COCOA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF GHANA ANNUAL REPORT 09 10
Published by Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana New Tafo-Akim ISSN 0855 - 0506
Suggested Abbreviation: Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 20092010
© Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, 2010
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-station 07
Cocoa Establishment Thrust 14
Cocoa Management Thrust 27
Cocoa Improvement Thrust 59
Cocoa Insects Management Thrust 64
Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus (CSSV) Thrust 89
Cocoa Fungal Disease Management Thrust 107
New Product Development Thrust 124
Coffee Agronomy Thrust 136
Coffee Improvement Thrust 150
Kola Development Thrust 153
Shea and Cashew Development Thrust 160 MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Chairman Prof. Yaw Ahenkorah Post Office Box BC 208 Burma Camp, Accra.
Members Mr. Anthony Fofie Deputy Chief Executive (A&QC) COCOBOD, Accra
Dr. Yaw Adu-Ampomah Executive Director Cocoa Research Institute, Tafo
Rev. (Fr.) Prof. Daniel Mensah Bonsu U. C. C., Cape Coast
Dr. M. Owusu-Akyaw Crop Research Institute, Kumasi
Mr. F. E. Nsiah CSSVD Control Unit, Accra
Mr. Kofi Afrisah Nuhu Ministry of Trade & Industry Accra
Mr. J. A. Asamoah Director of Research COCOBOD, Accra
Dr. I. Y. Opoku Staff Representative Cocoa Research Institute, Tafo
Secretary Mr. A. A. Appleton General Administrative Manager Cocoa Research Institute, Tafo
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 SENIOR STAFF LIST (APRIL 2009 - MARCH 2010)
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 R. Nyarko, Private Secretary Certificate Technical Officer M. Gyasi, BSc.(UCC)
Administration Deputy Executive Director(Gen. Admi) Pauline A. Dadzawa B.A Hons (Ghana), Post Graduate Diploma(GIMP A) Deputy Human Resource Manager M. O. Abu, B. A. Hons (Ghana); M.Phil (Ghana) Postgraduate Dip. in Public Admin. (GIMP A) Prin. Human Resource Officer F. G. Ocran, B.A. Hons. (Ghana), MBA ( Ghana) Human Resource Officer A. A. F.-Manso, B.M. S (UCC) Senior Security Of ficer J. M. Osiaw
Security Officer R. 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. A. Addae
Y.T.O. Donkor G. K. Baffoe, B.Ed. (UCEW) S. O. Adjei, B.Ed. (UCC) Gladys Kuwornu, B.Ed (UCEW) M. A. Asamoah, B.Ed (UCC)
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 S. T. Bosompem, B.Ed (UCC) F. A. Ampofo, B.Ed (UCEW ) B. Ofori, B.A. Arts (UCC)
Accounts/Audit Accounts Manager J. Odametey, ICA (Ghana), MBA(GIMPA) Accounts Officers C. K Davudu, HND Accountancy J.R. Kwami E.N. Akutey, ICA II E. Appiah, ICA I J. Buabeng, ICA I Dora Tekper, HND Accountancy J. O. Arthur HND(Accountancy) MBA(Paris) V. Ahoe G. K. Tawiah ICA I
Audit Manager P. H. –Quartey ACCA (UK) Audit Officers I. G. Azumah, ICA(Ghana) E. Ampofo, AIA
Scientific Information Division Information System Manager E. A. Asamoah BSc. Computer Science (Ghana)
Public Affairs Officers Florence Asuamah, Dip. in Journalism J. B. Kabutey, Dip. in Public Relations and Advertising
Information System Officers V. M. Larweh, B. Ap Sc. (RMIT); Dip. in
Stats. (Ghana)
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. O. Ameyaw, BSc. (Ghana) Ph.D. (Reading) Research Officers K. Acheampong, M.Sc. (KNUST), M.Phil. (Reading)
Patricia L. Adu-Yeboah, B.Sc. (U.S.T) Technical Officers K.H.Y. Fiawotso, Dip. in Hort. (KNUST)
O. Sarkodie, Dip. in Agric. Mech. (Ghana)
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 E.K.Akpertey H.R.Dorgbadzi Soil Science Head K. O.-Frimpong, B. Sc. (UCC), Dip. Edu. (UCC), Ph.D. (Reading) A. A. Afrifa, B.Sc. (KNUST), M. Agric B. Sc. (Reading) S. Acquaye, B.Sc. (U.S.T), Ph.D. (Chiba ) A. Boateng, BSc. (UCC)
E. A. Nyaaba, Dip. in Hort. (KNUST)
S.Y. Mawudeku, Dip. Agric. Ed. (UCEW)
D. Addo, B.Sc. Lab. Tech. (UCC) O. 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. A. Dwomoh, M.Phil (KNUST) Ph.D (KNUST) R. A. Acheampong, M.Phil (Ghana), PhD(Imperial) G. Awudzi, B.Sc. (KNUST). Technical Officers A. K. Nkansah, Dip. in Lab.Tech.(UCC) S.K. Ahadzi, B.Sc. Agric. (Ghana) E. E. Koranteng Dip. in Agric(UCC) G. A .Somuah
Plant Breeding
Head B. Adomako, B.Sc. (KNUST), M.Sc.(London ), DIC., Ph.D (Wales) Research Officers F. Padi B.Sc. (KNUST), Ph.D. (UEA, Norwich) E. A.-Kwapong, B.Sc. (Ghana). M. Phil. (Birmingham & Reading). E. K. Nsiah, B.Sc. (Ghana) M.Phil (Tromso) S. Y . Opoku, B.Sc. (Ghana). M. Phil (Ghana) O. Atta, BSc. (Ghana), PhD(Germany) M. A. Dadzie, B.Sc. (KNUST). P. K.K. A. -Gyamfi, B.Sc. (KNUST). A. Akpertey, B.Sc. (Ghana). Technical Officers S.A. Bosompem P. Seglah, Diploma in Statistics (Ghana) P.E. Mensah, Dip. Lab. Tech. (UCC) E. Ewe, Dip. in Agric. (Ghana) E. K. K. Akotia, Dip. Hort. (KNUST) A. B. Boamah, Dip in Agric (Ghana) Debora Cobbina (Mrs), BSC. Agric (UCC)
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 Doris Akrobor, BSc Agric Tech. (UDS).
Plant Pathology Head H.K. D.-Obiatey, B.Sc. (Ghana), M.Sc. (Norwich) P.hD(Reading) Research Officers A.Y. Akrofi, B.Sc. (KNUST), M.Sc. (Bristol) M.K. Assuah, BSc. (UCC), M. Phil (Ghana) O. Domfeh, BSc. (KNUST), M.Sc. (Bristol) G. A. Ameyaw, BSc. (KNUST), PhD (Reading ) I. A. Atta, BSc.(KNUST), MSc.(KNUST) Technical Officers E. D. Anochi, Dip. in Lab. Tech. (UCC) D.M. Adoblanui, Dip. Post Harvest Tech. (Ghana) O. A. Bediako, Dip. in Agric. (Ghana) Mercy Ofori, Lab Mycology Certificate R. B. Hakeem, Dip. in Agric. Education (UCEW) S. A. Frempong, Lab. Tech. Diploma (UCC)
Physiology/Biochemistry
Ag. Head J.F. Takramah, B.Sc. (Ghana), Ph.D.(Windsor)
Research Officers O. Dwapayin, B. Sc. (UCC), Dip. in Educ. (UCC), Ph.D. (Reading)
S.T. Lowor , B.Sc. M.Phil.(Ghana) PhD (New England
W. O. Kumi B.Sc (Ghana) M.Phil. (Ghana) Mercy Anne Salifu, BSc (KNUST)
Technical Officers J.N. Boafo, Lab. Tech. Diploma (UCC)
Plantation Management Head T. T. -Koduah, B.Sc. (Ghana) Technical Officers P.K. Bartels, Dip. in Lab. Tech. (UCC) W .A. Darko, Dip. Hort. (KNUST) S. D. D. Asare A. Opare, Dip. Hort. (KNUST) Environmental Health Officers K. Anyomi J. A. Mensah
General Services Head F. Quist, BSc. (KNUST) Deputy Gen. Services Manager D. A. Ashitey, MSc. Civil Engineering Electronics Engineer E. O. Afotey, M.Sc. (Minsk), MBA(GIMPA) Estate Officer S. A.-Donkor BSc.(KNUST) Works Superintendents M. Dautey , Inst of Tech Supervision Cert (Weija) R.A.A. Obeng, HND (B. Tech.)
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 A. Ackon, HND Civil Engineering A. P . 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 and Transport Mechanical Superintendent J. Nkansah, HND Mech. Eng
SUB-STATIONS Afosu Head G.J. A.-Kwapong, B.Sc. (Ghana), Ph.D. (Wales) Technical Officers R. Fiakpornu, Dip. Hort. (KNUST) I.A. Darko, Dip. in Gen. Agric. (Ghana) S. Abbrese Bole Ag. Head J. Yeboah, BSc. (KNUST), MSc. (KNUST) Research Officer M. T. Barnor, BSc. (Ghana), MSc.(Japan) Technical Officers K. Acheampong V . N. Agene, BE.D Agric (UW) Human Resource Officer M. Chenpuo, Diploma in Mgt Studies (UCC)
Sub-Station Bunso
Head E .O. K. Oddoye, B.Sc. (Ghana), M. Phil
(Camb) PhD.(Ghana)
Technical Officer J. 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) V. Anchirina, B.Sc. (Ghana) M.Sc. (Reading) F . O. Ansah, B.Sc. (KNUST) M.Sc. (KNUST) Technical Officers S. Duodu A. B.-Yeboah, BSc Agric (KNUST) F. A.-Armah, BSc (Ghana)
New Product Development Unit Ag. Head C.K. A.-Badu, B.Sc. (Ghana), M.Phil(KNUST) Research Officer E. G. Akoto, (Mrs) B.Sc. (Ghana) MPhil.(Ghana), Ph.D(Ghana) Technical Officers M. H. Andoh, HND (Chem. Eng.) K. A. Amponsah D. K. Owusu J. Sefa, Diploma in Statistics (Ghana)
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 Commercial Unit Head W. A. Quaittoo, BSc (UCC) MBA Marketing (Ghana) Rest house Superintendent D. A. Addo, Dip. in Home Science Ext. (Ghana) A. Apotogse, BSc. Admin(Ghana), HND Acct(K’ Poly)
Plantation Officers Mabang/Acherensua O.-W. Afriyie, National Dip. in General Agric. (Ghana), Cert. in Community Forestry ( Bangkok) Wantram O. Ntiamoah, Diploma in Gen Agric (Ghana) Worakese E. O. Gyekye, Dip. in Agric. (Ghana)
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 01
GENERAL REPORT
New arrivals (March 2009 - April 2010) The following Research Scientists and Officers were engaged: Dr. Ofori Atta was appointed Research Officer at the Plant Breeding Division on 25th May, 2009. Mr. Ishmael Amoako- Atta Plant Pathology was appointed Research Officer on 3rd September, 2009. Mr. Michael Gyasi Administration was appointed Technical Officer on 2nd July, 2009 whilst Mr. Michael Teye Barno was appointed Research Officer Bole Substation and Mr. Fredrick Amon-Armah was also appointed Technical Officer Social Science and Statistical Unit on 1st February, 2010
New appointments Dr. I. Y Opoku, Principal Research Officer was appointed Deputy Executive Director (Cocoa) on 20th April, 2009.
Promotions Dr Sammy Tetteh Lowor and Mrs. Esther Gyedu-Akoto Research Scientists were promoted to Senior Research Scientists, Both promotions took effect on 11th November, 2009. Mr. Hanson Peter Quartey, Deputy Audit Manager was promoted to Audit Manager effective 1st July, 2009.
Messrs Edmund Odai Afotey Electronic Engineer and Thomas Tweneboah Kodua, Principal Technical Officer were promoted to Electronic Manager and Chief Technical Officer with effect from 1st April, 2009 respectively.
Ms Winifred Oforiwaa Kumi Assistant Research Scientist was upgraded to Research Scientist on 4th May, 2009
The following persons were promoted from Senior grade to Principal Officers namely: Mr. Francis Gyamfi Ocran, Prin. Human Resource Officer, Mr. Yayra Z. K Ayewubo, Prin. Transport Officer, Mr. Charles K. Osei, Prin. Elec. Supt, Mr. Bishop Kabutey, Prin. Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Harry K. Y Fiawotso, Prin. Technical Officer. All promotions took effect from 1st October, 2009 The following were also promoted from Officer grade to Senior Officer. Mr. Richardson Owusu, Senior Security Officer, Mr. Samuel A. Obeng, Senior Teacher, Mr. Samuel L. Gyamfi, Senior Library Officer. All took effect from 1st October, 2009
Transfers-out Mr. Alexander A. Appleton, Dep. Executive Director (Gen. Admin) was transferred to Cocobod Head Officer, Accra on 4th May, 2009. Mr. Divine Azunu, Human Resource Manager was also transferred to CSSVD CU on 2nd July, 2009. Similarly, Mr. Kwame D. Adiyiah, Deputy Audit Manager was transferred to Cocoa Marketing Company Limited on 4th May, 2009, Mr. William A. Quaitto Commercial Manager was transferred to Cocobod on
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 02
1st September, 2009 whilst Mr. Divine Logosu, Human Resource Officer was transferred to CSSVD CU on 14th September 2009.
Death Mr. K. G Baffoe, Teacher died on 28th June, 2010
Retirements Mr. E. N Okyere, Bindery Officer retired on 20th September,2009, Mr. P. Frempong Manso, Prin. Accounts Officer retired on 25th September, 2009. Rev A. Q. Donkor Prin. Technical Officer retired on 18th December, 2009, Dr. E. B. Frimpong, Principal Research Officer voluntarily retired on 23rd September, 2009 whilst, Mr. Michael Gyasi resigned on 1st December, 2009.
Study leave The following Research Officers 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, Mrs. Esther Anim Kwapong , Research Officer, University of Ghana, Mrs. Esther Gyedu Akoto, Senior Research Officer, University of Ghana, Mr. Richard Adu Acheampong, Research Officer, University of Reading , Mr. Kofi Acheampong, Senior Research Officer, University of Reading, Mr. George Akumfi Ameyaw, Assistant Research Officer, University of Reading, Mr. Edmund O. Afotey, Electronic Engineer, GIMPA, Mr. Abu Mustapha Dadzie, Assistant Research Officer, University of Ghana, Ms. Salifu M. Anne, Assistant Research Officer, University of Reading
The following senior officers were also pursuing degree programme in various universities during the period. Mr. Samuel L. Gyamfi, University of Ghana, Mr. Charles K. Davudu, Institute of Professional Studies, Mrs. Gifty Opoku Agyameng, GIMPA, Mr. Roger K. Fiakpornu, University of Cape Coast, Rev. Agyenim Boateng, Senior Technical Officer, University of Cape Coast, Mr. Samuel F. Akomea, Technical Officer, 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
Miscellaneous The year 2008 Best Worker Award ceremony took place at Tafo on 19th February, 2010. Mr. Lawrence Ani-Danso, Assistant Chief Driver of the General Services Division was adjudged the best Worker for the year. The ceremony was attended by many dignitaries including Mrs. Bernice Adiku-Heloo, member of the COCOBOD Board of Directors who stood in for the Board Chairman. Alhaji Dramani Egala, Deputy Chief Executive (Operations), Cocobod, Hon. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Eastern Regional Minister, Prof. A. A. Oteng Yeboah, Chairman, CRIG Management Committee, other members of the committee and Osabarimah Nana Adusei Peasah IV, Tafohene.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 03
PLANTATION MANAGEMENT DIVISION
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.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 04
Table 1. Monthly Cocoa Production
Field Usable No of Pods Broken Wet Wt of % of Cocoa Discarded Month Pods Rcvd Discards Pods Beans (kg) Cocoa 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
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 2. Summary of Cocoa Production.
Division Pods No of Pods Broken Wet Weight of Received 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
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 05
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.
No of Wet Wt of Dry Wt. % Dry No of Pods/kg Source Pods Beans of Beans Wt of Wet Wt Dry Wt Fermented Beans 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.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 06
Table 4. Commodity and Revenue
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
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 07
CRIG SUBSTATION
AFOSU
Land Use: Three (3) new trials were establishment within the year under review. These are - coffee germplasm trial (LX3), Mabang selection trial 4 replication (H7) and Evaluation of Guyana Clones (M6). Regular maintenance schedule were strictly adhered to on cocoa, coffee and kola experimental and non experimental plots throughout the year. Pentadesma butyraceae, citrus, Simarouba glauca, sheanut, Terminalia superba/T. ivorensis and oil palm plantation, all non experimental plots, were also maintained.
Weather and Cropping: The annual rainfall recorded during the reporting year was 1,466.7 mm which is 1.90% higher then the 2008/2009 record of 1,439.1 mm although there were fewer rainy days (93 days as against 126 days recorded in 2008/2009). General crop growth was excellent as a result of fairly good rainfall distribution pattern within the year. A total of 5.98 metric tons of dry cocoa beans was obtained from both experimental and non experimental plots. This is 11.50% higher then the previous year's produce of 5.36 metric tons. The yield of dry unhulled coffee berries was to 33.90 metric tons which was 0.80% higher then the 2008/2009 yield.
Pest and Disease Control: Periodic pests and diseases assessment was carried out on all the experimental and non experimental plots and the required control measures applied where necessary.
Revenue A total amount of thirty-five thousand seven hundred and twenty Ghana cedis thirty Ghana pesewas (GH¢35,720.30) was realized as revenue during the year under review. This amount was 9.20% lower then what was lealized in the 2008/2009 season. The revenue generated did not include proceeds from the sale of the 33.90 metric tons of dry unhulled coffee Berries.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 08
Revenue sources and amounts
Items GH¢ Cocoa Pods 197.25 Cocoa Seedlings 3,576.80 Kola Nuts 2,356.00 Cocoa Beans 12,613.88 Fire Wood 495.50 Palm Fruits 207.00 Plantains 252.50 Cocoa Beans Bonus 190.00 Rest House Revenue 14,663.37 Rental Income (Qtrs No. D1/1) 720.00 Meteorological Data 428.00 Stray Animal 20.00 Total 35,720.30
BOLE
Weather and Cropping The station experienced 84 rainy days given an annual rainfall of 1080.4mm during the period under review, (2009/2010). The sub-station produced 4800kg (48 bags) of shea nuts, 24800kg (310 bags) of cashew nuts from the station plantations in the year under review. About sixteen thousand (16,000) grafted cashew seedlings materials were produced and distributed to farmers nationwide.
Pest and disease control on shea and cashew The station embarked on pruning of Mistletoe (Tapinanthus spp), a parasitic plant on shea during the period. A total of one thousand, nine hundred and twenty- one (1,921) shea trees that were infested had their mistletoes pruned off during the period. Mass spraying of cashew plantations and experimental plots to control major pests of cashew such as helopeltis was carried out by a gang of sprayers from the Entomology Division.
Shea Studies Two new experiments were set during the period. One was set to investigate the effect of different bud development on scion and type of grafting stock on success of union formation while the other was to investigate the effect of girdling, pre-curing and their combination at different periods on bud development on scion and grafting success.
Cashew studies The following on-going experiments were been monitored during the period under review: The Effect of wood type, media and hormone application on the rooting of cashew;
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 09
Evaluation of foliar fertilizer on cashew; The effect of polythene Bag Size on Cashew Seedling growth, development and ease of transplanting to the plot; genotype by environment interaction and Improving the Survival Rate of transplanting Over-age Cashew seedling.
Establishment of school A new school comprising of KGI was established with 30 pupils. Construction of structure to accommodate KG2 is in progress.
Cashew processing Cashew processing continued during the period. The station bought 52,787kg (Worth GH?26, 199.00) of raw cashew nuts from local farmers to supplement the 24,800kg of cashew nuts produced from the Station plantation for processing. Total quantity of raw nuts processed during the period, 2009/2010, was 48,146.4kg (Worth GH? 47,425.22).
Honey production Forty (40) fully colonized bee hives were maintained during the period under consideration. Harvesting yielded 51 gallons of pure honey.
Livestock The station's livestock comprised 187 cattle and 36 sheep.
Revenue Revenue generated within the period under review is as indicated below.
Item GH? Rest house services 19,123.40 Cashew nuts 12,308.62 Cashew processing plant 47,425.22 Cattle 16,983.50 Total 95,840.74
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 10
BUNSO
Weather The total annual rainfall recorded on 96 wet days was 1,604mm. May, 2009 and October, 2009 gave the highest total rainfall of 298.1mm and 214.8mm, respectively. The months of June and October, 2009, however, recorded the highest number of wet days of 13 each, followed by the months of May and September, 2009 with 11 wet days each. The details of the annual rainfall figures are shown in the table below:
Annual Rainfall Figures (1st April, 2009 -31st March, 2010)
Cocoa Plots Regular maintenance activities which included weeding, pruning, removal of basal chupons and mistletoes were carried out in all the cocoa plots. Other activities undertaken during the period included reduction of the glyricidia trees and regular inspection and recording of any incidence of the cocoa swollen shoot virus disease. The Mirid Investigation team also carried out regular spraying to control insect pests. A total of 205,440 usable cocoa pods were harvested from all the plots during the period.
Coffee Plots Regular maintenance practices 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 of 49bags of unhulled dried coffee berries were harvested from all the coffee plots.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 11
Kola Plots As done in the cocoa and coffee plots, regular maintenance activities such as weeding, pruning and removal of mistletoes were carried out in all the kola plots. A total of 3,346.65kg of kola nuts were collected from the progeny plots which showed an increase of 8% over the previous year's yield. The other two kola plots also yielded 3819kg of kola nuts. In all, 7165.65 of kola nuts were realized from all the kola plots. ?
Coffee Propagation During the period under review, the propagators made a total of 29 trips to Tafo and Afosu Sub-Station for coffee cuttings. As at 31st March, 2010, a total of 25,425 cuttings had been harvested and inserted. Out of this number, 6,132 coffee cuttings have been given to interested farmers; 10,000 coffee cutting are also ready for planting and are waiting collection by interested farmers; 750 coffee cutting are still young and 3,543 coffee cuttings were unsuccessful; four (4) additional propagation pits were also constructed during the period. Other activities also undertaken were watering of the coffee cuttings, weeding and cleaning of the propagation.
Cocoa Nursery The Station, as at the close of the period under review, was able to raise 52,500 cocoa seedlings for sale to interested farmers. Out of this number, only 2,000 seedlings had been sold as the end of March, 2010. The remaining seedlings will be accounted for in 2010/2011 annual report. As regards the remaining 27,000 seedlings that were not accounted in 2008/2009 annual report, 22,600 were sold and the amount realize GH¢2,260 and was paid to chest. Four thousand, four hundred (4,400) seedlings were lost as a result of seedlings death and damage during loading. Efforts will be made to reduce this figure during the 2010/2099 year
Revenue
Dry Cocoa Beans = GH¢ 17,448.00 - (128.4bags)
Cocoa Seedlings = 3,980.00
Palm Fruits = 569.80
Kola Nuts = 5,804.05
Eggs = 551.70
Salt = 12.00 Total GH¢28,365.55
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 12
Cashew Scion Bank Maintenance activities such as weeding and pruning of off shoots were carried out. As at 31st March 2010, the Bank had 226 grafted plants in stock. Another batch of 2,000 seedlings has also been raised to replace those that are dead. Insecticide and fungicide applications were carried out at two weeks intervals starting from October, 2009, and this was able to control the strange disease that attacked and killed most of the plants last year. The surviving plants are doing very well on the field.
Cocoa By-Products The station, as at 31st March, 2010, was able to produce 232kg of salt and 81litres of alcohol. These products were supplied to the New Products Development Unit at Tafo.
Shade Reduction Removal of glyricidia trees in some of the mature cocoa plots was carried out during the year under review. The target is to remove 20% of such trees every year so that within five (5) years shade reduction will be completed.
New Establishments Local Clone Selection Trial 1 and Regional Variety Trial I. (4 Acres) Clearing of the (4) acre plot was completed. Both permanent and temporary shade trees such as Terminal: a spp., glyricidia and plantain suckers were also planted. Holes for planting of the cocoa seedlings have also been dug awaiting planting of cocoa seedling in June, 2010. Weeding was also constantly done to maintain the growth of the shade trees.
Coffee Fruit Crop Intercropping Trial (11 Acres) Regular maintenance activities such as weeding and replacement of dead fruit crops were carried out in the year. As at 31st March, 2010, lining and pegging was not done but expected to be done in April, for the planting of coffee and pineapple in May/June, 2010,.
Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease Trial (1.5 Ha) Weeding of the undergrowth of this new trial plot has just been completed. Felling of the trees, chopping and cleaning of debris is on-going.
Oil Palm Plantation Establishment (5acres) A 5-acre land for the establishment of an oil palm plantation has been cleared. Felling and chopping of trees are on-going.
Cocoa Flower Garden (1.0 Ha) A 1.0 hectore land has been cleared for the establishment of a cocoa flower garden for the station. Right now, felling and chopping of trees are on-going.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 13
Mirid Investigation Team The mirid investigation team at Bunso, carried out monthly assessment of capsids and non target insects at Teawia, Subriso, Kwame-Adjei and Akwasiho. Other activities undertaken include maintenance of plot boundaries, demarcation of new plots for small – scale insecticide, pre-development and organic trials. Others are insecticide applications; pre and post treatment assessment at Nsutam, Asiakwa, Teawia,Kwame-Adjei,Akwasiho, Suhum and Surroundings. The team also carried out regular spraying of insecticides and fungicides on cola, Cashew, Coffee and cocoa plots at Ethukrom and Asiakwa Blocks.
Bunso Poultry Project Animal Report – March 2009 – April 2010-06-07
During the period under review the Unit had in possession 198 layers. These birds were sold to staff and the general public at seven GH¢7.50 per bird. An amount of GH¢1,485.00 was realized from the sales. Another batch of 300 broilers were ordered in October 2009. The broilers were raised and sold in December – January 2010 and GH¢3,332.00 was realized. The layer started laying in March 2010. As at the end of March 2010 a total of twelve (12) crates worth GH¢36.00 had been realized.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 14
COCOA ESTABLISHMENT THRUST
The results recorded during the establishment phase of the trial - Investigations into the use of Pawpaw (Carica papaya) as potential temporary shade for young cocoa- indicate that pawpaw could be used as alternative temporary shade for young cocoa (Theobroma cacao L). In the trial evaluating Cedrela odorata, a commercial timber species, as permanent shade in cocoa cultivation, it was observed that thinning of C. odorata in the fourth year resulted in better growth of cocoa as a consequence of improved penetration of light to the cocoa canopy. There were no significant treatment differences in the stem circumference of C. odorata and Terminalia spp. measured at breast height (1.3 m above ground) at 69 months after transplanting. Differences in cocoa pod yield across the treatments during the year were not significant. Effects of planting hole sizes and fertilizers on the establishment of cocoa seedlings – In this trial, both fertilizer and planting hole sizes did not significantly influence cocoa yield. The application of 200g Poultry manure + 100g NPK produced the highest yield of 695.7 kg/ha in the largest planting hole size. However, the use of larger planting hole size and fertilizer mixture (poultry manure and NPK) resulted in initial higher cocoa yield. 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, burning as a land clearing method decreased the soil organic carbon but increased the available P and exchangeable K relative to their initial contents in the soil. Initial growth of cocoa seedlings seems to be enhanced by burning. Evaluation of a diversified cocoa /fruit tree system – In this trial, the control treatment which comprised Terminalia superb, T. ivorensis and Milicia excelsa planted at 15 m x 15 m recorded the best growth during the initial nine months period after transplanting. This was mainly due to the characteristic fast growth rate of the two Terminalia species. Differences in baseline soil fertility status of the trial site (various treatment plots) were not significant at p=0.05.
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. All activities planned for the year were executed. Routine maintenance of the experimental plots was carried out during the year. The Afosu and Tafo trials entered their third and second year of bearing respectively. Routine monitoring of disease incidence in the plots was carried out at both locations.
Results
Afosu – H4 The yield of dry cocoa beans recorded during the 2009/10 season was higher than that recorded in the two previous years. The highest yield recorded during the 2009/10 season was in Treatment 1 whereas the lowest yield was recorded in Treatment 4 but the difference
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 15 was not significant (Table 1). This trend was also observed in the cumulative yield during the initial three years of bearing. There were no significant differences in the cumulative yield between the treatments (Table 1). The incidence of black pod was generally low in all the plots.
Table 1: Effects of treatments on yield of cocoa beans recorded during the initial three years of bearing in Plot H4, Afosu.
Treatment Cocoa yield Cocoa yield Cocoa yield 3 years (dry beans (dry beans (dry beans cumulative kg/ha) kg/ha ) kg/ha) yield 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 (kg/ha) T1-Pawpaw planted at 3m x 3m and cocoa at 3m x 3m 43.2 159.0 307.1 509.3 T2-Pawpaw planted at 3 x 1.5 m and cocoa at 3m x 3m 34.2 189.0 271.8 495.0 T3-Pawpaw planted at 3m x 6m and cocoa at 3m x 3m 39.9 1 16.0 286.8 442.7 T4-Pawpaw/plantain planted in alternate rows at 3m x 3m and 17.5 151.0 168.1 336.6 cocoa at 3m x 3m T5-Plantain planted at 3m x 3m and cocoa at 3m x 3m (Control) 30.8 189.0 277.1 496.9 Sig. level (5%) ns ns ns ns
Tafo – H25 There was no significant treatment differences in the yield recorded in the 2009/10 season. The yields recorded in Treatments 3 and 4 in 2009/10 were however substantially lower than those of the other treatments. The level of black pod incidence was lower in Treatment 3 than in the other treatments and this may be attributed to the low level of shade in Treatment 3 as compared to the other treatments (Table 2).
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 16
Table 2: Effects of treatments on cocoa yield during the initial two years of bearing in Plot H25, Tafo. Treatments Yield of dry Yield of dry 2 years Percentage cocoa beans cocoa beans cumulative Black pod (kg/ha). (kg/ha). yield (2009/10) 2008/09 2009/10 (kg/ha) T1 - Pawpaw planted at 3m x 3m and cocoa at 3m x 3m 24.4 163.0 187.4 11.7 T2 - Pawpaw planted at 3m x 1.5 m and cocoa at 3m x 3m 34.2 141 .0 175.2 15.9 T3 - Pawpaw planted at 3m x 6m and cocoa at 3m x 3m 17.5 65.0 82.5 6.9 T4 - Pawpaw/plantain planted in alternate rows at 3m x 3m and 19.9 76.0 95.9 11.7 cocoa at 3m x 3m T5 - Plantain planted at 3m x 3m and cocoa at 3m x 3m (Control) 34.5 174.0 208.5 10.7 Sig. level ( < 0.05) ns ns ns ns
Conclusion
The results recorded during the establishment phase indicate that pawpaw could be used as alternative temporary shade for young cocoa. However yield data would have to be collected for a few more years to enable firm conclusions to be made on the effects of the treatments on cocoa yield.
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). Establishment of the cocoa seedlings continued to be generally slow and a few dead seedlings were replaced in the plots. General maintenance of the treatment plots was carried out and pest and disease monitoring was also done. Data on the growth of cocoa, Cedrela odorata and Terminalia plants were recorded during the year.
Results
There were no significant differences in the girth increments of the cocoa seedlings at 57 months after transplanting. However, the cocoa seedlings in Treatments 1 and 2 had bigger stems than those of the other treatments. This may be attributed to the thinning of the Cedrela odorata plants in Treatments 1 and 2 from the initial planting distance of 6 m x 6 m to 6 m x 12 m or 12 m x 12 m respectively after the fourth year of establishment which might have improved the penetration of light into these plots as compared to Treatments 3, 4 and 5 (Table
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 17
3). A similar observation was made in the 2008/09 season and was reported in the 2008/09 Progress Report (page 6). The height increments of the cocoa seedlings in the various treatments were not significantly different. Unlike the girth increments, the height increments did not follow any particular trend. The tallest plants were recorded in Treatment 2 whereas plants in Treatment 3 had the lowest height values. There were no significant treatment differences in the stem circumference of Cedrela odorata and Terminalia spp. measured at breast height (1.3 m above ground) at 69 months after transplanting (Table 1.3). A few pods were harvested from the plots during the year but the yield differences between the treatments were not significant (Table 4).
Conclusion Thinning of C. odorata in the fourth year resulted in better growth of the cocoa plants.
Table 3: Growth of cocoa, Cedrela odorata and T. ivorensis plants Girth increment Height increment Circumference of Cedrela of cocoa plants of cocoa plants and Terminalia plants at Treatments 57 months after 57 months after 1.3m, 69 months after transplanting transplanting transplanting (cm). (mm). (cm). T1- Cocoa + C. odorata at 6m x 6m but thinned to 6m x 37.7 + 6.5 133.9 + 22.4 87.5 + 2.5 12m at 4th year T2- Cocoa + C. odorata at 6m x 6m but thinned to 12m x 37 .6 + 3.0 150.5 + 11.9 88.0 + 6.6 12m at 4th year T3- Cocoa + C. odorata at 6m x 6m but thinned to 12m x 20 .2 + 3.5 91.8 + 16.9 85.0 + 2.9 12m at 6th year T4- Cocoa + C. odorata at 6m x 6m but thinned to 12m x 30.1 + 3.9 1 34.0 + 14.8 87.5 + 2.5 18m at 6th year T5- Cocoa + G. sepium at 6m x 6m but thinned later to 12m x 12m + and T . 31.3 + 3.2 132.8 + 9.3 90.0 + 4.1 ivorensis at 12m x 18m (Control). Sig. level (5%) ns ns ns
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 18
Table 4: Effects of treatments on initial cocoa yield (kg/ha). Treatments Initial cocoa yield (kg/ha) T1- Cocoa + C. odorata at 6m x 6m but thinned to 6m x 12m at 4th year 14.2 T2- Cocoa + C. odorata at 6m x 6m but thinned to 12m x 12m at 4th year 8.2 T3- Cocoa + C. odorata at 6m x 6m but thinned to 12m x 12m at 6th year 0.6 T4- Cocoa + C. odorata at 6m x 6m but thinned t o 12m x 18m at 6th year 0.8 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 Sig. level (5%) Ns
Effect of planting hole sizes and fertilizers on the establishment of cocoa seedlings, Tafo. (K. Ofori-Frimpong, A. A. Afrifa, J.E. Sarfo, A. Y. Akrofi and F. Aneani). The details of the trial had been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2002/03., 19). Routine maintenance of the plots continued.
Results
Both fertilizer and planting hole sizes did not significantly influence cocoa yield (Table 5). The application of 200g P.M. + 100g NPK produced the highest yield of 695.7 kg/ha in the largest planting hole size (H3). There were no interactive effects of planting hole sizes and fertilizers on yield. Differences in soil properties between the treatments were not significant (Tables 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10).
Conclusion
The use of larger planting hole size and fertilizer mixture (poultry manure and NPK) resulted in initial higher cocoa yield.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 19
Table 5: Effects of fertilizer and hole size treatments on cocoa yield Fertilizer treatments Cocoa yield (kg/ha) Lsd(0.05)
H1 H2 H3 Mean
To - (Unfertilized) 378.4 287.5 480.8 382.2 T (S/A, 70g / seedling) 272.6 406.5 515.6 398.2 1 T2 -(100g NPK 15-15-15/seedling) 356.9 624.6 479.2 486.9
T3 -(200g P.M/seedling) 347.0 561.8 588.3 499.0 T4 -(400g P.M./seedling) 335.4 434.6 363.5 344.5 ns T - (100g P.M + 100g 5 515.6 411.5 436.2 454.4 NPK/seedling) T - (200g P.M. + 100g 6 439.5 604.8 695.7 580.0 NPK/seedling) Mean 377.9 475.9 508.5 454.1 Lsd (0.05) ns
H1 - 20 cm x 20 cm x 30 cm; H2 - 40 cm x 40 cm x 30 cm; H3 - 60 cm x 60 cm x 30 cm S/A - Sulphate of ammonia; P. M - Poultry manure
Table 6: Effects of fertilizer and hole size treatments on soil available Phosphorous (0-15 cm depth) Fertilizer treatments Soil A vailable P(øg/g) H1 H2 H 3 Mean To - (Unfertilized) 8.41 7.64 8.08 8.04 T1 - (S/A, 70g / seedling) 7.54 9.73 6.41 7.89 T2 - (100g NPK 15-15-15/seedling) 8.30 6.16 6.38 6.94 T3 - (200g P.M/seedling) 6.78 5.28 5.75 5.93 T4 - (400g P.M./seedling) 10.19 12.17 9.87 10.74 T - (100g P.M + 100g 5 7.87 8.87 7.39 8.04 NPK/seedling) T - (200g P.M. + 100g 6 8.73 7.64 8.08 8.03 NPK/seedling)
Table 7: Effects of fertilizer and hole size treatments on soil pH (0-15 cm depth)
Fertilizer treatments Soil pH
H1 H2 H3 Mean
To - (Unfertilized) 5.53 5.26 5.30 5.36 T1 - (S/A, 70g / seedling) 5.23 5.66 5.50 5.46 T2- (100g NPK 15-15-15/seedling) 5.60 5.76 5.53 5.63 T3 - (200g P.M/seedling) 5.50 5.46 5.43 5.46 T4 - (400g P.M./seedling) 3.60 5.53 5.60 4.91 T - (100g P.M + 100g 5 5.63 5.50 5.63 5.58 NPK/seedling) T - (200g P.M. + 100g 6 6.2 5.86 3.80 5.28 NPK/seedling)
H1 - 20 cm x 20 cm x 30 cm; H2 - 40 cm x 40 cm x 30 cm; H3 - 60 cm x 60 cm x 30 cm S/A - Sulphate of ammonia; P. M - Poultry manure Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 20
Table 8: Effects of fertilizer and hole size treatments on soil potassium (0-15 cm depth) Exchangeable K Fertilizer treatments (cmol+/kg) H1 H2 H 3 Mean To - (Unfertilized) 1.59 1.60 1.24 1.47 T1 - (S/A, 70g / seedling) 1.23 1.49 1.48 1.40 T2 - (100g NPK 15-15-15/seedling) 1.48 1.11 1.26 1.21 T3 - (200g P.M/seedling) 1.83 1.24 1.59 1.55 T4 - (400g P.M./seedling) 0.60 0.98 1.62 1.06 T - (100g P.M + 100g 5 0.98 1.24 1.22 1.14 NPK/seedling) T - (200g P.M. + 100g 6 2.28 1.14 0.77 1.39 NPK/seedling) H1 - 20 cm x 20 cm x 30 cm; H2 - 40 cm x 40 cm x 30 cm; H3 - 60 cm x 60 cm x 30 cm S/A - Sulphate of ammonia; P.M - Poultry manure
Table 9: Effects of fertilizer and hole size treatments on % soil carbon (0-15 cm depth) Fertilizer treatments % Soil Carbon
H1 H2 H 3 Mean To - (Unfertilized) 0.80 0.97 0.72 0.83 T1 - (S/A, 70g / seedling) 0.63 0.91 0.77 0.77 T2 - (100g NPK 15-15-15/seedling) 0.84 0.86 0.75 0.81 T3 - (200g P.M/seedling) 0.94 0.74 0.70 0.79 T4 - (400g P.M./seedling) 0.50 0.78 0.91 0.73 T - (100g P.M + 100g 5 1.01 0.76 0.86 0.87 NPK/seedling) T - (200g P.M. + 100g 6 0.93 0.97 0.72 0.87 NPK/seedling) H1 - 20 cm x 20 cm x 30 cm; H2 - 40 cm x 40 cm x 30 cm; H3 - 60 cm x 60 cm x 30 cm S/A - Sulphate of ammonia; P. M - Poultry manure
Table 10: Effects of fertilizer and hole size treatments on % soil Nitrogen (0-15 cm depth) Fertilizer treatments % Soil Nitrogen H1 H2 H 3 Mean T - (Unfertilized) 0.09 0.11 0.09 0.09 o T1- (S/A, 70g / seedling) 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 T2 - (100g NPK 15-15-15/seedling) 0.10 0.12 0.10 0.10 T3- (200g P.M/seedling) 0.10 0.07 0.08 0.08 T4 - (400g P.M./seedling) 0.03 0.07 0.08 0.06 T - (100g P.M + 100g 5 0.09 0.11 0.09 0.09 NPK/seedling) T - (200g P.M. + 100g 6 0.08 0.11 0.09 0.09 NPK/seedling)
H1 - 20 cm x 20 cm x 30 cm; H2 - 40 cm x 40 cm x 30 cm; H3 - 60 cm x 60 cm x 30 cm S/A - Sulphate of ammonia; P.M - Poultry manure
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 21
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 trial was set up in 2007 with the following objectives i) To monitor the changes in soil properties under slash and burn and slash and no burn methods of land clearing and intercrop combinations. ii) To study the effects of land clearing method and food crop combinations on growth and yield of cocoa. iii) To appraise the economic benefits of the land clearing methods used for cocoa cultivation.
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 - sole cocoa - cocoa + maize + cassava - cocoa + maize - cocoa + cassava
All activities planned in the trial for the year under review were carried out.
Results pH of soils increased in the first year of both treatments application but remained constant in the second year (Fig 1). Soil organic carbon decreased in the first year in the burn treatments before a gradual increase in the second year whereas there was no change relative for the initial for the no burn in the first year before a slight decline in the second year (Fig 2). Total N contents were similar for both treatments (Fig 3). Available Phosphorous increased after burning whereas no noticeable change observed for no-burn treatment (Fig 4). Burning increased the available P content of soil whereas there was no change in the no burn plot. Exchangeable Potassium increased in burnt plot (Fig 5).
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 22
Figure 1: Effects of land clearing methods Figure 2: Effects of land clearing methods on soil pH on % soil C
Figure 3: Effects of land clearing methods Figure 4: Effects of land clearing methods on % soil N on soil available P
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 23
Figure 5: Effects of land clearing methods on soil exchangeable K
Figure 6: Effects of land clearing methods on cocoa seedling girth at 18 months after transplanting
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 24
Figure 7: Effects of land clearing methods on cocoa seedling height at 18 months after transplanting.
Girth and height of cocoa seedlings at 18 months after transplanting are shown in Figs.1.6 and 1.7. Burning and no burning did not significantly influence cocoa seedling growth at 18 months after transplanting.
Conclusion
Burning as a land clearing method decreased the soil organic carbon but increased the available P and exchangeable K relative to their initial contents in the soil. Initial growth of cocoa seedlings seems to be enhanced by burning.
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 trial was set up in 2008 with the following objectives:
i. To investigate cocoa/fruit tree density and complementarities that improves resource availability and crop productivity.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 25
ii. To estimate soil carbon stock and cocoa standing biomass as influenced by shade.
iii. To assess the cost-effectiveness of farm product diversification.
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).
Cocoa was planted, a year after planting the shade trees, at a spacing of 3m x 3m in all the treatments. Plantain and Gliricidia sepium was also planted to provide initial shade in all the treatments.
All the planned activities outlined for the year under review were successfully executed.
Results
The growth of the shade tree species at nine months after transplanting was significantly affected by treatments (Tables 11 and 12). 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. This was mainly due to the characteristic fast growth rate of the two Terminalia species. Table 13 shows the baseline soil fertility status of the trial site. Differences in some soil chemical properties in the various treatment plots were not significant (p=0.05).
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 26
Table 11: Effect of spacing on mean stem diameter and mean height (growth) of the mixed shade tree stand Treatments Stem diameter Height 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 b b T4 2.4 0.1 157.5 13.5 Means with the same superscript letter in a column are not significantly different at p =0.05.
Table 12: Mean stem diameter and height (growth) of the component shade trees in the mixed shade tree stand (n=8)
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 ivor ensis (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
Table 13: Some topsoil (0-15 cm depth) chemical properties under the various treatments (Baseline soil fertility status).
Treatments pH % C % N Available P K Mg Ca CEC
(µg/g soil) (meq/100 (meq/100g ((meq/100g soil) (c mol+ /kg) g soil) soil) T1 5.18 0.98 0.1 1 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 ns = not significant
Remarks
Not enough information is available now to reach a conclusion. The trial should therefore continue to enable more information to be gathered.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 27
COCOA MANAGEMENT THRUST
Summary 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 2008/2009(Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09). Unlike the previous years, the fifth year yield of cocoa beans was significantly affected by the treatments (Table 2.1a). 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. Cocoa yields during the year were lower than those of the previous year.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 28
Table 2.1a: Effect of thinning on early yields of cocoa beans
Thinning regime Yield (kg/ha) ‘05/06 ‘06/07 ‘07/08 08/09 09/10 T1 (1.5 m x 1.5 m) 9.6 156.2 271 107 49 T2 (1.5 m x 1.5 m thinned to 3.0 m x 3.0m) 26.2 138.9 516 139 65.7 T3 (1.5 m x 1.5 m thinned to 3.0 m x 3.0m) 14.0 118.9 575 141 60.1 T4 (1.5 m x 3.0 m thinned to 3.0 x 3.0m) 24.2 116.6 420 193 106.0 T5 (3.0 m x 3.0 m) 12.9 124.8 434 229 180.4 Lsd (5%) Ns ns ns ns 49.4 Cv (%) 78.4 47.4 41.1 51.7 34.8 ns - not significant at P=0.05
Black pod disease incidence was significantly affected by treatments with the T1and T3 producing the highest levels of black pods (Table 2.1b). With regard to T1, this could probably be due to a humid environment created as a result of the close spacing which might have favoured the growth of the Phytophthora fungus.
Table 2.1b: Effect of thinning on black pod disease incidence Thinning regime % Black pod ‘05/06 ‘06/07 ‘07/08 08/09 09/10 T1 (1.5 m x 1.5 m) 6.6 20.1 36.3(36.9) 54.0 (47.3) 39.7 (39.0) T2 (1.5 m x 1.5 m thinned to 3.0 m x 3.0m) 9.1 16.2 26.2 (30.6) 42.2 (40.3) 24.8 (29.7) T3 (1.5 m x 1.5 m thinned to 3.0 m x 3.0m) 17.1 17.1 33.9 (35.6) 41.1 (39.8) 41.1 (39.7) T4 (1.5 m x 3.0 m thinned to 3.0 x 3.0m) 14.3 10.8 28.9 (32.0) 42.1 (40.2) 23.7 (28.7) T5 (3.0 m x 3.0 m) 6.8 15.1 7.9 (16.4) 29.9 (33.1) 17.2 (23.7) Lsd (5%) ns ns (9.4) (7.46) (8.8) Cv (%)
Values in parenthesis are angular transformations ns - not significant at P=0.05
Similar to the previous years immature ripe pod production during the year was not significantly affected by treatments (Table 2.1c). However the close spacing of 1.5 m x 1.5 m gave the highest amount of immature ripe pods probably as result of the intense interplant competition within this system.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 29
Table 2.1c: Effect of thinning on immature ripe pod production
Thinning regime % Immature ripe pods
‘05/06 ‘06/07 ‘07/08 08/09 09/10 T1 (1.5 m x 1.5 m) 7.2 37.9 27.6 29.2 (32.6) 28.4 (32.2) T2 (1.5 m x 1.5 m thi nned to 3.0 m x 3.0m) 14.3 23.9 21.6 25.7 (30.4) 14.4 (18.8) T3 (1.5 m x 1.5 m thinned to 3.0 m x 3.0m) 13.2 27.2 23.3 25.7 (30.4) 17.0 (21.2) T4 (1.5 m x 3.0 m thinned to 3.0 x 3.0m) 10.8 24.0 17.4 20.4 (26.6) 13.9 (20.6) T5 (3.0 m x 3.0 m) 6.8 25.9 11.1 21.0 (27.0) 13.1 (21.1) Lsd (5%) ns ns ns Ns ns Cv (%) 47.2 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 2008/2009 (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09).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.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 30
Table2.2: Ef fect of intercropping on initial yields of cocoa and oil palm, incidence of black pod, immature ripe Cropping systems Yield % Black pods % Immature Oil palm (kg/ha) ripe (ton/ha) Cocoa and oil palm 29.4 12.3 (19.5) 15.3 (20.5) 3.6 spaced at 10.1m triangular Cocoa and oil palm 41.3 11.5 (17.1) 4.2 (10.5) 3.2 spaced at 10.7m triangular 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, 2008/09 24-26). At Bunso,similar to the previous years, the ninth year yield of cocoa beans was not significantly affected by the treatments (Table 2.3). This implies that intercropping with food crops did not impact negatively on the environment. Examination of the nine years cumulative yields indicated that with the exception of the cocoa/cassava combination, intercropping increased cocoa yields by 34.6% to 73.7%. 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.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 Cocoa Research InstituteofGhana Table 2.3: Effect of intercropping on the yield of cocoa beans (Bunso trial). Treatment Yield kg/ha % Increase/ Depression 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Cumu in yield lative relative to sole cocoa Sole cocoa 7.5 91 300 265 412 566 215 410 386 2519 Cocoa/plantain 3.1 134 517 480 730 750 576 444 750 4376 +73.7 Cocoa/cassava 1.3 82 284 203 280 412 282 449 378 2271 -9.8 Cocoa/ maize 3.1 76 525 389 674 591 420 515 559 3758 +49.1 Cocoa/cassava/plantain 0.6 208 480 370 575 585 360 386 462 3416 +35.6 Cocoa/cassava/maize 13.0 113 433 396 585 581 326 497 507 3548 +40.8 Cocoa/plantain/maize 1.9 153 505 398 575 765 436 386 634 3910 +55.2 Cocoa/plantain/cassava/ 14.9 221 535 370 530 435 344 386 510 3391 +34.6 Maize Sed (24 df) ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns CV (%) 87.3 47.7 36.8 44.0 40.6 48.8 34.7 38.4 31.7 ns – not significant at 5% probability; * 9th year yield
Annual Report2009-2010 31 32
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 40-41). 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.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 Cocoa Research InstituteofGhana Table 2.4: Effect of different periods of fertilizer application on production of healthy and diseased pods
Month of fertilizer Number of pods ha-1 application Acherensua Techimantia Offinso Sefwi Wiawso Techiman Healthy Diseased Healthy Diseased Healthy Diseased Healthy Diseased Healthy Diseased
May 13191 1778 4463 427 46882 807 3952 308 13432 330
June 9531 904 6182 827 46982 726 3571 208 12761 403
August 8310 798 6626 756 47493 753 2358 171 16781 343
September 7213 929 2133 1229 47719 755 6194 238 14966 478
October 8329 814 1360 1467 48280 901 4149 140 27476 508
Annual Report2009-2010 Unfertilized 7595 1029 1286 938 11536 872 1955 115 12500 489
Mean 9028.17 1042 3675 940.67 41482 802.33 3696.5 196.67 16319.33 425.17 LSD between means of two locations for healthy pods = 12,208 (20 df) LSD between means of two locations for diseased pods = 497.7 (20 df)
33 34
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 )
This trial had been reported The details of this trial had been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 32-40) 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 67.9 12.7 639.3 62.0 (DBH-cm) Time under current 25.0 3.0 65.0 20.0 management (years)
MSLC = Middle School Leaving Certificate
Figure 2.1: Education level of respondent farmers
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 35
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)
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).
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 36
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
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 37
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.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 38
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 2.8).
Table 2.8: Region, district and number of respondents interviewed Region District Number of respondents
Western south Dunkwa 149 Enchi 100
Western north Juaboso 175
V olta Hohoe 29
Total 453
a. Description of respondents Majority (69.3%) of women cocoa farmers are indigenes (Table 2.9). Education enhances farmers understanding of technologies and facilitates adoption decisions. But in this study, more than half (53.9%) of the respondents were not educated. The modal age (26.9%) was 60 years and above suggesting that many of the women cocoa farmers are aged. Also most (99.8%) did not belong to any farmer association (Table 2.9).
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 39
Table 2.9: General characteristics of respondents
Feature Frequencies Percentage Residential Status Indigene 314 69.3 1st Generation migrant 108 23.8 2nd Generation migrant 31 6.8 Age
20 -29 31 6.8 30 -39 102 22.5 40-49 110 24.3
50-59 88 19.4 60 and above 122 26.9 Level of Education None 244 53.9 Primary 77 17.0 JSS 113 24.9 Secondary/Commercial/Vocational 18 4.0 College/University 1 .2
Marital status Married 272 60.0 Single 21 4.6 Divorced 68 15.0 Widowed 90 19.9 Cohabitation 2 .4 Membership of Organization? Yes 1 .2 No 452 99.8
b. Access to resources (i) Land
Most of the respondents (94.9%) were owner-operators (Table 2.10). This indicates that women are also managers of cocoa farms taking decisions that affect its operations. However, many of these women (82.6%) did not possess legal documents covering their farms. This may affect their ability to use these farms as collateral for much-needed funds from financial institutions. Majority of the women (85.2%) indicated that they did not experience any difficulty in acquiring their cocoa farms which many (40.8%) inherited from their spouses or other family members. They suggested that ten to twenty years back, land acquisition for cocoa cultivation was not replete with many difficulties as is being experienced today.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 40
Table 2.10: Access to land by women cocoa farmers Feature Frequency Percentage Farmer category
Owner-operator 430 94.9 Abunu tenant 17 3.8 Abusa tenant 6 1.3 Total 453 100 Do you have documents on your land? Yes 79 17.4 No 374 82.6 Total 453 100 Source of land? Purchased 11 2.4 Leased 16 3.5 Inherited from spouse or family member 185 40.8 Gift from husband 89 19.6 Gift from family 135 29.8 Sharecropping tenancy 17 3.8 T otal 453 100 Did you experience any difficulty in acquiring the land? Yes 67 14.8 No 386 85.2
Total 453 100 Nature of difficulty High cost of land 14 20.9 Land scarcity 19 28.4 Discrimination against women 12 17.91 Land litigation 22 32.84 Total 67 100 Farmers’ rating of ease of access to land (in last 20 years) V ery easy 15 3.3 Easy 57 12.6
Difficult 176 38.9 Very dif ficult 205 45.2
Total 453 100
(ii) Capital
Capital remains a vital resource in cocoa production as without it, it becomes difficult for many farmers to adopt research recommendations. Most (87.4%) of the respondents depend on their own resources for the maintenance of their cocoa farms as they do not have access to
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 41 any credit facility (Table 2.11). Most respondents (97.7%) rated their access to capital as difficult. Only (12.1%) of the women took loans from purchasing clerks or money lenders for the maintenance of their farms and the upkeep of the homes.
Table 2.1 1: Farmer's access to capital Feature Frequency Percentage Source of income Own income 396 87.4 Bank loan 3 .7 Money lenders 18 4.0 Husband 17 3.8 Relatives 8 1.8 Friends 4 .9 Other 7 1.5 Total 453 100 Did you secure any loan last year? Yes 55 12.1 No 398 87.9 Total 453 100 Source of Loan Purchasing clerk 14 25.5 Husband 2 3.6 Relative 10 18.2 Money lender 13 23.6 Rural bank 9 16.4 Banks 6 10.9 Others(specify) 1 1.8 Total 55 100 Ease of loan acquisition? Very easy 3 .7 Easy 7 1.5 Difficult 178 39.3 Very difficult 265 58.4 Total 453 100
Labour Most of the women depended on hired labour to carry out maintenance practices on their farms (Table 2.12). This could be partly due to the fact that they are old. The farmers (22.3%) who could not employ hired labour said the wages were too high for them to pay (Table 2.12).
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 42
Table 2.12: Labour use on farmers' farms
Feature Frequency Percentage
Hired labour
Yes 352 77.7
No 101 22.3 Total 453 100
Reasons for not using hired labour
Wages too high 94 93 No workers available 2 2 Other 5 5
Total 101 100 Ease of access to hired labour
Very easy 16 3.5 Easy 74 16.3 Difficult 187 41.3 Very difficult 176 38.9
Total 453 100
c. Farmers' awareness of worst forms of child labour
It was revealed from the survey that women cocoa farmers are well informed on issues of child labour. Many (89.1%) correctly defined a child as in the Labour Act (Act 651, 2005). More than half (66.7%) of the respondents said it was right for children to help their parents on cocoa farms (Table 2.13). They also suggested that children should not be engaged in certain tasks on cocoa farms such as land preparation (67.3%) and spraying (14.3%) due to the negative effects it could have on their health and development.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 43
Table 2.13: Farmers' awareness of the concept of child labour
Variable Frequency Percentage Should children work on cocoa farms? Yes 302 66.7 No 151 33.3 TOTAL 453 100 If yes, why? It is their duty 7 2.3 T o acquire knowledge on cocoa farming 93 30.3 To build the interest of children in cocoa cultivation 22 7.2 To prepare children to inherit cocoa farms 18 5.9 Assistance to parents on the farm 144 46.9
Other 23 7.5 TOTAL 307 100 If no, why? Not their duty 14 8.9 Leads to reduced concentration in school 70 44.3 They could be engaged in hazardous work 6 3.8 Not good for their health 17 10.2 Other 51 32.3
TOTAL 158 100 Activities could have negative effects on children Land preparation 305 67.3 Planting of food crops 7 1.5 Planting of cocoa 3 .7 Weeding 46 10.2 Fetching of water for spraying (and remaining on the farm 4 .9
during spraying) 65 14.3 Spraying 6 1.3 Mistletoe control 2 .4 Harvesting of cocoa 15 3.3 Bagging of cocoa beans
Total 453 100 d. Farmers' attitude towards cocoa cultivation
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 attitude towards the cocoa enterprise. The responses are presented in Table 2.14. Farmers generally displayed a positive attitude towards cocoa production as there was a general agreement with all the positive statements.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 44
Table 2.14: Response to attitudinal statements
Statement Response category Frequency Percentage 1. Cocoa farming is the best way for Strongly disagree 8 1.8 women in this community to improve Disagree 17 3.8 their standard of living? Undecided 9 2.0 Agree 193 42.6 Agree strongly 226 49.9 2. Cocoa farming provides a secured Strongly disagree 2 0.4 and reliable source of income Disagree 4 0.9 especially in old age. Undecided 8 1.8 Agree 216 47.7 Agree strongly 223 49.2 3. To women farmers in this Strongly disagree 2 0.4 community, the future is cocoa Disagree 10 2.2 Undecided 7 1.5 Agree 205 45.3 Agree strongly 229 50.6 4. The government is providing the Strongly disagree 75 16.6 necessary suppo rt to women cocoa Disagree 95 21.0 farmers which have motivated them Undecided 18 4.0 to maintain their farms well and boost Agree 184 40.6 output. Agree strongly 81 17.9 5. Many farmers do not see any future Strongly disagree 112 24.7 in cocoa and are the refore investing Disagree 130 28.7 in other farms enterprises or even Undecided 23 5.1 sending their children abroad in the Agree 119 26.3 hope of securing a better future. Agree strongly 69 15.2 6. Extension support for women Strongly disagree 7 1.5 cocoa farmers at the moment is very Disagree 19 4.2 poor. Undecided 13 2.9 Agree 156 34.4 Agree strongly 258 57.0 7. It is better for women in this Strong ly disagree 187 41.5 community to engage in other Disagree 147 32.6 economic activity instead of cocoa Undecided 15 3.3 cultivation. Agree 64 14.2 Agree strongly 38 8.4
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)
The details of this trial had been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 42-43)
Description of respondents The demographics of respondents were not different from what has been found from various
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010
45 studies on the socioeconomics of cocoa farmers in Ghana (e.g. MASDAR, 1998). Majority (82.7%) of the respondents were males and most (75.9%) have had some form of formal education (Table 2.16).
Production constraints of farmers
Many of the farmers interviewed (43.8%) indicated inadequate access to capital to be their main constraint (Figure 2.5). The other problems mentioned by the farmers included land, labour, capital, diseases and high cost of input
Table 2.16: General characteristics of respondents Characteristics Categories Frequency Percentage
Sex Male 1214 82.70 Female 254 17.30 Age 20-29 55 3.7
30-39 258 17.6 40-49 395 26.9 50-59 350 23.8 60 and above 410 27.9 Marital Status Married 1275 86.85 Single 44 3.00
Consensual Union 3 0.20 Divorced 70 4.77
W idowed 71 4.84 Separated 4 0.27
Level of Education No Formal Education 355 24.2 Primary School 170 11.6 JHS/Middle School 804 54.8 Secondary School 76 5.2
Vocational /Technical 40 2.7 Polytechnic/University 16 1.1 Other 7 .5
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 46
Figure 2.5: Main production problems of farmers
There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between males and females in terms of the constraints to cocoa cultivation (Table 2.17). More of the males (46.1%) than females (34.4%) mentioned inadequate access to capital as their major problem. This could be due to the fact that the males being the households' breadwinners needed capital to establish farms and engage in other enterprises.
Table 2.17: Production problems of farmers with respect to their sex Sex Problem of farmers Male (%) Female (%) Land 7.7 3.6 Labour 5.4 6.7 Capital 46.1 34.4 Disease 24.9 34.9 High cost of input 8.2 11.1 Others 7.6 9.5 N 1207 253 ÷ 2 = 22.699, df = 5, p = 0.01
Marketing of cocoa
Most farmers (57.7%) in this study sold their cocoa to the Produce Buying Company (PBC) with only 0.2% selling their cocoa to the Sika Aba Company (Figure 2.6). The reason for this was that farmers trusted the PBC purchasing clerks more. Also, in most of the communities, the PBC was the sole buyer of cocoa.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 47
Most farmers (78.5%) felt cheated by purchasing clerks. The study found that farmers perceived scale adjustment (67.3%) to be the major marketing constraint of cocoa farmers followed by cheating on bonus (14.6%). More than half of the farmers (55.2%) do not agree that the liberalization of the internal marketing system has helped in alleviating corruption and abuse in the marketing of cocoa (Table 2.18).
Table 2.18: Perception of farmers on the marketing of cocoa
Feature Categories Frequency Percentage
Do you feel cheated in the Yes 1153 78.5 sale of your cocoa to a PC? No 217 14.8 Cannot tell 93 6.7 Main marketing constraints Scale adjustment 987 67.3 Underpayment of bonus 57 3.9 Delay in payment 68 4.6 Conditioned to mortgage farms 1 0.1 Cheating on bonus 44 14.6 Others 140 9.5 Has many LBCs helped No change 810 55.2 Reduce abuse 373 25.4 Increase abuse 285 19.4 These perceptions are further amplified in Table 2.19.
Farmers' perception on the spread of various forms of malpractices /cheating
Most farmers (70.8%) perceived cheating by scale adjustment to be very widespread (Table 2.19). Few farmers (4.5%) were forced by purchasing clerks to mortgage their farms for loans.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010
48
Table 2.19: The extent of malpractices /cheating from farmers' perspectives Forms of cheating Nature of spread Frequency Percentage Scale Adjustment very widespread 1039 70.8 widespread 190 12.9 rare 93 6.8 never heard of it 146 9.9 Farmers forced to mortgage their farms very widespread 66 4.5 for loans widespread 192 13.1 rare 289 19.7 never heard of it 921 62.6 Some PCs simply refuse to pay farmers very widespread 29 2 for cocoa received widespread 166 11.3 rare 781 32.3 never heard of it 18 54.2 Cheating on bonus payments (paid less very widespread 468 22.6 than due) widespread 323 19.9 rare 206 18.1
never heard of it 471 32.1 Provide loans to farmers with very very widespread 96 6.5 high interest rates (often 100% or widespread 183 12.5 higher) rare 262 17.8 never heard of it 927 63.1 Bank staff steal monies from farmers’ very widespread 100 6.8 widespread 154 10.5 rare 326 22.2 never heard of it 888 60.5 Bank staff demand money from very widespread 188 12.8 farmers before being served widespread 108 7.4 rare 327 22.3 never heard of it 845 57.5
District Offic ers of LBCs demand very widespread 562 38.3 many bags of cocoa from PCs who widespread 267 18.2 then have to steal from farmers rare 180 12.3 never heard of it 459 31.2 PCs deliberately delay payment very widespread 122 8.2 because they have diverted funds to widespread 253 17.2 their private use rare 480 32.7 never heard of it 613 41.8
The study found that because of these malpractices some farmers have a negative attitude towards the whole cocoa enterprise including not want their children to enter into cocoa farming. The next stage of the study will determine whether these practices are institutionalised.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 49
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.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 50
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).
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 51
Table 2.20: Perception of wealth status by cocoa farmers in Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions using cocoa production during a focus group discussion Communities Wealthy Middle Average Poor Very poor Konkontriso, 150 60 35 3.5 0 B/A 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
Table2.21 Perception of wealth status by cocoa farmers in Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions using number of labour employed during a focus group discussion
Communities W ealthy Middle Average Poor Very poor Konkontriso, 5 3 2 0 0 B/A Dwomo, B/A 10 6 3 1 0 Awadua, A/R 13 5 4 2 0 Bonsukrom, A/R 4 3 3 1 0
Table 2.22: Perception of wealth status by cocoa farmers in Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions using number of acres of well managed farms during a focus group discussion Communities Wealthy Middle Average Poor Very poor Konkontriso, 80 45 25 1.5 0 B/A Dwomo, B/A 60 15 10 5 1 Awadua, A/R 100 100 50 20 0 Bonsukrom, A/R 200 150 50 5 0
Table 2.23: Perception of wealth status by cocoa farmers in Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions using other 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
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 52
Table 2.24: Perception of wealth status by cocoa farmers in Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions using number/ 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) Legend: C - commercial cars (articulated truck, cargo cars and mini cab ) P - private cars MB - motorbike. B - bicycle.
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, 2008/2009). From Table 2.25, Aceta Star + Haifa Fertilizer 1 treated plot recorded the highest number of pods 1928.7 pods followed by Sidalco 3 way mixture (1734.7 )was recorded from Aceta Star + Haifa Fertilizer 1 treated plot. This treatment can be considered as a better combination in cocoa cultivation for higher productivity. Its percentage of good pods produced is 92.2 % which is appreciable. Although the highest yield was obtained from treatment 6, its proportion of bad pods produced from the plot is 7.7 % which is the 5th highest among the treatments. About 0.1 % of the total pods were immature and some lost to rodents' attack on plot which is insignificant and negligible.
The lowest yield was obtained from the untreated plot where there were no chemical applications and soil amendments. The total number of pods produced was 402.7 and the average of good pods produced were 379.7 which is also the lowest compared to the others (Table 2.25). The percentages of good and bad pods obtained from the untreated plot were 94.3 % and 5.7 % respectively as seen in table 2.25. Although Aceta Star + Haifa Fertilizer 1 treated plot and the untreated plot produced the highest and lowest amounts of good pods respectively, the former gave a higher percentage of bad pods than the latter (Table 2.25). The overall yield (total pods) produced on the 700 m2 plot ranged between 402.7 and 1928.7 Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 53
Converting the yields to per hectare basis (Table 2.26), the total number of pods ranged from 5753 and 27553 pods / ha. In kilogram dry cocoa beans, the range is from 205.5 to 984.1.Treatment 6 (Aceta Star + Haifa Fertilizer 1 treated plot) gave 27553.4 (27553) pods / ha and 984.1 kg dry beans / ha. Sidalco 3 way mix (T1) in terms of performance and yield output as it produced 24781.9 pods / ha and 885.1 kg dry beans / ha. The untreated control plot (T12) yielded 5753.0 pods / ha and 205.5 kg dry beans / ha which is seen as the lowest among the treatments.
Table 2.25: Total numbers of pods categorized into good and bad with their respective Percentages per subplot (700m2) Treatment Good Bad Total % Good % Bad 1 1658.7 71.7 1734.7 95.6 4.1 2 1302.0 172.0 1484.0 87.7 11.6 3 1401.7 100.0 1502.3 93.3 6.7 4 1363.0 135.0 1501.3 90.8 9.0 5 1432.7 154.0 1591.0 90.0 9.7 6 1778.7 148.7 1928.7 92.2 7.7 7 1541.0 104.7 1646.3 93.6 6.4 8 1419.7 146.7 1569.7 90.4 9.3 9 912.7 1.3 918.7 99.3 0.1 10 635.3 4.3 641.0 99.1 0.7 11 606.7 18.7 625.7 97.0 3.0 12 379.7 23.0 402.7 94.3 5.7 Mean 1202.7 90.0 1295.5 93.6 6.2
Table 2.26: Total number of pods from the subplot converted to per hectare bases and kg dry cocoa beans. Treatment Total Pods / Ha Kg Dry Cocoa Beans / Ha 1 24781.9 885.1 2 21200.4 757.2 3 21461.9 766.5 4 21447.6 766.0 5 22729.0 811.8 6 27553.4 984.1 7 23519.0 840.0 8 22424.7 800.9 9 13124.5 468.7 10 9157.3 327.0 11 8938.8 319.2 12 5753.0 205.5 MEAN 15819.1 661.0 S.E D 640.2 45.3
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 54
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, 2008/09). From the yield results, Asaase Wura treated plots recorded the highest mean total pod production of 6547.3 per the sub plot of 0.2 ha. The lowest of 4624.7 pods was recorded from SP2 treated plots. Comparing the various treatments with the control, it is noted in Table 1.0 that yields from the unfertilized plot out yielded those from SP1 and SP2 treated plots. 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> T3>T4> T5> T7>T1 >T2 (Table2.27).
Records on healthy and unusable pods produced are in Tables 2.28 and 2.29. The highest and the lowest percentages of healthy pods recorded in the trials were 88.2% and 82.1% for the control and T3 respectively. The highest and the lowest percentages of unusable pods were recorded in T4 (6.0%) and T7 and T2 (2.9%).
Converting the yield figures to kg/ha using 28 pods to 1kg dry cocoa beans, T3 treated plots produced the highest mean of 1074 kg/ha whiles T2 recorded the lowest mean yield 825.8 kg /ha. Mean yield from the control plot was 881.3 kg /ha. It is worth stating that the yield from the control plot exceeded those of T1 and T2 this year (third year). Considering the individual yield records, T3 treated plot in Juaboso produced as high as 1.78 tonnes /ha dry cocoa beans compared with 0.35 tonnes/ ha obtained from Wassa AkropongT1 treated plot.
Table 2.27: Total number of pods / sub plot (0.2 ha)
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 55
Table 2.29: Number of unusable pods/sub plot (0.2 ha)
Treatments Towns T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 Nsuaem 318 206 215 179 185 436 210 Juaboso 156 116 222 169 247 308 143 Wassa akropong 42 65 24 42 46 61 76 Bibiani 121 146 198 134 134 162 151 Kwabeng 16 52 72 742 31 30 30 New edubiase 308 217 535 557 429 678 259 Total 961 802 1266 1823 1072 1675 869 Mean 160.2 133.7 211.0 303.8 178.7 279.2 144.8 % unusable pods 3.5 2.9 3.5 6.0 3.6 4.3 2.9
T1 NPK 2-22-18 + 6S + 4MgO + 5CaO + 0.3B + 0.3Zn
T2 NPK 0-23-19 + 3S + 3MgO + 5CaO + 0.3B + 0.3Zn T3 NPK 2-24-19 + 4S + 3MgO + 4CaO + 0.3Zn T4 NPK 0-22-18 + 7S + 5MgO + 5CaO T5 NPK 0-30-20 T6 NPK 0-22-18 + 9CaO +7S + 6MgO T7 CONTROL
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 56
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, 2008/09). Table 2.30 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 623 pods / subplot (0.2ha) in Assin Fosu T3 to 8338 pods / subplot (0.2ha) in Jacoubu T4. T2 recorded the highest mean number the highest mean number of total r of total pods of 4001.7 pods / subplot (0.2ha) followed by T6 with 3994.6 pods / subplot (0.2ha). The lowest mean number of total pods was recorded from the control plot.
Table 2.31 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 84.0 % in the control to 89.0 % in T6.
Table 2.32 shows the number of unusable pods obtained from the various treatments at each location. These figures converted to percentages ranges from 1.9 % for T2 to 4.0 % for T7. Considering the percentages of healthy pods recorded and those of the unusable pods, although the percentages of the bad pods ranges from 11 to 14, only a range of 1.9 to 4.0 is unusable and therefore the higher percentage of the pods are usable.
Table 2.30 Total number of pods / sub plot (0.2 ha)
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 57
Table 2.31 Number of healthy pods / sub plot (0.2 ha)
Table 2.32: Number of unusable pods / sub plot (0.2 ha)
Treatments Towns T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 Assin nsuaem 157 123 60 65 125 105 158 Assin fosu 43 56 55 63 116 68 85 Sefwi wiawso 74 64 93 85 74 105 79 Juaso 47 33 100 43 26 27 76 Twifo praso 156 116 90 168 130 170 134 Asankragua 63 87 73 97 209 149 152 Bechem 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mankranso 203 142 179 251 345 461 317 Dormaa ahenkro 30 30 25 24 50 42 67 Asamankese 97 152 163 243 267 199 232 Techiman 0 5 0 2 0 0 0 Enchi 156 173 215 203 240 243 243 Jacobu 40 29 31 44 26 45 60 Total 1066 1010 1084 1288 1608 1614 1603 Mean 82.0 77.7 83.4 99.1 123.7 124.2 123.3 % unusable pods 2.1 1.9 2.2 2.7 3.2 3.1 4.0
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 58
Pilot studies for developing effective and sustainable credit models for cocoa communities in Ghana (Mercy Asamoah, Winefred Kumi, F. Owusu- Ansah and V. Anchirinah).
Social Animation of the groups Four groups have been animated for the purpose of this project with a total of 240 farmers. All of them are involved in a savings mobilization into a group account. The communities involved are Bosuso, Akooko, Nkronso and Nyafoman, all in the Eastern Region.
Condition of membership All the groups operated an open entry policy where cocoa farmers in the communities had the chance to be members of the association. After three to six months, screening was done to weed out non-serious members. For instance, at Bosuso, initial registration list was 177 farmers, but membership has reduced to the current 100.
Leadership and Governance The groups are self-governed with facilitation from the researcher. Leaders were democratically elected for a period specified in their social constitution which the groups enacted themselves and are following them strictly. All the groups drew their own social constitution which is the main guiding principle of the association.
Savings mobilization Savings mobilization is an important component of the credit project. Each group is expected to mobilize funds and deposit the fund with a recognized entity. This is to develop a savings culture, test members' potential commitment to repayment of loans and also to act as initial guarantee in respect of loans in the future. Thus, in all the communities, each member pays a monthly contribution of not less than GH¢1.00 into a group savings account which are deposited with CRIG Quality Savings and Loans Club (QSLC) at New-Tafo. So far, three of the groups (Bosuso Peace Farmers Association, Nkronso and Akooko farmers Associations) have contributed a lump sum of between five hundred to one thousand Ghana cedis each. In addition, a monthly contribution of not less than GH¢50.00 is made by each group into a group account deposited with QSLC. This will continue until October 2010 which is the end of the financial year of QSLC.
Training As part of the objective of promoting additional sources of income for the farmers, all groups are to be trained by CRIG staff under the World Cocoa Foundation Challenge grant project) on how to make 'alata' soap on commercial quantities for sale using cocoa pod husk and other locally generated raw materials. One group (Nyafoman 'Mmodenbo' group) has already been trained. The three other groups are gathering their raw materials and are scheduled to be trained by end of August 2010. A quick monitoring of the groups has revealed that the Nyafoman group has secured some equipments (two big aluminum pots) needed to commence soap making.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 59
COCOA IMPROVEMENT THRUST
Activities within the Cocoa Improvement Thrust are focused on the development of high yielding seedling progeny through genetic enhancement for yield components and for resistance to the crops diseases and pests. Much of the research over the past decade was conducted under the CFC/ICCO/Bioversity Project on Productivity and Quality Improvement: A Participatory Approach, which ended in June 2009. During the 2009/2010 years, the cocoa gene bank at the CRIG was further enriched with introduction of exotic clones, and eight research projects were initiated. Thirteen cocoa clones were introduced as budwood and were budded onto Upper Amazon cocoa rootstock. These clones are currently under observation under the CRIG's quarantine procedures prior to their field establishment. Three of the new research projects are aimed at determining the combining abilities of clones that have been under-utilized in cocoa breeding and production in Ghana. These were initiated so as to increase the genetic base of cocoa in Ghana. Fifty clones generated from families with high agronomic worth have been composited into a trial with the objective of developing high yielding clones, and to enhance the effectiveness of developing high yielding cocoa progenies. Identification of cocoa progenies with good establishment in drought-prone areas, and development of rootstock genotypes that will enhance clone survival under water stress are the focus of two of the new research projects. With financial support from the European Union, and in collaboration with the Seed Production Unit, cocoa clones that showed good performance as parents under the just ended CFC/ICCO/Bioversity Project have been selected, and progenies of these are being tested with farmers. The objective is to supply a new set of clones to the Seed Gardens with higher yield potential than currently available types. Furthermore, with the aim of developing fine-flavour cocoa varieties, cocoa clones that have been proven to produce high quality fine-flavor beans are being tested with farmers. These research activities are being conducted with Counterpart International, Ecoagriculture Partners and Agro Eco.
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 A consignment 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
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 60 onto mixed hybrid rootstocks. The list of clones received is indicated in Table 3.1. Clones that were successfully budded have been transplanted in a newly established plot, Q9, at Tafo.
Table 3.1: Clones received from the International Cocoa Quarantine unit at Reading in 2009
Clones Accession Number Clones Accession Number MO4 RUQ 1529 RUQ 1499 PBC 123 CCN51 RUQ1347 RUQ 1160 OC 77 B9/10-25 RUQ1527 RUQ 1534 TRD 32 RUQ 1506 RUQ 1528 CC252 CRU 12 RUQ1452 LX 43 RUQ 1374 LCTEEN 261/S-4 RUQ 1535 COCA UQ 141 FSC13 3348/52(CHA) RUQ 1436 RUQ 1458 OQ6/95 POUND 12/A(POU) RUQ1376 RUQ 767 ICS83 CRIOLLO 22(CRI) RUQ 721 RUQ 1539 ICS6 MO 109 RUQ 1333 RUQ 1539 MATINA 1/7 JA 5/5(POU) RUQ 1448 RUQ 469 ICS 35 AM 1/8 (POU) SLC 4 RUQ 1533 RUQ 1550 CRINKLE LEAF PA 156 (PER) RUQ 1531 RUQ 1442 TRD 35
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 39.25% of the trees are surviving. For the out station plot at Assin Fosu, the surviving rate is about 20% 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 of this trial is to determine the comparative performance of the best families in existing progeny trials for yield, and resistance to black pod and CSSV diseases. Fifty single tree selections were conducted from previously established trials based on the long-term data and clones were obtained from these trees. The trial is planned to be established at Tafo.
During the year, the selected trees were budded onto seedlings of open pollinated Upper Amazon clones. Each clone is represented by 150 plants that are currently being nursed.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 61
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)
The objective of this trial is to determine the combining ability of selected cocoa clones for yield and resistance to drought, black pod and CSSV diseases, and to identify suitable parents for the next generation of cocoa hybrids. The trial is planned for two locations including Tafo and Akumadan. During the year, 64 full-sib families have been generated based on a factorial mating design of five females and 12 males plus some controls. For each family, 250 individuals are being nursed in the nursery.
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)
This project has the objective of broadening the genetic base of the cocoa germplasm used to develop varieties. Specifically, the project seeks to determine the combining ability of cocoa clones selected from previously under-utilised populations for key agronomic traits, and to develop productive families as basis for generating high yielding clones. Generation of the seedlings and land preparation will be conducted in the ensuing year.
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)
The objective of this trial is to determine the level of variation in seedling-stage drought tolerance in selected cocoa hybrids, and to determine the field performance of cocoa progenies selected for seedling-stage drought tolerance in drought prone locations. The trial is planned to be conducted at Tafo. During the year, 250 seedlings for each of 20 families have been produced based on a factorial crossing scheme. These are currently in the nursery.
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)
The project's objective is to identify suitable cocoa families as rootstocks that enhance establishment in drought prone areas, and to determine the effect of rootstock on the performance of the scion in cocoa production.
The trial is planned for establishment at Afosu. It will use a split-plot design with rootstocks
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 62 as main plot factor and scions as subplot factor, with 4 replicates. During the year, 250 seedlings for each of 20 families have been produced based on a factorial crossing scheme. These are currently in the nursery.
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)
With the objective of diversifying the genetic base of the cocoa germplasm used for variety development, the project aims at identifying clones from the Guiana population that have good combining abilities for agronomic traits. During the year, land preparation and design of the crossing scheme were initiated.
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)
The objective of this project is to evaluate the performance of the best progenies identified in previously conducted on-station trials under farmers' conditions and subsequently release the parents of the best progenies to Seed Production Unit (SPU).
The project sites include New Tafo, Sefwi Asafo, Mim, Efiduase – Ashanti, Assin Fosu, Ampeyo. Ten farmers were selected in each of the Western, Brong Ahafo and Ashanti Regions. Each farmer contributed 1 acre of land for the project. Three nurseries were developed (one in each region) where 10,000 seedlings were produced from the parents that were crossed. The female parents were Pa150, Pa 7 and Pound 7. The male parents were Pound 7, IMC 60, AMAZ 3-2, T65/238, Pa 150, IMC 67, IMC 53, T60/887, T85/799, Pound10, Pa 121, Pa 7 and T63/971.
Enhancing Farmers' Livelihood through production of Fine Flavour Cocoa (S.Y. Opoku, F.K. Padi and B. Adomako)
The project aims to maximize the use of under-utilised criollo cocoa clones in CRIG's genebank through the development of high quality fine/flavour cocoa for farmers, and enhance farmers' livelihood through increased income from production of fine flavor cocoa beans.
The project activities are located in the Offinso Distrct of the Ashanti Region. Durng the year, 27 clones were selected for the project. Dry beans from 11 of them were sent to the USA for flavor assessment. Only five clones (ICS16, ICS60, CC11, SGU50 and VENC4) were
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 63 successful in the test which are now being multiplied for farmers. The remaining clones will be tested again in January 2011. Planting of the clones in farmers' farms will be done at 2.5m x 2.5m. A closer planting distance of 1.5m x 1.5m has also been suggested by collaborators in South America, which will be tested in the coming years.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 64
COCOA INSECTS MANAGEMENT THRUST
Integrated pest management programme in the cocoa industry in Ghana (A. R. Cudjoe, J. E. Sarfo, G. K. Awudzi, I. Y. Opoku, S. Lowor, M. Asamoah)
(a) The use of pheromones and other semio-chemicals (b) The use of natural enemies
This trial was reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 76 - 80).
In collaboration with Cocoa Research (UK), Natural Resources Institute (UK)/University of Greenwich, Imperial College (Univ. of London), CABI-Bioscience (UK), International Pesticide Application Research Centre (IPARC), Imperial College work on mirid pheromone and myco-pesticides was continued with the objective of conducting in-depth evaluation of environmentally friendly mirid control strategies as components of an IPM programme.
In the pheromone trials: a PhD student's work. The student was granted permission by CRIG management for deferment of presentation on data safety grounds. In the myco-insecticide studies mirids were collected from the field and incubated for possible pathogen growth. Insects dead at the time of collection of samples 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 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). Identification of fungal isolate was done using the manual on Pathogenic Fungi and Bacteria developed by the International Mycological Institute (IMI). Incidence of the isolates was recorded. Fusarium spp, Beauveria bassiana, and Aspergillus flavus were isolated and identified. Cultures of Beauveria bassiana, the only entomopathogen found were made and conidia suspensions of different concentrations prepared for bio-efficacy test. To determine the bio-efficacy of B. bassiana, ten (10) µl of four different concentrations (1,000, 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. The set up was replicated 8 times.
Insects treated with 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 spores/ml concentrations of Beauvaria bassiana isolates died within 120 hours but had no fungal growth after two week of incubation of cadaver. Insects inoculated with the fungus spore suspension of 4,000 spore/ml died within
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 65
72 hours. Incubation of the cadavers gave 20% fungal growth characteristic of Beauveria bassiana one week after incubation. Cadavers without growth one week after treatment and two weeks after incubation were discarded.
In conclusion, there is the need to search for isolates with a higher infection rate compared to what has been isolated and tested.
Screening and field trials on conventional insecticides for the control of cocoa mirids. (A. R. Cudjoe, F. B. Antwi, G. K. Awudzi, F. Aneani, M. Asamoah)
The objective of this study was reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 80-84)
In the laboratory and in cage tests a total of 32 products were tested against mirids. The products were taken through the mandatory screening processes in the laboratory and in cage trials for bio-efficacy and determination of minimum effective concentrations. Some of the chemicals that showed some promise in the laboratory and cage tests were taken to the field for assessment (Table 4.1). Pre-development trials were conducted for two new active ingredients. Cyazypyr (a.i. cyantraniliprole) belonging to the chemical class anthranilic diamide was submitted by Dupont through Calli Ghana as ARY 109 to CRIG t in 2009. Also XDE 208 (a.i. sulfoxaflor) was submitted by Dow Agrosciences through Chemico (Gh) Ltd. to Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana through COCOBOD in 2009. Based on the initial assessments in the laboratory and cage tests, another protocol for pre-development trial was developed which was used to assess their efficacy on cocoa mirids in the field. The two new chemicals, Cyazypyr and XDE 208, were taken through detailed pre-development studies based on the developed protocols. This was necessary to determine minimum effective concentrations for managing mirids.
Cyazypyr (a.i. cyantraniliprole) at four rates (1, 5, 10, and 15 g a.i./L) were compared with two standard chemicals (thiamethoxam and bifenthrin) for their efficacy to manage mirids in the field. The plot was established in December 2009 on a farmer's farm at Bunso in the Eastern region. The experimental plot sizes were 30m2 (3m*10m). A single buffer plot size of 30m2 was included between each treatment plot to minimize cross-contamination from drift of the spray applications. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Cyazypyr (cyantraniliprole, DuPont Crop Protection, Newark, Delaware) was applied at 10, 50, 100, and 150 ml/L). Bifenthrin and thiamethoxam were also applied at 9.1 ml/L and 1.5ml/L, respectively. All the insecticides were applied using motorized knapsack sprayer. Untreated plots served as control. Prior to insecticide application each plot was rated for mirid feeding injury on pods. Twenty-five pods were randomly selected on each plot, and pod feeding injury was rated using an injury rating
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 66 scheme (Table 4.1). Residual effects of the chemicals was determined by post application ratings for mirid feeding injury at 2, 7, 17, 21, and 28 days after initial spraying. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (SAS institute, 2006). Treatment means were compared by multiple t-test obtained by least square means statement of GLM at the 0.05 level (SAS institute, 2006).
XDE 208 (a.i. sulfoxaflor) at three rates (20, 40, and 80 g a.i./ha), sulfoxaflor + cypermethrin mixtures (20+18, 40+18, 80+18, 20+36, 40+36, 80+36 g a.i/ha) and cypermethrin at two rates (18 and 36 g a.i./ha) were compared with three standard chemicals (thiamethoxam, bifenthrin (20 g a. i./ha)), and acetamiprid + bifenthrin mixture (10 +10 g. a.i./ha)) for their efficacy to manage mirids in the field. The research plot was established in October 2010 on a farmer's farm at Nsutam in the Eastern region. The experimental plot sizes were 30m2 (3m*10m). A single buffer plot size of 30m2 was included between each treatment plot to minimize cross-contamination from drift of the spray applications. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. XDE 208 was applied at (83.3, 167, 100, and 333 ml/ha), sulfoxaflor + cypermethrin mixtures at (83.3+180, 167+180, 333+180, 83.3+360, 167+360, 333+360 ml/ha), cypermethrin at (180 and 360 ml/ha), and acetamiprid + bifenthrin mixture at (500 ml/ha). Bifenthrin and thiamethoxam were applied at 500 ml/ha and 83 ml/ha, respectively. After 28 days post application a second spraying of bifenthrin was done. All the insecticides were applied using motorized knapsack sprayer. Untreated plots served as control. Before insecticide application, each plot was rated for mirid feeding injury on pods. Twenty-five pods were randomly selected on each plot, and mirid pod feeding injury was rated using an injury rating scheme (Table 4.1). Residual effect of the treatments was determined by post application ratings for mirid pod feeding injury at 2, 7, 17, 21, and 28 days after initial spraying. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (SAS institute, 2006). Treatment means were compared by multiple t-test obtained by least square means statement of GLM at the 0.05 level (SAS institute, 2006).
Small scale researcher managed field trials were also carried out and products which met selection criteria at laboratory and cage stages of the screening process were moved to small scale researcher managed field trials. Some of the products showing consistent good performance at first year small scale researcher managed trials were concurrently tested at the 2nd year small scale and concurrently at the first year large scale researcher-farmer managed field trials. Products tested under this category were Imida-bifenthrin, Attack (Emmamectin Benzoate) and GF 2023 or XDE 208 (Sulfoxaflor) a formulation submitted and tested earlier.
In large scale researcher and farmer managed field and residue trials, five (5) products, EC 900 (pyrethrum plus deltamethrin), Seizer (bifenthrin), AcetaStar (acetamiprid and
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 67 bifenthrin), RimoStar (novaluron and bifenthrin), Callifan Super (acetamiprid and bifenthrin) were screened and advanced to final year yield data collection and residue tests stages of the screening process.
Thirteen of the products screened in the laboratory and cages with single active ingredients were recommended for small scale field testing. The two cocktails whose testing was completed failed to meet CRIGs criteria (Table 4.1a)
Table 4.1: Status of products submitted for screening at laboratory and cage stages 2009/2010
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 68
15. BYI 02960 Imino-Bulenolide + Laboratory completed Propylene Carbonate could not proceed to cage Spirotetramat 20g/L Laboratory completed 16. DLT + SPT + Deltamethrin 30g/L could not proceed to cage Laboratory completed 17. Cypermethrin 25% EC Cypermethrin could not proceed to cage Laboratory and cage 18. Alpha Cypermethrin 10% EC(á Cypermethrin) completed, recommended for small scale Laboratory completed 19. Imidacloprid 30.5% SC Imidacloprid could not proceed to cage
20. Deltamethrin 2.5 EC Deltamethrin Laboratory and cage completed
Insecticides Active ingredient (s) Trial Stage 2010/2011
Laboratory completed 21 Fury Zeta Cypermethrin 100g/l could not proceed to cage
22 Thiacloprid Thiacloprid 480 SC Laboratory uncompleted 23. Lambda-Aceta Lambdacyhalotrin – 30.2g/l Laboratory uncompleted (LAMDAC) Acetamiprid – 16.0g/l
24. Akakil Imidacloprid 200SL Laboratory uncompleted
25. Conka Bifenthrin 2.5 EC Laboratory uncompleted
26. Normax 150 SC Alpha Cypermethrin (75g/ l) Laboratory uncompleted + Teflubenzuron (75g/l)
27. Lambdcyhalothrin & Lambdacyhalothrin 15g/ l & Laboratory uncompleted Acetamiprid Acetamiprid 20g/l
28. Deltamethrin 2.5 EC Deltamethrin 2.5 EC Laboratory uncompleted
29. Imidacloprid 20.1 SL Imidacloprid 20.1 SL Laboratory uncompleted 30. Cypermethrin 10.1 EC Cypermethrin 10.1 EC Laboratory uncompleted
31. Alpha Cypermethrin EC Alpha Cypermethrin10.1 EC Laboratory uncompleted
32. Lambdacyhalothrin 5.1 EC Lambdacyhalothrin 5.1 EC Laboratory uncompleted
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69
In the pre-development Trial of new chemistries (Cyazapyr and Sulfoxaflor )pre-treatment injury ratings varied from 1.7 to 3.2. Pod injury ratings were not significant among the treatments at 2 days post-treatment application (Table 1). At 7 days post treatment cyazypyr (50ml/L) resulted in the lowest injury rating of 1.1. However this was not significant from the water, cyazypyr at 10 ml/L and thiamethoxam. Injury ratings due to treatment with bifenthrin and cyazypyr at 100ml/L and 15 ml/L were not significant. Injury ratings at 14 and 28 days were not significant among the treatments. At 21 days post treatment, pod injury ratings were not significant among the treatments except at 100 ml/L cyazypyr. Generally, cyazypyr at 50ml/L resulted in the lowest injury ratings among the cyazypyr treatments.
Table 4.2: Mirid pod feeding injury to cocoa treated with Cyazypyr (cyantraniliprole) at product pre-development trials 2009/2010
Insecticide treatment PTAa 2 PTAb 7 DPTAc 14 DPTAd 21 DPTAe 28 DPTAf
------Mirid pod feeding injury ratingg------
Water (control) 1.7 1.8a 1.6ab 1.2a 1.4a 0.7a
Cyazypyr (10ml/L) 2.4 1.8a 2.1abc 1.6a 1.6a 1.1a
Cyazypyr (50ml/L) 2.1 1.9a 1.1a 1.5a 1.3a 0.9a
Cyazypyr (100ml/L) 3.2 2.7a 2.8bc 2.0a 2.8b 1.3a Cyazypyr (150ml/L) 2.7 2.7a 3.2c 2.1a 2.1ab 1.2a
Bifenthrin (9.1) 2.6 2.5a 2.8bc 1.3a 1.2a 0.9a
Thiamethoxam (1.5) 2.3 1.6a 2.2abc 1.7a 1.7a 0.6a
Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different at P < 0.05. a PTA, pretreatment application. b2 PTA, 2 days post-treatment application. c7 PTA, 7 days post-treatment application. d14 PTA, 14 days post-treatment application. e21 PTA, 21 days post-treatment application. f28 PTA, days post-treatment application. gMirid pod feeding injury rating based on a scale of 0-5; 0, 0 injury per pod (no lesion on pod); 1, 1-3 lesions per pod; 2, 3-10 lesions per pod; 3, 11-25 lesions per pod; 4, 26-50 lesions per pod; 5, >50 lesions per pod.
Pre-treatment Pod feeding injury ratings for Sulfoxaflor application ranged from 1.6 to 3.8 (Table 4.3).
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010
Cocoa Research InstituteofGhana Table 4.3: Mirid feeding injury to cocoa treated with XDE 208 (sulfoxaflor) at product pre-development trials 2009/2010
Insecticide treatment PTAa 2 PTA 7 14 21 28 30 35 42 49 56
DPTA DPTA DPTA DPTA DPTA DPTA DPTA DPTA DPTA
Water (control) 2.6b 2.8de 2.1abcd 2.5bcd 1.6a 2.5cd 1.4a 1.8a 1.4a 1.4a 1.4ab
Sulfoxaflor 20 3.8 3.5e 2.9d 3.0d 2.3a 2.8d 2.6b 2.7a 2.2abc 1.9ab 2.1abcd
Sulfoxaflor 40 3.7 2.7de 2.4bcd 2.4bcd 2.1a 1.9abcd 1.6ab 2.2a 2.1abc 2.2ab 2.2abcd
Sulfoxaflor 80 2.5 2.3bcd 2.7cd 2.7cd 2.1a 2.3bcd 1.5a 2.6a 1.8abc 1.9ab 2.5bcd Sulfoxaflor 20 + Cypermet 18 1.7 1.6abc 1.5ab 1.9abc 1.6a 1.9abcd 1.8ab 2.4a 2.0abc 2.0ab 2.3abcd Sulfoxaflor 40 + Cyperme 18 1.6 1.8abcd 1.7ab 2.1abcd 2.3a 2.5cd 1.7ab 2.2a 2.4bc 2.9b 3.0cd
Sulfoxaflor 80 + Cyperme18 2.5 2.3bcd 2.4bcd 1.6ab 1.9a 1.3ab 1.1a 2.0a 1.8abc 2.0ab 2.0abc
Sulfoxaflor20+Cypermethrin36 1.6 1.9abcd 1.3a 2.1abcd 2.0a 1.7abc 2.0ab 2.3a 1.6abc 2.3a b 2.1abcd
Sulfoxaflor 40 + Cyperme36 2.3 1.8abcd 1.5ab 1.3a 1.7a 1.6abc 1.3a 1.7a 1.5ab 1.9ab 2.1abc Sulfoxaflor 80 + Cyperme 36 1.7 1.4abc 1.6ab 1.6ab 1.7a 1.6abc 1.7ab 2.1a 1.8abc 1.7ab 2.3abcd
Annual Report2009-2010 Cypermethrin 18 2.5 2.3bcd 2.3bcd 1.9abcd 1.9a 1.8abcd 1.2a 2.3a 1.7abc 2.1ab 2.0abc
Cypermethrin 36 1.8 1.8abcd 1.8abc 1.8abc 2.5a 2.2abcd 1.8ab 2.6a 2.5c 2.8b 3.3d Acetamiprid 10 + Bifenthrin 10 2.5 1.1a 1.5ab 1.6ab 1.9a 1.2a 1.2a 2.1a 1.5ab 1.6a 1.8abc
Bifenthrin 2.4 2.5cde 1.9abc 2.1abcd 1.3a 1.8abcd 1.3a 2.2a 1.4a 1.1a 1.4a
Thiamethoxam 2.3 2.2bcd 1.9abc 1.9abc 2.1a 2.1abcd 1.7ab 2.4a 2.3abc 2.3ab 2.6cd 70
71
Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different at P < 0.05. aPTA, insecticide application were done at pretreatment, 2, 7, 14, 21, 28, 30, 35, 42, 49, 56 days post treatment . bMirid pod feeding injury rating based on a scale of 0-5; 0, 0 injury per pod (no lesion on pod); 1, 1-3 lesions per pod; 2, 3-10 lesions per pod; 3, 11-25 lesions per pod; 4, 26-50 lesions per pod; 5, >50 lesions per pod
Post-treatment application Day 2. Pod feeding injury ratings varied from 1.1 to 3.5. Callifan Super (acetamiprid + bifenthrin) application resulted in the lowest feeding injury. However this was not significant from sulfoxaflor 80 and sulfoxaflor + cypermethrin mixture treatments and cypermethrin (18 and 36) treatments. Injury ratings for water, sulfoxaflor 40, bifenthrin and thiamethoxam were not significant.
Day 7. Sulfoxaflor 20 + cypermethrin 36 mixture application resulted in the lowest feeding injury rating of 1.3. This was however not signioficant when compared to acetamiprid + bifenthrin, bifenthrin, thiamethoxam, and cypermethrin 36. Except sulfoxaflor 80 + cypermethrin 36, feeding injury due to the sulfoxaflor and cypermethrin mixtures were not significant.
Day 14. Sulfoxaflor 40 + cypermethrin 36 mixture treatment resulted in the lower injury rating of 1.3. injury ratings among the sulfoxaflor and cypermethrin mixtures, and also between these mixtures and cypermethrin, acetamiprid + bifenthrin, bifenthrin, and thiamethoxam were not significant. Sulfoxaflor treatments alone, compared to water were also not significant. Day 21. Injury ratings were not significant among the treatments at 21 days post treatment.
Day 28. Mirid pod feeding injury was significantly lower for acetamiprid + bifenthrin. Except for sulfoxaflor 40 + cypermethrin 18, sulfoxaflors 80 and 20, and water, the pod feeding injury for acetamiprid + bifenthrin was not significant for the treatments.
Day 30. Acetamiprid + bifenthrin resulted in the lowest injury rating of 1.2. With the exception of sulfoxaflor 20, the injury ratings were not significant among the treatments.
Day 35. Injury ratings were not significant among the treatments, although a mixture of sulfoxaflor 40 + cypermethrin 36 resulted in a lower feeding injury.
Day 42. Bifenthrin and water treatments resulted in lower injury ratings of 1.4. Except for sulfoxaflor 40 + cypermethrin 18 mixture and cypermethrin 36 treatments, the injury ratings were not significant among the treatments.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 72
Day 49. The trend was generally similar to that observed for the forty days post-treatment application.
Day 56. Bifenthrin and water resulted in the lower injury rating of 1.4. A higher injury rating of 3.3 was observed for cypermethrin 36. Among the sulfoxaflor treatments, injury ratings were not significant when compared to bifenthrin, except for sulfoxaflor 80 treatment. Among the sulfoxaflor and cypermethrin mixtures the pod feeding injury ratings were not significant when compared to bifenthrin, except for sulfoxaflor 40 +cypermethrin 18 mixture treatment.
The data indicates that sulfoxaflor 40 among the sulfoxaflor treatments resulted in a lower pod feeding injury. Moreover, sulfoxaflor 20 + cypermethrin 18 mixture resulted in a lower pod pod feeding injury among the sulfoxaflor and cypermethrin mixture treatments. Also cypermethrin 36 generally resulted in lower pod feeding injury among the cypermethrin treatments. It is suggested that yield data to be taken in July will help ascertain the true potency of sulfoxaflor and sulfoxaflor-cypermethrin mixture treatments.
Yield data collection and residue trials are on-going for Callifan Super, RimonStar, AcetaStar, Seizer and EC 900 (Table 4.4). Full reports with yield data will be presented in due course
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010
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Table 4.4: Insecticides undergoing small, large scale and residual trials
Insecticides Active ingredient Trial Stage 2010/201 1 Final yield and preparation of beans for residual analysis 1. Callifan Super Acetamiprid,
Bifenthrin
Final reports 2. Confidor OD Imidacloprid
Final reports 3. Proteus Thiacloprid, Deltamethrin
Final yield collection 4. Rimon Star Novaluron, Bifenthrin
Final yield collection 5. Aceta Star Acetamiprid,
Bifenthrin
Final yield collection and 6. Seizer Bifenthrin residual analysis Preparing beans for residual test and final yield 7. EC 900 Deltamethrin, Pyrethrum nd st 2 year small scale & 1 year large scale 8. Imida – Bifenthrin Imidacloprid,
Bifenthrin 2nd year small scale 1st year large scale 9. Attack Emmamectin Benzoate
2nd year small scale 1st year 10. GF 2023 XDE 208 large scale
Final data collection 11. Termidor 50SC Fipronil
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 74
Final reports on two products, Proteus O.D and Confidor O. D. were compiled, vetted and approved by CRIG and COCOBOD for recommendation for use on cocoa.
The two products from Wienco (Gh) Ltd containing thiacloprid and deltamethrin for Proteus O. D. and imidacloprid for Confidor O. D met all the minimum criteria for use on Cocoa. Most importantly, their bio-efficacy on mirids exceeded the 95% mortality rate for mirids, their active ingredients are all on Annex 1 of the new EU pesticide legislation, EPA approved list and Japanese permitted products. They left no or permitted maximum residue levels MRLs on fermented dry cocoa beans when the products are applied correctly.
In summary, 43 products, comprising of 32 at laboratory and cage stages and 11 at small and large scale, were under-going screening during the period under review for management of cocoa insect pests at CRIG. This number of products is the largest ever submitted for screening by CRIG. This situation poses serious logistical and personnel challenges. The profile of new chemistries requires a product pre-development work involving the use of new screening protocols to meet the new challenges. However, innovations introduced to conduct concurrent trials of promising products should lead to reduction in time of trial and save resources.The increasing number and complexity of products submitted for testing requires appropriate means of transport to carry products, equipment and personnel to do the screening at many locations in the cocoa regions of the country.
Screening and use of botanical pesticides for the control of cocoa mirids and other insects. (A. R. Cudjoe, F. B. Antwi, G. K. Awudzi, F. Aneani, M. Asamoah)
The objective of this study was reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 80-84) Pyrethrum 5 EW was submitted by Agropharm Ltd. for assessment of its efficacy on cocoa mirids.
For the screening of Xylopia and CNSL, fourth and fifth instar nymphs of mirids were used for the tests. Nymphs collected from the field were kept on cocoa pods and chupons for 24 hours before being used for the test. Ten nymphs were introduced onto filter paper in Petri dishes impregnated with 1ml each of the extracts. An equal number of nymphs were introduced onto filter paper moistened with distilled water as control. The numbers of dead mirids were recorded 24 hours after the application.
Minimum effective concentration of pyrethrum 5 EW on cocoa mirids was found to be 6mls/L in the laboratory. The efficacy of the following concentration (6, 8, 10, and 12 ml/L was tested in a small scale field trial at Apono Apono, Kokotesoa, Anum Apapam, Atiebu, Achensah, Mfrano, Kromamy, Aboabo and Amanase all in the Suhum and surrounding areas of the Eastern region. AkateMaster (bifenthrin) was included as a reference and standard. At
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 75 each site plots were demarcated measuring 0.4 ha. Each location was used as a replicate. The insecticide was applied once during the minor mirid season in April 2010, using motorized mist blowers. Mirid and related species as well as non target fauna (predatory insects and spiders) numbers from ground to hand-height level (about 2m) on all cocoa trees in each plot were assessed prior to application of Pyrethrum 5EW, and repeated 7, 14, 21, and 28 days thereafter.
The 5% xylopia and 20% CNSL extracts were the only promising extracts with significantly high mortality effect on the mirids. Fig. 4.1
Fig.4. 1: Effect of xylopia and CNSL on cocoa mirids in the laboratory screening
Injury ratings for Pyrethrum 5EW pretreatment application ratings ranged from 0.7 to 2.0 (Table 4.5). Post treatment application varied from 0.7 to 2.2 after 2 days, and 0.9 to 2.4 after 7 days. At 14 days post treatment Pyrethrum 5 EW at 0.6% (6 ml/L) resulted in highly significant injury rating of 1.8. Water treatment resulted in a lower injury rating of 0.54 at 21 days post treatment. Plots treated with pyrethrum 0.6% (6ml/L) resulted in a higher injury rating of 2.0 at 28 days post treatment. The data indicates that pyrethrum at 0.8% (8ml/L) is the most minimum effective concentration for mirid management.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 76
Table 4.5. Mirid pod feeding injury to cocoa treated with Pyrethrum 5EW
Insecticide treatment PTAa 2 PTAb 7 DPTAc 14 DPTAd 21 DPTAe 28 DPTAf
g ------Mirid pod feeding injury rating ------
Water (control) 0.8 0.7a 1.0a 0.8a 0.5a 1.0a
Pyrethrum (6ml/L) 2.0 2.2b 2.4b 1.8c 1.4b 2.0b
Pyrethrum (8ml/L) 1.4 1.3a 1.4a 1.4ab 1.3ab 1.2a
Pyrethrum (10ml/L) 1.0 1.3a 0.9a 1.3b 0.9ab 1.4a
Pyrethrum (12ml/L) 0.7 1.0a 0.9a 1.2b 1.4ab 1.0a Bifenthrin (9.1ml/L ) 1.3 1.2a 1.0a 1.4ab 1.5b 1.3a
Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different at P < 0.05. aPTA, pretreatment application. b2 PTA, 2 days post-treatment application. c7 PTA, 7 days post-treatment application. d14 PTA, 14 days post-treatment application. e21 PTA, 21 days post-treatment application. f28 PTA, days post-treatment application. gMirid pod feeding injury rating based on a scale of 0-5; 0, 0 injury per pod (no lesion on pod); 1, 1-3 lesions per pod; 2, 3-10 lesions per pod; 3, 11-25 lesions per pod; 4, 26-50 lesions per pod; 5, >50 lesions per pod.
In conclusion, the 5% Xylopia and 20% CNSL extracts have proved promising and should therefore be further developed through formulation and testing for possible use in mirid control in organic cocoa growing.
At 14 days post treatment Pyrethrum 5 EW at 0.6% (6 ml/L) resulted in highly significant injury rating of 1.8. Plots treated with pyrethrum 0.6% (6ml/L) resulted in a higher injury rating of 2.0 at 28 days post treatment. The data indicates that pyrethrum at 0.8% (8ml/L) is the most minimum effective concentration for mirid management. The 0.8% concentration is a better minimum effective dosage as against the 0.6% concentration determined in the laboratory and cage stages of screening the product. However, more work needs to done during the major season 2010-2011 to fully characterize Pyrethrum EW on cocoa.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 77
Isolation, identification, formulation and use of semio-chemicals for the control of the cocoa stem borer, Eulophonotus myrmeleon in Ghana. (S. T. Lowor, J. E. Sarfo, A. R. Cudjoe, J. F. Takrama, F. Owusu –Ansah)
The objective of this study was reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 84) In the year under review, some stem borer emergence was recorded as follows:
Table 4.6 Incidence of stem borer (E. myrmeleon) larvae of farmers' farms across the Regions during August 2009-February 2010 in Ghana
Region Borer numbers Ashanti 79 Brong Ahafo 46 Central 15 Eastern 41 Western North 18 Western South 13 Volta 2
To date, only four (4) adult female moths have been trapped in Tafo. Ovipositor extracts from these have been collected in hexane and kept in the refrigerator at 4°C. In May 2009, we expected some emergence according to studies carried out by Adu Acheampong et al. (1999) but no such emergence was recorded.
Studies on termites (Isoptera) associated with cocoa ecosystem. (A. R. Cudjoe, J. E. Sarfo, A. A. Afrifa, I. Y. Opoku, J. F. Takrama)
The aim of this study was reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 84-86).
Control measures for termites were searched for by testing a product, Termidor 50SC, containing Fipronil as the active ingredient, continued at Afosu on Plot D12. Cocoa plants were tagged and put into 2 treatment groups (monthly and bimonthly treatment regimes), for the application of the temiticide. Each treatment regime consisted of 120 young cocoa plants with 3 replications (360 plants). Each plot consists of 15 trees at a spacing of 3 m each making an area of 72 m2 The concentration of Termidor used for the application was 1ml/L (0.01g a.i./tree). Two hundred mls (200mls) of the termiticidal solution was used to drench the base of each plant. Water was used as the control. Termites damage was recorded based on presence of bites, hollowness, runways found on the young plants, and death of plants. Assessment of plants for infestation of non-target insects was done monthly. Insects scouted for, were mealybugs, psyllids aphids, beetles, mirids, and caterpillars.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 78
Table 4.7. Incidence of non-target insects on trees
Treatment Period Mealy bug Aphid Psyllid Beetle Capsid Caterpillar Total
Termidor Monthly 4 0 51 11 2 12 80
Control Monthly 5 2 34 6 0 7 54
T ermidor Bimonthly 15 6 53 17 1 11 103 Control Bimonthly 7 1 42 4 0 12 66
Table 4.8. Presence of termites
Period Bites Runways Hollow T/Aa NDb
Termidor Monthly 0 3 0 1 57
Control Monthly 0 23 20 69 30
Termidor Bimonthly 0 5 2 7 30
Control Bimonthly 0 53 5 56 21
a b T/A- Death due to termite attack; ND- Natural death
After applying the chemical every month continuously for 4 months (November – February), most of the cocoa plants were found to be harboring the aforementioned non-target insects. Psyllid was more in number as compared to aphids, mealy bugs, beetles, mirids and caterpillars in both the control (water) and Termidor treated plots (Table 4.7). One hundred and fifty seven (157) deaths of trees were recorded, 58 were from the treated plot, and 1 was due to termite attack. Ninety-nine (99) deaths were also recorded from the control with 69 due to termite attack (Table 4.8). High wilting was recorded in both control and treated plots due to drought in January. The termiticide was applied at two-month intervals November, January and March. However, assessment of insects on plants was done monthly. The trend for non-target insect incidence in the bimonthly regime was similar to that of the monthly treatment period. Out of the 114 deaths recorded, 37 deaths were from the treated plots, with seven (7) due to termite attack. Seventy seven (77) deaths were also recorded in the control plots with 56 due to termite attack (Table 4.8).
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 79
Incidence level of non-target insects on trees was higher in the bimonthly as compared to the monthly treatments (Table 4.4). The bimonthly treatment regime resulted in 114 deaths while the monthly gave a record of 157 deaths. The total number of deaths because of termite attack in the bimonthly and monthly were 63 and 70 respectively.
In conclusion the above results show that fipronil had a protective capability against termites in both regimes. Termidor is performing satisfactorily on termites. It is showing potential as alternative to Dursban and other Chlopyrifos based products banned on cocoa.
Isolation, identification, formulation and use of semio-chemicals for the control of Characoma stictigrapha Hampson, a lepidopterous (Noctuidae) pest of cocoa in Ghana. (S. T. Lowor, J. E. Sarfo, A. R. Cudjoe, F. Owusu Ansah, J. F. Takrama)
The aim of this trial was reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 86-88). Adult insects supplied by the Entomology division were used for pheromone collection. Gland collection for pheromones was done on 15 females between 3 – 5 am. Extracts in dichloromethane were analysed on the Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Compound detected previously in female collections was present in most of the gland collections done. The compound is yet to confirmed using standards and bioassay. Delays in obtaining standards was a major constraint.
Exploring the use of natural enemies for the biological control of cocoa mealybugs, Planococcoides njalensis (Laing) and Planococcus citri (Risso). (A. R. Cudjoe, G. K. Awudzi, M. Assuah, O. Domfeh, F. O. Ansah).
The details of this trial had been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 88-89) The natural enemies associated with mealybug colonies sampled from cocoa regions the previous year were analyzed and categorized into predators, parasitoids and hyperparasitoids.
The mealybug colonies sampled from all cocoa growing regions were kept in small containers under ambient condition in the laboratory. After several weeks of such ambient condition incubation, the contents of each sample in a container from all locations were poured into a large Petri-dish for separation of dead insects from the mealybug cadavers. For ease of identification, insects were grouped into their various orders, families and species where possible. The frequencies of occurrence of the beneficial insects in the mealybug colonies were recorded.
Out of the 392 mealybug colonies incubated 132 beneficial insects emerged. About 47% of
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 80 the natural enemies which emerged were Cocodiplosis cofeae a Cecidomyiidae. The number of predators of mealybugs put together accounted for about 71 percent of all beneficial insects associated with cocoa mealybug colonies (Table 4.9). The low numbers of parasitoids in the colonies may be attributed to some difficulties establishing in colonies attended by ants. There could be some adaptations by larvae of predators such as Diptera, especially Cecidomyiidae, Lepidoptera and Cocinellids. Understanding such adaptations may lead to the choice of natural enemies for mass rearing and use as biological control agents.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 Cocoa Research InstituteofGhana Table 4.9 Association of beneficial insects associated with mealybug colonies in cocoa growing regions in Ghana (2009/ 2010)
Location/Region Number of Status of associated Natural Enemies of Mealybugs emergence No of Frequency of Mealybug insects insects association (%) colonies incubated
Order Family Species Total of cocoa Predator Coleoptera Coccinellidae Hyperaspis -Scymnus(Pullus) 9 6.8 regions(Eastern, Central, Western (North and South), Hymenoptera Ashanti, Brong Leptomastix dactylopii Ahafo, Volta) Parasitoid Encyrtidae 5 3.8 Anagyrus beneficians Aenasius abengouroui 15 11.4
Procheileneurus insolitus 392 11 8.3
Hyper parasitoid Cocodiplosis coffeae 7 5.3
Diptera Predator Eublema sp Cecidomyiidae Spalgis lemolea 63 47.7
Annual Report2009-2010 Lepidoptera Predator Noctuidae 13 9.8 9 6.8 Total 392 132 100
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In conclusion, the search for suitable beneficial insects or natural enemies for control of cocoa mealybugs presents a strong challenge. The relationships of associated insects and factors enhancing or diminishing their establishment need to be understood before a rearing programme for selected species can commence.
Work on this project can only continue with the acquisition of controlled chambers and their accessories housed in rearing rooms designated for this purpose.
A major constraint to this work was the poor condition of the insectary impeded the work of this project. Renovation work was too slow and needed to be expedited to enable rapid progress of this work.
Assessing insect species associated with cocoa during establishment and developing control methods against pest species. (A. R. Cudjoe, G. K. Awudzi, M Assuah, V. Anchirinah, F. Owusu-Ansah, M. Asamoah, P. Adu Yeboah)
The details of this trial had been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 90-91).
Sampling of plots for insects and measurement of growth (plant height only) was carried out on monthly basis from March 2009 to March 2010. Ten 0.4 ha plots established or selected from farmers the previous year were located at 10 locations. 9 of the farmers plots were near Afosu and the one at Tafo was on station. The plots selected are located at Apregya 1 and 2, Noyem, Adadekrom 1 and 2, Nkyesa, Minta Bomeng, Praso-Kuma, and Wisiwisi. Monthly sampling of 30 randomly selected plants/plot was carried out to observe and estimate damage to the crop associated with the insect observed from June 2009 to March 2010.Insects were identified in situ by trained data collectors. They were separated into pests species, ants and Natural enemies. The accumulated numbers of the species encountered were presented for the locations over the entire sampling period. The relative abundance of species encountered was used as an indicator of its importance in the cocoa eco-system and its bio-diversity. Mirid damage was recorded over the period at all locations. Observations showed that plant heights did not differ significantly from plot to plot and farmer to farmer. This may be as a results of the use of seedlings purchased from CRIG nursery at Afosu. The selected farms were chosen from the beginning of the trial based on planting at the beginning of the rainy season. The main insects encountered on young cocoa were grasshoppers, mealybugs, termites, mirids, stink bugs (Bathycoelia), stem borers, psyllids, defoliators such as Anomis sp and Earias sp. The three important ants species which often attend mealybugs and aphids, Crematogaster striatula/africana,Camponotus acvapimensis and Pheidole megacephala were encountered at all locations, but predominantly at Minta Bomeng and Tafo where mealybugs were frequently encountered. This observation confirms the symbiotic relationship between the ants and mealybugs. Oecophylla longinoda was
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 83 encountered at Apregya, Adadekrom and Wisiwisi on some occasions It is worth noting that mirid damage was very low at Adadekrom-A and Wisiwisi but not at Adadekrom-B where Oecophylla occurred. This was in contrast to the view that Oecophylla ant preys on mirids. At Tafo, the damage caused by Mirids was reflected in their relative numbers observed on the plants. In other locations mirid damage was not observed to be linked to their numbers observed on the plants. Stem borers were mostly observed on plants at Tafo, Mintah-Bomeng and Praso-Kuma. All other locations were virtually free of this pest. Stink bugs (Bathycoelia) were predominantly present at Adadekrom-A and Wisiwisi. They were virtually absent at all other locations.
Natural enemies such as praying mantids and spiders were fairly present at all locations but were more abundant at Wisiwisi. This may explain the low numbers of other insects at this location except grasshoppers and stink bugs. Figures 4.2 to 4.12 show insect pest species encountered on young cocoa.
Figures 4.2: Grasshopper populations on young cocoa from different locations
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Figures 4.3: Mealybug populations on young cocoa from different locations
Figures 4.4: Attendant ants and Oecophylla populations on young cocoa from different locations
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Figures 4.5: Psyllid populations on young cocoa from different locations.
Figures 4.6: Mirid damage on young cocoa from different locations
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Figures 4.7: Mirid populations on young cocoa from different locations
Figures 4.8: Stem borer populations on young cocoa from different locations
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Figures 4.9: B. thalassina populations on young cocoa from different locations
Figures 4.10: Young cocoa with termite damage from different locations
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Figures 4.11: Earias / Anomis populations on young cocoa from different locations
Figures 4.12: Earias / Anomis populations on young cocoa from different locations
In conclusion, insect species associated with young cocoa is diverse and location specific for most species. This phenomenon requires that any intervention developed for the management of predominant species should address the area specific situations.
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COCOA SWOLLEN SHOOT VIRUS THRUST
There was an increase in the number of CSSV infections recorded on CRIG plots in the year under review. The number of diseased cocoa trees removed this year was 21.40 % higher than that of the previous year (2008/2009). The number of cocoa trees coppiced during the year also increaesd by 7.42 % compared to the number coppiced during the previous year (2008/2009). In the trial meant to assess the effect of CSSV mild virus strains on growth and yield of cocoa, the main effects of strain and variety on stem circumference (growth) were significant. The effect of each mild strain on growth was however not significantly different from that of the healthy control, meaning the mild strain did not adversely affect the cocoa plants. The main effects of strain and variety on pod yield (kg/ha) were also significant with the varieties T85/799 x Pa7/808 and T85/799 x T79/501 giving highest yields.
On the trial exposing mild strain cross-protected seedlings to natural spread of CSSV severe 1A, the differences in the rate of infection between the protected and unprotected even though were lower in the protected, were not statistically significant.
For the field assessment of the protective capability of mild strain SS365B against severe 1A, the results just like in the previous year showed that strain and variety did not significantly affect spread of CSSV severe 1A.
On the West African programme to control CSSV, some aspects of the component to sensitise all stakeholders were executed. Posters and flyers on CSSV were produced, which have so far been used to educate and train stakeholders on the importance and methods of control of the disease caused by the virus. In all, 18 workshops were organised in 12 cocoa growing districts in Brong Ahafo, Central and Western Regions of Ghana to educate farmers and other stakeholders on CSSVD and its control.
On projects to address lack of breakthroughs in breeding for CSSV-resistance, early signs of infection have been observed in CSSV inoculated plants, which can be exploited as markers in CSSV-resistance breeding programmes. Examples of such signs are the nucleic acid-rich inclusion bodies, in situ localisation of CSSV and the detection of the virus by PCR in tissues which had hitherto not been used for such purposes.
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Swollen shoot disease control at CRIG (O. Domfeh and H. Dzahini-Obiatey)
Details of this trail was first reported in (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09. 92-94)
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 number of diseased cocoa trees removed was 21.40 % higher than that of the previous year (2008/2009) while the number of trees coppiced also increased by 7.42 % compared with that of the previous year (2008/2009). The number of plots in which infections were detected was 35 (Table 5.0), a little more than that of the previous year. Plot K602, an experimental plot belonging to the Soil Science Division recorded 61 infections (13.61 % of total number of diseased trees removed), which was also the highest for the year under review, followed by plot P13 with 31 (6.91 % of the total number of trees removed) and plots R2 & D17A with 30 (6.70 % of the total number of trees removed) infections respectively.
Table 5.0: Swollen shoot control at CRIG for 2009/2010
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G8 19 12 I4 6 3 P13 31 18
Total 62 37 Plot No. No. trees removed No. of trees coppiced Remarks Experimental plots on the square mile
C6 11 2 D8 4 2 D16 19 9
D17A 30 14 Plot No. No. trees removed No. of trees coppiced Remarks D17B 22 13
D18 A 8 6 H17 7 5 H24 5 2
J8A 2 1 J8B 4 1 K5 20 11
K602 61 35 Worst area (square mile)
K6 3 3 K7 13 7 J9A 3 1
F12 3 6
K5Ext 1 2
N17 11 4
Plot No. No. trees removed No. of trees coppiced Remarks
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The effect of cssv mild strains on growth and yield of cocoa (O. Domfeh, H. Dzahini- Obiatey, G. A. Ameyaw, and E. Anochie).
The trial was established in 1997 to determine the effect of two mild strains of CSSV on the growth and yield of cocoa (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 1997/98, 110).
Maintenance of the experiment and the collection of data continued. The main effects of strain and variety on stem circumference (growth) were significant (p<0.001) (Table 5.1). The effect of each mild strain on growth was not significantly different from that of the healthy control, and like in the previous accounts, the N1 inoculated plants had slightly bigger stems than that of the healthy control. However, when combined with severe 1A, the reduction in growth unlike what was reported in the previous year (2007/2008), was significantly lower than that of the healthy control. The highest growth was recorded in the variety T85/799 x T79/501, while Amelonado had significantly lower growth (Table 5.1). There was no interaction between strain and variety on growth.
The main effects of strain and variety on pod yield (kg/ha) were significant (p<0.001). The varieties T85/799 x Pa7/808 and T85/799 x T79/501 were the highest yielding, while the remaining ones recorded significantly lower yields, with T85/799 x T65/326 being the lowest (Table 5.2). Both N1 and SS365B treated trees significantly out-yielded the healthy control. When combined with 1A, however, yield was similar to that of the control. There was no interaction between strain and variety on pod yield.
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 could therefore be good candidates in cross-protection programmes.
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Table 5.1: Effect of CSSV strains on stem circumference (mm) in six cocoa progenies on plot A23 for the year 2009/2010 Strain Variety Healthy N1 N1 + 1A SS365B SS365B + 1A Variety mean
Amel 277.2 330.8 303.1 292.8 249.5 290.7
T79/467 x T87/1312 351.9 348.2 274.8 362.1 326.9 332.8
T85/799 x Amel 334.8 341.7 327.0 304.5 294.7 320.5
T85/799 x Pa7/808 355.5 365.0 303.4 367.6 305.3 339.4 T85/799 x T65/326 355.1 349.1 305.1 310.2 283.0 320.5
T85/799 x T79/501 381.0 347.7 310.3 338.6 319.8 339.5
Strain mean 342.6 347.1 303.9 329.3 296.5
LSD0.05 (Variety) = 21.84
LSD0.05 (Strain) = 19.93 Variety x Strain = NS
Table 5.2: Effect of CSSV strains on yield (kg/ha) in six cocoa progenies on plot A23 for the year 2009/2010
Strain
Variety Healthy N1 N1 + 1A SS365B SS365B + 1A Variety mean
Amel 217 533 361 852 250 443 T79/467 x T87/1312 204 619 260 884 523 498
T85/799 x Amel 383 501 541 430 471 465
T85/799 x Pa7/808 1050 1 122 252 949 531 781
T85/799 x T65/326 314 477 273 524 458 409
T85/799 x T79/501 476 941 397 817 455 617 Strain mean 441 699 347 743 448
LSD0.05 (Variety) = 198.1
LSD0.05 (Strain) = 180.9 Variety x Strain = NS
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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 details of the trial had been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 1995/96, 158-161). Maintenance of the trial and data collection continued in the year under review. There was a significant (p<0.001) effect of variety on the number of trees showing severe symptoms of CSSV. The number of trees with severe CSSV symptoms was highest in Amelonado and lowest in Amazon x Amelonado (Fig. 5.1). Even though more unprotected (healthy control) trees showed severe CSSV symptoms than N1 and SS365B protected plants, the difference was not statistically significant. Amelonado plants had similar number of trees with severe symptoms across the treatments. Amazon x Amazon and Amazon x Amelonado plants with N1 protection, however, had fewer trees with severe symptoms than the unprotected trees. Yield was not affected by both strain and variety (Fig. 5.2).
Unlike previous years, cross-protection of the cocoa trees by N1 and SS365B against the adverse effects of CSSV 1A could not be firmly established during the year under review.
Fig. 5.1: Reaction of CSSV mild strains N1 and SS365B protected plants to natural spread of CSSV 1A in three cocoa progenies on plot B9 for the year 2009/2010. Error bars represent Standard Errors
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Fig.5.2: Effect of mild strain cross-protection on yield (kg/ha) in three cocoa progenies on plot B9 for the year 2009/2010. Error bars represent Standard Errors
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 details of the trial had been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 1993/94,117-118). Maintenance of the trial and data collection continued during the year. As observed in the previous acconts, 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).
The trial is therefore being coppied to induce production of symptom bearing young leaves. A fertilizer treatment will be super-imposed to enable the effect nutrients on symptom expression to be studied.
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Table 5.3: Effect of strain and variety on CSSV spread (number of trees showing symptoms of CSSV 1A) and cocoa yield (kg/ha) on plot A20 for the year 2009/2010 Treatment Spread (trees with Yield severe symptoms) (kg/ha)
Strain 1A + Healthy 14.75 302
1A + SS365B 13.42 468
1A + SS365B + Healthy 11.83 398
Healthy 13.75 502 SS365B + Healthy 13.00 433 Variety T63/967 x T65/326 13.30 377 T85/99 x Amel 13.40 447 T85/799 x T79/501 13.35 438 Sign. level ns ns
Cv% 23.9 18.5
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 details of the trial had been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2006/2007, 118). There were no significant differences in stem circumference and yield among the treatments during the year under review (Table 5.4)
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Table 5.4: Effect of inoculating different numbers of rows of cocoa with N1 on stem circumference and yield for the year 2009/2010 Treatments Circumference Yield (mm) (Kg/ha) All inner rows inoculated with N1 (T4) 212.1 235 First five inner rows inoculated with N1 (T1) 203.8 176 First three inner rows inoculated with NI (T2) 196.6 188 No mild strain - Healthy (T3) 190.3 121 Sig. level ns ns Cv % 3.3 17.4 S.e 6.65 31.4
Evaluation of the effects of cssv mild strains on growth and yield of cocoa (PLOT B14). (O. Domfeh, G. A. Ameyaw, J.E. Sarfo, J. Yeboah, M. K. Assuah, S. Acquaye and F. Owusu- Ansah).
The details of the trial had been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2006/2007, 118). There were no significant differences in stem circumference among the treatments (Table 5.5).
Table 5.5: Effect of CSSV mild strain N1 and SS365B on growth of cocoa on plot B14 for the year 2009/2010. Treatment Circumference (mm)
N1 155.1 SS365B 151.7 Healthy 146.7
Sig. level Ns
Cv% 5.4
S.e 8.09
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An integrated programme for the control of cocoa swollen shoot virus disease in west and central africa (H. Dzahini-Obiatey, O. Domfeh, F. M. Amoah, I. Y. Opoku, M. Assuah, A. R. Cudjoe and F. Baah)
This project, which started in 2009 is a regional project comprising, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Togo and Cote d'Ivoire with the main aim of addressing the cocoa swollen shoot virus (CSSV) disease (CSSVD) problem in the respective countries. The project has four components seeking to comprehensively address the (CSSV) menace: ?Sensitization of stakeholders and training of farmers and extension agents on CSSVD and its control methods ?Assessment of the current status of CSSVD in West and Central Africa ?Acquisition of additional knowledge on CSSV, its indigenous host plants, vectors and their natural enemies ?Development of integrated control methods for CSSVD The programme is being coordinated by COPAL but each country is funding its own projects and activities. Ghana's project started with the first component, which is on the sensitization and training of all relevant stakeholders. In all, two hundred and nine-one farmers were interviewed. Table 5.6 shows the distribution of farmers who were interviewed by region and district. The data has been digitized using SPSS. Data analysis remains to be carried out.
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Table 5.6: Regions, districts and number of respondents interviewed
Region District N umber of Respondents Brong Ahafo Goaso (Asunafo North) 8
Sankore (Asunafo South) 17
Dorma Ahenkro 6
Western South Wassa Akropong 27
Dunkwa 30 Enchi 26
Western North Buako 33
Juaboso 30
Essam 31
Akontombra 23
Central Breman Asikuma 29
Nyakrom 31
Total 12 291
Preparation of leaflets/flyers for farmers, extension agents and other stakeholders Glossy pictures of the symptoms induced by CSSV in infected cocoa plants were taken and developed into a poster. Various stages of the development of the symptoms were captured in the poster. These included red vein banding, vein clearing, stem or shoot swellings and various shades of chlorosis (Fig. 5.3). A leaflet containing information on CSSVD was also developed for the farmers (Figure 5.4).
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Figure 5.3. A poster with pictures of notable CSSV symptoms, which was developed for the sensitisation of farmers and other stakeholders
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Figure 5.4. A leaflet on the control of cocoa swollen shoot virus disease produced for the sensitisation of farmers and other stakeholders.
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Organization of workshops for farmers, extension agents and other stakeholders Eighteen farmers' workshops were organized to sensitise farmers, extension agents and other stakeholders on the symptoms, effects of CSSV on the cocoa plant, what to do when the disease is seen in a cocoa farm and on ways of controlling the disease in an infected farm. In all, 18 workshops were held in 18 different locations. Four locations namely, Dormaa Ahenkro (Dormaa district), Goaso (Asunafo North district), Kenyasi (Asutifi District) and Ntonso near Sankore (Asunafo south district) were selected in the Brong Ahafo Region. Others were Buako (Buako district), Sefwi Wiaso (Buako district), Juaboso (Juaboso district), Akontonbra (Sefwi Bekwai district), Dadieso (Enchi district), Aprutu (Buako district), Nkonya (Buako district) and Essam (Essam district) all in the Western Region. The rest were in Agona Duakwa (Nyarkrom district), Sekyere Hemang (Jukwa district), Assiam (Breman Asikuma), Bedum (Breman Asikuma) also in the Central Region. Figures 5.5-5.7 are some of the scenes at some of the workshops:
Figure 5.5. A female farmer asking a question Figure 5.6. A section of the participants at at the sensitisation workshop at Essam the Goaso (Asunafo North district, B/A) (Western North) sensitisation workshop.
Figure 5.7. A group of farmers at a sensitisation workshop in Essiam (Breman Asikuma district, C/R) Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 103
Early signs of infection in cacao swollen shoot virus (CSSV) inoculated cocoa plants and the discovery of the cotyledons of the inoculated plants as rich sources of cssv. (H. Dzahini-Obiatey and R. T. V. Fox)
In order to address the lack of breakthroughs, despite the huge efforts and funds expended to try and bring Cacao swollen shoot virus (CSSV) disease under control, this project was started in 2009 to inject new ideas into the current breeding programmes for CSSV resistance. The interactions between cocoa and the virus in CSSV-infected plants from 3 days post inoculation (dpi) to about 30 dpi were studied using both microscopic and molecular methods to identify markers that can be used in breeding for CSSV-resistance. Cellular modifications such as nucleic acid-rich inclusion bodies, apoptosis, and the in situ localisation of the virus in novel tissues i.e. cotyledons and hypocotyl, were discerned by microscopic examinations (Fig 5.8-5.10). These cellular modifications were observed in cotyledons of seedlings as young as 8 dpi. By validating these microscopic results using PCR (Fig. 5.11) it was also discovered that the cotyledons of the inoculated plants were virus-rich. CSSV was amplified or detected in total DNAs extracted from all 4 CSSV-isolates studied, and in some cases the detection was from as early as 3dpi plants. Compared to cocoa leaves, the traditional source from which CSSV or its DNA is usually extracted, the cotyledons were much easier to process and analyse.
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Fig. 5.8. PASCT stained tissues from the cotyledons of cocoa seedlings infected with some isolates of CSSV. Note the random occurrence of cells filled with several blue-stained spherical bodies “s”. These were in clusters consisting of varied sizes unlike starch grains. A, CSSV Kpeve; B, CSSV severe 1A; C, uninoculated (healthy) control; D, CSSV Bisa. Scale bar correspond to: 20 ìm (A, B, D) 25 ìm (C).
Fig. 5.9. Electron micrograph of the spherical bodies seen under light microscope (Fig. 3.2). A, CSSV severe 1A; B, CSSV Bisa (Note part of the cytoplasm containing structures that appeared to be viral particles shown by the arrow); C, CSSV Kpeve; D, uninoculated control. Scale bar correspond to: 600 nm (C), 700 nm (A, B, D).
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Fig. 5.10. Viral particles “v” located in tissues from CSSV-infected cocoa. A, cotyledon from CSSV Bisa, B, cotyledon from CSSV Kpeve (also showing an enlarged section of the micrograph showing viral particles in more detail as indicated by an arrow) and C, hypocotyls from CSSV 1A (also showing the enlarged viral particle, v, detailing its bacilliform structure): Dcy densely stained cytoplasmic stream Lcy - lightly stained cytoplasm, CW - cell wall, t - torn section of tissue caused by partly damaged diamond knife, p – dense matrix of phenolic mass surrounding viral particles, ch – chloroplast, m – mitochondria. Arrow shows score marks of diamond knife probably caused by a bad knife. Scale bar correspond to 270 nm (A), 300 nm (B), 140 nm (C).
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Fig. 1.11. One percent agarose gel electrophoretic analysis of PCR products from total DNAs from the cotyledons of 4 randomly selected 3-dpi seeds from a batch of 100 seeds each from all four CSSV isolates. Bioline's BioMix was used for the reaction, and the final concentrations of the total DNAs and primers in each reaction mixture were 100 ng/µl and 4 µM respectively. A degenerate primer (A) or strain-specific primer (B) was used in priming the DNAs. Lanes are: CSSV 1A (1-4), CSSV Bisa (5-8), CSSV N1 (9-12), CSSV Kpeve (13- 16), un-inoculated (healthy) control (17-19) and Bioline's HyperLadder IV (20). The percentage of seeds that eventually developed symptoms in these batches of seeds can also be seen in Table 3.3.
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COCOA FUNGAL DISEASE MANAGEMENT THRUST
The 2010 black pod survey showed that Phytophthora megakarya continue to dominate as the main species causing the disease in Ghana. All the cocoa growing regions are now P. megakarya endemic, including the Eastern region, which was hitherto only affected by P. palmivora. Birim South is the seventh district in the region to be affected by P. megakarya. The others are East and west Akim, Birim North, Suhum Kraboa Coaltar and Fanteakwa Districts. Mistletoes and epiphytes infestations white thread blight and stem canker diseases were common on most farms in Ghana.
The efficacies of Fantic, CFG 7535, KG 0025/06, Fungikill 50, Fluazinam and Champ DP 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. In addition, decoctions of Momordica charantia, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta and Tridax procumbens and their mixtures and acetone extract of Xylopia aethiopica and cashew nut shell liquid 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, as many 24 out of 42 apparently resistant clones, collected from farmers' farms all over the nation were observed during the season by the attached pod method. These clones are being further evaluated. Molecular methods will be used to confirm the resistance levels of the clones.
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 addition to P. megakarya spread, the incidence and severity of other diseases affecting cocoa were also recorded. As in the previous year, the survey covered randomly selected farms in all cocoa growing regions between June and October. In addition, farms where the incidence of black pod disease was reported to be high or where incidences of “new /strange diseases” were reported were visited. Farms in the following districts were visited: Nzema East, Mpohor Wassa East and Jomoro (Western Region), Assin North, Breman Asikuma Odoben Brakwa and Lower Denkyira (Central Region), Asante Akim North and South (Ashanti) and West Akim, Birim North and Suhum Kraboa Coaltar (Eastern).
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Samples that were taken from these farms included infected leaves, stems, pods and roots. Pieces of these tissues were surface sterilized and plated on agar media. The growth patterns on agar and/or conidia of the isolates were used to identify the fungi involved. Rallies were held for farmers and Extension Staff on the control of the black pod disease.
The distribution of the main diseases found in the survey is shown in Figure 6.1. A total of 707 diseased samples were collected from 161 farms in four cocoa growing regions (Table 6.1). In all, 108 successful isolations of Phytophthora were made and of these, 65 (60.2 %) were P. palmivora and 43 (39.8%) were P. megakarya. Other organisms, mostly saprophytes, isolated were Botryodiplodia theobromae, Fusarium spp. and Aspergillus spp. No Phytophthora was isolated from the 200 samples collected from 63 farms in 3 districts in the Central region (Table 6. 1). Phytophthora megakarya continued its southward spread in the Western Region with Nzema East and Jomoro as the newly affected districts in the region. Stem canker (P. palmivora and P. megakarya), thread blight (Marasmius scandens or Marasmius equicrinis), leaf blight (C. gloeosporoides), seedling blight (Fusarium spp.) warty pod (a disease of unknown aetiology), charcoal pod rot (Lasiodiplodia theobromae) and brown pod rot were common diseases encountered in the 2009 survey.
As observed in the previous year, none of the reported cases was a “strange” or 'new” disease. All the diseases found on such farms were diseases already known to be of common occurrence in Ghana. However, the levels of disease incidence were, in most cases, higher than normal. Stem canker (P. palmivora and P. megakarya), leaf blight (C. gloeosporoides) and white thread blight (Marasmius scandens) were the diseases most commonly identified.
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Fig. 6.1: Distribution of fungal diseases of cocoa in Ghana
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Table 6.1: Isolation of Phytophthora spp. from cocoa in four cocoa growing regions of Ghana
Farms Samples Identified isolates Region District visited Collected P. palmivora P. megakarya W estern Nzema East 14 82 14 10 Jomoro 16 1 12 12 14 Mpohor Wasa East 2 10 4 - Ashanti Asante -Akim South 23 126 20 8 Asante-Akim North 21 94 10 6
Assin North 13 40 - - Central Lower Denkyira 28 92 - -
Breman -Asikuma 22 68 - - Odoben Brakwa
Eastern West Akim 9 32 5 - Suhum 8 26 - -
Birim North 5 25 - 5
Total 161 707 65 43
Evaluation of fungicides for the control of black pod disease (I.Y. Opoku, A.Y. Akrofi, M. K. Assuah, J. E. Sarfo and F. Baah)
The details of the trail had been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 104-108).
As part of the search for better control of the black pod disease and reduce the high cost of fungicide application, the efficacies of Fungikill, Kentan, Fantic, KG 0025206, CFG 7535, Sidalco defender (Copper oxychloride), CA 2241, Revus 250 SC, Fluazinam, Champ DP, Dimethomorph + Chlorothalonil, and Dimethomorph + Fluazinam were assessed. Seven fungicides were tested at Tafo (a P. palmivora area) and Acherensua (a predominantly P. megakarya area) on small-scale in two separate trials at each of the location and five fungicides on a large scale trial at Biemso and Akomadan in the Ashanti Region and Duayaw Nkwanta and Goaso in the Brong Ahafo Region. Ridomil gold was used as a standard (reference) fungicide at both the small and large scale trials in addition to untreated control at the small scale. The trials were run on a block design with 5 and 4 replicates at the small and
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 111 large scale respectively, taking into consideration the slope/topography, shade levels and the density of the cocoa trees. Cultural practices such as weeding, pruning, thinning, shade reduction and removal of mummified pods were carried out in April and May before the start of fungicide application. Spraying of fungicides and cultural practices were carried out jointly by staff of Acherensua Plantation and Plant Pathology Division, CRIG. The frequency of application of the fungicides was at 4-weekly interval.
Harvesting was carried out at monthly intervals between August and February of the following year and at each harvest, pods were categorized into healthy ripe (HRP), usable black pods (UBP) and non-usable black pod (NUBP). The total black pods (TBP = UBP + NUBP), percentage disease incidence (% D.I.) and estimated yield were then calculated. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) following the log transformation was used to analyze the data.
Data for the small scale trials at Tafo and Acherensua are presented in Tables 6. 3 to6. 6. Generally, yield was higher at Acherensua than Tafo. At Acherensua Block A, there were significantly (p < 0.05) more black pods on the untreated control plot than the fungicide treated ones and this reflected the disease incidence levels (Table 6.3). Disease incidence was lowest on plots treated with Fluazinam at 50 ml but the value was not significantly different from those obtained from all the other fungicide treated plots, including the reference fungicide, Ridomil Gold. The value, however, was significantly different from that of plots sprayed with 50 g of DMM + Chlorothalonil and 100 ml of Copper oxychloride (Table 6.3). More fermentable pods and hence the highest yield of 182 kg/ha was obtained from plots treated with Revus at 75 ml. The value was, however, not significantly different from the other treatments.
In Block B, percent disease incidence was not significantly different from each other on fungicide treated plots but was significantly lower on the untreated control plots. The highest yield was recorded on Champ DP at 100 g with the value being higher than that of the standard fungicide (Ridomil Gold) but similar to DMM + Fluazinam (both rates), CA 2241 at 50 ml and the control plots (Table 4).
At Tafo Block A, significantly more black pods were recorded on the untreated control plots compared to the fungicide treated ones with the lowest black pod incidence recorded on Revus (50 ml) treated plots (Table 6.5). The disease incidence recorded on the fungicide treated plots was not significantly different from each other and also from the reference fungicide. Ridomil Gold, used as standard fungicide, gave the highest fermentable pods but the number was not significantly (p<0.05) different from that obtained from 75 ml Fluazinam. Correspondently, Ridomil Gold gave the highest yield and the value was significantly higher than that of the untreated plots but not different from the other fungicide treated plots (Table 6.5).
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 112
In Block B, the number of black pods was lower on fungicide treated plots than the untreated control (Table 6.6). The least disease incidence was recorded on Ridomil Gold (9.2 %) and the value was significantly lower than those from Champ DP at 75 g (17.9 %), CA 2241 at 75 ml (18.1%) and the untreated control (31.5%). However, yields from these three fungicides were not significantly different from that of Ridomil Gold (Table 6.6).
Data from the large scale trial showed that all the test fungicides were effective against the black pod disease (Table 6.7). Disease incidence ranged from 22.6 - 29.2 % but there were no significant differences (p<0.05) among the various fungicide treatments. The highest number of fermentable pods and also the highest yield was obtained from plots treated with 100 g of Kentan (1,740 kg/ha). The value was not different from those of Fantic at 50g (1,618 kg/ha), both rates of CFG 7535 (1,427 and 1,485 kg/ha) and Ridomil Gold (1,294 kg/ha), the reference fungicide. This trend was similarly observed for the number of fermentable pods (Table 6.7).
All the fungicides tested in the small scale trial were effective against black pod disease. They are therefore recommended for further testing. In the large scale trial, Kentan at 100 g, Fantic at 50 g and CFG 7535 (both rates) showed efficacies similar to the reference fungicide (Ridomil Gold) in the control of black pod disease.
Table 6. 2: Test fungicides and their status Trade name Active ingredient Status Sidalco Defender Dimethomorph + Chlorothanil Small scale (DMM+Chloro) Fluazinam Fluazinam Small scale Revus Mandipropamid + Propanediol Small scale Cu. Oxychloride Copper Small scale DMM + Fluazinam Dimethomorph + Fluazinam Small scale Champ DP Small scale CA 2241 Mefonoxam + Mancozeb Small scale Kentan 75g 40 % copper Large scale Fantic 75g Copper + Benalaxyl -M Large scale CFG 7535 Copper + Mefonoxam Large scale KG 0025206 Large scale
Fungikill 50g 15 % Metalaxyl + 35 % copper Large scale
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Table 6.3: Effects of test fungicides on black pod disease incidence and yield in a small scale trial at Acherensua-Block A Treatment T otal Total black % disease Fermentable Estimated yield pods pods incidence pods (kg/ha) DMM + Chloro. 50g 434 78 18.0 387 173
DMM +Chloro. 75g 423 69 16.2 387 173 Fluazinam 50ml 409 49 11.8 380 170 Fluazinam 75ml 387 50 12.6 358 160 Revus 50ml 429 60 14.3 386 172 Revus 75ml 453 73 15.3 410 182
Cu. Oxychloride 100ml 365 82 21.6 306 136
Ridomil Gold 50g 438 54 11.9 401 179 Control 492 132 27.1 397 177 Lsd (0.05) 162.6 38.8 5.2 145.2 64.8
Table 6. 4: Effects of test fungicides on black pod disease incidence and yield in a small scale trial at Acherensua-Block B
Treatment Total Total black % disease Fermentable Estimated yield pods pods incidence pods (kg/ha DMM + Fluazinam 50ml 610 78 12.9 570 254 DMM +Fluazinam 75ml 582 74 13.4 539 241 Champ Dp 75g 512 65 13.0 483 211 Champ Dp 100g 721 70 9.8 690 308
CA 2241 50ml 693 100 14.7 637 285
CA 2241 75ml 497 64 12.7 461 206 Ridomil Gold 50g 491 61 12.2 454 201 Control 685 149 20.5 590 263 Lsd (0.05) 204 71.5 8.3 202.8 90.3
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Table 6. 5: Effects of test fungicides on black pod disease incidence and yield in a small scale trial at Tafo-Block A Treatment T otal Total black % disease Fermentable Estimated yield pods pods incidence pods (kg/ha) DMM + Chloro. 50g 209 16 8.5 204 91
DMM +Chloro. 75g 270 42 15.7 248 110 Fluazinam 50ml 153 19 12.2 143 64 Fluazinam 75ml 282 23 7.9 273 122 Revus 50ml 142 10 6.7 138 62 Revus 75ml 224 23 11.3 216 97
Cu. Oxychloride 215 24 12.4 205 92 100ml Ridomil Gold 50g 285 28 10.0 282 126 Control 162 38 23.9 137 61 Lsd (0.05) 152.0 22.1 6.5 14.4 64.3
Table 6. 6: Effects of test fungicides on black pod disease incidence and yield in a small scale trial at Tafo-Block B
Treatment Total Total black % disease Fermentable Estimated pods pods incidence pods yield (kg/ha) DMM + Fluazinam 50ml 278 48.5 16.5 249 111 DMM +Fluazinam 75ml 206 26.0 11.8 190 85
Champ Dp 75g 204 36.7 17.9 181 81
Champ Dp 100g 245 32.2 12.0 224 100 CA 2241 50ml 364 57.0 15.4 326 146 CA 2241 75ml 174 28.3 18.1 154 69 Ridomil Gold 50g 189 17.8 9.2 209 93 Control 278 98.0 31.5 217 97
Lsd (0.05) 140.4 40.2 7.9 142.9 63.8
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 115
Table 6.7: Ef fects of large scale application of test fungicides on black pod disease incidence and yield Total Total black % disease Fermentable Estimated yield Treatment pods pods incidence pods (kg/ha) Kentan 75g 2,780 628 27.1 2,570 1,147 Kentan 100g 4,188 838 22.6 3,899 1,740 Fantic 50g 3,890 790 27.3 3,624 1,618 Fantic 75g 3,023 654 29.2 2,685 1,198
CFG 7535 50g 3,435 649 23.9 3,196 1,427
CFG 7535 75g 3,549 673 24.5 3,326 1,485 KG 75g 2,925 587 24.5 2,737 1,222 Fungikill 50g 2,207 443 24.1 2,061 920 Fungikill 75g 2,680 439 22.8 2,538 1,133 Ridomil Gold 50g 3,100 596 24.0 2,899 1,294
Lsd (0.05) 1,152.6 292.8 6.9 1,076.5 480.6
The development of resistant varieties and search for biocontrol agent(s) for the control of Phytophthora megakarya (I. Y. Opoku, A. Y. Akrofi. M. K. Assuah, Y. Adu-Ampomah, Ofori – Frimpong & E. B. Frimpong).
The details of the trail had been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 108-109) 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.
Limited surveys were conducted in parts of P. megakarya endemic areas of Akomadan, Offinso and Tepa districts of Ashanti Region; Dormaa Ahenkro, Kenyasi, Goaso, Jaman, Sankore and Bechem in the Brong Ahafo Region; Sefwi Wiawso, Sefwi Bekwai, Sefwi Bibiani and Sefwi Buako in the Western Region, and Hohoe and Kpeve of Volta Region to search for apparently tolerant black pod materials. In all, 29 trees were identified on farmers' farm as apparently tolerant to black pod disease. Budwood were collected from these trees and budded unto Amelonado rootstocks at Bechem.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 116
Field trials of the clonal and progeny collections were established at Bechem. Thirty two (32) clonal collections with sufficient flowers were further evaluated 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 zoospore suspension containing 2 x 105 spore/ml. Pods of T60/887 `were included as control. Disease assessment was done 7 days after inoculation by counting the number of infected pods per tree and 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 6.8. The lesion score ranged from 1.4 to 6.0 with overall mean lesion score of 3.0. The five top rated clones with higher levels of resistance were T28, T24, T33, T36 and T17. The least resistant clones were T41, T30, T34, T42 T43, T14, T68, T40 and 45.
Following the attached pod inoculation; wide variations in the level of tolerance of the test clones to P. megakarya have been observed. The lesion score has been inconsistent for most of the clones over the years and some clones have succumbed to the disease. These suggest that field observations alone is inadequate for selecting black pod resistant varieties.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 117
Table 6.8: Responses of mature pods of apparently black pod tolerant trees identified on farmers' fields to zoospores of P. megakarya.
No Clone Lesion Rating No Clone code Lesion Rating code score score 1 T 28 1.4 1 18 T 25 2.6 2
2 T 24 1.6 1 19 T 29 2.7 2 3 T 33 1.8 1 20 T 60/887 2.7 2 (Ctrl) 4 T 36 1.8 1 21 T 14 2.8 2 5 T 17 1.9 1 22 T 3 2.9 2 6 T 19 2.0 1 23 T 53 3.2 2
7 T 52 2.1 1 24 T 69 4.0 3 8 T 12 2.2 1 25 T 45 4.1 3 9 T 4 2.3 1 26 T 40 4.2 3 10 T 6 2.3 1 27 T 68 4.2 3 11 T 18 2.4 1 28 T 14 4.4 3
12 T 23 2.4 1 29 T 43 4.5 4 13 T 48 2.4 1 30 T 42 4.6 4 14 T 15 2.4 1 31 T 34 5.2 4 15 T 37 2.5 2 32 T 30 5.8 5 16 T 51 2.6 2 33 T 41 6.0 6
17 T 50 2.6 2
Mean score 3.0 3.0 Each value is a mean of 10 pods
Rating* 1= no lesion formed 2=1-5 localised lesions 3=6-15 localised lesions 4=>15 localised lesions 5=1-5 expanding lesions 6=6-15 expanding lesions 7=>15 expanding lesions 8=fast expanding coalesced lesions
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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 details of the trail had been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 109- 110) 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.
Five progenies were screened for resistance to Phytophthora canker for the 2008/2009 season. The stems of six-month old test seedlings were inoculated after wounding with agar discs of P. megakarya. About 0.5m from the ground, the bark of each seedling was opened with a sterile knife and 1mm2 agar plug taken from the margins of actively growing colonies of 10-day old cultures placed on it. Plastic film was then wrapped over the inoculated site and tightly secured with adhesive tape. Three months later, the tape was removed and the observed lesions (the length and width) measured with a measuring tape. The outer bark of the seedlings were then carefully peeled off and the canker lesions inside measured.
The sizes of Phytophthora canker lesions formed 3 months after inoculation are presented in Table 6.7. The lesions were generally small and the sizes ranged from 1.67 to 3.30 cm (length) and 1.39 to 2.89 cm (width) on the barks of the stem. After scrapping the bark, the sizes were 2.20 - 4.30 cm (length) and 1.90 3.86 cm (width). Thus, the canker lesions appeared relatively larger on the wood than on the bark. The largest canker size was observed on progeny T63/971 x T79/501 which had significantly (p < 0.05) larger lesion length before and after the scrapping. The least canker lesion was on T63971 x Pa7/808.
T63/971 x Pa 7/808 and T63/971 x T65/238 were apparently the most resistant among the progenies tested with T63/971 × T79/501 as the least resistant to P. megakarya infection.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 119
Table 6. 9: Phytophthora canker lesions (cm) on cocoa seedlings inoculated with mycelia agar plug
Canker size after 3 months* Cocoa progeny Before scrapping After scrapping Length Width Length Width T63971 x Amelonado 2.20 1.60 2.20 2.38
T63971 x Pa7/808 1.72 1.39 2.30 2.05
T63/971 x T65/238 1.75 1.52 2.42 2.19
T63/971 x T79/501 3.30 2.89 4.30 3.86 T60/887 x Amelonado 1.67 2.70 2.45 1.90
Lsd (0.05) 1.05 1.87 1.16 2.03
*Each value is a mean of 20 seedlings.
Studies on the incidence of Thread Blight Diseases (TBD) of cocoa and development of control measures. (I Y. Opoku, M. K. Assuah, A. Y. Akrofi, F. Aneani & K. Acheampong)
The details of the trail had been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 110- 111) 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. 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, Tafo, were selected for the study. The disease on each tree was assessed and categorised as very mild (less than 25% of the canopy infected), mild (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). Five trees per category were randomly selected and five healthy trees were also included to serve as control. The experiment was replicated four times. The black pod disease incidence and yield on the test trees were assessed. No trend was observed in the incidence of black pod disease on the severity scale for the thread blight. There was, therefore, no clearly established relationship between white thread blight and black pod disease incidence (Table 6.9). More fermentable pods were obtained
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 120 from the uninfected or mildly infected trees compared to the severely infected ones. Thus, effect of white thread blight disease on yield was seen in the gradual reduction in yield as the disease severity increases. However, the differences in pods harvested were not significant (Table 6.9).
The results showed that thread blight disease does not generally influence black pod disease incidence. Table 6.10: Ef fect of thread blight (Marasmius scandens ) on black pod incidence and yield Total % disease Fermentable Estimated Treatment pods incidence pods Yield kg/ha Healthy trees 223.5 3.1 216.5 98.7 (control) Very Mild 217.0 0.5 206.5 98.4 Mild 148.5 3.3 144.5 96.7 Severe 114.5 11.0 136.5 63.1 Very Severe 160.5 4.7 108.0 60.4 Lsd (0.05) 75.5 5.0 ns ns * Percent disease incidence
The use of plant products as bio-fungicides for the control of important fungi on cocoa. (M. K. Assuah, A. Y. Akrofi, I. Y. Opoku & P. C. Aculey)
The details of the trail had been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 111-113) 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 2009/2010 season, the field performance of leaf extract of Momordica charantia, the most outstanding plant extract obtained so far was included in a bioassay with two other promising oils for the control of P. palmivora. The leaves of the plant was collected, air-dried and grounded into powder. 15% decoctions were prepared from the powder by boiling for 5 minutes, allowed to cool and strained with clean pieces of cloths.
Extracts were applied to pods on 20 cocoa trees per plot once a month from June to September and plots (treatments) were replicated four times in a block design. Pods were harvested monthly from September '09 to January 2010 and were assessed for black pod disease incidence.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 121
The effect of the plant products on black pod disease incidence is presented in fig. 2. All the three (3) plant products (2 oils and a decoction) performed better than the untreated control but their performances were not as good as the recommended reference fungicide, Ridomil Gold. Percent disease incidence was significantly lower on reference fungicide plots than all the other treatments. Among the three plant products, Oil 1 (Xylopia aethiopica) gave significantly lower disease incidence than Oil 2 (Piper guineensis) and Bio (decoction of Momordica charantia). No significant difference was observed between Oil 2 and Bio. The three plant products proved promising and should therefore be further developed through formulation and testing for possible use in black pod disease control in organic cocoa growing.
Fig.6. 2: The effect of treating cocoa pods with extracts on black pod incidence.
KEY: Bars represent the standard errors Oil 1 –Xylopia aethiopica Oil 2 –Piper guineensis Bio –Leaf extract of Momordica charantia
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 122
Studies on the effect of some plant oils and acetone extracts on growth and sporulation of cocoa Phytophthoras in Ghana (S. T. Lowor, P. C. Aculey, M. K. Assuah & F. Owusu- Ansah)
The details of the trail had been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 113-114)
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.
In the 2009/2010 season, the field performance of leaf extract of Momordica charantia, the most outstanding plant extract obtained so far was included in a bioassay with two other promising oils for the control of P. palmivora. The leaves of the plant was collected, air-dried and grounded into powder. 15% decoctions were prepared from the powder by boiling for 5 minutes, allowed to cool and strained with clean pieces of cloths.
Extracts were applied to pods on 20 cocoa trees per plot once a month from June to September and plots (treatments) were replicated four times in a block design. Pods were harvested monthly from September '09 to January 2010 and were assessed for black pod disease incidence.
The effect of the plant products on black pod disease incidence is presented in fig. 2. All the three (3) plant products (2 oils and a decoction) performed better than the untreated control but their performances were not as good as the recommended reference fungicide, Ridomil Gold. Percent disease incidence was significantly lower on reference fungicide plots than all the other treatments. Among the three plant products, Oil 1 (Xylopia aethiopica) gave significantly lower disease incidence than Oil 2 (Piper guineensis) and Bio (decoction of Momordica charantia). No significant difference was observed between Oil 2 and Bio. The three plant products proved promising and should therefore be further developed through formulation and testing for possible use in black pod disease control in organic cocoa growing.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 123
Fig. 6.3: The effect of treating cocoa pods with extracts on black pod incidence.
KEY: Bars represent the standard errors Oil 1 – Xylopia aethiopica Oil 2 – Piper guineensis Bio – Leaf extract of Momordica charantia
Studies to determine the presence of metalaxyl resistant strains in Phytophthora megakarya. (I. Y. Opoku, M. K. Assuah & F. Owusu-Ansah)
The objective of this project was to determine the probable occurrence of strains of P. megakarya resistant to metalaxyl.
Trips were made to farmers' farms in P. megakarya endemic areas. Samples taken from infected stems, pods and roots were surface sterilized and plated on agar media. The isolates were identified based on their growth pattern and spores characteristic. P. megakarya identified were assayed for their resistance to metalaxyl on agar media amended with different concentrations of the test fungicide, Ridomil gold. All the isolates tested were sensitive to metalaxyl. None of them grew even under the lowest fungicide concentration. No resistant P. megakarya isolate was detected in the field.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 124
NEW PRODUCTS DEVELOPMENT THRUST
Work of the New Product Development Unit 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'. A gross revenue of GH¢198,863.60 was generated from the sales of by-products with Cocoa Butter Soap and Roasted Cashew Nuts recording the highest sales of GH¢44,762.04and GH¢30,680.50 respectively. Poultry production continued at Bunso using feeds which included cocoa pod husk as an ingredient. The three CRIG Plantations focused on the production of cocoa beans, alcohol and potash. The cocoa beans production at the plantations totaled 113.5 tonnes. A quality assessment conducted on raw cashew nuts obtained from the farmers and exporters revealed the presence Aspergillus spp, Penicillium spp and Lasiodiplodia theobromae on infested nuts. Investigation into fresh cocoa pod husk based feed for pigs also revealed that 300gkg-1 equivalent of fresh CPH can form part of a growing pigs' diet without any deleterious effects. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Issatchenkia orientalis were found to be the best ethanol producing yeasts, while Pichia kluyveri was best for mannitol production, during 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. Efforts by the Unit to add value to shea butter is very encouraging. Different shea-based cosmetic and edible products have successfully been developed and are now under observation. Provisional results from an ongoing project aimed at evaluating cashew and shea pulp, kola and coffee husk as substrates for cultivation of edible mushroom revealed that pH could be partly used to assess the minimum period that materials need to be fermented before use as substrate for mushroom cultivation. Shea butter treated with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ginger extract, Xylopia aethiopica at 200 ppm and stored for twelve months recorded significant changes in peroxide and free fatty acid values.
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 andF. Aneani).
The details of this trial had been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 115-117). Various quantities of products were produced for sale during the year. Procurement of raw materials, packaging materials and labels continued. Jam/marmalade making continued at Tafo and Worakese. During the year under review, 850 litres of sweating was received from Worakese and is now undergoing fermentation while 314 litres of wine were bottled and stored to mature. The Unit added a new product, cashew nut butter, to the production line.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 125
The summary of production and the revenue derived from the sales of the products are presented in the Table 7.1. A gross revenue of GH¢198,863.60 was generated from the sales of various quantities of by-products during the reporting period. Cocoa Butter Soap and Roasted Cashew Nuts recorded the highest sales of GH¢44,762.04and GH¢30,680.50 respectively.
Table 7.1: Summary of products produced during the year under review Product Unit Quantity Amount (Gh¢) Cocoa Gin Cartons 24 987.00 Cocoa Brandy " 23 966.00 Alata Samina " 1777 30,016.80 Cocoa Butter Soap " 2175 44,762.04 2nd Image Toilet Soap " 4044 3,639.60 Cocoa Butter Pomade L/S '’ 854 24,391.50 Cocoa Butter Pomade S/S '’ 255 6,995.52 Cocoa Jam '’ 172 10,320.00 Roasted Cashew Nuts " 809 30,680.50 Cocoa Biscuits ‘’ 21 252.00 Cashew Nut Butter ‘’ 25 1,000.00 Cashew Jam/Marmalade ‘’ 60 3,564.00 Cocoa Vinegar ‘’ 69 897.40 Cocoa Wine " 34 1,838.00
Raw cashew kernels sold Raw Cashew Scorched Wholes kg 200 1,396.00 Raw Cashew Nuts (W240) '’ 2790 21,092.40 Raw Cashew Nuts (W320) '’ 1040 7,259.20 Raw Cashew Nuts-butts (WB) ‘’ 360 2,214.00 Raw Cashew Nuts Pieces (WS) '’ 1200 6,336.00 Raw Cashew Halves (LWP) '’ 60 255.60 Grand total 198,863.60
Poultry Production at Bunso One hundred and ninety-eight (198) layers were sold as spent layers from October to December 2009. Similarly, 342 broilers were raised using feeds which included CPH as an ingredient and these were sold to staff. A new batch was procured as day-old chicks in December 2009.
Cocoa Plantations (Osei-Wusu Afriyie, O. Ntiamoah and R. Bin-Hakeem) 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
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 126 various plantations. Figure 7.1 also shows the annual cocoa beans production records for the plantations. Annual production figures were 48.12, 32.17 and 33.21 tonnes for Worakese, Wantram and Mabang/Acherensua respectively. Table 7.2: Summary of production of Potash and Alcohol at CRIG Plantations Plantation Potash (kg) Cocoa alcohol (L) (%) Acherensua/Mabang 2370 625 (40%) Wantram 805 479.5 (40%) Worakese 1662 436 (90%) Tafo 3772 108.5 (40%) Bonsu 316 42 (48%)
Figure 7.1: Annual production of cocoa at CRIG Plantations (1992/1993 - 2010/2011)
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, 117-118). A survey was conducted on cashew farmers, exporters and cashew nut processors in 10 cashew growing districts. The 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
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 127 the Volta Region. Samples of raw nuts were obtained from the farmers and exporters for quality assessment which included cutting test, weight distribution and identification of insects and diseases. Aspergillus spp, Penicillium spp and Lasiodiplodia theobromae were the fungi isolates mostly found on diseased nuts. Bacteria isolates were also obtained from the cultures but these are yet to be identified. Provisional results are shown in tables 7.3 7.4 and 7.5 as well as in figures 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 and 7.6.
Table 7.3: Description of cashew farms in the five regions
Region U/W Eastern B/A Northern Volta Average farm age 9.68 11.02 11.95 10.44 10.95 Average farmer age 56.42 62.88 54.14 50.23 47.47 Average farm size 2.4 2.89 9.49 5.51 3.62
Table 7.4: Storage temperature and humidity of raw nuts Region Storage temp ( o C) Humidity (%) Moisture content (%) Min Max Min Max Min Max U/W 21.1 38.9 25.3 65.0 6.16 17.73 Eastern 24.4 36.1 49.0 73.0 6.3 16.3 B/A 21.1 38.7 37.0 81.0 7.13 25.5 Northern 22.8 36.1 24.3 83.0 6.06 19.56 Volta 21.1 35.0 30.0 80.0 6.46 20.7
Fig. 7.2: Moisture content of raw cashew nuts obtained during survey
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Fig. 7.3: Grading of raw cashew nuts from survey
Fig. 7.4: Grading of raw cashew nuts from selected trees for germplasm establishment
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Fig. 7.5: Weight distribution of raw cashew nuts from survey
Fig 7.6: Weight distribution of raw cashew nuts from selected trees for germplasm establishment
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Table 7.5: Proximate analysis of raw cashew kernels obtained from Ghana (Kabile, Nsawkaw and Bole) and India Parameter Bole Kabile Nsawkaw India Refractive index 1.466 1.463 1.463 1.464 Moisture (%) 4.17(0.12) 3.83(0.40) 4.27(0.59) 5.3 (0.00) Ash (%) 2.60(0.10) 2.53(0.06) 2.63(0.06) 2.77(0.06) Protein (%) 27.26 26.67 28.89 30.18 (2.87) (2.63) (0.99) (0.48) Fat (%) 49.96(1.72) 44.8(1.25) 48.37(0.51) 67.33(1.26) Fat analysis Iodine value (%) 75.41 90.48 80.88 81.39 (0.08) (0.74) (1.32) (0.25) Peroxide value (mEq/kg) 14.19(0.09) 17.88(1.25) 17.79(0.001) 16.990.47)
Free fatty acids 0.28(0.07) 0.40(0.00) 0.28(0.00) 0.73(0.00) Saponification value 1.42(0.001) 4.91(4.96) 7.01(3.98) 2.10 (0.99) *Std dev in italics
Investigation into fresh cocoa pod husk based feed for pigs (E. O. K. Oddoye, K. Agyente- Badu, V. Anchirina and F. Owusu Ansah)
The rationale behind this study and the experimental design have been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/2009, 118-119). In the year under review, the effects of the various treatments and locations on growth rate were investigated using analysis of variance, with initial weight of pigs serving as a covariate. The composition of experimental feeds, performance of pigs on the experimental diets and proximate analysis of experimental diets and fresh CPH are shown in tables 7.6, 7.7 and 7.8 respectively. No significant differences were observed (p > 0.05) between treatments with respect to average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Cost of gain was, however, significantly higher in T30 (p < 0.05).
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Table 7.6: Composition of experimental feeds Experimental feeds Feed ingredient (g kg-1) Diet I Diet II1 Diet III2 (Control) 200 g kg-1 300 g kg-1 Fresh CPH Fresh CPH Air-dry CPH 250 - - Cassava Peels 300 340 505 Wheatbran 100 234 83.2 Soya cake (local) 3 130 120 215 Tuna meal 100 130 170 Palm kernel cake 100 - - Copra cake - 150 - Oyster shell 13 17 17 Salt 2.5 3 3.57 Premix 1.25 1.75 1.8 Michochem4 1 1.25 1.43 Lysine 2.25 3 3 Total 1000 1000 1000 Calculated analysis Digestible Energy (MJ Kg-1) 9.75 11.15 11.67 Crude Protein (g kg-1) 170.6 203.7 210.3 Lysine (g kg-1) 12.3 14.2 16.6 Methionine +Cystine (g kg-1) 5.2 6.2 6.8 Calcium (g kg-1) 12.1 13.0 14.5 -1 Available Phosphorus (g kg ) 4.3 7.1 5.6 Cost (GH¢ metric tonne-1)5 0.301 0.300 0.32
NB 1. The fresh/wet CPH equivalent of 200 g kg-1 air -dry CPH is fed with the concentrate (800 g kg-1) at feeding time 2. The fresh/wet CPH equivalent of 300 g kg-1 air-dry CPH is fed with the concentrate (700 g kg-1) at feeding time 3. Soya cake produced locally by an expeller process. 4. Michochem is a commercial mould fixing agent which is added to feeds at a rate of 1Kg per 1000 Kg of feed. It binds mycotoxins in vivo preventing them from causing harm to the animals. 5. 1GH¢ = 0.697USD as at August 31, 2009. Cost of feed includes the cost of the raw cocoa pod husk.
Table 7.7: Performance of pigs on three formulated CPH experimental diets Parameter T0 T20 T30 SED Average daily gain (kg day-1) 0.31 0.31 0.32 0.010 Feed intake (kg day-1) 2.07 2.15 2.11 0.050 Feed conversion ratio 6.69 6.63 6.69 0.066 Cost (GH¢) 2.02a 2.01a 2.12b 0.020
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NB Means in a row with different postscripts are significantly different. SED - Standard error of the difference between two means T0 - Control T20 - 200 g kg-1 fresh CPH T30 - 300 g kg-1 fresh CPH
Table 7.8: Proximate analysis of experimental feeds and fresh CPH
T0 T20 200 g kg-1 T30 Fresh (wet) fresh CPH 300 g kg-1 fresh CPH CPH -1 Dry matter (g Kg ) 897 914 873 130 g Kg-1DM Organic matter 888 913 877 938 Crude protein 205 229 263 78 Ether extract 35 70 40 19 Crude fibre 106 98 37 179 Nitrogen -free extract 565 553 557 565 Calcium 9.3 9.1 9.9 8.0 Phosphorus 10 11 10.5 4.1
Conclusion In conclusion, 300 g kg-1 equivalent of fresh CPH can form part of a going pigs' diet without any deleterious effects. For optimum results, however, 300 g kg-1 equivalent of fresh CPH is recommended.
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 and distillation processes have been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/2009, 119-120). The alcohol samples were blended into gin and brandy in five (5) replicates each. Apart from samples which alcohol percentages were less than 42%, each was diluted to the 42% v/v (Table 7.9). The controls used were New Product Development Unit's Cocoa Gin and Brandy. The blended gin and brandy are now awaiting sensory analysis.
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Table 7.9: Final concentration of alcohol in the gin/brandy
Yeast Initial Alcohol %v/v Final (bottled) Alcohol %v/v Sponteneous fermentation 30 30 P. manshurica 53 42 S. ludwigii 53 42 I. orientalis 54 42 P. kluyveri 10 10 P. carribic a 29 29 K. ohmeri 47 42 C. orthopsilosis 33 33 H. opuntiae 30 30 S.cerevisiae/I.orientalis 30 30 S.cervisiae/C.carpophila 30 30 K. ohmeri/C.carpophila 50 42
Frozen samples of the pulp were used to prepare aqueous extracts for metabolite analysis. Concentrations of glucose, fructose, maltose and mannitol were determined by HPAEC- PAD using a CarboPacPA10 column. The sugar utilization patterns and production of ethanol and mannitol for the different organisms used for the cocoa pulp fermentation indicate that S. cerevisiae and I. orientalis are the best for ethanol production, while P. kluyveri is the best for mannitol production.
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 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 cultured. It is now awaiting inoculation. The changes in pH during
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 134 fermentation is observed and presented in figure 7.7. It was realized that the pH could be partly used to assess the minimum period that materials need to be fermented before use as substrate for mushroom cultivation.
Figure 7.7: Changes in pH of fermenting heap of cashew shells, cocoa, kola and coffee husk at top of heap (a), Middle of heap (b) and bottom (c) of heap.
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, 120). 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. Provisional results showed that duration of storage and treatment significantly affect the peroxide value of the butter (Figure 7.8). Similarly the free fatty acid value, another indicator of rancidity was found to have increased during the study (Figure 7.9).
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Figure 7.8: Changes in peroxide value during shea butter storage
Figure 7.9: Changes in free fatty acid during shea butter storage
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COFFEE AGRONOMY THRUST
In investigating the productivity of coffee through the combined application of mulch, fertilizers and weed control, coffee height at early stage of growth at Tafo seems to be enhanced by coffee husk but reduced by higher rate of the inorganic fertilizers. Application of foliar fertilizer did not significantly influence coffee yields and coffee berry/bean characteristics in a trial that evaluated foliar fertilizer formulations on yield of mature coffee. Sole poultry manure or its combination with cocoa pod husk ash significantly influenced coffee berry and clean coffee yields but not other berry or bean characteristics. Afosu has a better agro-climatic environment for coffee cultivation. Application of foliar fertilizers did not significantly influence the growth of young coffee plants. Data on vegetative growth of coffee plants obtained after the first two years of establishment indicate that Cedrela odorata could be used as an alternative shade tree for young coffee.
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 investigation commenced within the reporting period (i) to assess the interactive effects of manual and chemical weed control, mulch and fertilizer application on the growth and yield of coffee. (ii) to determine the cost-effectiveness of these management practices on coffee cultivation.
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 P2O5 : 40g K2O / tree
T5 - chemical weed control + coffee husk at 8 tonnes / ha + fertilizer at 40g N: 20g P2O5 :
40g K2O / tree
T6 - chemical weed control + fertilizer at 60g N: 30g P2O5 : 60g K2O / tree
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T7 - chemical weed control + coffee husk at 8 tonnes / ha + fertilizer at 60g N: 30g P2O5 :
60g K2O / tree T8 - manual weed control + coffee husk at 8 tonnes / ha
T9 - manual weed control + fertilizer at 40g N: 20g P2O5 : 40g K2O / tree
T10 - manual weed control l+ fertilizer 8 tonnes / ha + fertilizer at 40g N:20g P2O5 : 40g
K2O / tree
T11 - manual weed control + fertilizer at 60g N: 30g P2O5 : 60g K2O / tree
T12 - manual weed control + coffee husk 8 tonnes / ha + fertilizer at 60g N: 30g P2O5 : 60g
K2O / tree.
The trial was located at Tafo and Afosu. Tables 8.1and 8.2 present results of growth performance of coffee plants at Tafo and Afosu respectively. At Tafo, coffee height was significantly (p=0.05) different among soil amendments. Application of coffee husk at 8 tonnes/ha and its combination with 40g N:20g P2O5 : 40g K2O / tree produced the tallest plants at 18 months after transplanting. Chemical weed control significantly (p=0.05) produced taller trees. At Afosu, there were no significant difference between the soil amendments or weed control for both girth and height of the coffee at 9 months after transplanting. Mean soil moisture (0 – 15 cm depth) in December 2009 and February 2010 at Tafo and Afosu are presented in Table 8.3. Application of coffee husk at 8 tonnes/ha recorded the lowest moisture content. This may be related to the better growth achieved in that treatment.
Table 8.1 Effects of treatments on coffee growth increment at 18 months after transplanting - Tafo
Treatments/Soil amendments Girth (mm) Height (cm) No soil amendments 11.5 49.8 Coffee husk at 8 tonnes/ha 10.8 64.5 40g N, 20g P2O5, 40g K2O/tree 10.8 51.9 Coffee husk at 8 tonnes/ha + 40g N, 20g P2O5, 40g K2O/tree 10.7 60.5 60g N, 30g P2O5, 60g K2O/tree 8.3 43.5 Coffee husk at 8 tonnes/ha + 60g N, 30g P2O5, 60g K2O/tree 9.8 52.4 Lsd (p=0.05) ns 6.8
Weed control Manual 11.5 39.3 Chemical 9.3 51.6 Lsd (p=0.05) ns 8.3
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Table 8.2 Effects of treatments on coffee growth at 9 months after transplanting - Afosu
Treatments/Soil amendments Girth (mm) Height (cm) No soil amendments 10.7 76.8 Coffee husk at 8 tonnes/ha 10.9 84.4 40g N, 20g P2O5, 40g K2O/tree 9.9 78.5 Coffee husk at 8 tonnes/ha + 40g N, 20g P2O5, 40g K2O/tree 8.9 73.6 60g N, 30g P2O5, 60g K2O/tree 10.5 81.0 Coffee husk at 8 tonnes/ha + 60g N, 30g P2O5, 60g K2O/tree 9.9 79.4 Lsd (p=0.05) ns ns
Weed control Manual 9.8 77.0 Chemical 10.5 80.9 Lsd (p=0.05) ns ns
Table 8.3 Mean percentage soil moisture in Tafo and Afosu (December, 2009 – February, 2010) Treatments/Soil amendments % soil moisture (0-15cm depth) Tafo Afosu No soil amendments 8.1 5.3 Coffee husk at 8 tonnes/ha 7.9 5.6
40g N, 20g P2O5, 40g K2O/tree 8.9 5.1 Coffee husk at 8 tonnes/ha + 40g N, 20g P2O5, 40g K2O/tree 8.5 4.8 60g N, 30g P2O5, 60g K2O/tree 8.3 7.9 Coffee husk at 8 tonnes/ha + 60g N, 30g P2O5, 60g K2O/tree 9.2 8.4 Weed control Manual 8.4 6.1 Chemical 8.6 6.3
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 investigation commenced within the reporting period (i) to determine the effects of foliar fertilizer formulations on yield and yield components of mature coffee and (ii) to assess the economics of different foliar fertilizer formulations on mature coffee. The trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with eight treatments replicated four times. The treatments applied/ha/yr were as follows: T1 - Unfertilized control, T2 - Soil NPK
- 100kgN, 50kg P2O5, 100kg K2O, T3 – 1L Foliar NPK 20:2:4, T4 - 2 L Foliar NPK 20:2:4, T5 - 1L Foliar NPK 10:10:10, T6 - 2L Foliar NPK 10:10:10, T7 - Foliar 1L NPK 6:0:20 and T8 - 2L Foliar NPK 6:0:20. The trial was located at Tafo.
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The pre-treatment berry and clean coffee yields were respectively similar for all fertilizer treatments in 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 seasons, but they decreased to about 30-50% in 2008/2009 from the 2007/2008 levels (Figures 8.1 and 8.2). Post treatment berry and clean coffee yields in 2009/2010 were similar to the 2007/2008 levels, with no significant difference between the fertilizer treatments. The pre (2007/2008 and 2008/2009) and post (2009/2010) treatment % pea coffee berry and % shriveled coffee beans and bean/parchment ratio were similar for all fertilizer treatments during in respective seasons (Tables 8.4 and 8.5).
Figure 8.1 Time-course of coffee berry yield as influenced by fertilizers
Figure 8.2 Time-course of clean coffee yield as influenced by fertilizers
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Table 8.4 Time-course of % pea coffee berry and % shriveled coffee beans as influenced by fertilizers % pea bean % shriveled bean Fertilizer 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 Con 25.00 49.00 40.00 2.17 2.83 4.33 NPK 30.00 52.33 29.83 1.67 4.00 2.17 20:2:4 (1L/ha) 29.17 61.33 43.83 2.83 4.33 2.33 20:2:4 (2L/ha) 26.67 46.17 46.33 2.00 2.50 2.67 10:10:10 (1L/ha) 28.33 44.00 40.00 3.17 4.33 4.83 10:10:10 (2L/ha) 22.50 41.83 37.17 2.00 2.83 3.50 6:0:20 (1L/ha) 41.50 52.17 36.33 1.67 3.00 3.67 6:0:20 (2L/ha) 29.50 68.33 41.50 2.00 1.83 5.00 LSD (p ≤ 0.05) ns ns ns ns ns ns ns = no significant difference
Table 8.5 Time-course of bean/parchment ratio of coffee berries as influenced by fertilizers Bean/parchment ratio Fertilizer 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 Con 1.04 1.08 1.05 NPK 1.11 1.19 1.10 20:2:4 (1L/ha) 1.25 1.21 1.32 20:2:4 (2L/ha) 1.08 1.02 1.19 10:10:10 (1L/ha) 1.10 1.10 1.12 10:10:10 (2L/ha) 1.09 1.13 1.19 6:0:20 (1L/ha) 1.12 1.16 1.24 6:0:20 (2L/ha) 1.10 1.22 1.14 LSD (p ≤ 0.05 ) ns ns ns ns = no significant difference
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).
Routine maintenance of plot continued (Rep. Cocoa Res Inst., Ghana, 2008/2009). The trial was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and ten treatments as follows:
T1 - Control (unfertilized), T2 - Inorganic NPK (100N, 50P2O5, 100K2O kg /ha), T3 - PM (4.0 tons/ha), T4 - PM (3.0 tons/ha), T5 - PM (2.0 tons/ha), T6 - PM (1.0 ton/ha), T7 - PM (4.0 tons/ha) + CPHA (100 kg/ha) T8 - PM (3.0 tons/ha) + CPHA (100 kg/ha), T9 - PM (2.0
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 141 tons/ha) + CPHA (100) kg/ha) and T10 - PM (1.0 ton/ha) + CPHA (100) kg/ha). The trial was located at Tafo and Afosu. (Note: PM – Poultry Manure; CPHA - Cocoa Pod Husk Ash).
There was no significant difference in the effects of fertilizers on coffee berry and clean coffee yields at each location in 2006/2007 (Figures 8.3). Inorganic NPK fertilizer and poultry manure (PM) application, especially 3 and 4 T/ha application rates, produced significantly higher coffee berry yield than the control during the 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/2010 seasons at Afosu (Figures 8.4, 8.5, 8.6). Similar differences were obtained for clean coffee at the same location in 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 (Figure 8.5, 8.6). At Tafo, the fertilizers also caused similar differences in coffee berry and clean coffee yields in 2007/2008 (Figure 8.4). Application of PM plus CPHA and sole PM produced similar yields in terms of berry and clean coffee. At Tafo, berry and clean coffee yields of all fertilizer treatments in 2008/2009 was about 50% of that in 2007/2008, but the yields increased or remained same at Afosu (Figure 8.4 and 8.5). The berry and clean coffee yields at both locations decreased from 2008/2009 to 2009/2010. The average berry and clean coffee yields at Afosu were significantly larger (p ≤ 0.05) and were about three times the yields at Tafo in 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 seasons (Figures 8.5, 8.6). Bean/parchment ratio (Table 8.8), percent pea berry (Table 8.9) and percentage shriveled beans (Table 8.10) were similar for fertilizer treatments at each location in 2009/2010 as in preceding years. Afosu had significantly larger bean/parchment ratio, while the percent pea berry and percent shriveled beans were higher at Tafo. Over four seasons, the percent pea berry and shriveled beans were consistently higher at Tafo than Afosu. No serious pest and disease incidence was observed.
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Figure 8.3 (a) Berry and (b) clean coffee yields as influenced by NPK fertilizer, poultry manure (PM) and cocoa pod husk ash (CPHA) in 2006/2007.
Figure 8.4 (a) Berry and (b) clean coffee yields as influenced by NPK fertilizer, poultry manure (PM) and cocoa pod husk
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Figure 8.5 (a) Berry and (b) clean coffee yields as influenced by NPK fertilizer, poultry manure (PM) and cocoa pod husk ash (CPHA) in 2008/2009. Vertical bars: least significant differences at respective locations.
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Figure 8.6 (a) Berry and (b) clean coffee yields as influenced by NPK fertilizer, poultry manure (PM) and cocoa pod husk ash (CPHA) in 2009/2010. Vertical bars: least significant differences at respective locations.
Table 8.8 Effects of fertilizers on coffee bean/parchment ratio at Afosu and Tafo 2006/2007 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 Treatment Afosu T afo Afosu Tafo Afosu Tafo Afosu Tafo Control 0.96 1.10 0.88 1.13 0.92 1.01 1.26 1.05 NPK 0.89 1.06 1.04 1.66 0.92 1.05 1.18 1.19 4T PM 0.83 1.06 1.03 1.57 0.86 1.02 1.18 1.06 3T PM 0.95 1.13 0.83 1.22 0.98 1.31 1.71 1.15 2T PM 0.90 1.04 0.89 1.26 0.93 1.20 1.34 1.10 1T PM 0.90 1.07 0.96 1.22 0.94 1.25 1.07 1.04 4T PM + CPHA 0.81 1.29 1.03 1.28 0.91 1.21 1.37 1.19 3T PM + CPHA 0.87 1.06 0.87 1.30 0.85 1.29 1.40 0.94 2T PM+CPHA 0.82 1.08 1.13 1.19 0.85 1.11 1.34 1.20 1T PM+CPHA 0.93 1.1 1 1.01 1.39 0.97 1.19 1.07 1.17 Mean 0.88 1.10 0.97 1.32 0.91 1.16 1.29 1.11 LSD (p≤0.05) ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns = no significant difference
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Table 8.9 Effects of fertilizers on % pea berry at Afosu and Tafo
2006/2007 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 Treatment Afosu T afo Afosu Tafo Afosu Tafo Afosu Tafo Control 3.5 18.0 3.3 26.1 10.5 26.1 12.3 58.8 NPK 4.0 35.5 5.0 47.3 26.5 22.0 17.6 56.6 4T PM 4.0 23.3 4.1 46.3 16.8 28.0 11.5 58.8 3T PM 3.0 27.5 3.1 30.3 16.6 26.1 15.1 61.5 2T PM 3.2 20.5 3.6 26.1 17.1 29.8 19.1 68.1 1T PM 4.3 30.8 4.5 33.5 11.3 33.5 19.5 54.0 4T PM + CPHA 5.7 27.2 7.3 40.3 11.8 37.3 17.6 64.0 3T PM+CPHA 4.3 20.0 5.0 26.5 14.6 23.3 17.6 51.8 2T PM+CPHA 3.7 17.7 4.0 23.3 20.1 26.5 11.3 51.1 1T PM+CPHA 3.0 19.0 2.6 29.8 19.1 40.3 14.8 59.6 Mean 3.8 23.9 4.2 32.9 16.4 29.3 15.6 58.4 LSD (p≤0.05) ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns = no significant difference
Table 8.10 Effects of fertilizers on % shriveled beans at Afosu and Tafo
2006/2007 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 Treatment Afosu T afo Afosu Tafo Afosu Tafo Afosu Tafo Control 1.7 1.8 2.3 3.0 3.8 14.3 3.0 18.0 NPK 2.5 1.8 3.1 4.0 4.8 18.1 8.1 16.8 4T PM 1.5 2.8 3.0 4.0 4.0 18.8 8.3 10.5 3T PM 1.5 1.8 2.3 4.8 3.1 20.6 5.3 17.0 2T PM 1.5 2.2 3.1 3.1 4.1 19.1 4.8 18.8 1T PM 1.5 2.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 19.1 4.8 14.3 4T PM + CPHA 1.5 2.7 3.3 3.5 4.1 19.5 4.6 19.3 3T PM+CPHA 1.5 2.0 2.3 3.1 5.1 15.0 6.1 18.3 2T PM+CPHA 1.5 2.8 3.0 5.1 3.1 12.5 4.8 18.1 1T PM+CPHA 1.5 5.0 2.8 4.1 3.5 12.6 3.5 18.0 Mean 1.62 2.53 3.0 4.0 4.1 17.0 5.3 16.9 LSD (p≤0.05) ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns = no significant dif ference
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 146
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 investigation commenced within the reporting period (i) to determine the effects of foliar fertilizer formulations on growth, yield and yield components of coffee (ii) to assess the economics of different foliar fertilizer formulations on coffee. 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 P2O5,
100kg K2O/ha, T3 - 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 8:5:13, T12 - 1L Foliar NPK 15:6:7. The trial was located at Tafo.
After 18 months of planting in the field, coffee plant height (Table 8.6) and stem girth (Table 8.7) were similar for the fertilizer treatments at each data recording date.
Table 8.6 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 Control 19.3 36.6 47.9 57.8 70.8 93.0 122.7 NPK 20.9 39.1 44.8 56.2 71.3 86.5 103.8 NPK 20:2:4 (1L/ha) 18.6 33.1 47.2 57.7 69.4 88.3 111.2 NPK 20:2:4 (2L/ha) 19.4 34.6 47.5 56.7 68.1 85.1 107.6 NPK 10:10:10 (1L/ha) 16.6 28.5 43.1 53.5 63.8 79.4 103.8 NPK 10:10:10 (2L/ha) 20.5 36.9 49.6 60.8 68.6 85.8 105.8 NPK 6:0:20 (1L/ha) 20.4 38.0 49.7 61.3 68.8 80.6 106.3 NPK 6:0:20 (2L/ha) 16.6 31.7 43.3 52.0 61.5 76.6 97.6 NPK 13:1:12 (1L/ha) 18.2 34.7 45.8 54.0 69.0 87.5 115.5 NPK 13:1:12 (2L/ha) 17.2 34.0 47.5 56.5 64.3 80.4 107.7 NPK 15:6:7 (1L/ha) 16.8 31.2 41.9 49.3 59.7 77.3 104.6 NPK 15:6:7 (2L/ha) 16.7 33.9 49.5 54.8 69.9 85.2 110.3 LSD (p≤ 0.05) ns ns ns ns ns ns ns
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Table 8.7 Time-course of effects of fertilizer treatments on coffee plant girth
Coffee plant stem girth (mm) Months after field planting Treatment 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 Control 4.2 4.9 7.9 10.3 13.2 16.7 19.7 NPK 4.1 5.4 6.4 9.3 12.9 16.3 19.1 NPK 20:2:4 (1L/ha) 4.7 5.5 8.7 10.7 15.3 18.5 21.1 NPK 20:2:4 (2L/ha) 4.6 5.5 8.3 10.1 12.7 15.7 18.8 NPK 10:10:10 (1L/ha) 3.7 4.4 7.1 8.7 12.5 15.4 18.5 NPK 10:10:10 (2L/ha) 4.3 5.2 8.0 9.6 12.6 16.0 19.2 NPK 6:0:20 (1L/ha) 4.5 5.3 8.3 9.6 12.8 15.2 18.0 NPK 6:0:20 (2L/ha) 4.5 5.2 8.3 9.5 13.7 16.3 20.4 NPK 13:1:12 (1L/ha) 4.4 5.2 8.2 10.7 14.2 18.4 21.3 NPK 13:1:12 (2L/ha) 4.4 5.3 9.3 11.1 14.0 17.6 21.3 NPK 15:6:7 (1L/ha) 3.6 4.2 6.6 7.4 10.1 12.8 16.4 NPK 15:6:7 (2L/ha) 4.4 4.9 8.6 9.8 13.5 17.4 21.0 LSD (p≤ 0.05) ns ns ns ns ns ns ns
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).
Routine maintenance of the experimental plots continued (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana). 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 9.6 m at 8th year, T3 - Coffee + C. odorata at 4.8 m x 9.6 m, T4 - Coffee + C. odorata at 4.8 m x 4.8 m but to be thinned to 9.6 m x 9.6 m at 8th year, T5 - Coffee + C. odorata at 7.2 m x 7.2 m and 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 4th year (Control).The trial was located at Afosu.
There were no significant girth and height differences between the treatments at 15 and 22 months after transplanting (Table 8.11). However, the coffee plants in Treatment 2 had smaller mean girth than those of the other treatments. Coffee plants in Treatments 2 and 3 were slightly shorter than those of the other treatments. There were no problems with pests and diseases in the plots.
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Table 8.11: The effect of treatments on the growth of clonal coffee plants Treatments Girth (mm) + s.e. Height (cm) + s.e 15 months 22 months 15 months 22 months
T1- Coffee + C. odorata at 4.8 m x 18.0 24.6 90.5 98.8 4.8 m + 1.0 + 1.3 + 6.6 + 0.8
T2- Cof fee + C. odorata at 4.8 m x 16.8 22.6 85.1 95.8 4.8 m but to be thinned to 4.8 m x + 1.1 + 1.1 + 6.8 + 1.9 9.6 m at 8th year.
T3- Coffee + C. odorata at 4.8 m x 17.1 25.2 77.8 94.7 9.6 m + 1.5 + 2.4 + 7.7 + 3.8
T4- Coffee + C. odorata at 4.8 m x 19.3 28.0 94.9 99.4 4.8 m but to be thinned to 9.6 m x + 0.6 + 1.9 + 3.7 + 1.5 9.6 m at 8th year.
T5- Coffee + C. odorata at 7.2 m x 20.2 27.9 95.1 99.5 7.2 m + 0.3 + 1.0 + 3.2 + 0.7 T6- Coffee + Gliricidia sepium at 7.2 m x 7.2 m but to be thinned to 19.7 29.4 92.0 99.8 14.4 m x 14.4 m at 4th year + 1.8 + 3.6 + 7.5 + 1.1 (Control).
Sig. level (5%) ns ns ns ns
The C. odorata plants continued to grow vigorously in all the plots and there were no significant differences in the girth and height of the plants at 24 or 30 months after transplanting (Table 8.12).
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Table 8.12: The effect of treatments on the growth of C.odorata plants at 24 and 30 months after transplanting. Treatments Girth (cm) + s.e Height (m) + s.e 24 months 30 months 24 months 30 months
T1- Coffee + C. odorata at 4.8 32.5 + 1.7 38.3 + 2.1 7.6 + 0.3 8.3 + 0.4 m x 4.8 m T2- Coffee + C. odorata at 4.8 32.8 + 0.8 38.5 + 1.0 7.6 + 0.1 8.3 + 0.3 m x 4.8 m but to be thinned to 4.8 th m x 9.6 m at 8 year. T3- Coffee + C. odorata at 4.8 30.5 + 2.8 38.8 + 3.1 7.2 + 0.4 8.1 + 0.4 m x 9.6 m T4- Coffee + C. odorata at 4.8 m 30.3 + 1.5 38.8 + 1.6 7.3 + 0.3 8.6 + 0.3 x 4.8 m but to be thinned to 9.6 th m x 9.6 m at 8 year. T5- Cof fee + C. odorata at 7.2 33.8 + 3.3 42.0 + 2.3 7.8 + 0.5 9.1 + 0.2 m x 7.2 m Sig. level (5%) ns ns ns ns
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).
Studies initiated under this project continued (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana). The trial was laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. 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.
Mean plant girth at the end of March 2010 was 30.8 ±3.7 mm and 34.8 ±0.8 mm for the citrus and avocado, respectively. Plant height recorded for the same period was 158.9 ±17.6 cm, 166.5 ±2.1 cm and 180.4 ±6.7cm for the citrus, avocado and coconut, respectively.
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COFFEE IMPROVEMENT THRUST
Robusta coffee breeding at CRIG is now focused on the production of seed planting material, due to the cumbersome procedure and high cost of propagation and distribution of clones. Hence, two programmes have been initiated: (i) to develop improved populations and (ii) to develop clone-hybrids, to produce and distribute elite seed planting material to farmers. A third programme seeks to assembly germplasm from local and foreign sources to provide the raw material for further breeding.
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 (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.
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). The breeders stock at CRIG consists of selected individual plants from introductions from Côte d`Ivoire, Togo and Cameroon, and local collections; based on yield, bean weight, outturn, plant architecture and drought tolerance, among other agronomic traits of interest. Fifty-eight clones from the breeders stock were crossed pair-wise to produce twenty-nine full-sib families. Sib-mating was also done among half-sib families in a previous crossing programme, with the aim of increasing homozygosity to explore hybrid vigour in subsequent crossing. Subsequently, six individuals each from two half-sib families with annual yields ranging from 2237 to 4672 kg/ha and bean weights from 12.3 to 20.4 g/100 beans were crossed to produce 36 full-sib families.
Successful crosses from these full-sib families were planted in June 2009, and are being evaluated for various agronomic traits, including bean yield and weight.
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Characterisation, evaluation and conservation of local coffee germplasm (E. Anim- Kwapong; G. J. Anim-Kwapong; R. Adu Acheampong, I. Amoako-Attah; S. T. Lowor & Frank Owusu-Ansah).
The aim and objectives are:
(I) To characterise local collections of Robusta coffee germplasm (ii) To identify characters accounting for the bulk of variation in the population (iii) To evaluate the germplasm for important agronomic and biochemical traits (iv) To estimate genetic parameters, and select parents for breeding (v) To conserve best genetic variants to broaden the genetic base of Robusta coffee at CRIG.
Realising the importance of germplasm in breeding in the light of the narrow genetic base of the crop at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, the collection of coffee germplasm was embarked upon between September and December, 2009. The divested coffee plantations established under the Cocobod Plantations Limited were planted mainly with seed introduced from Uganda, Tanzania and Côte d`Ivoire (personal communication). These countries are within the centre of origin of Robusta coffee. They, therefore, contain vast amount of genetic diversity. Recent visits to assess the conditions of these divested coffee farms revealed that, these genetic resources were being eroded by the cutting-out of the coffee trees and their replacement with other crops. To forestall further loss through human activities or natural hazards, germplasm collection was done at six farms in localities, namely: Bodi, Bibiani, Kenyasi, Bepong, Manso-Mim and Adansi-Brofoyedru. At each site, both cuttings and berries were collected for propagation and nursing. Collection was from promising plants based on the growth habit, berry load, and berry sizes of the trees. Where berries were not available, only cuttings were collected. Hence 224 accessions were collected in the form of cuttings, of which 178 were also in the form of seeds.
The accessions will be planted in the field in June 2010. They will be subsequently characterised and evaluated and the best genetic variants conserved for breeding.
Identification of moulds (filamentous fungi) associated with coffee berries and their effect on berry quality (Winifred O. Kumi; J. F. Takrama, I. Amoako-Attah; Esther Gyedu Akoto; Mercy Asamoah & F. Owusu Ansah)
The objectives of this study are: (I) To isolate and identify the various moulds associated with coffee berries produced in Ghana
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(ii) To determine the influence of the identified moulds on berry quality (iii) To assess the potential factors that influence mould growth in the coffee production chain in Ghana
The study will be initiated in July, 2010 in the Eastern, Western, Brong Ahafo and Volta Regions of the country which form part of the coffee growing zones in Ghana.
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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 GA3 hormone than the floral buds.
Germplasm collection (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 objectives of the Germplasm collection have been reported in (Rep. cocoa Research Institute of 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.
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Table 1: Girth and Height measurements of kola clones at six and ten months after Planting
Clone Girth (mm) Height (cm)
6months 10 months 6 months 10 months
AMGK I 13.93 18.56 69.74 79.23
AMSA I 13.65 17.3 0 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 16.6 0 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
Kola pr ogeny 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 details of this trial had been reported (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 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
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155 Table 2: Yield and yield components for year 2009/10 of kola progenies planted at Bunso
Yield Average no. Total pods Weight/nut (g) Cross (kg/ha) of trees/plot harvested
JX1/5xJX1/9 1679 5.0 524 15.7
B1/296xB1/177 1627 4.8 552 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
B1/11xB1/7 1 1457 5.0 583 13.7
B1/149xB1/151 1261 4.8 958 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 4.8 656 17.2 GX1/46xGX1/33 1800 4.8 578 16.4
B1/149xB1/180 1376 5.0 449 14.7
B1/236xB1/276 980 4.8 411 16.2
JX1/24xJX1/22 2067 5.0 560 16.4 B1/212xB1/210 1420 4.8 556 15.8
B1/209xB1/39 1785 4.3 670 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
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B1/151xB1/147 1534 4.3 676 14.9 B1/151xB1/149 1603 5.0 585 18.3
B1/151xB1/180 1134 4.8 354 15.3 B1/271xB1/200 1484 4.3 435 15.1
CLxBX1/441 1465 4.8 384 14.5
B1/208xB1/39 465 3.0 180 15.7
A2xJB1 1061 4.8 397 14.3
B1/208xB1/180 942 3.0 472 15.2 B2/218xB2/177 842 3.3 301 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 4.8 121 17.0 Average 1409 4.7 482 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 objectives of this project have been reported in (Rep. Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, 1996/1997, 185). 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.
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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
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Evaluation of budding and tissue culture technique for the propagation of kola (cola nitida) in Ghana. (F. M. Amoah, A. Akpertey, A. M. Dadzie, A. Y. Akrofi S. Y. Opoku and J. Yeboah)
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 4 Micro propagation of floral buds and immature embryo showed that immature embryo performs better in media supplemented with GA3 hormone than the floral buds. Table 5
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
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Table 5: Callus characteristics of kola explants after 6 weeks of culturing
Explant No. of No. of Callus Callus % No. explants callus morphology type Callogenesis contaminated in culture formed Leaves 50 10 Brown Friable 20 40
Embryo 50 30 Brown Friable 60 20
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SHEA AND CASHEW DEVELOPMENT THRUST
Covering propagating bins with a two-layer white polythene sheet gave better stem cutting rooting and reduced leaf drop. Additionally, cuttings treated with Seradix hormone before setting gave more rooting with longer roots. Slightly sprouted and pre-cured buds on the scion gave the highest grafting union. Girdle or pre-cured intact scions treated over a longer period gave more sprouted buds. Grafting scions that had been girdled for 21 days gave a high success in graft union formation. The study has shown that Nephopterix sp can be reared in the laboratory at the ambient temperature and relative humidity range of 24.9oC to 33oC and 72.4% to 88.5%, respectively. It is, therefore, possible to raise and maintain large populations of the insect for further studies. Calli obtained from the various Kn/BAP combinations produced no embryos when subjected to embryo induction medium under darkness. On the other hand, preliminary subjection of some of these calli under 16hrs photoperiod has revealed the formation of certain structures which is worth investigating.
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. The interactive effects of fertilizers and their application periods significantly influenced cashew nut yield as the application of larger amounts of fertilizers at early plant growth resulted in significantly larger cashew nut yield than nut yield for fertilizers applied at 12 and 18 months after transplanting. Some foliar fertilizer formulations may improve cashew nut yield, especially NPK 13:1:12 applied at 3L ha-1 yr-1.
Generally, the incidence and severity of leaf blight disease of cashew is high from April to October of the year and reduces from there to March the following year. Borers continued to be prevalent in all the selected cashew growing districts doing some substantial damage to the trees with peaks of pest infestation occurring in February and March. Considerable variation existed among the Benin and the local accessions in terms of yield and nut weight. Wenchi the Benin accessions out-performed the local accessions at Wenchi and Bole.
Poultry manure or cow dung did not significantly influence plant growth. It is early to ascribe significant difference observed in the initial cashew nut yield to the effects of the soil amendments since of nutrients are released from the manures slowly. Halving of leaves improves the survival of transplanted over-aged cashew seedlings while plant girth and height increased with seedling age. Polythene bags did not significantly affect the survival rate and vigor of cashew seedlings, while the seedlings transplanted at 6 weeks had better survival than those transplanted at 8 weeks.
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Sheanut tree improvement project (J. Yeboah, F. M. Amoah, A. Akrofi, M. Assuah and S. T. Lowor, F. Owusu-Ansah)
Studies initiated under this project continued (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 1995/96, 225. One stem cutting experiment was set up during the year under review using rejuvenated shoots. Factors studied were thickness of white polythene sheet for lid in the presence or absence of hormone. Ten cuttings were treated with or without hormone and set in a concrete bin in a randomised complete block design with three replicates before they were covered with lid made up of white polythene sheet with different thickness (1, 2 and 3 layers/ lid). Rice husk was used as a medium. The cuttings were assessed for rooting from the 30th day to the 120th day after setting. The number of rooted cuttings (alive), average root length, number of roots developed per cutting and number of leaves dropped were recorded.
Significant interaction between the thickness of the white polythene sheet and hormone application on rooting, roots developed, length of roots and leaf drop. Cuttings dipped in Seradix powder and covered with two layers of white polythene sheet significantly recorded highest number of rooted cuttings with longer roots while the cuttings covered with three layers of polythene recorded the lowest number of rooted cuttings (Tables 12.1,12.2). Cuttings covered with one layer white polythene sheet had significantly more leaf drop with few leaves dropping in those covered with three layer of white polythene sheet (Table 12.3). Covering propagating bins with a two-layer white polythene sheet gave better stem cutting rooting and reduced leaf drop. Additionally, cuttings treated with Seradix hormone before setting gave more rooting with longer roots.
Table 12.1 Effect of poly sheet thickness and type of hormone on stem cutting rooting
Hormone type/% stem cutting rooted Poly sheet Control Dynaroot powder Seradix powder Mean thickness One layer 5.0 (8.0) 10.0 (12.0) 5.0 (7.6) (9.3) Two layers 35.0 (40.0) 50.0 (57.1) 70.0 (71.5) (55.9) Three layers 5.0 (8.0) 5.0 (7.2) 6.0 (8.2) (7.8) Mean (18.6) (25.4) (28.7)
Lsd (p=0.05) - Poly sheet thickness x Type of hormone = (20.1) Numbers in parenthesis are angular transformed values
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Table 12.2 Effect of poly sheet thickness and type of hormone on root development
Hormone type/stem cutting root development Poly sheet Control Dynaroot powder Seradix powder Mean thickness One layer 7.0 3.0 6.0 5.1 Two layers 8.0 6.0 10.0 8.0 Three layers 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 Mean 6.6 4.6 6.3
Lsd (p=0.05) - Poly sheet thickness x Type of hormone = 3.1
Table 12.3 Effect of poly sheet thickness and type of hormone on % leaf drop of stem cuttings
Hormone Type (%) Poly sheet Control Dynaroot powder Seradix powder Mean thickness One layer 60.0 (65.0) 70.0 (72.4) 70.0 (76.9) (75.0) Two layers 25.0 (28.2) 30.0 (39.5) 30.0 (34.6) (34.1) Three layers 20.0 (25.3) 35.0 (40.8) 15.0 (20.0) (27.7) Mean (39.5) (50.4) (44.1)
Lsd (p=0.05) - Poly sheet thickness x Type of Hormone = (14.7) 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 project to determine the appropriate grafting technique for top working with the view to reducing the juvenile phase of the shea tree continued (Rep. Cocoa Res Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 147-149). Two grafting experiments were performed during the period under review. The first experiment involved different stages of bud (apical) development (dormant, slightly sprouted and fully sprouted) on scions and type of grafting stock (suckers, young seedlings, rejuvenated shoots and young plants). Ten (10) plants were used for each treatment and replicated three times. The grafts were assessed for success in graft union formation after 21st until 40th day of grafting. The second experiment involved the type of pre-grafting treatment (girdle, pre-cure and their combination) on intact scions and period of treatment (control, 21 days, 42 days and 63 days). Data was taken on the number of developed sprouts on the scions seven days after applying the treatment and grafting success from 21 to 40 days of grafting.
Significant difference in grafting success for bud development was observed while the type of grafting stock was not significant. Slightly sprouted buds gave the highest success in graft
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 163 union formation (Table 12.4). Pre-cured intact scions gave significantly high number of sprouted apical buds with the lowest being recorded for the girdled (Table 12.5). Scions that were treated for 63 days produced significantly more sprouted apical buds. Significant interaction was observed for grafting success within the treatments (Table 12.6). Intact scions that were girdled for 21 days gave high grafting success than 42 and 63 days respectively. The control gave the low graft success for all the treatments with the combined treatment (pre-cure and girdle) giving the lowest (6.7%). Slightly sprouted and pre-cured buds on the scion gave the highest grafting union. Girdle or pre-cured intact scions treated over a longer period gave more sprouted buds. Grafting scions that had been girdled for 21 days gave a high success in graft union formation.
Table 12.4 Effect of bud development and type of grafting stock on success of graft union Treatment Graft success (%)
Stage of bud development Dormant 7.1 (15.6) Slightly sprouted 65.8 (54.6) Fully sprouted 13.8 (20.4) Lsd (p=0.05) (5.4) Type grafting stock Sucker 28.3 (29.7) Young seedling 31.7 (31.8) Rejuvenated shoot 32.8 (32.2) Young plant 22.8 (25.6) Lsd (p=0.05) (ns)
Table 12.5 Effects of pre-treatment and pre-treatment period on bud sprouting Pre treatment Bud sprout (%) Girdle 30.0 (32.8) Pre-cure 58.3 (49.5) Girdle + Pre -cure 34.2 (34.4) Lsd (p=0.05) (10.0) Period of pre treatment (days) Control 0.0 (0.1) 21 46.7 (42.7) 42 45.6 (42.2) 63 54.4 (47.4) Lsd (p=0.05) (11.6)
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Table 12.6 Effects of treatment and period of pre-treatment on success of graft formation
Period of pre-treatment (days) Pre treatment Mean Control 21 42 6 Girdle 16.7 (23.4) 80.0 (63.9) 66.7 (55.0) 50.0 (45.0) (46.8) Pre -cure 10.0 (15.3) 40.0 (38.9) 50.0 (45.0) 30.0 (33.2) (33.1) Girdle + Pre- cure 3.3 (6.7) 10.0 (15.3) 30.0 (33.0) 30.0 (33.0) (22.0) Mean (15.1) (39.4) (44.1) (37.1) Lsd (p=0.05) - Treatment x Period of pre treatment = (14.7)
Biology and control of the fruit borer, Nephopterix sp. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn) (E Agyemang Dwomoh, AR Cudjoe, M Assuah, F Aneani and F Owusu-Ansah)
Studies initiated under this project (Rep. Cocoa Res. Inst. Ghana, 2008/09, 149-152) continued. Nephopterix sp adults were obtained from larvae-containing shea fruits collected in shea plantations in 2010. Fruit sampling was done at six localities in the Northern and Upper West regions of Ghana (Wa, Lawra, Takpo, Nadowli, Jirapa, Bole, Sawla and Damongo). The locations were chosen based on their large tree populations. Two hundred of the infested fruits collected in each location were placed in plastic containers with perforated lids and brought to the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, Tafo. They were kept in a laboratory with a room temperature and relative humidity ranging from 24.9 oC to 33 oC and 72.4% to 88.5%, respectively, until pupation occurred. Emerging adults from the field- collected fruit (Fo) were used for the biological studies as indicated in the previous year's report.
Newly laid eggs of Nephopterix sp are pale white in colour but later change to pinkish red. Eggs are oval in shape. Eggs were laid singly or in small batches of 2 to 4. The eggs had a mean developmental time of 8.8 ± 0.1 days (Table 12.7). There were five larval instars whose mean developmental periods are shown in Table 1. The average larval period from 1st to 5th was 14.9 days (range 13-15 days). The high mortalities recorded during the larval developmental stages might be mainly due to fungal growth observed on most of the treated slashed fruits (feeding substrate), which made feeding of larvae very difficult. The adult male was relatively smaller in size than the female and was shorter lived, with a mean longevity of 4.2 0.1 days. The female had a mean longevity of 8.6 0.1 days.
The study has shown that Nephopterix sp can be reared in the laboratory at the ambient temperature and relative humidity range of 24.9oC to 33oC and 72.4% to 88.5%, respectively. It is, therefore, possible to raise and maintain large populations of the insect for further studies.
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Table 12.7 Life cycle of Nephopterix sp in the laboratory, CRIG, Tafo; Feb. to April 2009
Sample Percentage % Surviving from Duration in days Developing stages size survival previous stage (mean ± S.E)
Egg 50 100 - 8.8 ± 0.1 st 1 instar 43 86.0 86.0 2.8 ± 0.1 2nd instar 25 50.0 58.1 2.9 ?0.2 rd 3 instar 21 42.0 84.0 3.1 ?0.1 4th instar 18 36.0 85.7 2.5 ?0.1 5th instar 18 36.0 100.0 3.5 ?0.2 Pre -pupa 16 32.0 88.9 2.3 ± 0.2 Pupa 16 32.0 100.0 1.5 ?0.3 Adult 15 30.0 93.8 Male 5 4.2 ?0.1 Female 10 8.6 ?0.1
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 work to develop an in vitro propagation technique for shea continued (Rep. Cocoa Res Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 153-155). During the year under review, leaf fragments and floral bud explants were harvested from two high yielding shea accessions KA8 and KA 21 from Bole. Leaf fragments and subjected to a Primary Callus Growth medium (PCG) fortified with different auxins (NAA, IBA, 2,4D) in combination with cytokinins BAP (Benzylaminopurine) and Kinetin (Kn) to test their effect on callogenesis and production of somatic embryos. BAP/Kn at 0, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 mg/l in combination with 2, 4 Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4 D), Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) and Thydizurion (TDZ) at 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2 and 1.6mg/l were tested for callus and embryo induction.
Induction of callogenesis from leaf fragments of Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn.) After thirty days of culture, leaf fragments formed abundant calli in Kn/2, 4D, NAA, IBA and BAP/2, 4D, NAA, IBA combinations. Growths of calli were very fast among Kn/NAA and BAP/NAA when compared with the other cytokinin/auxin combinations. The most reactive combinations among the Kn/NAA, IBA, 2, 4 D combinations were 0.4/0.4 mg/l and 0/0.8mg/l of Kn/NAA (Table12.8). However, BAP/NAA combinations were most outstanding permitting 100%. Most of the calli produced were friable, soft and creamy in colour showing high embryogenic potential. But after 30 days of subculture on embryo induction medium (ED), only callus grew and no embryo were produced.
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Induction of callogenesis from floral petals of Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn.) Growths of calli obtained from flower petal explants were very fast in the BAP/NAA, IBA,2,4D combinations than Kinetin/2,4-D, IBA, NAA combinations. Most of the calli produced were friable, and creamy in colour. During the 30 days of culture, a combination of 0.4/0.4 mg/l Kn/2, 4-D was observed to be the most reactive combination among the Kn/2,4D IBA, NAA (Table 12.9). This combination permitted up to obtaining 96.7% callogenesis from flower petal explants. But in the BAP/2, 4D, NAA, IBA, NAA most of combinations (0/0.4, 0/08, 0/1.2mg/l BAP/2,4D) etc. permitted up to 100% callogensis (Table 12.10). Kinetin/BAP alone did not induce callogenesis, and thus calli was obtained only when 2, 4-D, NAA and IBA were added. However, after 30 days of sub culturing onto embryo induction medium no oranogenesis occurred, only callus growth was observed.
Calli obtained from the various Kn/BAP combinations produced no embryos when subjected to embryo induction medium under darkness. On the other hand, preliminary subjection of some of these calli under 16hrs photoperiod has revealed the formation of certain structures which is worth investigating. Thus calli that will be produced subsequently will be subjected to varied concentrations of auxin and cytokinin both under light and darkness to determine the appropriate hormone balance for embryo induction.
Table 12.8 Effect of different auxins in combination with Kinetin (Kn) on percentage of callogenesis from leaf fragments of Vitellaria Paradoxa Growth KINETIN (mg/l) regulator Conc.(mg/l) 0 0.4 0.8 1.6 2, 4 - D 0 0 0 0 0 0.4 60 56.2 66 62.5 0.8 80 92 71.6 77.8 1.6 80 80 70 79.2 NAA 0 0 0 0 0 0.4 80 100 54. 20 0.8 90 20 60.5 70 1.6 100 66.8 70.6 80 IBA 0 0 0 0 0 0.4 85 95 235 70 0.8 57.1 15 45.6 60 1.6 66.7 81.8 70.4 80
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Table 12.9 Effect of different auxins in combination with Kinetin (Kn) on Percentage of callogenesis from flower petals of Vitellaria paradoxa
Growth KINETIN (mg/l) regulator Conc.(mg/l) 0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2, 4 – D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.4 43.3 96.7 43.3 50 50 0.8 56.6 93.3 93.3 36.6 70 1.2 30 90 56.6 36.7 83 1.6 26 40 53.3 33.3 13 IAA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.4 0 0 40 5 5 0.8 0 0 30 5 5 1.2 16.7 0 23.3 5 5 1.6 13.3 0 5 5 5 IBA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.4 0 0 13.3 26.7 5 0.8 0 0 20 30 5 1.2 0 0 23.3 33.3 5 1.6 0 0 6.7 30 5 TDZ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.4 0 0 0 0 0 0.8 0 0 0 0 0 1.2 0 0 0 0 0 1.6 0 0 0 0 0
Table 12.10 Effect of different auxins in combination with Benzylaminopurine (BAP) on Percentage of callogenesis from flower petals of Vitellaria Paradoxa Growth regulator BAP (mg/l) Conc.(mg/l) 0 0.4 0.8 1.6 2, 4 - D 0 0 0 0 0 0.4 100 100 100 100 0.8 100 100 100 100 1.6 100 100 100 100 NAA 0 0 0 0 0 0.4 60 100 70 100 0.8 70 100 0 100 1.6 65 3 20 90 IBA 0 0 0 0 0 0.4 100 100 100 100 0.8 100 100 100 100 1.6 100 100 100 100
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Cashew intercropping during establishment (K. Opoku-Ameyaw, F.K. Oppong, F.M. Amoah, K. Ofori-Frimpong, E.A Dwomoh and M. Assuah)
Studies on cashew-food crop intercropping continued (Rep. Cocoa Res Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 153-156). Similar to the previous years, cashew yield during the year under review was not significantly affected by treatments (Table 12.11). This indicates that food crop intercropping during establishment did not have any adverse residual effect on cashew yield. Economic analysis of the cropping systems earlier in the trial showed the maize and yam combinations to be profitable. Since these combinations generally produced slightly highly cashew yields than the sole cashew, they are the best options for farmers who would want to engage in cashew cultivation. 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.
Table 12.11 Effect of cropping system on the first three years' yield of cashew nuts at Bole Cropping system Cashew yield (kg/ha) 2008 2009 2010 Sole cashew 70.8 149.5 (21.5) 96.6 (29.4) Cashew + groundnut 71.0 161.6 (10.6) 123.5 (32.4) Cashew + maize 51.8 104.3 (20.8) 98.1 (33.7) Cashew + sorghum 55.5 145.5 (36.2) 120.7 (16.1) Cashew + yam 80.3 168.5 (10.5) 165.0 (68.3) Cashew + sorghum/groundnut 74.9 161.3 (28.7) 88.7 (16.9) Cashew + groundnut/maize 80.8 154.3 (59.7) 138.0 (51.5) Sig. level ns n.s ns Values in parentheses are standard errors of the means; ns- not significant at 5% probability
Evaluation of fertilizer use on cashew (S. Acquaye, K. Ofori-Frimpong, F. M. Amoah, M. K. Assuah, E. A. Dwomoh and F. Aneani).
Routine plot maintenance, treatment application and yield data collection continued (Rep. Cocoa Res Inst., Ghana, 2005/06, 165). Similar to the previous years there was significant effect of fertilizers and their application periods on cashew nut yields in 2009/2010 (Figure 12.1). The nut yield of cashew plants that received larger amounts of fertilizer and at early pant growth were significantly larger than the other fertilizer application rates applied later during plant growth. Additionally, similar to the previous years, there was interactive effect between fertilizers and their application periods on nut yield during the season under consideration (Fig. 12.2). The nut yield of cashew trees that received larger amount of
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 169 fertilizer at transplanting (0 month) was significantly larger than the other treatment combinations. The nut yield of fertilizer treatments F3 and F4 when applied at transplanting (0 month) decreased sharply to about 50% when applied at 6 months after transplanting. During same period the nut yield of fertilizer treatments F1 and F2 remained similar. As the initial period of fertilizer application became longer (12 and 18 months after transplanting) the nut yield of all four fertilizer treatments became similar. There was no serious incidence of disease and pests attack.
The interactive effects fertilizers and their application periods significantly influenced cashew nut yield as the application of larger amounts of fertilizers at early plant growth resulted in significantly larger cashew nut yield than nut yield for fertilizers applied at 12 and 18 months after transplanting.
Figure 12.1 Cashew nut yield of trees receiving inorganic fertilizers initially applied at different periods after field transplanting in 2009/2010. Explanation for legend is as follows: F1- unfertilized control; F2 - 62.5N+62.5P2O5+12.5K2O; F3 - 125N+125P2O5+25K2O; F4 - 250N+250P2O5+50K2O kg//ha/yr.
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Figure 12.2 Effects of interaction between fertilizer and their application periods on cashew nut yield
Evaluation of foliar fertilizer use on cashew (S. Acquaye, A. A. Afrifa, J. Yeboah, V. Anchirinah, M. K. Assuah, J. E. Sarfo and F. Owusu Ansah)
Routine plot maintenance, treatment application and yield data collection continued (Rep. Cocoa Res Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 157-159). When all thirteen treatments tested were analyzed together there were no significant effect of liquid/foliar fertilizer treatments on the cashew nut yield in 2009/2010 season (Fig. 12.3) and the four-year cumulative yield (Fig 12.4). Orthogonal analysis, based on individual fertilizers, revealed that liquid/foliar 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 seasons. On the other hand, NPK 13:1:12 applied at 3L ha-1 yr-1 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. Some foliar fertilizer formulations may improve cashew nut yield. Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 171
Figure 12.3 Time course of cashew nut yield as affected by different liquid (foliar) fertilizer formulations applied at different rates in 2010.
Figure 12.4 Four-year cumulative cashew nut yield as affected by different foliar fertilizers
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Figure 12.5 Cashew nut yield as affected by application of liquid/foliar fertilizer NPK 20:2:4.
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
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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.
Aetiology and control of leaf blight disease(s) of cashew in Ghana (M. K. Assuah, I. Y. Opoku, E. A. Dwomoh and E. O. K. Oddoye)
Routine plot maintenance and yield data collection continued (Rep. Cocoa Res Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 159). Samples of diseased leaves were collected and cultured on water agar (WA) after surface sterilizing with 70% ethanol and rinsed in sterile distilled water. The plates were incubated at ambient temperature and the mycelia that grew from the samples were transferred onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) for further growth and sporulation. The culture morphology and spore characteristics of the isolated organisms were used to identify the pathogen. Direct isolation was also made from some of the leaf samples that were incubated under high humidity. In assessing the severity of the disease, one hundred and forty diseased trees were randomly selected and tagged on 3 farms at Bole. The severity of the blight disease was scored monthly on these trees according to the scale below:
1 - Very mild (less than 25% of the canopy infected) 2 - Mild (more than 25% but less than 50% of the canopy infected) 3 - Severe (more than 50% but less than 75% of the canopy infected) and 4 - Very severe (more than 75% of the canopy infected).
A baseline yield data was collected for the 140 experimental trees during the reporting season. 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. On the assessment severity, it was observed that it was high at the beginning of the year, April, and remained so until October when it started to reduce. The lowest incidence was recorded in December when more than half of the
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 174 selected trees were without diseased leaves. In the same month there were smaller numbers of trees with mild, severe and very severe symptoms of the disease. Thereafter, the disease severity increased slightly and dropped in March but immediately increased in April (Fig. 12.9). Generally, the incidence and severity of leaf blight disease of cashew is high from April to October of the year and reduces from there to March the following year.
Figure12.9 Temporal severity of leaf blight disease on cashew at Bole. Bars - trees without the blight symptoms during the year.
Studies on the population dynamics of the stem borer, Apate telebrans on cashew and its control (E. Agyemang Dwomoh, A.R. Cudjoe, M.K. Assuah, F. Aneani and F. Owusu- Ansah)
Routine work on the study was to determine the temporal and spatial distribution of Apate telebrans on cashew in Ghana and to evaluate some insecticides for the control of the pest continued (Rep. Cocoa Res Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 160-163).
The pattern of distribution of A. telebrans infestation (entry holes) in both space and time from April 2009 to March 2010 did not deviate from what was observed in 2008/2009. The spatial distribution showed the borer occurred in all locations in all the districts, but levels of infestation varied from location to location. Generally, borer infestation increased from October except at Bole in the Northern Region and Ejura in the Ashanti Region, where borer presence was first noticed in January in both districts. Sampa districts in the Brong-Ahafo region, recorded the largest mean numbers of 8.3 borers per 100 trees, followed by Wenchi
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 175 and Tain also in the Brong-Ahafo region with both recording 7.7 borers per 100 trees, all during the dry months from January to April. The temporal distribution of A. telebrans incidence at the 11 cashew growing districts is presented in Figure 12.10. The mean monthly distribution of A. telebrans populations showed a mono-modal pattern that peaked in March (mean: 8.3 borers) and declined from July (mean: 1.6 borers) to October (0.6 borers). This pattern of distribution of the pest suggests that adult emergence and oviposition may occur over a three- to four-month period i.e. from July to October, it is not unusual for an infested tree to have borers of varying sizes feeding in the tree. Borers continued to be prevalent in all the selected cashew growing districts doing some substantial damage to the trees with peaks of pest infestation occurring in February and March.
Figure 12.10 Time distributions of A. telebrans incidence at the 11 cashew growing districts in Ghana
Cashew germplasm collection, conservation, evaluation, characterization and utilization (M. A. Dadzie, K.Opoku-Ameyaw, J. Yeboah, M. Assuah and E.A. Dwomoh).
Routine field work to assemble as many as possible the various cashew types available in Ghana, and elsewhere and to select superior parents from the collection for the development of improved varieties continued (Rep. Cocoa Res Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 164).
Brazilian Dwarf plot Significant differences were observed in the performance of the Brazilian Dwarf Cashew selections at Bole but not in Wenchi (Table 12.12). Accession A2 in Bole appears to be significantly (p>0.05) vigorous with respect to girth and height. However at Wenchi,
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010 176 accession A2 appears to be comparatively less vigorous in terms of girth. But generally the selections in Wenchi are growing vigorously than those in Bole.
Table 12.12 Performance of the Mean Girth of Brazilian dwarf cashew at Bole and Wenchi Selections Mean Girth (mm) Mean Height (cm) Bole Wenchi Bole Wenchi A1 14.82 98.3 181.1 286.7
A2 20.17 96.2 214.5 303.0 A3 14.04 100.8 149.7 306.0
A4 15.91 104.5 187.6 280.0
A5 15.81 102.1 199.1 280.0
Grand mean 16.15 100.4 186.4 291.14 Lsd (p> 0.05) 3.80 n.s 45.07 n.s
Benin accessions The yield data collected indicate that, the Benin materials at Wenchi have an average yield of 3.3kg per accession with a yield range of 0-15kg/tree whereas those in Bole had an average yield of 0.33kg per accession with a yield range of 0-6.0kg in 2009. From Table 12.13 it can be deduced that the yields obtained from the Benin accessions and their corresponding nut weights (g) in Bole are lower than that of the materials in Wenchi. Whereas sixty-one (61) accessions representing 8% of the seven hundred and sixty nine (769) Benin accessions in Wenchi are giving yields above 8 kg/tree with their corresponding high nut weights above 7 g, none of the Benin accessions in Bole could produce yields above 8 kg/tree. These accessions in Wenchi combine higher yields with good nut weights.
Local accessions The local accessions have an average yield of 1.9 kg per accession in Wenchi with a yield range of 0-7.8kg whilst in Bole an average yield of 0.88kg per accession and a yield range of 0 – 4.6kg per accession were realized (Table 12.13). It can therefore be deduced that the yields and corresponding nut weights obtained from the materials in Bole are far lower than that of Wenchi.
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Table 12.13 Yield performance of Benin and Local cashew accessions at Wenchi and Bole
Germplasm Location No. of Mean Yield Mean Nut Yield Source Planted access. Kg/tree ('09) weight (g) ('09) range ('09)
Benin Bole 320 0.33(0.60) 5.7(1.64) 0.0-6.0
Wenchi 769 3.3(3.28) 6.1(0.98) 0.0-15.1
Local Bole 339 0.88(0.82) 5.48(1.72) 0.0-4.6 Materials Wenchi 213 1.90(1.56) 5.59(0.95) 0 .0-7.8
Figures in parenthesis ( ) represent standard deviation values of the samples
Considerable variation existed among the Benin and the local accessions in terms of yield and nut weight. In comparing the performance of the accessions at the two locations of Wenchi and Bole, the Benin accessions out-performed the local accessions at Wenchi and Bole. Tentatively, it can be concluded that the Benin accessions (exotic) have a higher yield potential than the local ones. Such variations might have arisen because of differences in geographical origin or ecological adaptation to sites etc.
Establishment of scion banks (M. A. Dadzie, P. K. Adu Gyamfi, K.Opoku-Ameyaw, J. Yeboah, M. Assuah and E.A. Dwomoh).
Routine field work to select superior cashew clones for use as clonal planting materials or as parents for the development of improved hybrids continued (Rep. Cocoa Res Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 165). The trial was established at Bole in a randomized complete block design. Data on growth (girth and height measurements) of clones were taken.
Vacancies were filled to make up for the fifty stands that were initially grated but grafting successes was very low as indicated in Table 12.14.
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Table 12.14 Census of successful grafts in the scion bank at the various locations.
Accession no. No. of succesful grafts Accession no. No. of successful grafts Bunso Wenchi Bole Bunso W enchi Bole 013 5 28 16 262 8 14 30 059 2 24 14 263 4 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 5 26 18 268 5 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 5 23 32 278 11 29 29 140 4 21 24 279 10 46 21 142 4 39 11 286 5 27 26 151 5 20 18 202 4 44 27 152 5 28 24 201 6 52 23 156 9 28 25 210 3 32 22 163 5 27 11 224 4 18 31 176 5 21 23 249 3 39 23 179 5 42 23 258 5 29 21 181 5 24 26 245 4 13 35 123 5 15 30 124 7 24 31
Cashew clonal evaluation trial (M. A. Dadzie, P. K. Adu Gyamfi, K. Opoku-Ameyaw, J. Yeboah, M. Assuah and E. A. Dwomoh).
Work to select superior cashew clones for use as clonal planting materials or as parents for the development of improved hybrids continued (Rep. Cocoa Res Inst., Ghana, 2008/09, 165-166).
Yield data collected indicated no significant differences among the accessions. However, W266, W151 and W044 were outstanding having their mean yields greater than the population mean (Table 12.15).
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010
179 Table 12.15 Yield performance of some clonal materials at Bole Accession Yield (g) W131 13.0 W278 105.0 W151 272.0 W227 52.0 W079 63.0 W268 79.0 W044 149.0 W266 276.0 W110 64.0 W273 74.0
Grand mean 115.00 lsd ns
Genotype x Environment Interaction for yield in cashew genotypes (P. K. Adu-Gyamfi, A. M. Dadzie, K.Opoku-Ameyaw , J. Yeboah, M. Assuah and E. A. Dwomoh) A study was set up to select cashew genotypes that are widely or specifically adapted to the transitional and savannah agro-ecological zones during the year. Twenty cashew genotypes (clones) were planted at Bole and Wenchi in RCBD with four (4) replicates. Data on growth parameters (girth and height) were collected.
Significant differences (p< 0.05) between the two locations were found for both girth and height. At Wenchi, mean girths and heights among the genotypes were higher than their corresponding genotypes in Bole (Table 12.16, 12.17 and 12.18). The data collected also indicated significant differences (p< 0.05) among the genotypes in terms of girth but not height in the two locations (Table 12.16 and 12.17). The top five 5 outstanding genotypes in Wenchi were IDDM 29, KT 1, BE 203, BAME 7 and SG 004 whereas in Bole, the top five outstanding genotypes were SG 266, SB 9, BE 739, BE 204 and BE 203. Also, a combined analysis of variance for genotype by environment interaction affected girth but not height. Tentatively, BE 203 appears to be outstanding and stable across the two locations. The change in performance (rankings) of the genotypes across the two locations may have accounted for the interaction observed in the analysis (Table 12.18).
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Table 12.16 Gain in height (m) of twenty (20) cashew clones over a six month period at W enchi and Bole.
Selections Mean Height (cm) W enchi Bole BE 203 82.7 38.8 BE 739 82.5 40.4 BAM 7 79.3 37.9 KT 5 78.2 45.1 SG 004 77.7 38.8 IDDM 29 77.5 45.8 SG 224 77.1 37.4 BE 575 75.1 39.6 SG 014 72.7 35.6 KT 2 72.7 34.4 BAME 7 71.6 45.8 SB 9 67.0 35.4 KT 1 65.9 42.6 SG 273 64.5 29.8 SG 266 63.7 36.0 BE 627 63.0 32.1 AKD 62.0 36.6 BE 204 62.0 40.5 AKC 60.6 40.2 KT 4 57.5 35.3 Mean 73.9 38.1 Lsd (0.05) ns ns
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Table 12.17 Gain in stem girth (mm) of twenty (20) cashew clones at Wenchi and Bole
Selections Girth (mm) Wenchi Bole A verage IDDM 29 2.91 2.33 2.62 KT 1 2.91 2.33 2.47 BE 203 2.81 2.35 2.56 BAME 7 2.81 2.22 2.51 SG 004 2.77 2.33 2.56 BE 627 2.76 2.21 2.49 BAM 7 2.7 2.19 2.44 BE 739 2.66 2.38 2.55 BE 575 2.64 2.34 2.52 SG 224 2.64 2.35 2.50 SG 273 2.64 2.20 2.42 KT 4 2.62 2.18 2.40 KT 5 2.61 2.35 2.44 SG 266 2.60 2.41 2.5 0 SB 9 2.55 2.41 2.48 SG 014 2.55 2.28 2.41 BE 204 2.48 2.36 2.42 AKC 2.47 2.21 2.34 AKD 2.42 2.34 2.38 KT 2 2.39 2.23 2.31 Mean 2.63 2.30 2.46 Lsd (0.05) 0.28 0.16 0.23
Table 12.18 The Analysis of variance table for girth of twenty (20) cashew genotypes tested over two locations.
Source of variation DF SS M. S. V. R. Fpr Replication 3 0.0622 0.0207 0.77 Treatment 19 0.883 0.0464 1.73 0.040 Location 1 4.553 4.553 169.95 0.001 Treatment x Location 19 0.9375 0.0494 1.840 0.026 Residual 117 3.1347 0.0268
Total 159 9.5707
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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 and A. O. Dwapanyin)
The study to determine the growth and yield response of cashew to poultry manure and cow dung and to assess the cost effectiveness of their use on cashew commenced during the year. The trial was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replicates and located at CRIG Bole substation.
Young cashew (Growth)
Grafted cashew plants were transplanted in Oct 2009 and eleven treatments made up of poultry manure (PM), cow dung (CD) and a control imposed on them as follows:
Amount of manure to apply (kg/plant) Manure treatment Year 1 (2009) Year 2 (2010) Year 3 (2011) Control - - - PM-1 or CD-1 1 2 3 PM-2 or CD -2 2 4 6 PM-4 or CD -4 4 6 12 PM-6 or CD-6 6 12 18 PM-8 or CD -8 8 16 24
Mature cashew (Yield)
The test plants were six-year-old cashew established with seed obtained locally. Eleven poultry manure (PM), cow dung (CD) and control treatments investigated were:
Annual manure application rate Manure treatment (kg/plant) Control - PM-5 or CM-5 5 PM-10 or CD-10 10 PM-15 or CD-15 15 PM-20 or CD-20 20 PM-25 or CD-25 25
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Young cashew Using the initial plant data at transplanting (0 mth) as covariates, no significant influence of poultry manure or cow dung at diferrent application rates on plant girth (Figure 12.11) and height (Figure 12.12) were observed at three months after transplanting.
Mature cashew There was a significant variation in the initial cashew nut yield which ranged from a high of 106.2kg/ha for CD20 to the lowest of 60 kg/ha for PM40, with a median yield of 76.0kg/ha (Figure 12.13). 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 ascribe significant difference observed in the initial cashew nut yield to the effects of the soil amendments since release of nutrients from the manures take time.
Figure 12.11 The influence of poultry manure (PM) or cow dung (CD) on cashew plant girth at transplanting (0 mth) and three months after transplanting.
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Figure 12.12 The influence of poultry manure (PM) or cow dung (CD) on cashew plant height at transplanting (0 mth) and three months after transplanting.
Figure 12.13 First year nut yield of cashew trees receiving poultry manure (PM) or cow dung (CD). The vertical bar indicates least significant difference (p≤0.05).
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Improving the survival rate of transplanted over-age cashew (Anarcadium occidentale) seedlings (Patricia Adu-Yeboah, K. Opoku-Ameyaw, J. Yeboah, E. A. Dwomoh, M. K. Assuah and F. Owusu Ansah)
An investigation to determine the appropriate pre-planting treatments that will enhance transplanting success of over-age cashew seedlings was started within the year. Seedlings of different ages (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 months old) were planted in a randomized complete block design with four (4) replicates at Bole and Wenchi. Data on mortality, girth and height were collected.
The percentage survival of seedlings was significantly (p≤ 0.05) influenced by seedling age and pre-planting treatment (Table 12.19). There was also a significant (p≤ 0.05) interaction between pre planting treatment and seedling age on survival of cashew seedlings. The survival of seedlings which had been pre-treated decreased with age, while those which had all their leaves halved increased. The reduction in the leaf size of seedlings that had their leaves halved controlled transpiration thereby reducing transplanting shock. No consistency in seedling survival was observed among the other treatments.
There was a significant difference among pre-planting treatments and also seedling age in plant girth (Table 12.20) and height (Table 12.21). There was however no significant interaction between pre planting treatment and seedling age. Generally seedling girth (mm) increased with age (Table 12.20). Seedlings pre treated by halving leaves and pruning roots recorded bigger girth than seedlings with only their roots pruned. This trend was same in seedling height (Table 12.21).
Halving of leaves improves the survival of transplanted over-aged cashew seedlings while plant girth and height increased with seedling age.
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Table 12.19 Percentage survival of cashew seedlings as influenced by seedling age and pre planting treatments at 6 months after transplanting
Pre planting treatments Seedling age ALH ALS PR ALS+PR ALH+PR Control Mean (months) 2 - - - - - 95.9 95.9
3 - - - - - 91.7 91.7 4 94.4 43.1 94.5 77.8 54.2 90.3 75.7 5 91.7 79.2 75.0 79.2 73.6 91.7 81.7 6 83.4 79.2 40.3 69.5 76.4 68.1 69.4 7 80.6 57.0 68.1 66.7 93.1 76.4 73.6 8 95.8 52.8 79.2 62.5 87.5 76.4 75.7 9 94.5 70.8 82.0 82.0 79.2 63.9 78.7 10 91.7 72.2 77.8 79.2 83.3 58.3 77.1 Mean 91.1 65.7 74 .6 74.6 79.0 79.2 LSD 5% Age – 17.83; Pre planting treatment – 17.65; Age x pre planting treatment - 23.35 Cv% 22.1 ALH-all leaves halved ALS-All leaves stripped PR-Pruning of roots
Table 12.20 Effect of seedling age and pre planting treatments on girth (mm) after transplanting
Pre planting treatments Seedling age ALH ALS PR ALS+PR ALH+PR Control Mean (months) 2 - - - - - 8.55 8.55 3 - - - - - 9.36 9.36 4 8.20 8.42 6.93 7.48 9.08 9.61 8.29 5 8.46 7.76 7.78 7.38 9.70 9.79 8.48 6 11.13 11.29 9.01 8.50 11.03 11.24 10.37 7 8.02 9.08 7.86 7.77 9.14 9.25 8.52 8 8.50 9.54 7.51 8.16 9.87 10.33 8.99 9 10.37 9.23 8.73 9.04 10.96 10.85 9.86 10 11.12 11.68 10.01 10.93 11.57 11.86 11.20 Mean 9.40 9.57 8.26 8.47 10.19 10.42 LSD 5% Age – 1.09; Pre planting treatment – 1.08; Age x pre planting treatment – ns
Cv% 35.2 ALH-all leaves halved ALS-All leaves stripped PR-Pruning of roots
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Table 12.21 Ef fect of seedling age and pre planting treatments on height (mm) after transplanting
Pre planting treatment
Seedling age ALH ALS PR ALS+PR ALH+PR Control Mean (months) 2 - - - - - 35.21 35.21 3 - - - - - 41.26 41.26 4 39.60 43.04 33.20 36.52 43.53 44.74 40.11 5 42.32 39.54 46.06 38.00 50.14 50.61 44.45 6 69.33 69.64 55.20 57.97 64.36 62.42 63.15 7 38.02 41.86 39.10 40.67 40.72 44.01 40.73 8 35.33 48.57 38.65 40.57 47.90 48.03 43.17 9 45.92 46.05 43.23 48.70 55.87 55.54 49.22 10 53.61 60.99 48.53 60.48 56.55 56.59 56.13 Mean 46.30 49.96 43.42 46.13 51.30 51.67 LSD 5% Age -7.76; Pre planting treatment-7.69; Age x pre planting treatment-ns Cv% 54.2
ALH-all leaves halved ALS-All leaves stripped PR-Pruning of roots
Effect of polythene bag size on seedling development and ease of transplanting success in cashew (Patricia Adu-Yeboah, F. M. Amoah, A. O. Dwapanyin, K. Opoku-Ameyaw, J. Yeboah, S. Aquaye, F. Owusu Ansah and V. Anchirina)
An investigation to to assess the effect of different sizes of polythene bag on seedling development and transplanting success in cashew was started within the year. Seedlings raised in polybags of different sizes (17.5 x 2; 14 x 17.5; 14 x 15.2; 12.7 x 17.8; 10.2 x 17.8 and 10.2 x 15.2 cm) were planted in a randomized complete block design with four (4) replicates at Bole. Data on mortality, girth and height were collected. The analysis of variance approach to repeated measurements was used to analyze growth measurements taking into account the effect of bag size, seedling age and their interaction.
The number of seedlings transported per person by head portage over a distance of 2.2 km is as shown in Table 12.22. Averagely, thirty-one (31) seedlings nursed in small bags could be carried per person while only ten (10) seedlings nursed in the normal sized bags could be transported per person. The polythene bags did not significantly (p≤ 0.05) affect seedling survival. The normal size bag however had less survival than the other bag sizes (Figure 12.14). Seedling age also did not affect survival significantly. It has been observed that six weeks old seedlings survive better in the field after transplanting (Opoku-Ameyaw et al 2007). The polythene bags in which the seedlings were raised significantly (p≤ 0.05) influenced plant girth (Fig.12.15) and height (Figure 12.16). Seedlings raised in bag size T5 - 10.2 x 15.2cm and C-17.5 x 25cm recorded the smaller and largest plant girth cum height, respectively. This may be attributed to the small bags restricting root growth and affecting plant growth.
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Polythene bags did not significantly affect the survival rate and vigor of cashew seedlings, while the seedlings transplanted at 6 weeks had better survival than those transplanted at 8 weeks.
Table 12.22 Number of seedlings transported per person by head portage. Bag size Weight of bag/kg Average/hea d C -17.5 x 25cm 2.599 12.0 T1 - 14 x 17.5cm 1.023 17.0 T2 - 14 x 15.2cm 0.896 24.0 T3 - 12.7 x 17.8cm 0.76 20.0 T4 - 10.2 x 17.8cm 0.541 30.0 T5 - 10.2 x 15.2cm 0.493 31.0
Figure 12.14 Effect of polythene bag size on percentage survival
Figure 12.15 Effect of polythene bag size on plant girth (mm)
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Figure 12.16 Effect of polythene bag size on plant height (cm)
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Annual Report 2009-2010