Ghana Journal of Science

EFFECTS OF MAIZE – COWPEA INTERCROPPING PATTERNS ON YIELD AND PROPERTIES OF TYPIC PLINTHUSTALFS SOIL IN SOUTH GUINEA SAVANNA ZONE, NIGERIA.

K. O. ALABI, A. I. AFE, A. O. ADEWUMI — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

One of the factors preventing Nigeria’s agriculture from being more productive is its low soil fertility. Adoption of maize-cowpea intercropping system is being promoted as one of the options for improving soil fertility. A field experiment was carried out at Kwara State University Teaching and Research Farm in 2018 cropping season to assess the effect of maizecowpea intercropping patterns on yield and soil properties. The experiment was laid out in a 2×4 factorial split plot arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design. The spatial row arrangement was the main block while population density was assigned to subplot. The yields and physical-chemical properties of soils were examined after all crops were harvested. Sole crop of both maize and cowpea was found to be significantly higher in yield parameters than their intercrops. Intercropping had no significant influence on textural class, bulk density and saturated hydraulic capacity of the soil. Soil total Nitrogen content was slightly increased in 2:2 spatial arrangements except in 100M: 25C and sole cowpea compared to initial total nitrogen. Soil organic matter at the intercrop increased as the population increased in 1:1 arrangement whereas, the value was not consistent in 2:2 row arrangement. Population density of (100M:100C) which produced (2151.94 for maize and 1813.64 kg/ha for cowpea) and 1:1 row spatial arrangement with superior Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) value can be recommended to the farmer. Also integrated fertility management strategy other than only
intercropping should be advocated.

EFFECT OF POD SIZES AND FERMENTATION METHODS ON PHYSICAL QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF COCOA (THEOBROMA CACAO) BEANS

M. ALHASSAN, P. KUMAH, P. K. TANDOH, I. A. IDUN — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Cocoa is an important crop that provides livelihood for most producing countries. In recent years rejection of beans due to inappropriate fermentation method is a major challenge confronting the industry. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of pod sizes and fermentation methods on the physical attributes of cocoa beans. A 3 x 3 factorial arrangement
in a Completely Randomized Design replicated three times was the experimental design used. The study revealed that pod sizes significantly affected bean weight and bean number such that 96% (R2=0.9591) of variations in bean weight could be attributed to pod size. A correlation analysis also revealed that there was a significant (p≤0.05), strong and positive relationship between pod size and bean number where 97% (r= 0.9744) of bean number was ascribable to pod sizes. No mouldy beans were produced from medium pods under all three methods of fermentation. No slaty beans were produced by beans from medium pods under tray and basket fermentation as well as beans from large pods under tray fermentation. There was a significant, strong but negative correlation between percentage purity and slaty beans. The highest bean purity was produced by medium size pods fermented using tray fermentation. Medium pod sizes produced the least number of germinated beans under all three methods of fermentation. In conclusion, to obtain cocoa beans with high bean weight, bean numbers as well as desired physical attributes large and medium pods fermented using the tray method should be highly considered.

PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE OF TEACHERS TOWARDS TEACHING SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH INTERVENTIONS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, EDE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OSUN STATE

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) intervention is one of the strategies to prevent problems associated with SRH, most especially among adolescents. As such WHO recommends that SRH intervention be included in secondary school curriculum. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the perception and attitude of secondary school teachers toward addressing sexual and reproductive health intervention in school. This study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional research survey design. The sample consisted of 131 secondary school teachers selected using proportionate and simple random techniques. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection and data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage while inferential statistics of chi-square was used for stated hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results were presented in tables and charts. The findings from the study showed that majority of the respondents were aged 31-40 years, mostly females, married with BSc certificate and had less than five years of experience in teaching mathematics. Almost two-thirds had good perceptions and positive attitudes toward SRH intervention. Factors influencing perception and attitude include appropriate training of teachers on SRH intervention, availability of materials, policies and guidelines for teaching SRH intervention, parental support, the willingness of students to address the issue, and continuous professional development that focuses on SRH. Therefore, it is necessary to sensitize the stakeholders on the importance of teaching SRH intervention among secondary school students.

EXAMINING THE CARCINOGENIC AND NONCARCINOGENIC HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH HEAVY METALS EXPOSURE FROM THE CONSUMPTION OF ANCHOVIES (ENGRAULIS ENCRASICOLUS - LINNAEUS, 1758)

R. L. DIYIE, S. ADDO, C. M. BOATENG, U. Z. Mohammed, E. K. ASAMOAH — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The primary objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), and Arsenic (As) in fresh, sun-dried, and smoked European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) from the Tema Fishing Harbour in Ghana. Additionally, the study assessed the associated human health risks among various age groups. This investigation was conducted in response to the widespread consumption of these fish due to their high affordability. Hg concentrations in the fish samples were measured using the Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA 80), while Pb, As, and Cd concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) Varian-AS245, following homogenization of the samples with a high-speed stainless-steel blender. Fresh fish samples recorded the highest concentrations of Pb (0.946 ± 0.122 mg/kg) and As (0.71 ± 0.08 mg/kg), while dried fish had the highest Hg concentration (0.034 ± 0.003 mg/kg). Cadmium levels were below the detection limit in all fish samples. The metal concentrations were within the safety limits established by the EU, FAO, and USEPA except for lead in fresh fish. For human health risk assessments, the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) values were also within the Joint FAO/ WHO Expert Committee limits, except for toddlers and children aged 4-6 years, where the values exceeded these limits. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Hazard Index (HI) values were below 1, likewise the Target Carcinogenic Risks (TR) values were also within recommended limits, suggesting that the population is not at risk of significant carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic health effects from consuming this fish. However, to better protect vulnerable age groups, it is highly recommended to limit the inclusion of this fish species in
the diets of toddlers and children.

EFFECT OF PLANTING MEDIA ON SURVIVAL AND EARLY GROWTH OF SELECTED AGROFORESTRY TREE: GMELINA ARBOREA, SENNA SIAMEA AND ALBIZIA ZYGIA SEEDS

O. B. OYENIRAN, A. O. OLADOYE, A. A. KAREEM, A. O. BASIRU, O. O. OLUBAYO — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the effect of different planting media on the germination and early growth of three agroforestry tree species: Albizia zygia, Gmelina arborea, and Senna siamea. A 5 × 3 factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) was conducted with
five soil media combinations: 100% topsoil (TP100), 100% river sand (RS100), 1:1 topsoil-toriver-sand mix (TR 1:1), 1:4 topsoil-to-river-sand mix (TR 1:4), and 4:1 topsoil-to-river-sand mix (TR 4:1). Growth parameters measured were germination percentage, seedling height, stem girth, and number of leaves. The results showed significant (p < 0.05) differences in seedling height, stem girth, and number of leaves among the soil media and species, though germination percentages did not differ significantly. Albizia zygia recorded the highest number of leaves across all time points, while Gmelina arborea achieved the tallest seedling height in TP100 (38.60 ± 0.60 cm). Albizia zygia performed best in RS100 (17.20 ± 4.31 cm), and Senna siamea exhibited optimal growth in TR 4:1, with a stem girth of 28.00 ± 1.22 mm. This study concludes that soil media selection significantly influences the early growth and survival
of agroforestry tree species. Gmelina arborea thrives best in 100% topsoil, Albizia zygia in 100% river sand, and Senna siamea in a 4:1 topsoil-to-river-sand mix. These findings provide valuable insights for improving the propagation and management of agroforestry trees.

VENTURING INTO MEN’S SPACE: THE WOMEN FISHERS OF NORTHERN GHANA

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study was conducted at Nawuni, in the Northern Region of Ghana to investigate the activities of women fishers along the White Volta, a tributary of the Volta River. Data was collected through the use of a structured interview guide. The results reveal that the fishery is a basket fishery and was dominated by women between the ages of 31 to 40 years (35.7%), with the dominant ethnicity being Ewe. Fishing was their primary occupation and earnings from the sale of fish (GH¢ 157.00 (US$ 10.36) on average daily) were used to provide for their households. The need to have and maintain a livelihood was the motivation for majority of the women (89.3%) to venture into the men’s space and become fishers. Almost all the women use specialized baskets with bait to attract small pelagic fish which is dominated by clupeids and schilbeids. The main challenges faced by the female fishers were the high cost and unavailability of fishing gears they needed. Other options for bait preparation to avoid the use of detergent, and population studies of the dominant exploited species (Schilbei intermedius) to ensure sustainability of the fishery are recommended.

A COMPREHENSIVE METHODOLOGY FOR MONITORING AND ANALYSING ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN PUBLIC FACILITIES: CASE STUDY OF A PUBLIC FACILITY

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study conducted an energy efficiency assessment of a public facility, analysing various electrical parameters including line and phase voltages, current, real and apparent powers, and power factor. The analysis reveals significant imbalances across phases, highlighting inefficiencies that contribute to potential safety concerns, equipment stress and reduced equipment lifespan. The key findings include maximum phase voltages which exceeds acceptable limits
by up to 15%, while the minimum line voltages fall below recommended ranges by 10%. One phase carries 2.4 times the current of another. One phase consumed 130% more real power than another as the apparent power distribution mirrors real power, with one phase exhibiting a 140% higher maximum value than another. The measured power factors ranged from 0.42 - 0.99 across phases, indicating potential for improvement, while the current unbalanced factor
of 44.2% is high and indicates a serious current imbalance. Addressing these imbalances and inefficiencies present significant opportunities for improvement. Optimizing power systems through load balancing, reactive power compensation, and efficient equipment use enhances
safety, extends equipment life, and boosts sustainability. This study emphasizes the importance of detailed power analysis for optimizing energy use and promoting sustainability in public facilities. By addressing the identified issues, the facility can pave the way for a more energy efficient system.

BARRIER-FREE EDUCATION FOR ALL: INVESTIGATING STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTIONS AND CHALLENGES IN GHANAIAN UNIVERSITIES

J. A. DANQUAH, D. DUAH, A. B. MARFUL, M. PANTA — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Persons with disabilities (PwD’s)in Ghanaian universities, who constitute less than 3% of student enrollment, face many challenges despite the presence of enabling policies that lack effective implementation. This study investigates the perceptions of key stakeholders on the current state of barrier free education for all in Ghanaian universities and the effects of the prevailing ideological and socio-political values on understanding and implementation of inclusive campuses, as enshrined in the sustainable development goals 4 and 11 advocating for quality education for all in an inclusive built environment. A qualitative case study methodology was employed, involving interviews, observations, and focus group discussions with stakeholders across three purposively sampled universities in Ghana. The research aimed to enhance accessibility and inclusion in higher education settings by exploring stakeholder perceptions. Findings reveal that architectural education plays a crucial role in shaping a barrier-free built environment, highlighting the need for disability-friendly policies and cultural shifts. The study also uncovers inconsistencies in stakeholder awareness across campuses, underscoring the importance of targeted sensitization campaigns. Furthermore, the integration of smart technologies is identified as a key factor in improving accessibility, alongside the need for clear policy frameworks to ensure consistent implementation. Further, quantitative data analysis revealed that over 70% of respondents acknowledged the inadequacy of current infrastructure in supporting PwDs, while 65% emphasized the necessity of policy reforms. The study’s implications suggest that addressing these issues will significantly improve inclusivity in higher education and contribute to broader accessibility reforms in Ghanaian universities.

REDEFINING INCLUSION, ACCESSIBILITY AND PERCEPTION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITY THROUGH THE LENS OF ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION IN GHANA

J. A. DANQUAH, D. DUAH, A. B. MARFUL, M. PANTA — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

There is a clarion call by the United Nations to urgently tackle the root causes of systemic marginalization of persons with disability, by ensuring that all persons can fully participate in every day aspect of life. This call directly addresses four sustainable development goals.The architect is one of the key actors of barriers in the built environment, which is mainly due to the education they acquire over the years based on training and ethos largely influenced by ableist concepts. Many have advocated for a change in architectural education in order to have a major leap in the creation of inclusive and accessible built environments. This study critically examines the concept of accessibility in architectural education at the only public university with a school of architecture in Ghana. This is achieved through a mix method research design with a case study approach using semi structured questionnaires and interviews of both students and lecturers. The course contents and studio are also reviewed to assess the accessibility strands found within. The study reveals amongst others, a very low level of knowledge of the concepts of accessibility and inclusion in both students and lecturers; the teaching and inclusion of accessibility concepts in course content and studio are treated as add-ons. The study recommends that the architectural curriculum needs to be revised with accessibility being an integral part of the entire course of study, reinforced in an interdisciplinary nature, and actively engaging disability organizations in the teaching and design studio programs.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF MANUAL MAIZE SEEDING TECHNIQUES UNDER MINIMUM TILLAGE FIELD CONDITIONS

S. K. AMPONSAH, E. ARTHUR, D. D. AZUMAH, F. KUMI — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The performance of an auto seeder, jab planter, cutlass and dibbler were comparatively characterized under farmers’ field conditions using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. The goal of this study was to characterize the performance of the auto seeder, jab planter, dibbler, and cutlass under minimum tillage field conditions. In this study, seeding was possible in soils with 7.88%w.b. - 13.92%w.b., 1.50 g/cm3 - 1.66 g/cm3, and 0.59 MPa - 2.04 MPa, respectively. The Abontem maize seed with length, width, thickness, sphericity, thousand grain mass, and moisture content of 10.35 mm, 8.0 mm, 4.78 mm, 0.72, 289 g, 13.02%w.b. and 86.84%, respectively was used. Seed emergence, depth, inter-hill spacing, consistency, hilling consistency, effective field capacity, and physical power requirement ranged from 45% to 83.7%, 4.3 cm to 6.2 cm, 59% to 69.9%, 75% to 102.7%,
0.05 to 0.13 ha/h, 39 cm to 50.9 cm, and 463 W to 751 W respectively. The auto seeder and jab planter performed significantly (p≤0.05) worse than the cutlass and dibbler in terms of germination rates, hilling consistency and seeding consistency. For auto seeder, cutlass, dibbler, and jab planter seeding methods, economic feasibility analysis yielded BCRs of 1.04, 1.80, 1.86, and 1.22, respectively. Although the cutlass and dibbler outperformed the mechanized tools in germination rates, hill and seeding consistency, improvements to the metering mechanism and targeted training could enhance auto seeder and jab planter performance. Future studies could explore ergonomic adjustments and testing with crops like cowpea and rice under varying soil moisture conditions to further optimize seeding methods for smallholder contexts.

AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE AND HERITABILITY OF GRAIN YIELD AND OTHER YIELD-RELATED TRAITS OF STRIGA-TOLERANT MAIZE HYBRIDS UNDER STRIGAINFESTED AND STRIGA-FREE ENVIRONMENTS

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Striga hermonthica, an obligate root-parasitic weed is a major constraint to maize production in West Africa causing significant yield losses, sometimes up to 100%. Host-plant resistance is considered the most economical and feasible method of Striga control. In 2014 and 2015, seventeen single-cross Striga-tolerant maize hybrids and a local check were evaluated at Nyankpala and Manga for grain yield (GYLD) and agronomic performance under Striga-infested and Striga-free environments. Combined analysis of variance across Striga-infested and Striga-free environments revealed significant effects of genotype and environment on GYLD and most agronomic traits. The genotype-by-environment interaction effect was
not significant for most traits, including GYLD, under individual test environments or across
environments. This suggested that the GYLD and agronomic performance of the hybrids would be stable across both Striga-infested and Striga-free environments. Striga-free environments had higher heritability for GYLD and other traits (0.42-0.89%) than Striga-infested environments (0.01-0.73%). Grain yield under Striga-infested environments was positively genetically correlated with GYLD under Striga-free environments (rg = 0.63). This confirmed that GYLD performance under Striga infestation can be predicted from GYLD performance under Striga-free environments. The hybrids' mean GYLD in Striga-free
environments was 4.2 t/ha, with a 31% yield reduction in Striga-infested conditions. Ears per plant decreased by 16% as a result of the Striga infestation, but anthesis-silking interval increased by 34%. The most outstanding hybrids based on a selection index for Striga tolerance were M1462-15, M1462-6, and M1462-4. They can be grown in Striga-free and Striga-endemic conditions and also be used to create new Striga-tolerant varieties.

COMMERCIAL POULTRY FARMERS’ FEED PRODUCTION, FEEDING PRACTICES AND KNOWLEDGE ON AFLATOXINS WITHIN SOME COMMUNITIES IN GREATER ACCRA AND EASTERN REGIONS OF GHANA

B. NSIAH, C. ODURO-YEBOAH, H. OFORI — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Commercial poultry serves as a source of food security, nutrition, and income for many individuals in Ghana. However, poor feed production and improper feeding practices can affect poultry egg production and products quality. This study investigated commercial poultry farmers’ feed production, feeding practices and knowledge on aflatoxins in some communities
within Greater Accra and Eastern Regions of Ghana. Qualitative research approach design and Semi-structured questionnaires were used for the study. A total of 83 commercial poultry farmers took part in the study. More than 80 % of the farmers used whole maize, wheat bran, rice bran, soya meal and fish meal as common feed ingredients. Most (90 %) of the farmers disclosed that almost all feed ingredients used were susceptible to mold infestation. Majority (76.2 %) of the poultry farmers did not analyze feeds. A high proportion (84.4 %) of the
farmers stored feed ingredients and feeds in store-rooms. Majority (72.3 %) of the farmers stored feeds for a shorter period, between 1 and 2 weeks. Among the farmers, 86 % had little to no knowledge on aflatoxins. It is recommended that researchers, regulators, various poultry farmers’ associations and Government policy makers should intensify poultry farmers’ education on good feed production, appropriate feed practices, and knowledge on aflatoxins to prevent poultry feeds and products from contamination.

OPTIMIZATION OF CORN COB BIOCHAR AND TRIPLE SUPERPHOSPHATE FERTILIZER INTEGRATED AMENDMENT TO IMMOBILIZE LEAD (II) IN ACIDIC SANDY SOIL

T. A. ANEMANA, P. YEBOAH, J. AWOONNOR, A. E. A. SUNNU, M. V.-G. ADONADAGA — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Elevated levels of Lead (Pb) in soil is due to anthropogenic activities and this could result in highly toxic effects to humans and organisms. Optimization of corn cob biochar (CB) and Triple Superphosphate (TSP) fertilizer integrated amendment for the immobilization of Lead (Pb(II)) was explored for an acidic (pH = 5.50) sandy soil of grain size <2 mm with the
following treatments; control, TSP2.5w%, CB2.5w%, CB5.0w%, CB2.5w%+TSP2.5w%, CB5.0w%+TSP2.5w%, CB2.5w%+TSP5.0w%, and CB5.0w%+TSP5.0% were used. The
soil was artificially contaminated with 600 mg/kg Pb(II) in the form of Pb(NO₃)₂ and studied according to the Bureau of Reference (BCR) leaching procedure using CH₃COOH, NH₂OHHCl, and EDTA. The best immobilization rate of 65% was recorded by the combined corn cob biochar-TSP amendment of ratio 5w%: 2.5w% for the residual fraction and an additional 20% was immobilized by amorphous oxides of Fe(III)/Mn(IV) bound fraction as compared to the TSP and CB separate treatments were immobilization rates were 25% and 45%, respectively in the residual fractions. The phytoavailable Pb concentration decreased to almost half when the combined treatment of TSP and corn cob biochar was used. The point of zero charge
measurements (pHpZC≈7.95) indicated corn cob biochar could effectively bind positively
charged Pb ions and complexes at pH values of acidic soil system. The combined simultaneous
corn cob biochar and TSP treatment proved effective in immobilizing Pb ions. Langmuir
isotherm and pseudo-second-order-model (PSOM) better modelled the data, suggesting corn cob biochar adsorption was primarily a monolayer and exhibited chemisorption rate-limiting step respectively.

ISOTHERMS, KINETICS AND THERMODYNAMICS STUDIES ON THE SEQUESTRATION OF EOSIN YELLOW FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION USING CUBAN PALM FRUİT PERİCARP AS A LOW-COST ADSORBENT

F. B. ADARAMOLA, N. A. A. BABARINDE, A. A. IBİKUNLE, T. M. Osobamiro — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The environmental hazard caused by synthetic dyes on aquatic ecosystems has necessitated an intensified demand for more sustainable and affordable methods to mitigate their impacts. This study explored the efficiency of Cuban palm fruit pericarp (CPFP) as a readily available and eco-friendly adsorbent for removing Eosin yellow from aqueous solution. The adsorbent was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett Teller analysis and pHPZC determination. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to optimize various parameters including adsorbent dosage, pH, agitation speed, temperature, initial dye concentration, ionic salt concentration, and contact time. Changes in the surface properties of the adsorbent before and after adsorption confirmed Eosin yellow adsorption and the involvement of surface functional groups in the process. The maximum sorption capacity of the adsorbent was 135.320 mgg-1, with optimal sorption at pH 3, 120 min contact time, 348 K, 100 mg adsorbent/150 mL dye solution, and 150 rpm agitation speed. Both Temkin and Langmuir isotherms as well as pseudo-second order kinetics model best described the adsorption behavior, with intra-particle diffusion playing a role but not as the sole limiting step. Negative values of standard Gibb’s free energy change (ΔGo) indicated high feasibility and spontaneity of the adsorption process, while positive values of standard enthalpy change (ΔHo) confirmed the endothermic nature of the process. Application of CPFP adsorbent for treating real textile wastewater demonstrated significant decolorization and
reduction in pollution loads. This study underscores the efficiency of CPFP as an affordable and eco-friendly option for effective treatment of toxic dye-contaminated wastewater.

CONVENTIONAL AND MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS OF FISH PARASITES IN CULTURED NILE TILAPIA (OREOCHROMISNILOTICUS) IN GHANA

R. L. DIYIE, S. ADDO, M. Y. OSEI-ATWENEBOANA, D. W. AHETO — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Parasitic infections are one of the major health threats to the aquaculture sector. The fastgrowing Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) industry in Ghana further increases the potential of fish parasites infestations, that could pose a significant threat to the industry. This study was thus, aimed at assessing the prevalence of fish parasites in cultured Nile tilapia using both
conventional microscopy and molecular techniques. Two hundred cultured fish samples were collected from five cage farms on the Volta Lake and an earthen-pond farm for the analysis. The specimens were subjected to standard postmortem inspections, microscopic examination and molecular characterizations, to identify ecto- and endo-parasites. A correlation between
the prevalence and density of parasites and water quality was also established. Two categories of acanthocephalans were detected within the gut of fish from the upper and middle sections of the Lake, and with a prevalence rate of 8.9%, a mean density of 0.14, and a mean intensity of 1.63. Co-infection with ectoparasites (Dactylogyrus sp. & Argulus sp.) was detected on the gills and skin of fish samples from the lower region of the lake, with a prevalence rate of 30.0% each. This reflected the elevated level of water quality challenges downstream. Furthermore, 40% of Dactylogyrus sp. was retrieved from the pond. Molecular identification targeting the 28S rRNA gene of parasites showed 100 percent concordance with microscopy. The total prevalence of parasites was 39%. The findings revealed a high prevalence of parasitic
infestations, with molecular methods consistently providing enhanced detection accuracy compared to conventional techniques. This study makes a significant contribution to the broader field of aquatic parasitology and water quality monitoring. The results underscore the need for improved parasitological monitoring and management practices in Ghana’s aquaculture sector.
They also highlight the importance of integrating molecular diagnostics to accurately estimate the disease burden, safeguard fish health, and sustain industry growth.

QUANTIFYING THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SOWING DATES ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF TWO ELITE SOYBEAN GENOTYPES PRODUCTIVITY IN THE FACE OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Rainfall in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) would decrease by about 20%, making some agricultural land in SSA unsuitable for cultivation, resulting in yield losses. The extent of these yield losses is unclear, but some analysts predict they could be severe. Increasing climate variability could lead to declining soil moisture, increasing drought, salinization and groundwater depletion. Soybean is a thermophilic and photophilic crop and is therefore sensitive to seasonal weather patterns. Planting date is an agronomic measure to manage climatic impacts. It affects stand establishment, physiological parameters, and yield formation. We investigated the effects of five sowing dates on two improved soybean genotypes (Gyidie & Tundana) during the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons. A 2 x 5 factorial design with five replications was used for this study. The genotypes, Gyidie & Tundana, were the first factor while sowing date was the second factor. Sowing commenced on the 1st of June in 2021 and on the 5th of April in 2022. The sowing dates tested were day 1 (1st June and 5th April, respectively), 5 days later, 10 days later, 15 days later, and 20 days later. The results showed significant (p≤0.05) vegetative and yield differences effects among genotypes. The genotype Tundana yielded 11.2% and 6.5% higher grain yields than Gyidie in both years. Day to maturity was shortened by 1 to 11 days as sowing days were delayed from 5 to 20 days. Rainwater harvesting efficiency was significantly higher in the early-sown crops, which had a significant (r = 0.99) effect on grain yield. Grain yield decreased by 5.1 - 6.7% after 5 days delay, 14.8 - 19.3% after 10 days delay, 22.8 - 24.3% after 15 days delay, and 28.4 - 29.3% after 20 days delay in 2021 and 2022. Grain quality (oil and protein content) was not affected by late sowing. The results suggest that farmers have a better chance of higher yields if they sow these genotypes early to take advantage of the early rains. In the worst-case scenario, farmers should not delay the sowing date of soybean more than 5 days to minimize yield losses.