyl –

Al –

31.1% +

Mancozeb –

31.1% + Benalaxyl – 2.2%

32 g

Shavit

Folpet –

700g + Triadimenol –

1.5g/Kg

22 g

Sulfa

Sulphur –

80%

37 g

Ridomil Gold

Mefenozam –

6% + Copper (1) oxide –

60%

37 g

Fig. 12.13: Effect of different active ingredients of fungicides on cashew leaf blight disease control


157

The effect of gamma-irradiation of shea seeds and cutting on growth traits of shea (M. T. Barnor, J. Yeboah, P. A. Gyamfi, F. K. Padi, F. O. Ansah, A. A. Afrifa, H. Obiatey)


Radicle emergence values for the various radiation doses are as presented in (Table 12.19). Radical emergence percentage ranged from 52 to 69%. The non-irradiated seeds attained 50% emergence within two weeks while irradiated seeds took 3 -4 weeks to attain 50% emergence (Fig.12.14). Radicel emergence was completed in 4 weeks for all treatments. Gamma irradiation did not show profound effect on radicle emergence but greatly affected subsequent root development.

Plumule emergence values for the various radiation doses are as presented in (Table12.19). Plumule emergence rate showed strong negative correlation with gamma rays (r= -0.796) (Table 12.20). Plumule emergence decreased with increasing irradiation dose with the exception of 50Gy which yielded higher emergence percentage than the control (0Gy). Only two (2) of 150 sprouted seeds irradiated with 200Gy of gamma rays produced seedlings representing 1.3% of irradiated seeds. No plumule emergence was recorded for 600 and 700Gy.

Seedling height showed a significant negative correlation with gamma rays (-0.976*). Growth reduction percentages of 18.1 and 20.3% were recorded for 50Gy and 100Gy, respectively (Table 12.19). The use of 50% growth reduction dose (GR ) as a measure of 50

radio-sensitivity may however, not be appropriate for the shea plant due to delay in plumule emergence of irradiated seeds as indicated in Fig.12.16.

Survivability of seedlings expressed as a percentage of the control is an important parameter in estimating radio-sensitivity. However, this could not be estimated in the current study because germinated seeds from all doses have survived up to the time of writing this report. Perhaps, seeds with severely damaged DNA died during radicle development. At higher doses of gamma rays, radicle of seeds emerged but could not develop the usual pseudo-taproot from which the plumule emerges. As a result, radicle emergence was recorded for all levels of gamma rays but plumule emergence decreased with increasing dose of gamma rays and no emergence was recorded for 600 and 700Gy (Fig 12.15)

Also, visible leaf variegation (chimeric) was observed in two seedlings from seeds irradiated at 50 Gy and 100 Gy (Fig 12.17). The leaves have pale green patches that have so far persisted in every generation leaves.


158

Table l2.19: Radicle and plumule emergence percent and plant height of shea seeds irradiated withgamma rays

Dosage

Radicle emergence (%)

Plumule emergence (%)

Plant height (cm)

0Gy

69

54.7

7.19

50Gy 55 60.7 5.89 (18.1) 100Gy 52 27.3 5.73 (20.3) 200 Gy 52 1.3 Insufficient data 600 Gy

60

0 700Gy

55

0 Note: figures in parenthesis represent growth reduction as a percentage of the control (0Gy)

Table 12.20: Correlation of plant characters with gamma rays

Plant character

Correlation

Radicle emergence

-0.151

Plumule emergence -0.796 Plant height

-0.976*

Fig. 12.13: Radicle emergence of shea seeds irradiated with 0, 50, 100, 200, 600 and 700 Gy ofgamma rays

Fig.12.14: Radicle emergence of irradiated shea seeds


159

Fig.12.15: Plumule emergence of irradiated shea seeds with time

Fig.12.16: LD (50% plumule emergence) of irradiated shea seeds with 0, 50, 100, 200, 600 and50

700 Gy of gamma rays


160

Fig.12.17: seedlings with pale patches.

Cashew germplasm collection, conservation, characterization, evaluation and

utilization (M. A. Dadzie, K. Opoku-Ameyaw, J. Yeboah, M. Assuah, E. A. Dwomoh, Entomologist)


Local accessions

The local accessions in Bole have an average yield of 1.5kg/tree and a yield range of 0 kg to 6.9 kg whereas in Wenchi an average yield of 2kg/tree with a yield range of 0 to 11.8kg was realized (Table 12.13). It can be deduced that differences in yields from these accessions in the two locations (Wenchi and Bole) could be attributed to the differences in environmental conditions (rainfall, soils, humidity) etc. The most outstanding accessions in Bole and Wenchi are CP/AS/EJ/F3/175 and WA/SG173/1 with yields of 6.9kg and 11.8kg respectively.

Tanzania accessions

Yields ranged from 0.03 to 3kg/tree with an average of 1kg/tree (Table 12.13). The highest yielding accession is TT15 giving yield of 3kg/tree and this represents a initial yield since its establishment. Floral characterization and cut test will be performed to determine their outturn values.

Benin accessions

Yield data collected indicate that, the Benin materials at Wenchi have an average yield of 2.5 kg per accession with a yield range of 0 to 14kg/tree whereas those in Bole had an average yield of 0.31kg per accession with a yield range of 0 to 1.5kg. From Table 12.13, it can be


161

deduced that the yields in Bole are far lower than that of the materials in Wenchi. This could be attributed to environmental differences.

Brazillian accessions

No significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in the yield data collected from the five (5) accessions (Table 12.14). These accessions will be evaluated for nut sizes, outturn and earliness to flowering in the subsequent years.

Table 12.13: Yield performance of Benin, Tanzania and Local cashew accessions at Wenchi and Bole

Germplasm Location No. of Mean Yield Mean yield Yield Source Planted access. Kg/tree ('09) Kg ('10) range ('10)

Benin Bole 320 0.33 0.31 0.0-1.50 Wenchi 769 3.30 2.50 0.0-14.0

Local Bole 339 0.88 1.50 0.0-6.9 Materials

Wenchi 213 1.9 2.00 0.0-11.8

Tanzania Bole 1200 0.0 1.00 0.0-3.0

Accession Yield (kg)

A1

0.848

A2

0.884

A3 0.618 A4 0.892

A5

0.478

Mean

0.744

Lsd ns

Table 12.14: Yield performance of Brazillian dwarf cashew genotypes in Bole


162

Establishment of Cashew scion banks: (M. A. Dadzie, P. K. Adu-Gyamfi, K.Opoku-Ameyaw, J. Yeboah,M. Assuah , E. A. Dwomoh, Entomologist)


Vacancies have been filled to make up for the fifthy stands that were initially grafted but successes have still been low (Table 12.15).

Table 12.15 A census of successful grafts in the scion banks at Bunso, Wenchi and Bole.

ACCESSION NO.

NO.OF SUCCESFUL GRAFTS

ACCESSION NO.

NO. OF SUCCESSFUL GRAFTS

Bunso

Wenchi

Bole

Bunso

Wenchi

Bole

013

7

28

16

262

8

14

30

059

5

24

14

263

6

13

20

071

5

38

16

265

5

23

30

079

7

18

21

266

9

36

22

094

9

27

22

267

7

16

30

096

6

26

18

268

7

28 21

112

5

15

19

272

8

28 26

123 5 27 27 273 7 35 23 136 4 17 15 276 11 24 20 138 6 23 32 278 11 29 29 140 7 21 24 279 10 46 21 142

4

39

11

286

7

27 26

151

7

20

18

202

4

44 27

152

5

28

24

201

6

52

23

156

9

28

25

210

3

32

22

163

7

27

11

224

4

18

31

176

5

21

23

249

3

39

23

179

6

42

23

258

5

29

21

181

5

24

26

245

7

13

35

123

6

15

30

124

7

24

31

Genotype X Environment Interaction for yield in cashew genotypes (M. A. Dadzie, P. K. Adu-Gyamfi, K.Opoku-Ameyaw, J. Yeboah, M. Assuah , E. A. Dwomoh, Entomologist)



163

Genotype by location effects

The analysis of variance indicated no significant genotype by environment interaction effects for mean girths and heights among the genotypes in the two locations (Tables 12.16 and 12.17). But SG 266 and BE 203 ranks among the top five (5) outstanding genotypes with higher girths and heights in the two locations. Growth measurements taken on the genotypes have also shown significant differences for both girth and height between the two locations. At Wenchi, mean girths and heights among the genotypes were higher than their corresponding genotypes in Bole. Generally, the genotypes in Wenchi are growing more vigorously than that in Bole (Table 12.16 & 12.17). The most vigorous genotypes were BE 575 in Bole and SG 266 in Wenchi with mean girths of 29.81mm and 62.8mm respectively (Table 12.16 & 12.17). The low girth and height increases recorded among the genotypes in Bole may reflect the response of the genotypes to the low rainfall, humidity and high temperatures in the Guinea savanna zone.


164

Selections

Mean height (m)

Wenchi Bole

We

BAM 7

283.0 110.0

BE 203

227.0 140.0

SG 004

221.0 120.0

SG 224

218.0 102.0

SG 014

210.0

97.0

SG 266

210.0 115.0

BE 204

210.0 118.0

SB 9

194.0 089.0

KT 5

193.0 122.0

IDDM 29

171.0 116.0

KT 2 167.0 101.0

BE 575 166.0 113.0

BE 627

166.0 070.0

BE 739

165.0 123.0

KT 4

163.0

10.0

SG 273

157.0 10.0

KT 1

155.0 10.0

BAME 7

146.0 113.0

AKC

144.0 101.0

AKD

136.0 10.0

Mean 185.0 110.0

CV (%)

33.20 18.7

Lsd (G x L) ns ns

Table 12.16: The height of twenty (20) elite cashew materials recorded at Wenchi and Bole.


165

Table 12.17: The girth of twenty (20) elite cashew materials recorded at Wenchi and Bole.

Selections Mean girth (mm)

Wenchi Bole

SG 266

62.8 28.31

SG 224

61.5 24.97

SG 004

60.6 26.6

IDDM29

59.7 28.08

BE 203

59.6

28.26

SB 9

57.1 24.58

SG 014

55.7 20.42

KT 4

55.4 25.34

BE 204

53.3 28.92

BAM 7

52.0

25.18

BAME 7

52.0 28.87

BE 627 50.7 16.0

SG 273 50.7 22.34

BE 575

50.3

29.81

KT 5

49.6 27.87

BE 739

49.5 28.84

KT 1

47.1 26.22

Mean

52.8 25.53

CV (%)

27.2 17.5

G x E (lsd) ns ns


166

Development of edible products from shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) fruit pulp (Esther Gyedu Akoto, S.T. Lowort, C.K. Agyente-Badu, V. Anchirinah, J. Yeboah, Winifred Kumi, F. Owusu Ansah.


Proximate analysis on the shea jam showed that the shea fruit contains an appreciable amount of protein (3.38%). It also has high mineral content with the predominant ones being sodium, calcium and potassium (Table 2).

Parameter

Composition

Protein (%)

Polyphenols (mg/g)

Tot. Sugars (mg/g)

P (µg/g)

K

"

Ca

“

Mg

" Na

“

Zn (mg/kg)

Cu

"

Fe

"

Mn

"

3.83 ± 0.06

45.25

± 0.28

300.21

± 8.61

29.55

± 0.27

1461.35

± 14.32

288.13

± 21.7

114.10 ± 1.71 1111.99

± 6.74

5.06

± 0.15

0.19

± 0.02

2.82

± 0.12

12.02

± 0.38

Table 2: Proximate analysis on shea jam

Fermentation of shea pulp for 3, 4, 5 and 6 days also produced some alcohol. However, the alcoholic strengths obtained were low.

Table 3: Shea pulp distillation

Fermentation days

3

4

5

6

Pulp (kg)

20

20 20

20

Water (L) 66 52 56 50 Alcohol (%)

9

10

10

18

Alcohol (L)

9

9

7

8

Wine

Specific gravity of the shea fruit extract was 1.050 before amelioration with sucrose. Addition of the sugar raised the specific gravity to 1.085 before the aerobic fermentation. Maximum concentration of alcohol attained at the end of fermentation was 12.1%. The wine currently is being allowed to mature. The other half of the fruit extract that was converted into vinegar had a final acetic acid concentration of 4.4% after dilution. Table 4 shows the preliminary observation on the phenol and carbohydrate contents of the shea fruits.


167

Table 4: Two characteristics of shea fruits sampled from the Upper West and Northern Regions

Phenolics (mg/g)

Carbohydrates (mg/g)

o-dihydric total Soluble Insoluble 0.02-1.51 4.4-22.4 8.7-74.6 2.6-25.6

Evaluating the growth and yield response of cashew to organic manures (S. Acquaye,K. Ofori-Frimpong,J. Yeboah, V. Anchirinah, M. K. Assuah, E. A. Dwomoh, F. Owusu Ansah, A. O. Dwapanyin)

The experimental detail of the above trial was presented in the 2009/2010 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2009/2010). No significant effect of poultry manure and cow dung at the diferrent application rates on plant girth (Figure 1), height (Figure 2) and number of leaves per plant (Figure 3) were observed at three months after transplanting.

Figure 1. Time course of cashew plant girth at transplanting (baseline) and three months fromtransplanting as influenced by poultry manure (PM) and cow dung (CD) application. Figures besideacronyms indicate the annual application rates.

Figure 2. Time course of cashew plant height at transplanting (baseline) and three months fromtransplanting as influenced by poultry manure (PM) and cow dung (CD) application. Figures besideacronyms indicate the annual application rates.


168

Figure 3. Time course of leaf number per cashew plant at transplanting (baseline) and three monthsfrom transplanting as influenced by poultry manure (PM) and cow dung (CD) application. Figuresbeside acronyms indicate the annual application rates.

Evaluating the Yield Response of Cashew to Organic Manures (S. Acquaye, K. Ofori-Frimpong, J. Yeboah, V. Anchirinah, M. K. Assuah, E. A. Dwomoh, F. Owusu Ansah, A. O. Dwapanyin)

The experimental detail of the above trial was presented in the 2009/2010 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2009/2010). The nut yield after the initial soil amendment application ranged from 106.2kg/ha for CD20 to the lowest of 60 kg/ha for PM40, with a median yield of 76.0kg/ha (Figure 1). There was a significant variation in the initial cashew nut yield. It may be too early to ascribe this significant difference to the effects of the soil amendments.

Figure 1. First year nut yield of cashew trees receiving poultry manure (PM) or cow dung (CD).The numbers baside the manure acronyms indicate the annual rate of application. The vertical barindicates least significant difference.


169

Evaluating the growth and yield response of cashew to organic manures (S. Acquaye, K. Ofori-Frimpong, J. Yeboah, V. Anchirinah, M. K. Assuah, E. A. Dwomoh,F. Owusu Ansah, A. O. Dwapanyin)


Young cashew growth

There was a slow increase in cashew plant girth and height of cashew clones from transplanting (0 month) to about 6 months after transplanting in all treatments (Figure 12.9 and 12.10). After this period there was rapid increase in the girth and height after 6 months to the heighest points at 15 months after transplanting. The initial slow development of cashew plants was due to the effects of the dry period which prevailed immediately after transplanting, while the rapid increase in girth and height coincided with improvement in soil moisture precipitated by the rainy season. At each data recording period there were no significant differences in the influence of poultry manure or cow dung at diferrent application rates on plant girth and height.

Gir

th (

mm

)

Figure 12.9 The influence of poultry manure (PM) or cow dung (CD) on cashew plant girth fromtransplanting (0 mth) to 15 months after transplanting.


170

Hei

ght (

mm

)

Figure 12.10 The influence of poultry manure (PM) or cow dung (CD) on cashew plant height fromtransplanting (0 mth) to 15 months after transplanting.

Mature cashew yield

There was a significant variation in the initial cashew nut yield that ranged from 106.2kg/ha for CD20 to the lowest of 60 kg/ha for PM40, with a median yield of 76.0kg/ha in 2009/2010 (Figure 12.11). There was 30 -50% increases in nut yield of manure treatments from 2009/2010 to 2010/2011. However no significant differences were observed in the cashew nut yield of manure treatments in 2010/2011.

Nut

yie

ld (

kg/h

a)

Figure 12.11 Two year nut yield of cashew trees receiving poultry manure (PM) or cow dung (CD).Numbers baside the manure acronyms indicate the annual rate of application in kg/ha/yr. Thevertical bar indicates least significant difference in 2010 (p≤0.05).


171

Evaluation of foliar fertilizer use on cashew (S. Acquaye, K. Ofori-Frimpong, J. Yeboah, V. Anchirinah, M. K. Assuah, E. A. Dwomoh,F. Owusu Ansah, A. O. Dwapanyin)

The experimental detail of the above trial was presented in the 2009/2010 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2009/2010). There was no significant effect of liquid/foliar fertilizer treatments on the cashew nut yield in 2011 when all thirteen treatments tested were analyzed together (Fig. 12.3) and the five-year cumulative yield (Fig 12.4). From orthogonal analysis based on individual fertilizers, liquid/foliar fertilizer formulations NPK 20:2:4 (Fig 12.5), NPK 10:10:10 (Fig 12.6) and NPK 6:0:20 (Fig 12.7) at the three application rates did not significantly influence cashew nut yields from 2006/2007 to 2009/2010 cropping

-1 -1seasons. On the other hand, NPK 13:1:12 applied at 3L ha yr significantly improved cashew nut yield than 1 and 2 L/ha application rates in 2006/2007 and 2009/2010 (Fig 12.8). There was no serious pest and disease incidence.

Figure 12.3 Time course of cashew nut yield as affected by different foliar fertilizer formulationsapplied at different rates in 2011.

Nut

yie

ld (

kg/h

a)

Figure 12.4 Five-year cumulative cashew nut yield as affected by different foliar fertilizerformulations applied at different rates


172

Nut

yie

ld (

kg/h

a)

Figure 12.5 Cashew nut yield as affected by application of liquid/foliar fertilizer NPK 20:2:4.

Nut

yie

ld (

kg/h

a)

Figure 12.6 Cashew nut yield as affected by application of liquid/foliar fertilizer NPK 10:10:10

Figure 12.7 Cashew nut yield as affected by application of liquid/foliar fertilizer NPK 6:0:20

Nut

yie

ld (

kg/h

a)


173

Figure 12.8 Cashew nut yield as affected by application of liquid/foliar fertilizer NPK 13:1:12.Vertical bars indicate least significant values (p<0.05) at respective cropping seasons.

Nut

yie

ld (

kg/h

a)

Economic AnalysisEconomic analysis was done by the partial budget technique which used data on the average cost of fertilizers, application cost and nut picking, and benefit. The analysis was performed on the highest five-year nut yield that was achieved with the application of liquid fertilizer NPK 13:1:12. The gross benefit (GB), which is based on the nut yield and prevailing cashew producer price, was higher for fertilizers than that of the unfertilized control and was ranked as 3L/ha > 2L/ha = 1L/ha > control (Table 12.9). The total variable cost (TVC) which is made up of cost of fertilizer, application and nut picking cost was similar (i.e. Gh¢518.0 - Gh¢599.0) for the three fertilizer application rates as against the nut picking cost of Gh¢91.0 for the unfertilized control. However the net benefit (NB) was highest for the control and this was 3, 19 and 2 times the NB for 1, 2 and 3 L/ha application rates, respectively. This is as a result of the high TVCs of fertilizer application. All the foliar fertilizers gave negative Marginal Rate of Return (MRR) which is defined as the additional output obtained for every additional unit of input. The MRR was used to determine the profitability of fertilizer use and was calculated as [(Change in net benefit/Change in variable cost) x 100], where change means: [Net benefit or variable cost of fertilizer] minus [Net benefit or variable cost of control]. The negative MRRs mean that the usage of fertilizers on the cashew resulted in losses. For example, an investment of Gh¢1.00 made in using SIDALCO foliar fertilizer NPK 13:1:12 at the rate of 3L/ha, which gave the highest average yield, will result in a loss of Gh¢ 0.30.


174

Table 12.9 Partial budget to compare economic benefit of applying foliar fertilizer (SIDALCO) tocashew using the highest five-year average nut yield obtained with application of foliar fertilizerformulation NPK 13:1:12

Item

Economic Parameter

Control

1L/ha

2L/ha

3L/ha

1

Benefit (Gh¢)

Average yield (kg/ha)

303.2

496.4

454.8

599.3

Gross benefit (Gh¢) (A)*

363.8

595.7

545.8

719.2

2

Varying cost

(Gh¢)

Fertilizer (Gh¢25.0/L)

0

25.0

50.0

75.0

Application (Gh¢5.5/day x 5md x 10 times)

0

275.0

275.0

275.0

Fuel (Gh¢7.0/application) x 10 times

0

70.0

70.0

70.0

Nut collection (Gh¢0.25/kg nut)

91.0

148.9

136.5

179.8

3

Total varying cost (B)*

91.0

518.9

531.5

599.8

4

Net Benefit

(A –

B)

272.85

76.77

14.36

119.38

5

Changes in benefits and cost

Change in net benefit

-196.1

-258.5

-153.5

Change in variable cost

428.0

440.5

508.8

6 Marginal Rate of Return (MRR) -46% -59% -30%

Effects of inorganic fertilizers and their application periods on the growth and yield of

cashew (S. Acquaye, K. Ofori-Frimpong, J. Yeboah, V. Anchirinah, M. K. Assuah, E. A. Dwomoh, F. Owusu Ansah, A. O. Dwapanyin)

The experimental detail of the above trial was presented in the 2009/2010 Annual Report (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2009/2010). Similar to the previous years, there was significant mean and interaction effect of fertilizers and their application periods. Nut yield reduces with delay in fertilizer application with the sharpest decline occurring for the fertilizers in the first 6 months (Fig 12.1). The nature of the decline following a 6 month delay in application was however gradual with the exception of unfertilized control which generally did not change with delay in initial application. Application of F4 increased nut yield over the control with the exception of 18 months delay in application. The remaining two fertilizers however were not different from the unfertilized control after 6 months delay in application.


175

Figure 12.1: Effects of interaction between fertilizer and their application periods on cashew nutyield in 2010/2011

Economic Analysis

Economic analysis was done by the partial budget technique which used data on the average cost of fertilizers and application costs (outflows), and benefit (inflows). The analysis was performed on nut yield at the period of fertilizer application (i.e. 0 month) that gave the highest among the four-year average nut yield. The gross benefit (GB), which is based on the nut yield and prevailing cashew producer price, was higher for fertilizers than that of the unfertilized control and was ranked as F4 > F3 > F2 > F1 (Table 12.7). The total variable cost (TVC) which is made up of cost of fertilizer, handling, application and nut picking cost was highest for F4 (Gh¢870.4) and this was approximately two and three times the TVC of F3 and F2, respectively, as against the minimal nut picking cost of Gh¢19.4 for the unfertilized control. However, the net benefit (NB) was highest for the control (Gh¢58.2) with all applied fertilizers having negative NB values as a result of their high TVCs. All the fertilizers had negative Marginal Rate of Return (MRR) which is defined as the additional output obtained for every additional unit of input. The MRR was used to determine the profitability of fertilizer use and was calculated as [(Change in net benefit/Change in variable cost) x 100], where change means: [Net benefit or variable cost of fertilizer] minus [Net benefit or variable cost of control]. The negative MRRs mean that the usage of fertilizers on the cashew resulted in losses. For example, an investment of Gh¢1.00 made in using fertilizer treatment F4, which gave the highest average yield, will result in a loss of Gh¢0.74.


176

Table 12.7: Partial budget to compare economic benefit of applying inorganic fertilizers to cashewusing the highest four-year average nut yield obtained when fertilizers were applied at transplanting(0 month).

Item

Economic Parameter

F1

F2

F3

F4

1

Benefit (Gh¢)

Average yield (kg/ha)

64.7

125.3

192.8

248.1

Gross benefit (Gh¢) (A)*

77.7

150.4

231.3

297.7

2

Varying cost

(Gh¢)

Fertilizer 0 188.8 377.5 755.0 Application (5 MD @ Gh? 5/day) 0 25.0 25.0 25.0 Transport 0 16.0 16.0 16.0

Nut picking (Gh¢ 0.25/kg) 19.4 37.6 57.8 74.4 3 Total varying cost (B)* 19.4 267.3 476.3 870.4 4

Net Benefit

(A –

B)

58.27

-116.98

-245.01

-572.74

5

Changes in benefits and

cost Change in net benefit

-175.2

-303.3

-631.0

Change in variable cost

247.9

456.9

851.0

6

Marginal Rate of Return (MRR)

-71%

-66%

-74%

Notes: F - unfertilized control; F - 62.5N+62.5P O +12.5K O; F -125N+125P O +25K O; 1 2 2 5 2 3 2 5 2

F - 250N+250P O +50K O kg//ha/yr.4 2 5 2

Fertilizer cost: N = Gh¢1.7/kg; P and K = Gh¢1.1/kg; Current cashew selling price: Gh¢1.2/kg

Effect of polythene bag size on seedling development and ease of transplanting success

in cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) (Patricia Adu-Yeboah, F. M. Amoah, A. O. Dwapanyin, K. Opoku-Ameyaw, J. Yeboah, S. Aquaye, F. Owusu Ansah,V. Anchirina)


Carting of seedlings to field

The volume of soil used in potting and weight of bags reduced proportionally with reduction in bag size, reducing carting difficulties. The approximate volume and weight of soil to pot each bag size and number of seedlings transported per person by head over a distance of 2.2 km are presented in Table 11.21. On the average, thirty-one (31) seedlings nursed in smallest bags could be carried per person while only eight (8) seedlings nursed in the normal sized bags could be transported per person.


177

Table 11. 21: Number of seedlings transported per person by head portage. Bag size

Soil Vol. (cm 3)

(approx) Weight of bag

(kg) Average/head

Control -17.5 x 25cm

6020

2.60

8.0

T1 - 14 x 17.5cm 2700 1.02 17.0

T2 - 14 x 15.0cm 2310 0.90 20.0 T3 - 12.5 x 17.5cm 2150 0.76 24.0 T4 -

10.0 x 17.5cm

1380

0.54

30.0

T5 -

10.0 x 15.0cm

1180

0.49

31.0

Transplant survival

The polythene bags size for the nursery significantly (p≤0.05) affected seedling survival six months after transplanting. The Control and T1 (the two bigger bag sizes of the 8-week seedlings) had higher mortality than the other bag sizes (Fig. 11.18). This may be attributed to over-development of the root system in the bigger bags before transplanting and possibly, difficulty in handling the bags during transplanting. Seedling age and its interaction with bag size did not affect survival significantly. Reduced bag size reduced seedling mortality and improved survival of transplants than bigger nursery bags.

Seedling moisture and dry matter accumulation

Seedling total fresh weight was significantly (p<0.001) increased by age and bag size (Fig.11.19), however, the interaction between them was not significant.

Fig.11.18: Effect of age and nursery bag size on seedling mortality (%), six months after transplanting


178

Fig.11.19: Effect of seedling age and nursery bag size on total seedling fresh weight at transplanting

Seedling total dry weight was significantly (p<0.001) increased by age and bag size (Fig.11.20), however, their interaction was not significant. The difference in age is due to accumulation of dry matter over the longer time.

Fig.11.20: Effect of seedling age and nursery bag size on total seedling dry weight at transplanting

Total percentage moisture in seedling tissue was significantly (p<0.001) increased by age (Fig 11.21), however, bag size and the interactions of the two factors were not significant. The younger seedlings had higher moisture with less dry matter accumulation within the shorter nursery period because the cells were possibly in the active cell division and elongation phase.


179

Fig.11.21: Effect of age and nursery bag size on seedling moisture (%) at transplanting

Seedling stem girth at nursery (before transplanting) was significantly increased by age (p<0.001) and bag size (p<0.05) (Fig 11.22), however, their interaction was not significant. Stem girth increment, six months after transplanting, was not influenced by factors being studied (p>0.05).

Fig.11.22: Effect of age and nursery bag size on seedling girth (mm) at transplanting

Seedlings stem height at nursery (before transplanting) was significantly (p<0.001) increased by age (Fig. 11.23), however, bag size and its interactions with age were not significant (p>0.05).


180

Fig.11.23: Effect of age and nursery bag size on seedling height (cm) at transplanting

Seedlings stem height increment, six months after transplanting (Fig.11.24) was significantly increased by age and its interaction with bag size (p<0.001), however, bag size was not significantly (p>0.05) affected. Generally, height increment in the six weeks old seedlings were greater than the eight weeks old ones except the smallest bags.

Fig.11.24: Effect of age and nursery bag size on seedling height increment, six months aftertransplanting

The number of leaves per seedling before transplanting, was significantly (p<0.001) increased by age (Fig.11.25), however, bag size and its interactions with age were not significant (p>0.05). Generally, the six weeks old seedlings had less number of leaves than the eight weeks old ones.


181

Fig.11.25: Effect of age and nursery bag size on seedling leaf number at transplanting

Seedling age before transplanting significantly (p<0.001) increased the number of leaves per seedling six months after transplanting (Fig.11.26). The eight weeks old seedlings generally recorded the lowest increment in plant leaf number except the smallest bag. Bag size and its interaction with age also increased plant leaf number significantly (p<0.05).

Fig.11.26: Effect of age and nursery bag size on seedling leaf number increment, six months aftertransplanting


182

Improving the survival rate of transplanted over-aged cashew (Anarcadium

occidentale) seedlings (Patricia Adu-Yeboah, F. M. Amoah, A. O. Dwapanyin, K. Opoku-Ameyaw, J. Yeboah, S. Aquaye, F. Owusu Ansah,V. Anchirina)


The percentage survival of seedlings was significantly (p≤0.05) influenced by seedling age and pre-planting treatment (Fig. 11.27). Seedlings less than five months old and were pre-treated before transplanting recorded less survival than their controls. However, seedlings aged beyond six months which either had all their leaves halved (ALH) or roots pruned (PR) or leaves halved alongside root pruning (ALH+PR) gave higher survival above their controls, than the other pre-planting treatments. Leaf stripping (ALS) is the pre-treatment that supported the least survival of seedlings in all the categories.

Fig.11.27: Percentage survival of cashew seedlings as influenced by seedling age and pre-plantingtreatments at eighteen months after transplanting (ALH = All leaves halved; ALS = All leavesstripped; PR = Pruning of roots; NTRT =No pre-treatment)

Pre-planting treatments, seedling age and their interaction significantly influenced plant girth (mm), 18 months after transplanting (Fig.11.28). Generally, seedlings of different ages beyond five months and pre-treated by pruning of roots (PR) and halving of leaves alongside pruning of roots (ALH+PR) recorded bigger stem girth than their controls. All the other pre-treatments mostly had their girth records below their control.


183

Pre-planting treatments and seedling age and their interaction significantly influenced plant height (cm), 18 months after transplanting (Fig.11.29). Apart from the All Leaves Stripped

(ALS) pre-treatment, all pre-treatments promoted height development than their controls in the field

Fig. 11.28: Effect of seedling age and pre-planting treatments on girth (mm) eighteen months aftertransplanting (ALH = All leaves halved; ALS = All leaves stripped; PR = Pruning of roots; NTRT=No pre-treatment)

Fig.11.29: Effect of seedling age and pre planting treatments on height (cm) eighteen months aftertransplanting (ALH = All leaves halved; ALS = All leaves stripped; PR = Pruning of roots; NTRT=No pre-treatment)


184

cocoa research institute of ghana annual report 10 11 annual reports.pdf · 2014-10-29 · cocoa...

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