PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ALL OF THE MISSING PAGES IN THIS DOCUMENT WERE ORIGINALLY BLANK BNARI REPORT 1995 -1996

BIOTECHNOLOGY AND NUCLEAR AGRICULTURE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (BNARI), P. O. BOXAE 50, ATOMIC ENERGY, ACCRA. GHANA ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION, MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, GHANA. BNARI and its mandate

a) Structure

BNARI. a semi-autonomous research institute under the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), was established in 1993. The organs of BNARI are the Management Board, the Secretariat and three scientific departments, namely, Department of Animal Science, Department of Food Science and Radiation Processing and the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.

b) Mission

Its mandate is to advance, through research and related training and development activities, the sustainable improvements in agricultural production and productivity to enhance nutrition, development and economic and social well-being, especially among rural low income people. The paramount objective of the institute is to help Ghana attain self-sufficiency in food security in both crops and livestock products so as to alleviate malnutrition, hunger and poverty. It also provides scientific and technical advice and information in the field of biotechnology and nuclear agriculture in furtherance of socio-economic development and national efforts to improve quality of life.

c) Scope

BNARI's concerns are: * promoting sustainable agriculture and ensuring food and economic security; * improving the health care; * advocating sustainable management of natural resources, including biodiversity conservation; * catalysing the adoption of science and technology as keys to national development in partnership with local communities and other national and international research institutions and organizations.

BNARI aims to achieve these objectives through interactive, mission-orientated research, starting from basic scientific principles through the incorporation of indigenous knowledge and agricultural practices into improved technologies to end-user applications.

The research and development programmes use conventional, biotechnological and nuclear and related techniques and focus on : - • mutation breeding and /w-v/Yro/tissue culture for crop improvement for higher yield, resistance to pests and diseases and tolerance to climatic stresses; • increasing food production through rapid micropropagation and better use of water and fertilizers: • increasing biodiversity through induction/development of new and better varieties of economic crops mainly through mutation breeding; • study of economic insects and terrestrial arthropods, both as a constraints to food production and as vectors of human and animal diseases and development of cost-effective, sustainable and safer techniques and integrated strategies for controlling the pests and vectors; • improving livestock nutrition, productivity, production and health; and • radiation processing of food, medical supplies and pharmaceutical products to improve their hygiene and safety for improved health care! • increasing food security through reduction of post-harvest losses by irradiation.

The Institute, in conjunction with the national universities, is also involved in human capacity building through training in nuclear agriculture and related biotechnologies. CONTENTS Page

BNARI and its Mandate 2

Preface by the Director of BNARI 5

Organizational Structure of BNARI 6

1. Aims and Goals 7

2. General Administration 7 2.1 Personnel 7 2.2 Visitors 9 2.3 Expert Missions 10 2.4 Installations and Facilities 11 2.5 Infrastructural Developments 11 2.6 Technical Services 12 2.7 Library and Documentation Services 12 2.8 Public Education 13 2.9 Staff Education and Training 13 2.10 Funding of Research Programmes 16

3. Research Activities and Programmes of the Institute 17 3.1 Scope of Research Programmes and Projects 17 3.2 Highlights of Research and Development 18 3.2.1 Department of Food Science and Radiation Processing 18 - Food Analysis 18 - Food Preservation by Irradiation 21 - Food and Environmental Biotechnology 23 - Radiation Sterilization 26 3.2.2 Department of Plant and Soil Science 26 - Plant Biotechnology and Mutation Breeding 26 - Increased Crop Production through Micropropagation and in vitro Culture Technique 36 3.2.3 Department of Animal Science 42 - Insect and Vector Control using Genetic Methods 42 - Animal Nutrition 47 - Animal Reproduction and Health 49 - Insect and Animal Breeding 50 3.3 Collaborative Research Activities 50 3.4 International Research Contracts 52 3.5 Scientific Meetings/Training/Workshops 52

4. International Relations and Collaborating institutions 58

5. Significant Achievements 59 5.1 Manpower Development 59 5.2 Significant Research & Development Findings 60 5.3 Technologies Ready for Transfer to User-Agencies 61 5.4 Equipment 61 5.5 List of Publications, Technical and Conference Papers 61 5.6 Degrees and Certificates obtained 65

5.7 International Appointments 65

6. Membership of BNARI Management Board and Committees 66

7. Staff List 69

9. Problems and Constraints 71

10. Targets and Projections for 1997- 1998 72

Important Telephone Numbers 78 PREFACE

The Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) was established in September 1993 by Atomic Energy Commission Amendment Law PNDC Law 308 of 1993. It is made up of three scientific departments viz. Department of Food Science and Radiation Processing, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and Department of Animal Science.

The years from 1995 through 1996 proved to be a period for reflection, for organizing and reappraisal of our core scientific activities and for a clear resolution as to what must constitute the size of BNARI. Various types of projects continue to be developed to form the basis of our operations over the coming years.

This second report on BNARI summarizes its activities for 1995 and 1996. As can be seen in the area of personnel, we are a growing institute that is building up manpower to face issues of biotechnology for the coming years. An important landmark in the history of BNARI is the commencement of the construction of permanent buildings in 1995. The construction of the first phase of the project comprising laboratories for Tissue Culture and Molecular Biology started in late 1995.

Interdisciplinary approach to research is being emphasized and research which is demand-driven is replacing research carried out without such an objective. Research activities show progress over the previous years. The institute embarked on studies aimed at the establishment of radiation doses for semi-commercial scale food preservation of cocoa, yams, maize, salted fish, cured fish, sweet potatoes against post-harvest losses and test-marketing of the irradiated foods including yam and cowpea. Research activities towards increased crop production through tissue culture and mutation breeding techniques and the control of riverine tsetse flies using sterile insect technique received attention. A number of farmers have taken advantage of the BNARI programmes for micro-propagation of plantain, banana and pineapple for the supply of planting materials.

It is our pleasure to acknowledge the support of the government of Ghana for providing funds particularly for infrastructural development. The support received from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in terms of Technical Assistance Projects and Research Contracts enabled us to train staff and undertake a number of the projects reported. The assistance received from the National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) facilitated the execution of a number of projects which otherwise would have been abandoned. We appreciate the assistance from the IAEA and NARP and look forward to a more closer collaboration with them and other institutions and individuals in the coming years.

(Dr. G. Y. P. Klu) Director, BNARI o Fig'. 1 - ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF BNARI H n MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY w GHANA ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION o _ BIOTECHNOLOGY & NUCLEAR AGRICULTURE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (BNARI) o - MANAGEMENT BOARD z >

DIRECTOR

SECRETARIAT

73 O RESEARCH DEPARTMENTS O r 5 DEPARTMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF FOOD SCIENCE DEPARTMENT OF PLANT n C/3 ANIMAL SCIENCE & RADIATION PROCESSING & SOIL SCIENCES G 73

SCIENTIFIC ENTOMOLOGY ANIMAL NUTRITION, FOOD SCIENCE RADIATION PROCESSING PLANT SCIENCE SOIL SCIENCE w ^ SUPPORT SECTION PRODUCTION & HEALTH SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION SERVICES SECTION

1. Social Science 8. Nulrition/Physlology 15. Industrial Processing 2. oicstatistics 9. Animal Health 16. Agronomy/Breeding 3. Pfotograpiy/lllustiaiions 10. Reproduction/Breeding 17. Physiology/Tissue Cullure 4. Agncullufoi Entomology 11. Food Analysis & Preservation 18. Plan! Protection (Virology/Pathology) 5. Meaical/Veiefinafy Entomology 12. Human Nutrition 19. Genetic & Molecular Genetics 6. c'o-'ed Prooucts Entomology/Dtsinfestalion 13. Microbiology 20. Soil Physics & Conservation 7. Eiooesticldes 14. Medical Sterilization 21. Soil Chemislry/Feriility H H e H 1. AIMS AND GOALS

The Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) has the potential to make great impact on the agricultural and economic development in this country. The objectives of the research programmes are to use isotopes, biotechnology and nuclear techniques to :- i) develop improved varieties and production technologies for increasing agricultural productivity; ii) study plant-soil-water relationships for the improvement in nutrient utilization; iii) research into problems militating against productivity and health of livestock; iv) develop appropriate methods and strategies for improving animal nutrition, production and health; v) control arthropod pests and vectors of crops and livestock diseases; vi) control food losses; vii) improve food hygiene and safety; viii) reduce environmental and pharmaceutical pollution; ix) ensure self-sufficiency and security in food and industrial raw material production.

2. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

2.1 PERSONNEL

Staff Expertise

The activities of the institute are performed through the efforts of highly qualified and experienced scientists in various disciplines of nuclear science supported by technical and administrative personnel, and miscellaneous supporting staff including unskilled labour. The team of scientists is made up of agronomists, biochemists, entomologists, food scientists, food technologists, horticulturists, microbiologists, animal nutritionists, parasitologists, plant breeders, plant geneticists, plant pathologists, plant biotechnologists, veterinary surgeons and virologists.

New Appointments

The following staff were appointed within the period: -

Name Qualification Position Date of Appointment

Department of Food Science and Radiation Processing Dr. Mrs. Rose Boatin PhD. Scientific Officer 02/10/95 Mr. Alex Owusu-Biney MSc. Scientific Officer 04/12/95 Ms. Josephine D. Aryee Vet. Lab. Cert. Technician 02/05/95 Mr. Tahiru Manama Vet. Lab. Cert. Technician 01/06/95 Ms. Josephine Coleman GCE "0" Level Senior Clerk Typist 18/08/96

Department of Animal Science Dr. C. K. DesBordes M.VSc. Scientific Officer 02/10/95 Dr. Yahuza M. Gomda PhD. Vet. Sc. Scientific Officer 02/10/95 Dr. Mohammed-Alfa PhD. Vet. Sc. Scientific Officer 02/10/95 Department of Plant and Soil Sciences Mr. W. A. Gyamerah Cert, in Gen. Agric. Technician 23/05/95 Mrs. Vivian Oduro M.Phil. , Scientific Officer 01/11/96

Staff Strength and Distribution

The staff strength as at the end of December, 1995 was 56 and made up as follows : - 21 Scientists, 16 Technical staff, 14 Supporting staff and 5 Administrative Staff. Below are the statistics by educational attainments, by activity and changes in personnel profile. a) Personnel Statistics by Educational Attainment Level Number Per cent PhD 3 5.36 MSc 16 28.57 BSc 4 7.14 Below BSc 33 58.93 b) Personnel Statistics bv Activity Activity Number Per cent Research & Development 23 41.07 Administration 10 17.86 Technical and Other Support Services 23 41.00 c) Changes in Personnel profile Positions Number Established Positions 46 New Recruitments 10 Resignation 2 Promotions 5 Lateral Transfers 1 Dropped from the rolls 2

Promotions

The following personnel were promoted on 1st January, 1995 to the grades against their name:-

Narne Promotion Mr. Cosmos F. S. Edmundson Chief Technician Mr. Emmanuel T. Akolmolga Prin. Technician Mr. Ernest Dinku Prin. Technician Mr. Marcus Quaynor-Addy Prin. Technician Mr. Titus Vuore Prin. Technician Mr. Frederick Abruquah Departmental Assistant Gd. II

Transfers

Mr. K. Nyamekye-Boamah a Scientific Officer of the Department of Animal Science was transferred on 10th February, 1995 to assume the position of a Commercial Manager at the GAEC Secretariat. He was transferred back to BNARI on 24th August, 1995, but is presently on secondment to the Ghana Export Promotion Council. Departures

Ms. Lucy Adzimah Stenographer Secretary resigned on 09-01-95 Messrs E. J. Micah and J. K. Atsu Technicians vacated their posts on 18-01-95 Ms. Naana Sey Clerk Typist resigned on 30-01-95

Plate 1 - A group picture of the Director and Heads of Departments under BNARI (L-R : Ms. Emerentia Tamakloe (Administration), Dr. G. Y. P. Klu (Director), Mrs. Victoria Appiah (DFSRP), Mr. Kenneth Danso (DPSS) and Dr. Mrs. Delphina Adabie-Gomez (DAS)

2.2 VISITORS

The following important persons and groups visited the Institute during the two year period :-

1. Dr. George Odamten Botany Department, UG. Legon, Ghana 18-1-95 2. Mr. R. Otiboa Damptey Botany Department, UG. Legon, Ghana 20-1-95 3. Ms. Comfort Acquah Private farmer 26-1-95 4. Mr. Opoku Darko Lab. Engineering Services Ltd. 08-2-95 5. Mr. M. Berhe Sasakawa 2000, Accra 14-3-95 6. Mr. Takele Gebre Sasakawa 2000, Ethiopia 14-3-95 7. Mr. Wube Adera Sasakawa 2000, Ethiopia 14-3-95 8. Dr. Lajos Gazso Met. Res. Inst. Radiobiol., Hungary 16-3-95 9. Dr. F.M Quin Crop Improvement Division, IFF A, Nigeria. 31 - 3 - 95 10. Dr. Joseph B. Suh IITA Research Liaison Scientist 31 - 3 - 95 11. Prof E. V. Doku Crop Science Department, University of Ghana 31-3-95 12. Dr. A. Y. Maudarbocus IAEA Africa Area Officer 04-5-95 13. Prof. J. C.Norman, Deputy Director General, NARP/CSIR 09-5-95 14. Mr. J. F. Koampah GLBD, Kumasi 09-5-95 10

15. Mr. B. E. Ofosu GLBD, Kumasi 09-5-95 16. Mr. V. K. Ocran Dept. of Crop Services, MOFA, Accra 09-5-95 17. Dr.:F. Ofori Dept. of Crop Services, MOFA, Accra 09-5-95 18. 20Ci Members Ghana Institute of Surveyors 09-5-95 19. Mr. T. Yamazaki Japanese P/F Mission/ADC A 13-6-95 20. Mr. E. Kagai Japanese P/F Mission/ADCA 13-6-95 21. Mr.. T. Seki Japanese P/F Mission/ADC A 13-6-95 22. Dr. Simon Eden-Green National Research Institute (NRI), Chatham UK 13-6-95 23. Dr. S. K. Dery OPRI/CSIR, Coconut Project, Takoradi 13-6-95 24. Mr. Okyere Boateng OPRÏ/CSIR, Kusi-Kade 06-7-95 25. Mr. Kodia Ahiman Laboratories National de Lasante Publique 10-8-95 Abidjan, La Cote d'Ivoire. 26. Dr. Ricardo Molins IAEA Expert 10-8-95 27. Dr. S. Machi Deputy Director, IAEA, Austria. 11 - 8 - 95 28. Mr. S. Ofori-Atta Design Environment Group, Accra. 18-8-95 29. Mr. Kwabenà Nyarko Design Environment Group, Accra. 18-8-95 30. Dr. Y. Adu Ampomah CRIG, Tafo, Ghana. 05- 9 - 95 31. Dr. A. S.Robinson Head, Entomology Section, IAEA Seibersdorf, Austria. 08-9-95 32 Dr. S. E. Koli NARP/CSIR, Accra. 20-9-95 33 Mr. Franklin Donkoh DAES/MOFA, Accra. 20-9-95 34 Ms. Juliana Dennis WIAD/MOFA, Accra. 20-9-95 35 Dr. Joseph B. Suh UTA, c/o CRI, Kumasi 20-9-95 36. National Physics Students Association of Nigeria (NAPS) and Physics Students Association of Ghana (PHYS AG) 16-5-96 37. Prof. Kwame Sarpong Chairman of GAEC 08-5-96 38. Dr. K. Andoh Ministry of Environment Science & Technology 08-5-96 39. M. Phil. Crop Science Students, University of Cape Coast, Ghana 9 to 15-6-96 40. Talent Club of Emills Preparatory School, Accra, Ghana 10-7-96 41. Participants of 10th Science, Technology and Mathematics Education (STME) Clinic for Girls, Achimota - Accra, Ghana 06-8-96 42 Crop Science Students, Univ. of Ghana, Legon 04 -11- 96 43 Dr. Jonathan Crouch of UTA 18 -11- 96 44 Year 3 Students BSc. (Agrie. Tech), Univ. for Development Studies, Tamale 02-12 -96

2.3 EXPERT MISSIONS

Missions of IAEA Experts to BNARI in 1995 and 1996 included: -

Name Purpose of visit Department visited and period

Dr. L. G. Gaszo To explain dose setting by ISO Standards Department of Food Science & for medical and pharmaceutical products, Radiation Processing, and assisted in the development of protocols 5-18 March, 1995 for the processing of medical products

Department of Plant & Science, Dr. Jitendra Prakash To review Mutation Breeding Project 6 - 20 March, 1995.

All departments of the institute, Dr. A. Y. Maudarbocus To review all IAEA-sponsored projects 3 -5 May, 1995 11

Dr. Alan Robinson To review progress on implementation Department of Animal Science, of Tsetse Control using SIT 27 Aug.-9 Sept., 1995.

2.4 INSTALLATIONS AND FACILITIES

The institute is located at a site between Haatso and Kwabenya villages, north-west of the University of Ghana, off the main Legon-Madina road. The temporary facilities of the institute are located in two buildings. Those in the Old Reactor building include well-equipped laboratories for microbiology, human nutrition, stored-product insects cultures, food analysis, food irradiation and preservation and plant tissue culture, while the tsetse rearing insectary and the offices of the directorate are found in the P & T building.

Other facilities are mushroom cropping house, green house, plant weaning barns, nurseries and farms for experimental plants and wooden hutches in the recently demarcated animal breeding area for the production and stock development of rabbits and guinea pigs for research. Attempts are being made to establish field stations for tissue-cultured plants in various ecological zones in the country.

Plate 2 - Plantation of Tissue Cultured Plantains near the BNARI Research Farm 12

2.5 INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMEMT

BNARI Building

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) in 1995 decided to provide permanent buildings for BNARI which hitherto has been using some of the premises belonging to the National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI). The site for this project is located within the lands of GAEC at Kwabenya and is situated on the south-east of the main Administration Block and eastern side of the Radiation Technology Centre (RTC). The Design Environment Group (Consulting Architects and Engineers) Which was contracted to prepare the architectural and engineering designs completed their work in 1995. Construction of the first phase comprising of laboratories for Tissue Culture and Molecular Biology and the Administration Block for the institute is being carried out by the China State Construction Company. The construction of the laboratories started in 1995.

BNARI Research Farm

BNARI has a Research Farm situated at the southern side of the RTC and adjacent to the site for the BNARI buildings. Lack of irrigation facilities in the farm has hampered the increase in production of all crops on the farm.

In January, 1995 an application seeking financial assistance for an irrigation facility and other on-farm infrastructure for the Research Farm was submitted to Agricultural Sector Investment Project (ASIP) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA). ASIP responded by contracting the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) as consultant to carry out feasibility studies. GIDA submitted its report in 1996. Upon successful completion of the studies and production of bidding documents, GAEC will be required to sign a financial agreement with ASIP to enable funds to be released for the provision of the irrigation facility of the research farm.

Fencing Animal Breeding Area

An amount of 2.359 million cedis was released in the latter part of the third quarter of 1995 for fencing the animal breeding area near the P & T building and for construction of hutches, cages and pens for the rabbits and guinea-pigs.

2.6 TECHNICAL SERVICES

The institute offers laboratory analyses and consultancy services to the public in all areas of plant and animal biotechnology and nuclear agriculture. Plans are underway to offer veterinary services to neighbouring communities after the establishment of a veterinary clinic.

2.7 LIBRARY AND DOCUMENTATION SERVICES

Library

Several books, scientific articles and publications, technical reports, annual reports were obtained for our future library. Most of the said documents were received from the Natural 13

Resources Institute (NRI) of UK, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Kenya and the British Council in Accra, Ghana.

Documentation

General information on BNARI's R & D activities since its establishment in 1993 were documented by the Documentation Committee. The preparation of the 1993-1994 Annual Report of BNARI and a Brochure on the institute were completed in March 1995. The final printing and dissemination of complimentary copies to relevant institutions and other agencies in order to maintain linkages were accomplished at the end of 1995.

2.8 PUBLIC EDUCATION

The institute established media linkages through radio interviews, press rejoinders, seminars, workshops and conferences.

In addition, the institute exhibited experimental materials and mounted photo exhibitions in 1995 at the World Food Day at the National Theatre and the African Science Rennaisance Day at Ashiaman.

Public education on food irradiation was also held from 18-19 July, 1995 at STEPRI, Accra for members of the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters.

Several students from different secondary and tertiary institutions and members of various professional bodies, government agencies and foreign scientists who visited the institute were educated on our activities through guided tours, lectures and slide or video presentations.

2.9 STAFF EDUCATION AND TRAINING

BNARI adopts a continous manpower development programme covering the working staff as well as fresh graduates and technicians joining the institutes. All fresh university and senior secondary school graduates have to undertake orientation programme in basics of radiation physics and protection as well as acquaintance with radiation sources. They are further given specific training programmes in their respective departments or outside (see details under Significant Achievements in Manpower development on Page 59).

BNARI also holds weekly institutional seminars, workshops and seminars on the national, regional and international levels covering major fields of biotechnology and nuclear agriculture. Those held within the period include:-

Seminars organized by the Institute ,

Date Topic Speaker

19/01/95 Commercialization of Plant Tissue Culture. Dr. Jitendra Prakash, IAEA Expert to DPSS.

10/03/95 Process Validation and Dose Setting Methods for Dr. Lajos G. Gazso, Radiation Sterilization. IAEA Expert to DFSRP. 14

16/03/95 Environmental Friendly Biotechnological Processes. Dr. Lajos G. Gazso, IAEA Expert to DFSRP.

28/06/95 Phenolic Compounds and the Colours of Irradiated Ms. J. Nketsia-Tabiri, Oranges. Scientist, DFSRP.

28/06/95 Report on Training Course on Techno-economic Mr. Kojo G. Montford, Feasibility of Food Irradiation. Scientist, DFSRP.

28/06/95 High Frequency Germination of Cassava (Manihot Mr. Kenneth E. Danso, esculenta Craritz) Somatic Embryos. Assistant Scientist,DPSS.

31/08/95 Development in Radiation Processing. Mr. Charles M. Gbedemah, Scientist, DFSRP.

31/08/95 Capability of Glossina tachinoides males to mate and Mr. Charles E. Annoh, inseminate female Flies in Different Mating ratios for Scientist, DAS. Sterile Insect Technique Programme in Ghana.

31/08/95 Report on a Training Course on Tissue Culture and Mr. Emmanuel Gasu, Biotechnology. Technician, DPSS. 07/09/95 DNA Analysis of Tsetse Fly Population. Dr. Alan S. Robinson, IAEA Expert to DAS.

05/10/95 Mutagenesis for ACVM Resistance in Cassava Mr. Ralph K. A. Ahiabu, Cultivars in Ghana : Principles of Three Virus Scientist, DPSS Indexing Techniques.

05/10/95 Use of Radioistopes Techniques in Human Nutrition. Mr. David Bansa, Scientist, DFSRP

05/10/95 Scientific Visit to Tanzania, Zanzibar and Austria Dr. Mrs. Delphina Adabie- Laboratories involved in the Tsetse Control Programs Gomez, Snr. Scientist, DAS. using SIT.

09/11/95 Use of Sterile Insect Technique in the fight against Dr. Mrs. Delphina Adabie- Tsetse Flies and Trypanosomiasis. Gomez, Snr. Scientist, DAS.

09/11/95 Techniques used in the fight against Diseases of Yam Ms. Yvonne Lokko, employing Biotechnological Methods. Scientist, DPSS.

09/11/95 Bugs to save a King. Ms. Yvonne Lokko Scientist, DPSS.

09/11/95 Collection and Quality Screening of blood for in-vitro Mr. Ebenezer Ewusie, Feeding of Laboratory-reared Tsetse flies. Technician, DAS.

12/01/96 In vitro Studies with Cassava. Prof. G. G. Henshaw, Plant Biotechnologist Bath University, UK. IAEA Expert to DPSS.

01/03/96 Practical Application of Food Irradiation. Dr. M. Ahmed, IAEA Expert to DFSRP 15

09/04/96 Improvement of pineapple, Ananas comosus (Merri.) Ms. Yvonne Lokko, (L.) using Bii technology and Mutation Breeding Scientist, DPSS. Techniques.

20/08/96 Transduction Studies of Some isolated Phages. Mr. Alex Owusu-Biney, Scientist, DFSRP 20/08/96 Isotope-aidee Study on Mineral Nutrition of Dr. Y. M. Gomda, Ruminants: / Systematic Mapping Survey of Forage Scientist, DAS. and Animal 'issue using Nuclear Activation Analysis to locate minoral deficiencies and excesses in the Communal grazing areas in Ghana, (a research p i oposal)

29/08/96 The Quality of Exportable Cocoa Beans Mrs. Victoria Appiah, Principal Scientist, DFSRP

26/09/96 The Survival and Reproductive Performance of GlossinaDr. Mrs. Delphina Adabie- palpalis (R-T') and G. tachinoides Westw. (Diptera: Gomez, Snr. Scientist, DAS. Glossinidae) maintained in-vivo on guinea-pigs under Different feeding regimens.

26/09/96 Seasonal prevalence of Cephalopina titillator Myiasis Dr. Charles K. desBordes in Camels, Camelus dromedarius in Sokoto State, Scientist, DAS. Nigeria.

15/10/96 Public Awareness of Food Irradiation. Ms. Josephine Nketsia- Tabiri, Snr. Scientist, DFSRP.

15/10/96 Survey of Bovine babesiosis and the Development of Dr. Musheibu Mohammed- improved (recombinant) vaccine against the disease Alfa, Scientist, DAS. (Research proposal).

29/10/96 The effect of Organochlorine pesticides on non- Mr. Kojo G. Montford, targeted organisms in Maize Agro-ecosystem in Ghana. Scientist, DFSRP.

12/11/96 Overview of Cassava Research at BNARI. Mr. Ralph K. A. Ahiabu, Scientist, DPSS.

12/11/96 Screening for Subembryogenic Competence in some Mr. Kenneth Danso, cassava cultivars. Assistant Scientist, DPSS.

International Workshops/Meetings hosted by the Institute

Name of Workshop Period

FAO/IAEA 1st Research Co-ordination Meeting on "The Study on 7-11 August, 1995 Impact of Food Irradiation to prevent food losses in Africa".

2nd Co-ordination Meeting of Project Co-ordinators of AFRA 11-15 March, 1996 VIII on Radioisotope in Animal Production and Nutrition. 16

FAO/IAEA/GAEC Regional AFRA III Training Workshop on 21-25 Oct., 1996 Guidelines for Preparation and Harmonization of Legislation on Irradiated Foods. (DFSRP/BNARI)

Degree Training Programmes

Mr. K. E. Danso (Asst. Scientific Officer)

Throughout 1995 and 1996, Mr. Kenneth E. Danso continued to pursue post-graduate studies at the Department of Botany of the University of Ghana, the successful completion of which will lead to the award of a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) Degree in Botany.

Ms. Gertrude Torto (Asst. Scientific Officer)

Ms. Gertrude Torto was granted study leave by the Commission in 1994 to undertake a two year M.Sc. programme in Plant Molecular Biology at the Southern Illinois University at Cabondale, USA. In October 1996, Ms. Torto requested for extension of her leave by four more years to enable her study towards a doctorate degree.

Mrs. Victoria Appiah (Principal Scientific Officer)

Throughout 1995 and 1996, Mrs. Victoria Appiah continued to pursue post-graduate studies at the Department of Botany of the University of Ghana, the successful completion of which will lead to the award of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) Degree. She completed the first draft of her thesis in 1996.

In addition, the BNARI runs a wide series of training programmes serving the public and industry and contributes to university work through part-time lecturing and supervision of theses, at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels.

2.10 FUNDING OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS

The research programmes and projects are approved by the Management Board of the Institute in consultation with the Management of GAEC before implementation by the various departments. Funding of the research programmes is done mainly through annual subventions from the Ghana Government. In addition, some foreign governments either provide direct financial assistance or channel funds for research and training programmes through international donor agencies, particularly the joint divisions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Efforts are been made to start generating revenue from commercialization of research results. 17

3. ACTIVITIES, PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS OF THE INSTITUTE

3.1 SCOPE OF RESEARCH PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS

The various departments continued and initiated several research projects which had been approved by the Institute's Management Board. The programmes had been carefully selected on the basis of the positive contribution that they are likely to make in terms of impact on the scientific community and on the economic and technological development of Ghana. More emphasis has therefore been placed on applied than on basic research. However, this does not mean that the latter is completely ignored. It is worth noting that most of these projects are supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the National Agricultural Research Project of Ghana (NARP) and the Government of Ghana.

The present research and development programmes focus on mutation breeding and in v/7ro/tissue culture for crop improvement, bio-ecological study and control of tropical insects, both as a constraint to food production and as vectors of human and animal diseases; food irradiation to curtail post-harvest losses in food items. Areas of basic and applied research undertaken or to be undertaken include: -

Industrial Irradiation

« Food irradiation studies for extension of shelf-life of grains and legumes, delay ripening in fruits and vegetables, inhibit sprouting in bulbs and tubers and disinfestation of stored agricultural produce and products to facilitate international trade in hygienic commodities. • Application of radiation for the sterilization of medical supplies and pharmaceutical products.

Biotechnology

• Rapid micropropagation through in vitro/tissue culturing. « Crops improvement and breeding through induced mutation and plant biotechnology. • Biological control of insect pests and vectors using predators, sterile insects, parasites and entomopathogens. » Development and Production of vaccines against some livestock infections. • Artificial insemination and genetic manipulation for improvement of genotypes and productivity of livestock. • Bioleaching of precious metals using bacteria. • Isolating and Characterization of bacteriocins from fermented foods. » Byconversion of gamma irradiated agricultural wastes. • Autocidal control of insect pest and vectors using semiochemicals and pheromones. • Chemical control of insect pests and vectors using chemicals from plant and microbial origin. 18

Radiation and Radioisotopes Applications

• Using radiation for the induction of superior properties such as drought tolerance in pineapple, disease tolerance in cassava, dwarfism in plantain and banana, erect stem in yam, high nutritive qualities in roots and tubers, etc. • Radiation sterilization of tissues as a basic study for a tissue bank. • Insect control by irradiation (Sterile Insect Technique, Fl Sterility Principles and radiation disinfestation). » Radiation application in the field of microbiology, entomology, plant breeding, animal nutrition. o Use of tracer techniques, nuclear activation analysis, radioimmunoassays and related procedures in plant, insect and livestock research and in disease diagnosis.

3.2 HIGHLIGHTS OF RESEARCH AMD DEVELOPMENT

3.2.1 DEPARTMENT OF FOOD SCIENCE AND RADIATION PROCESSING

FOOD ANALYSIS

Food crops developed or being screened by crop breeders of the Department of Plant and Soil Science in the institute are subjected to physical, chemical and sensory analysis to evaluate their suitability for industry and direct human consumption.

Classification of different cultivars of cassava based on starch quality, cyanogenic potential and cooking characteristics.

J. Nketsia-Tabiri and A. Ownsu-Biney

Different cultivars of cassava, Manihot esculenta Crantz, a major staple food in Ghana, are being screened by the Department of Plant & Soil Sciences for disease resistance and other agronomic traits. It was considered equally important to investigate other properties of cassava which impact on their direct utilization as human food or raw materials by industry. The data obtained could provide information for food and non-food applications. The objective of this study was to investigate the physico-chemical and functional properties of starch from different cultivars of cassava.

Initial studies will focus on the extraction of starch which would subsequently be subjected to analysis on amylose/amylopectin ratio, gelatinization viscosity and divalent ion content etc.

Preliminary results showed an amylose content ranging from 13.0 to 25.2% for the twenty-five 25 cultivars analysed so far. Ten selected starch samples of varying amylose content are being analyzed for their gelatinization or pasting profiles and the swelling and solubility properties at the Department of Nutrition and Food Science of the University of Ghana, Legon. The work is still in progress. 19

Effects of in vitro micropropagation and forcing on the quality of pineapple juice.

J. Nketsia-Tabiri, H. A Amoatey and A. Chvusu-Biney

Fruits of two pineapple, Ananas comosus (L)) cultivars "Smooth Cayenne" and "Sugar Loaf were investigated to determine the effects ofin-vitro micropropagation and forcing on the quality of the juice measured in terms of titratable acidity, pH, Brix-acid ratio, reducing and total sugars. Statistical analysis of the data indicated no significant difference between the quality of fruit juice from naturally propagated and tissue cultured plants. The quality of fruit juice from plants subjected to forcing was also comparable to that from plants which flowered naturally.

Determination of Quantity of Cocoa beans discarded at the Farmer's level in the Tafo District, eastern region of Ghana

Victoria Appiah

The main objective was to estimate the quantity of cocoa beans lost or discarded by farmers and the proportion lost as a result of mouldiness. This study forms part of a PhD programme being pursued.

:• J>fSCARPED COCOA BEANS

BLACK 1*00 FLAT MOULVY

Plate 3 — Discarded Cocoa Beans grouped according to various defects.

Cocoa beans discarded by twenty-four farmers from the societies in the Tafo District were collected during the major and minor cocoa seasons. For each season the beans were separated according to the various defects and each group weighed separately. In the major season the total weight of marketable beans of the 24 farmers was 9,568 kg and the total discarded was 74 kg (0.008%) as against the total weight of 3,733 kg marketable beans and 143.37 kg (0.038%) discarded in the minor season. These results suggested that the farmers lost more beans in the minor season than in the major season. The defects were caused by moulds, insects and rodents. Beans which were underdeveloped, slaty, flat, germinated or attacked by black pod disease were 20 also discarded. The relative proportions of the various defects of cocoa beans for the major and minor seasons are shown in Fig 2. During the major season, 9 out of 24 farmers discarded 1.3 kg of mouldy beans as against 20 out of 24 discarding 16 kg of mouldy beans in the minor season. Mouldy beans formed 10.48 % of discarded beans in the minor season as against 1.4% in the major season. The mouldy beans ranked 8th out of the eight defects in the major season,

50 a Major • Minor

35

30-

25

20

15 H !

10 <£7\

<£So! <&SSLil ** c s > ID "O Fla t g I 1 E: aS O Defects

Fig. 2 - Types of Damage observed on the Discarded Cocoa Beans by Farmers expressed as percentage of the total discarded Beans per Season but ranked 4th after rodent attack, black pod and insect infestation in the minor season (Fig. 2). In conclusion, the incidence of mouldy beans was greater in the minor cocoa season than in the major cocoa season hence the farmer lost more beans during the minor season than during the major season. Although mouldy beans did not account for the greatest fraction of the discarded beans, mouldiness is considered important because it could be linked to aflatoxins, which has serious health implications in finished cocoa products like chocolate and cocoa butter.

FOOD PRESERVATION BY IRRADIATION

The Department of Food Science ana1 Radiation Processing continued studies on techno- economic feasibility of food irradiation. This year the focus was on pilot scale studies on radiation preservation of yams and test marketing of irradiated yams was also carried out. Other studies on sweet potatoes, cocoa beans, kola nuts and maize were also carried out. 21

Effect of Gamma Radiation Dose and Storage Time on the Physico-chemical Properties of Maize

J.Nketsia-Tabiri, V. Appiah, K. G. Montford, A. Owusu-Biney andD. Bansa

A study has been initiated to investigate the performance of irradiated food grains in local food systems because radiation dose of 2.5 kGy has been found to induce degradation of food polymers such as polysaccharides and proteins.

The objective of this study was to use optimization design and data modelling to investigate the effect of irradiation dose (0-10 kGy) and post-irradiation storage time (0 - 24 weeks) on selected physico-chemical properties of maize. The results suggested that radiation treatment and the post-irradiation storage time do induce changes in the indices measured. Models were developed to predict milling characteristics (particle size distribution in flour), swelling power of flour and some fermentation indices (titratable acidity, reducing sugars) of dough prepared from the maize. The models suggested that radiation dose and post-irradiation storage time had linear and quadratic effects on the indices measures within the limits of the experiment. The models may be used to select combination treatments which would result in irradiated maize with acceptable behaviour with respect to the indices measured.

A proposed collaborative research to investigate the quality of food products prepared from irradiated maize is being developed in consultation with Food Research Institute, Ghana Food Distribution Corporation and Women in Agricultural Development of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. It was considered necessary to broaden the scope of the study to attract funding from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA).

The Preservation of Yam by Irradiation

D. Bansa, V. Appiah andJ. Nketsia-Tabiri

The objectives of the project were to investigate (a) storage conditions and the causes of losses in yams, (b) the use of gamma radiation to inhibit sprouting and extend the shelf-life of yams, and (c) the functionality of irradiated yams in the Ghanaian food system.

Survey on Yam Handling and Storage Practices

A survey was conducted using questionnaires and verbal interviews on the storage and handling practices of yams by farmers on the farms as well as consumers, retailers and exporters in markets in the Nkwanta Districts in the Volta Region and in Accra in the Greater Accra Region. Results indicated that the major causes of post-harvest spoilage were due to microorganisms, rodents, insect, nematodes, poor harvesting practices, dehydration, sprouting, and poor handling particularly during transportation, storage and marketing. Poor storage facilities were also found to contribute to post-harvest losses in yams.

Gamma irradiation. Storage and Sensory Evaluation of Irradiated Yams

From the results of the survey, improved storage structures were constructed in the Nkwanta District in the Volta Region of Ghana and used in subsequent studies. In the current study Five hundred (500) yam tubers were cured for 14 days and 300 yams irradiated at an average dose of 22

125 Gy, while the remaining 200 yams served as controls. 150 irradiated and 100 un-irradiated yams were arranged in the improved storage barns and stored under local conditions for 6 months. Similar numbers of irradiated and unirradiated yams were arranged on the ground and stored for six months also under local conditions. At the end of the six month storage, the numbers of sprouted and/or rotten yams were recorded and the yams were evaluated by farmers and consumers. Some local food products (fufu, boiled yam, fried yam) were prepared from the irradiated and unirradiated yams and subjected to sensory analysis.

The irradiation inhibited sprouting of the yams, reduced incidence of rotting and extended the shelf-life of the yams for six months with no adverse effect on the external appearance and eating quality of the yams. The texture of the irradiated yams were also found to be better than the unirradiated yams. Results indicated that improved storage facility and radiation treatment greatly reduced post-harvest losses and proved to be effective for long term preservation of yam. With improvement in shelf stability the irradiated yams should enjoy wider distribution in both local and export trade.

Sensory evaluation of the stored irradiated yams carried out indicated that the food made from the irradiated yams were judged superior to those from unirradiated ones in terms of colour, palatability, texture and overall acceptability.

Test Marketing of Irradiated Yams

A minimum dose of 120 Gy was selected for subsequent irradiation of yams for market trial. 5000 irradiated tubers of yams were stored for six months. Storage loss was less than 5% in the first six months, but increased to 10 - 15% after the six months. 1500 of the irradiated tubers were sold to workers and residents of the Commission, and 1440 (80%) of the people who purchased the irradiated yams returned to buy. Two groups of sellers who retailed the irradiated yams also returned to purchase more. This is an indication the food products made from the irradiated yams were judged superior to those from the unirradiated ones in terms of palatability, colour, texture and overall acceptability.

The Inhibition of Sprouting in Sweet Potatoes by Irradiation

V. Appiah, D. Bansa andK. G. Montford

A proposal on the irradiation of Sweet Potato against sprouting was accepted as part of the Root and Tuber Crop Programme by NARP. The preliminary study to determine radiation sensitivity of some varieties of sweet potato was started in November, 1995. Doses of gamma radiation applied were 50, 75 and 100 Gy. Several tubers were rotten and the majority of what was left sprouted by the end of December, 1995 regardless of the dose applied. Radiation inhibition of sprouting is effective when applied before the dormancy of the crop is broken. The tubers were brought from Crops Research Institute, Kumasi with no information on the date harvested. It is therefore possible that the dormancy period expired before irradiation thus resulting in the high level of spoilage observed. 23

FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

The potential of bacteriocins from traditional fermented foods as food preservatives

Charles Gbedemah, Alex Owusu-Biney and Rose Boatin

The objectives of the project are :- - survey of fermenting Lactobacillusplantarum in garri processing. - isolation and identification of their bacteriocins (chemical compounds produced by fermenting microorganisms) from fermented foods. These compounds are believed to have intrinsic pro- perties which could be exploited in the preservation of foods and reduce the use of environ- mentally unfriendly chemical preservatives. - determination of the characteristics of their bacteriocins. - determination of their antibacterial spectrum.

Discussions with scientists at Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research at Legon, Ghana are on-going with the view to developing collaborative research plan and protocol for the study.

Preliminary Investigations into the Bioconversion of Gamma Irradiated Agricultural Waste

Charles Gbedemah*, L. C. Sawyerr** and Mary Obodai**

* Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute, Kwabenya, Ghana * * Food Research Institute, Accra, Ghana.

This study, which is in collaboration with Food Research Institute, aims at using irradiated agricultural wastes as substrate for mushroom production. It was initiated by the establishment of a cropping house and the training of a technician in mushroom technology at the Food Research Institute.

Experiments were designed to find out whether gamma radiation could serve both as a decontaminating agent as well as a hydrolytic agent of sawdust for the bioconversion of some varieties ofPleurotus sp. Preliminary results indicated that a dose of 20 kGy of gamma radiation increased the yield of Pleurotus eons var EM-1 whilst decreasing the yield of other varieties.

Bioleaching of precious metals in Ghana with special emphasis on gold

C. M. Gbedemah, A. Owusu-Biney and Rose Boatin

The study aims at using local strains of Thiobacillus sp. for the extraction of gold from the ore with the view to minimizing the use of chemicals with negative environmental consequences. The following is the basic programme of the project. a) Isolation of local Thiobacillus spp. b) Characterisation of these microbes e.g. determination of optimum pH, temperature, grain size of substrate etc. c) Biomass production. d) Determination of the mechanism of activity. 24

Protocol has been established for the work. Preliminary survey and investigation of gold tailings collected from Ashanti Goldfields Company at Obuasi did not indicate the presence of Thiobacillus bacteria. More samples will be collected and analyzed in the coming years.

The use of Gamma Radiation for the Treatment of Drinking Water from the Densu River

C. Gbedemah, A. Owusu-Biney and R. Boatin

This project is a research contract awarded by the IAEA and is aimed at investigating the use of gamma radiation to decontaminate water from the Densu river, one of the major sources of drinking water for the city of Accra. This study is still at its initial stages.

The use of Isotopes in Human Nutrition

David Bansa

An IAEA Technical Co-operation Agreement has been approved for this study which will involve the participation of the Kintampo Health Research Centre of the Ministry of Health. One scientist and one technician from the Department of Food Science and Radiation Processing will be trained in 1996 after which the study will commence.

The Effects of Organochlorine Pesticides on Non-Target Organisms in Maize and Cowpea Agro-Ecosystem in Ghana.

Kojo G. Montford and John Apatey

This is an IAEA co-ordinated research programme entitled "The adverse effects on flora and fauna from the use of organochlorine pesticides on the African continent". The work was started in 1992 and ended in 1995.

The main objectives were - (i) to investigate the effects of the organochlorine pesticides on non- target organisms under maize and cowpea agro-ecosystems; (ii) to study the effects of the pesticides on soil micro-organisms, and (iii) to find out the effects of continued application of the pesticides on crop yield.

Methodology : In the 1994 and 1995 work, two organochlorine insecticides, lindane and endosulfan were applied to maize and cowpea crops respectively about two weeks after planting maize. Lindane was applied in a split application of 0.5 kg ai per ha at two week intervals. Endosulfan was applied at 0.75kg ai per ha 50 days after planting (DAP). The cowpea crop was sprayed on two consecutive occasions with cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid 30 and 40 DAP as part of a package for cowpea pest management recommendation. This was followed by endosulfan 50 DAP at 0/75 kg ai per ha. Pitfall traps and D-VAC (an insect-sucking machine) were used in sampling for arthropods from both the experimental crops, in small subplots marked out for sampling purposes. The D-VAC was used to sample arthropods from both crop plants and soil. The effects of the pesticides on soil micro-organism were monitored by using the rate of break down of organic matter buried in the experimental plots before the pesticide application as an index. Yield estimation was carried out by harvesting and weighing crops from 25 small subplots in the experimental plots. Result for 1994 collection, classification and counting was completed in June 1995 and the data processing has been completed while classification of the 1995 collection has also been completed and data is awaiting processing. The 1994 design was repeated in 1995.

Arthropods from Maize Plots - Pitfall trap and D-VAC collection from both crop plants and soil showed that wasp population was significantly higher in the treated plots than in the untreated plots. A similar observation was observed for leafhoppers which are maize pests. Ant population in treated plots was also significantly higher in treated plots than untreated plots. Pitfall trap collections from maize indicated that spiders were statistically decimated (P < 0.05), but D-VAC collections from both plants and soil did not show any significant differences (P > 0.05) in spider catches.

Arthropods from Cowpea Plots - Pitfall trap results show that populations Collembola sp. and ants were significantly reduced (P < 0.05 in the plots sprayed with a combination of cypermethrin and endosulfan, but plots sprayed with cypermethrin alone had significantly higher population levels of Collembola (P < 0.05). Populations of ants, Coccinellids and Collembola caught with D-VAC from cowpea plants were significantly reduced by the endosulfan treatment (P < 0.05), but spiders, wasps and staphylinids populations were not significantly affected (P > 0.05). D-VAC collection from the soil did not show any significant difference in ants, wasps and spiders populations (P > 0.05). Aphid population was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the cypermethrin-treated plots. This might imply cypermethrin could have had an adverse effect on a natural enemy of this cowpea pest.

Crop Yields and Insect Damage - In two out of the three years study, maize yields from control and treated plots were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Cowpea yields from the treated plots however were significantly higher than from the control plots (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in stem-borer damage in maize plants (P >0.05), but cowpea seed damage was significantly higher in control plots (P < 0.05).

Soil Microbial Activity - From the rates of decomposition of organic matter retrieved from soil, the insecticides did not have any adverse effects on soil micro-organisms. This trend had been observed in the two previous years. Conclusion - The results indicated that the insecticides consistently had adverse effects on Collembola sp., but most of the non-target arthropods were not negatively affected by the organochlorine pesticides directly. Maize crop yield was actually slightly higher in control plots in two years, but the two insecticides increased cowpea yields and decreased seed damage. There was no evidence to suggest that the organochlorine insecticides had any negative effects on soil microorganisms.

Kola weevil Radiation Disinfestation Studies

Kojo Gyapia Montford.

This study, which is being carried out in collaboration with Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) at Tafo, will investigate the susceptibility of kolanut weevils to gamma radiation and the suitability of the radiation technology for the disinfestation of kolanuts.

Attempts to establish a culture of the kola weevils at Kwabenya for initial investigations was not successful. The breeding work would therefore be carried out at the Tafo. A technician from 26

Kwabenya would be sent to CRIG to understudy the maintenance of the kola weevil culture. Studies on the radiation sensitivity of the kola weevil will be initiated as soon as a good culture is established.

RADIATION STERILIZATION

Radiation Sterilization of Medical Supplies

CharlesM. Gbedemah, A. Owusu-Biney, R. Boatin and Stella Nkansah

The quality control aspect of sterilization of locally produced medical products by gamma irradiation has been a continuing activity of the Food Science and Radiation Processing Department of the Institute. The research seeks to identify suitable irradiation doses for the sterilization of medical products without loss of the integrity of the products. Medical supplies being studied include intravenous devices, cotton wool, surgical gauze, sanitary pads, hypodermic needles and syringes.

Initial results of physico-chemical studies conducted on the irradiated intravenous infusions sets show that a dose of 2.5 Mrad caused a slight discoloration, but this change did not affect the quality of the irradiated products. Currently, locally produced intravenous infusion sets are being sterilized at the Commission's multipurpose gamma irradiation facility at Kwabenya on pilot scale. Dr. L. G. Gazso, an IAEA expert on Dose Setting visited the research group in March 1995 to update their skills on Dose Setting Methods.

3.2.2 DEPARTMENT OF PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES

PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MUTATION BREEDING

Research in plant breeding using in vitro culture and mutation breeding techniques is aimed at improving yield and producing mutant crop varieties of cassava, yam, plantain, banana and pineapple with improved characteristics. Mutagenesis for ACMV Resistance in a Ghanaian Cassava Cultivar, "Bosom nsia" (IAEA Research Contract No. 5415/R4)

R. K. Ahiabu, Y. Lokko andG. Y. P. Klu

Studies involving genetic improvement of cassava include mutation breeding for cultivars resistant to the African Cassava Mosaic Virus (ACMV); epidemiology of the disease in Ghana in relation to resistance or susceptibility of local cassava cultivars; and screening for embryogenic competence in some of the local varieties. This project is being sponsored by the IAEA. "Bosom nsia" is the popular six-month cassava cultivar widely cultivated along the coastal belt of Ghana. It is however, susceptible to the African Cassava Mosaic Virus (ACMV) which is estimated to cause about 20% reduction in yield. In the past five years attempts have been made at the institute to improve the resistance of this cultivar to ACMV through mutation induction. Protocols for the in-vitro culture from shoot meristem and acclimation of plantlets have been established. 27

Radiosensitivity tests on the regenerated plantlets indicated LD50 of 40 Gy and doses of 25, 30 and 35 Gy were suitable for mutagenesis. These doses were applied to in vitro grown plants, and selection was carried out in three propagations. In 1994, variants which were selected for phenotypically showing no symptoms of viral infections were sent for analysis at the Virology Department of the Scottish Crops Research Institute. Results indicated that the variants selected were tolerant to ACMV. In 1995, the desirable variants, such as those that show relative tolerance to African Cassava Mosaic Virus, were selected for further field evaluation. Unfortunately, chimerism caused most of the mutant lines to revert to susceptibility to the mosaic virus. The few tolerant variants were multiplied and chimeric branches were rogued out in order to obtain pure lines for use in replicated trials on the effect of ACMV tolerance on tuber yield and quality of the "Bosom nsia". Currently some consistent resistant pure line have been selected. The objective of this programme has therefore been achieved with the production of mutant lines of "Bosom nsia" which is resistant to the cassava mosaic virus.

During 1995 the equipment items and reagents ordered in 1994 through IAEA for virus indexing started arriving, Currently, except for the ELIS A microplate reader, all other components needed for a Triple Antibody Sandwich (TAS) ELIS A using monoclonal antibodies have arrived. It is therefore possible to index for ACMV using this test. Four variants, selected under field conditions with high viral incidence, were analyzed for virus particles with three virus indexing techniques. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) product analysis of DNA extracts from Nicotiana benthamiana test plants, inoculated with sap from the leaves of variants, confirmed the presence of virus particles in all variants. Inoculation and ELISA test suggested ACMV tolerance in selected variants.

Radiosensitivity of Cassava Seeds

Vivian Oduro

The aim of this research is to develop African Cassava Mosaic Virus (ACMV) resistant traits through Mutation Breeding. Seeds from three cassava varieties have been collected and will be subjected to various doses of gamma rays. The radiation dose which will be lethal to 50% (LD50) of the seeds will be selected and used for irradiation of cassava seeds. Hopefully some of the variants that arise might possess some resistance against ACMV. In vitro Cassava Research Capability at Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI), Ghana : Potentials and Constraints

R. K. Ahiabu1, K. E. Danso1, G Y. P. Kin1, P. Bieler2 and W. Msikita2

1. Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute(BNARI), Legon - Accra, Ghana. 2. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Cotonou, Benin.

The Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) is one of the three institutes under the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission. Its main research focus is the application of nuclear techniques to biological and agricultural research. Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is one of four vegetatively propagated crops under study to improve its genetic constitution using in vitro mutagenesis and also to clean planting material using thermotherapy and meristem culture. Genetic improvement is aimed at the selection of mutants resistant to the African Cassava Mosaic Virus (ACMV) disease which is predominant in Ghana. Somatic embryogenesis and shoot tip culture techniques coupled with mutagenetic treatments are the main methodologies being employed to select for suitable variants resistant or tolerant to ACMV. This work is being 28 sponsored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Government of Ghana. Results indicate potential for obtaining desirable mutants but so far, only tolerant variants have been selected and are being multiplied for future replicated trials to evaluate their performance. Thermotherapy and meristem culture for cleaning selected cassava cultivars and the evaluation of these in relation to ACMV-infected cuttings is another work being sponsored by the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (ETA) under the project termed "Ecologically Sustainable Cassava Plant Protection Project (ESCaPP). The IITA improved cultivars and a local cultivar are being used in this study. Weaned in vitro plantlets of these are being multiplied in a screen house for trials next year. This paper highlights the potentials of BNARI and constraints in relation to work at the institute. {This is an abstract of a published paper).

Response of Selected Ghanaian Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Cultivars to in vitro Culture.

K. E. Danso1, E. Acheampong2 &H.M. Amoatey1'

1. Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute, Legon - Accra, Ghana. 2. University of Ghana, Department of Botany, Legon -Accra, Ghana..

Five local cultivars of cassava ("Bosom nsia", "Santom", "Ankrah") were propagated in-vitro in two media, A and B using meristem, multiple shoots induction and somatic embryogenesis. Meristematic explants cultured on medium A (Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal salts and vitamins amended with 0.1 mg/1 naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 0.1mg/l GA3 and varying concentrations of benzylaminopurine (BAP) (0.0 - 0.15 mg/1) showed profuse callus formation in all the cultivars. The optimal BAP concentration for shoot proliferation was found to be 0.10 mg/1. In medium B, which had reduced NAA, GA3 (Gibberelic acid) and BA concentrations (0.02, 0.04 and 0.05 mg/1 respectively) in the MS medium, the shoot regeneration were 100% and 46% respectively in "Bosom nsia" and "Santom". Multiple shoots were produced from apical meristems of "Ankrah" and "Santom". When nodal cuttings were used as explants multiple shoots were produced in all the cultivars but the number varied with BA concentration in the MS medium. Leaf lobe explants of both greenhouse and in vitro plantlets developed embryogenic calli on MS medium amended with 0.0-16.0 mg/1 2,4-D (dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) step one induction medium. On transfer to a step two BA amended maturation medium, embryogenic calli derived from in vitro plantlets only formed matured somatic embryos. Embryo formation depended on the concentration of the auxin in the induction medium and the cassava cultivar. Somatic embryo induction was highest on MS with 16 mg/1 2,4-D. "Santom" produced the highest percentage of embryos (25%) among all the cultivars tested. Embryogenic calli which did not form somatic embryos formed foliose structures and/or roots and this also depended on the 2,4-D concentration in the induction medium.

Improvement of Pineapple, Ananas comosus, using Biotechnology and Mutation Breeding Techniques

Frederick Osei-Kofi, Yvonne Lokko, H. M. Amoatey, E. Gasu andB. Quaye

The main objectives are (a) to evaluate and modify existing methodology for in vitro propagation of pineapple, (b) to create genetic variability in pineapple ("Smooth Cayenne" and "Sugar 29

Loaf), and (c) to develop procedures for in vitro selection of materials tolerant/resistant to drought and heat.

Modifying methodology for in-vitro Propagation of Pineapple: Shoot tips from "Smooth Cayenne" and "Sugar Loaf were cultured on the following media: - Murashige and Skoog salts (1962), 3,5% sucrose, lpM/L thiamine HCL supplemented with 4 jaM/L naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and different concentration (0, 10, 15, 20 and 25 jiM/L) of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Erlermeyer flakes containing shoot tips in liquid media were put on rotary shaker at a speed of 50 revolutions per minute for in vitro buds generation. To induce rooting the above media were solidified with 0.8% Bacto-agar and supplemented with 1.50 uM/L IBA and 0.7 jaMU/L IAA (Indole Acetic acid).

Results suggested that the concentration of BAP played a significant role in the micro- propagation of "Smooth Cayenne" and "Sugar Loaf. In general, bud formation increased with the concentration of BAP and a concentration of 20 jaM/L gave the highest rates of shoots multiplication in both "Sugar Loaf and "Smooth Cayenne". BAP concentration of 25yM/L initially produced a lot of multiple buds in both cultivars but was slow in shoot proliferation. Shoots of both cultivars rooted in MS supplemented with 1.5 jaM/L IBA (Indobutyric acid) and 0.75 ]jM/L IAA. In conclusion, there is an improvement of methodology for in vitro propagation of pineapple. Concentration of 20jaM/L BAP will now be adopted for micropropagation work in pineapple instead of \0\xMIL.

Creating Genetic variability in Pineapple : Shoot tips from in vitro buds were acutely irradiated with doses 15 - 100 Gy from a Co60 gamma source. Irradiated materials were transferred into expansion medium of Murashige and Skoog salt, 3.5% sucrose supplemented with 10 liM/L BAP and 0.8% Bacto-agar for 3-4 weeks and later to liquid medium. Radiation responses was evaluated in terms of explants survival, fresh weight and shoot proliferation every 4 weeks. Results of radio-sensitivity tests for both "Smooth Cayenne" and "Sugar Loaf show that gamma radiation doses above 80 Gy were lethal to the explants, while LD50 was found to be ca 45 - 60 Gy.

Induction of Drought and Heat Resistance in Pineapple cuitivars

Yvonne Lokko, H. M. Amoatey, E. Gasu andB. Quaye

The objective of the project is to breed for resistance to heat and drought in the pineapple cultivar "Smooth Cayenne". Radiation sensitivity test carried out suggested that irradiation dose within the range 45 - 60 Gy using gamma rays may be useful in inducing mutations that will lead to selection of pineapple genotypes tolerant to heat and drought.

To increase the efficiency of mutation breeding in pineapple, tissue culture studies were undertaken. Callus tissue from crown sections of the pineapple were irradiated with different doses of gamma radiation ranging from 5 to 50 Gy. These tissues were sub-cultured in fresh Murashige and Skoog's medium for cell regeneration. Calli irradiated with 20 Gy produced the most number of plantlets and vigorous growth. 30

Plate 4 - A Technician checking the Tissue Cultured Plants in the Growth Room for Microbial Contamination 31

A total of 200 explants from suckers of "Sugar Loaf pineapples after surface sterilization were excised and placed in liquid shoot proliferation medium. After 2 days expanded explants were irradiated with 40 Gy gamma radiation and immediately transferred into fresh medium. After two micro-propagation cycles the plantlets generated were transferred to the green house and weaned in the heat chamber green-house. A second batch of 200 explants has been irradiated and are currently in culture.

Plantlets generated from irradiated explants were transferred to the greenhouse for selection. Prior to planting in soil, plantlets where gently washed in water to remove all traces of agar on the roots and then planted in soil-filled polythene bags. The potted plantlets were then placed in a heat chamber (day temperatures 45 °C and night temperature 40 °C) and watered with 6.6 ml Raizal solution for two weeks and subsequently with water. Generally, the temperature in the heat chamber was favourable for the acclimatization of the plantlets derived from all treatments. Plantlets weaned under the higher temperature conditions grew faster than those weaned under conventional methods (22 °C humidity chamber for 2-3 months; 23 °C cold room for 4 - 6 weeks; and in plant barn for 4 - 6 weeks). After 5 months, the weaned plants were transferred directly to field (September 1996, at the end of the rainy season) and were irrigated once weekly to mimic drought conditions for further selection and evaluations.

The establishment of plants to the drought conditions on the field was more successful in the "Sugar Loaf variety than in the "Smooth Cayenne" variant. Generally, there was a higher irate of survival in plants from controls experiments (i.e. 0 Gy) than in plants from irradiated explants for both varieties. The observations from these experiments suggest that (i) pineapple plantlets can grow at temperatures up to 45 °C and that gamma radiation dose of 20 Gy did not affect their ability to do so, and (ii) gamma radiation has an adverse effect on the natural ability of pineapple plants to survive drought.

Induction of Erect Growth habit in Climbing plants, Yams through Mutagenesis

G. Y. P. Klu andK. E. Danso

Laboratory protocols for micropropagation of several cultivars of white yam have been established. Optimum conditions for using ordinary loamy soil (unsterilized) as medium for weaning plantlets after the laboratory stage have also been worked out. However, efforts at induction of erect growth habit in the white yam, Dioscorea sp. through mutagenesis (both in vivo and in vitro) have not yielded the desired results yet. Meanwhile, equipment expected from the IAEA to allow testing for poly viruses in yam and estimating ploidy level and DNA content in yam arrived by the end of 1996 and those aspects of the project had started and results are found elsewhere in this report.

Callus induction and Organogenesis in leaf and petiole explants of yam.

Yvonne Lokko.

The objectives of this study were to initiate embryogenic callus and to induce regeneration of somatic embryos or whole plants from these. This could then serve as a means for mutation induction and other biotechnological means to create genetic variability in the crop. 32

Callus was induced in young leaves and petiole explants placed on medium supplemented with varying concentrations of 2,4-D. The most conducive concentration for callus induction was determined in terms of number or weeks for callus production and type of callus. After 4-6 weeks the calli were transferred to varying concentrations of cytokinins and their development observed.

The results indicated that generally, lower concentration of 2, 4-D and induction in light was conducive for callus induction. Organogenesis was initiated in yellowish embryogenic callus. Shoot formation was inhibited and roots were formed when callus was transferred to medium supplemented with cytokinins.

Plate 5 - ACMV-free Cassava Cultivar in the Field being Evaluated for Re-infection 33

Indirect ELISA test for Poty viruses in yam

Yvonne Lokko.

The objectives were to learn the technique of virus indexing and to determine if yam clones being studied were virus free.

Leaf extracts from either in vivo or in vitro plants of the yam cultivars were used in the study. Leaves were excised from the upper, middle of lower portions of in vivo plants and from in vitro leaves six weeks after the last subculture.

No poty viruses were detected in the in vitro or in vivo plants of clones 131 or 205. However in vitro plants of clones 608 had significant concentrations of poty viruses. Usually IITA produces disease free material from meristem culture. However, when these are sent to the field they could get re-infected. Some of the material used had been initiated from tubers whiles other had been from in vitro plantlets. The results indicated that some of the materials used in the studies were not disease free.

Ploidy level and DNA content of yam.

Yvonne Lokko

The DNA content and ploidy level of different clones of D. rotundata were detected using flow cytometry. The results indicated that clones 205 and 608 were standard diploids (2n) whiles 131 appeared to be a mixoploid (2n + 4n). Compared with a model plant soybean, yam appeared to have a large DNA content of about 3.33 pg.

In vitro Mutation Induction in Food Yams using Gamma Irradiation, Fast Neutron and Chemical Mutagenesis

Yvonne Lokko

The objectives of this study was to determine the optimal doses of ionizing radiation and chemical mutagens for in vitro mutation induction in yams for the genetic improvement of the crop.

A total of 100 in vitro nodal cuttings of a local yam cultivar, "Puna" were irradiated with 10, 20, 30 and 40 Gy of gamma radiation from the CO60 Source. They were propagated in vitro through four micropropagation cycles to the M1V4.

In vitro nodal cuttings of three IITA yam clones, IITA Tdr 131, 205 and 608, were treated with varying doses of Gamma Irradiation, Fast Neutron and Chemical mutagen. Gamma radiation was applied either as acute, where explants were treated to doses of 0 Gy to 90 Gy at one exposure or as split, where explants were treated to a third of the total dose of 30, 60 and 90 Gy over three weeks. Radiation from fast neutrons was given at doses from 0-5 Gy. The chemical mutagen, ethylmethane sulphonate (EMS) was used in chemo-sensitivity studies. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at 2% strength was incorporated in the reaction mix to facilitate EMS uptake. Explants 34

were treated to varying concentration for either 2.5 h or 5 h. The LD 50 was determined in each radio-sensitivity and chemo-sensitivity study.

In the acute irradiation studies, the LD50 for the gamma radiation was estimated to be 40 Gy, while the LD50 for the fast neutron was 4 Gy. For the split irradiation study, there was a 60 % survival of plantlets from explants treated with 60 Gy. In the chemo-sensitivity studies there was a 60% survival of plantlets from explants treated with 1.0 % EMS for 2.5h, whiles those treated for 5 h died. The LD50 for plants treated for 5 h was estimated to be 0. 20% EMS.

The conclusions that can be drawn from these studies are (i) relatively higher doses of gamma irradiation can be applied to in vitro yam plants to increase the chance of creating genetic variability of split irradiation, (ii) Fast neutrons can also be used as an alternative to irradiation from a 60Co source, (iii) For EMS application, lower doses treated for longer periods is more suitable for the penetration of the mutagen. However, further studies to compare the mutation rates of the two treatments need to be done to support this preliminary observation.

Improving the Tuber Size of Tissue Cultured Yam, Dioscorea sp.

K. E. Danso, Y. Lokko, H. M. Amoatey, Theophilous Steiner and Marcus Onaynor-Addy

This project aims at enhancing the survival rate and improving the size of tissue cultured yam plantlets. The first phase which involved increasing the survival rate of in vitro regenerated yam plantlets had been completed. The results showed that yam plantlets can successfully be weaned in an ordinary top soil with higher survival rate than perlite which is an imported substrate. Survival rate was however found to be dependent on the cultivars tested. The results further indicated that IITA improved yam cultivars had higher survival rate than the Ghanaian cultivars. The second phase of the project involved improving the tuber size of the surviving yam plantlets. About 900 yam plantlets comprising two Ghanaian cultivars and three IITA improved cultivars were generated on MS medium supplemented with 20g/l sucrose. These plantlets were hardened on the following substrates: a. Soil (Control) b. Soil + Cow dung (1:1) c. Soil + Cow dung (1:2) d. Soil + NPK e. Soil + Sulphate of ammonia.

The effect of these substrates on tuber size is yet to be analysed.

Investigations into the Optimum Size of Seed Yams for the Production of Ware Yam

H. M. Amoatey

The development of micro-tubers of yam in vitro for production of seed yams continued in 1995 and 1996. The research work centered around manipulation of in vitro, nursery and field conditions for the maximization of the production of seed yam. Laboratory protocols for micropropagation of several cultivars of white yam have been established. Optimum conditions for using ordinary loamy soil (unsterilized) as medium for weaning plantlets after the laboratory stage have also been worked out and micro-tubers have been generated from nodal cuttings of yams. Field planting conditions 35 will, however, need further agronomic investigations to improve tuber size. The on-going research aims at increasing the size of the micro-tubers in order to enhance seed yam production.

Three local cultivars of Dioscorea rotundata ("Punjo", "Asana" and "Kablete") and a single local cultivar of Dioscorea alata ("Afase") were used for determining the optimum size of seed yams for ware yam production and the varietal responses to size of yams used for the production. For each cultivar, seed materials were categorized into six weight classes (in grams) as follows : 100 - 199, 200 - 299, 300 - 399,400 - 499, 500 - 599 and 600 - 699. These were planted in the field at one seed per mound in a replicated experiment using the randomized complete block design and staked. The plots were weeded thrice per year to control weeds. Ware yams were harvested after nine months when all vegetative materials had become senescent. Records were taken on weight and number of tubers harvested per mound.

Preliminary results indicate that optimum size of seed yam for ware yam production differed among the cultivars. These were "Afase": 200-300 g; "Punjo": 300 - 499; "Asana": 300 - 499 g and "Kablete": 500 - 599 g. Statistically significant variations were observed among the weight classes with respect to size of ware yam produced. Using the same size seed yam, the variety "Asana" produced significantly heavier ware yams than "Punjo". The heaviest ware yams (mean = 2.08 kg) were produced by the heaviest seed yams (600 - 699 g). Using proportions, 200 - 399 g seed yams produced ware yams with a mean weight of 1.3 kg giving a multiplication ratio of 443:1 compared to 30:1 and 2:1 for the 400 - 599 and 600 - 699 g. The optimum seed size observed from this study is the 200 - 300 g class as this gave the highest multiplication rate under the prevailing conditions. The "Kablete" produced multiple tubers per mound, but of lower weight than the other cultivars.

DNA finger printing in Musa spp

Yvonne Lokko

The objectives were to learn the technique of DNA finger printing using probes and the RAPD technique, and to determine DNA polymorphism existing in different banana cultivars based on their genome types (i.e. A or B genome).

Oligonucleotide fingerprinting and RAPD fingerprinting were used to study polymorphism in different banana cultivars. High molecular weight DNA isolated from leaves was used in the studies. In the oligonucleotide study, 0.3mg DNA was digested with 1 unit of enzyme. After separation on an agarose gel, the DNA fragments were either transferred to a nylon membrane and hybridized to arbitrary oligonucleotide primer, labelled with 32P, or the DNA was hybridised on dry gels. In the RAPD analysis the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to generate arbitrary genomic fragments of the different Musa spp.

When separated on an agarose gel the PCR products illustrated the polymorphism existing in some of the cultivars. Some bands were A and others B specific. Unfortunately the oligonucleotide methods could not give a good analysis of the polymorphism. This was due to some problems encountered with the probes. In conclusion, RAPD fingerprinting provided an effective means of determining genetic variability in plants. 36

Induction and Breeding for Resistance against Black Sigatoka Disease of Local Plantains and Banana varieties using in vitro mutagenesis

H. M. Amoatey, G. Tor to and W. K. Gyamerah

In November 1995, a research contract with IAEA was won to start a mutation breeding work towards the induction of resistance to the Black Sigatoka disease in local plantain varieties.

A radiosensitivity test was conducted using gamma rays to determine an effective dose for irradiating in vitro cultures of shoot tips of "Grand naine" banana towards breeding for resistance against Black Sigatoka disease. Doses used were 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 Gy. After irradiation the shoot tips were cultured in both liquid and solid MS media supplemented with phytohormones and cultured in a controlled room at 25 °C and light intensity of 3,500 lux. Whereas doses of 10 and 20 Gy caused no visible changes in weight or proliferation rate of shoot tips, doses above 40 Gy resulted in severe stunting and blackening of tissues. GR50 was estimated to be 30 Gy. This dose was therefore chosen for subsequent irradiation of shoot tips for mass propagation (up to 3000 plantlets) and selected against the Black Sigatoka disease.

In addition, micropropagation of planting materials of plantain and banana were undertaken. The plantlets were distributed to a number of institutions including Grains and Legumes Development Board and a team of researchers working in the Plantain Programme under the National Agricultural Research Project (NARP). Production of these planting materials will be increased in the coming year and the project will be in full production for distribution to farmers when the Tissue Culture Laboratory under construction is completed.

Improvement of Sweet Potato using Biotechnology and Mutation Breeding Techniques.

Frederick Osei-Kofi

The main objectives are (a) to develop procedures for mass propagation of various genotypes of Sweet potato, and (b) to develop procedures for hardening in vitro plantlets.

Four cultivars of Sweet potato (91/62, 21/62, 91/93 and 82/125) were cultured. Vines containing at least one node were cultured on media containing Murashinge and Skoog Salt, 30g/L sucrose, 8g/L agar and 0 \xM, ljiM, 3]aM or 5]jM/L of BAP. The pH was adjusted to 5.7 and the Sweet Potato plantlets were hardened using soil, soil and sand mixture and sand as media. They were watered with NPK and Raizal 400.

Media which did not contain BAP gave the best results. In general, the higher the concentration of BAP, the more the callus formation. The first batch of in vitro plantlets of Sweet potato are undergoing hardening in the greenhouse. 37

INCREASED CROP PRODUCTION THROUGH MICROPROPAGATION AND 1N-VITRO CULTURE TECHNIQUES

Evaluation of the Performance of virus-free Planting Material in Yam compared with Conventional Setts (NAR3* RC No. PY/YA/PM/01)

Yvonne Lokko

Meristem culture was initiated in yam cv. Puna. After sprouting, yam vines were grown in a heat chamber at temperature of 35 - 40 °C for at least two weeks. Terminal buds were sterilized by washing under running water, surface sterilizing in 70% (v/v) ethanol for 5 min., followed by 5% filter sterilized calcium hypochlorite containing a few drops of Tween 20 for 20 minutes and then rinsed three times in sterile distilled water.

Meristem with one of two leaf primodia were placed on full strength MS basal medium supplemented with 3 % sucrose, 80 mg/1 Adenine sulphate, 0.04 mg/1 GA, 0.15 mg/1 BAP and 0.2 mg/1 NAA (after Ng. 1986) and incubated at 26 - 29 °C and 5,000 lux light intensity.

Virus-free and certified cultures of some yam cultivars from IITA were initiated and maintained in culture to produce clean mini-tubers for evaluation.

Evaluation of Strategies for Clean Planting Material Production in Ghana With emphasis on ACMV

R. K. Ahiabu

The objective is to evaluate the performance of four cassava cultivars infected with ACMV at three levels i.e. Disease-free (DF), infected (IN) and virus-free (VF) materials at different agro- ecological zones in Ghana.

Current Status: Field trials have been implemented in four locations in the country with DF and IN materials. Two sets of data have been recorded based on the ESCaPP disease scoring system. These recordings were taken at two months intervals. It was not possible to include VF materials in thess trials as there were difficulties in the regeneration of the three IITA improved cultivars from meristem culture using ,our established in vitro protocol for our local cassava cultivar. Protocols have now been established for all the IITA cultivars and enough in vitro materials have been generated for two of the IITA cultivars and our local one which are currently being weaned for planting in a screen house which was built from ESCaPP funds. These materials will be used in subsequent trials and would be useful in determining the exact effect of ACMV on yield which is still a controversial issue.

Recommendation: Dr. Thresh of the National Resources Institute of the United Kingdom visited two sites of the trials. He recommended a scoring system indicating a whitefly transmission or cutting infection as the ESCaPP system does not provide information on the epidemiology of ACMV in Ghana. Preliminary observations made using his system clearly indicated that spread of the virus is probably due to the use of infected planting materials as there was little evidence to support spread by the vector. This system is effective during the early stages of growth and would recommend the use of this system in future trials vis-a-vis the ESCaPP system for effective and meaningful interpretation of the epidemiology of ACMV in Ghana. 38

ACMV-free in-vitro Production of Cassava Planting Material

Ralph Ahiabu

The objective of this study is to investigate the reported reduction in yield of cassava as a result of attack from ACMV. To the best of our knowledge, available estimated yield losses due to this virus is yet to be scientifically substantiated. This work which started in 1994 with the signing of the collaborative research agreement between BNARI and ETTA (through ESCaPP) continued in 1995 with the production of virus-free cassava plantlets of four elite cultivars in vitro using meristem culture coupled with thermo-therapy. Further multiplication in the field was done in a screen house in 1996 to serve as experimental material for carrying out the objective stated above.

The Epidemiology of ACMV in Ghana in Relation to Resistance or Susceptibility of Local Cassava Cultivars (IITA-ESCaPP Research Project)

R. K. A. Ahiabu, W. Msikita (IITA) andE. Dinku

Thermo-therapy and meristem culture for cleaning selected cassava cultivars and the evaluation of these in relation to ACMV-infected cuttings is being sponsored by the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) under the project termed "Ecologically Sustainable Cassava Plant Protection Project (ESCaPP). The IITA improved cultivars and a local cultivar are being used in this study. Weaned in vitro plantlets of these are being multiplied in a screen house for trials next year.

Results of multi-locational trials conducted during 1995 and 1996 were taken and analyzed. These were trials conducted in four agroecological zones to assess the effect of ACMV infection in disease-free and ACMV-infected cuttings of four cultivars. A second trial using cuttings of the 1995 trial at Kwabenya was established on-station to further evaluate the quality and performance in relation the first trial at the same location. A field trial to evaluate 54 cultivars collected during 1995 was also established to assess their performance in terms of yield and general disease susceptibility. Disease scores for ACMV, anthracnosis and leaf spots were also taken during the period. Studies on the cooking and eating characteristics of these cultivars would be done by Food Scientists and Technologists in the Department of Food Science and Radiation Processing in the Institute.

Screening for Embryogenic Competence in Some Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Cultivars in Ghana

K. E. Danso andR. K. Ahiabu

The Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) has 55 different cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivars of diverse morphological and agronomic trails. Genetic manipulation of these cultivars to produce pest and disease resistant genotypes cannot be achieved through conventional breeding but possible through novel biotechnological methods. To achieve this an efficient regeneration system is a necessary pre-requisite. Somatic 39

embryogenesis thus far ha; been considered as efficient regeneration system. It can also lend itself to genetic manipulation of the crop.

This project therefore aim:.- at producing disease-free planting materials of cassava via somatic embryogenesis. The somatic embryos will serve as basis for improvement of the crop through the use of induced mutation or molecular biology technique. Investigation during the period focussed on the embryogemc competence of some local cultivars as a faster method of regenerating healthy planting material /// vitro compared with the multiple shoot culture. Somatic embryos have a developmental programme to grow into complete plants without mechanical isolation and separate shooting and rocing steps which make the earlier technique labour intensive. Five cultivars were screened for their embryogenic competence on Murashighe and Skoog (MS) (1992) basal salts supplemented with 16 mg/1 2, 4-D using lead lobe explants. Results indicate that all the cultivars are embryogenically competent as they all formed embryogenic calli. Maturation of globular embryos into cotyledonary stage was however very low. There was also profuse production of foliose structures indicating the embryogenic competence of the cultivairs. Investigations into embryogenic efficiency are still in progress.

Micropropagation of UST Mutant Cassava

K. E. Danso, Vivian Oduro and T. Steiner

A mutant cassava called ISU-White (Tek bankye) was obtained from University of Science and Technology (UST), Kumasi. The Department of Plant and Soil Science of BNARI had been asked by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to multiply this mutant using in vitro techniques and to distribute the plantlets in the West Africa sub-region.The techniques employed include shoot tip culture, meristem culture and nodal cuttings. Different media formulations were tested in order to identify the most suitable for the growth and subsequent regeneration of the various explant into cassava plantlets. Preliminary observations indicated that an MS medium supplemented with 20 g/1 sucrose, O.15mg/1BA, 0.02 mg/lNAA and 0.04 mg/1 GA3 is suitable for regeneration of this mutant from apical meristems.

Agronomic Evaluation of Tissue Culture plantlets of Two Pineapple Cultivars

H. M. Amoatey, F. Osei-Kofi, E. Gasn andB. Quaye

The main objectives are (a) to study the agronomic characteristics of field grown pineapple plantlets regenerated from in-vitro culture, (b) to compare their agronomic characteristics with those obtained through natural propagation, and (c) to make recommendation regarding the use of in vitro regenerated plantlets in pineapple cultivation in Ghana.

Two cultivars of pineapple namely "Smooth Cayenne" and "Sugar Loaf were cultured in vitro to produce propagules. The performance of these were evaluated on the field alongside naturally produced suckers in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Parameters evaluated were number of days to flowering, number of days to fruit maturity, fruit weight, fruit girth and number of suckers at harvest. Forcing through artificial induction of flowering aimed at shortening the maturity period of the crop was not effective because the technique was applied too late. 40

Within each of the two cultivars, "Smooth Cayenne" and "Sugar Loaf, there were no significant differences between the in vitro regenerated plants and naturally produced suckers with respect to (a) number of months to 50% maturity, (b) fruit weight, (c) fruit length, and (d) fruit girth. Between the two varieties "Sugar Loaf fruited earlier than "Smooth Cayenne", but the "Smooth Cayenne" produced heavier and larger fruits than "Sugar Loaf. However, there were no significant differences between in vitro plants and naturally produced suckers with respect to the number of months to 50% maturity, and the fruit length. The use of in vitro plants for establishing pineapple plantations is therefore recommended.

Micropropagation of pineapples in support of NARP Pineapple Project

Yvonne Lokko and H. M. Amoatey

Laboratory protocols for the production of pineapple plantlets were established two years earlier. Two cultivars of pineapple namely, "Smooth Cayenne" and "Sugar loaf were then cultured in vitro to produce planting materials. The field performance of these planting materials were evaluated along naturally produced suckers. Results indicate that the cultured planting materials can be used for establishing pineapple plantations.

Efforts were made to produce planting materials of the two main cultivars of pineapple currently grown in the country ("Smooth Cayenne" & "Sugar Loaf) for submission to the NARP Pineapple Research team to be incorporated into their multi-locational trials. But this work could not be done because funds expected from the project coordinator to enable the Department of Plant and Soil Science to produce plantlets in large numbers were not received from the NARP Pineapple Programme Coordinator. Consequently, plantlets of five cultivars produced were sent to the IAEA Agricultural Biotechnology Laboratory in Seibersdorf for DNA Flow Cytometric Analysis to establish the genetic identity of these cultivars.

Qn-Farm Trial of in vitro Regenerated Propagules of Banana, Musa spp.

H. M. Amoatey

Propagules of four Musa sp. regenerated from in-vitro culture were planted on-farm for agronomic evaluation on the Volta River Estate Limited (a private commercial banana plantation). A randomized complete block design was used with propagules planted at a density of 2185 plants/hectare using double rows. The experiment was replicated four times. Results of this experiment would be available for analysis late 1997.

Micropropagation of planting materials of local Plantain and Banana varieties

H. M. Amoatey, G. Tor to and W. K. Gyamerah

Micropropagation of planting materials of plantain and banana were undertaken. The plantlets were distributed to a number of institutions including Grains and Legumes Development Board and a team of researchers working in the Plantain Programme under the National Agricultural Research Project (NARP). Production of these planting materials will be increased in the coming year and the 41 project will be in full production for distribution to farmers when the Tissue Culture Laboratory under construction is completed.

Plate 6 - Tissue-cultured Cassava Plants in the BNARI Research Farm

Maintenance and propagation of Yam, Dioscorea rotundata plants in vitro.

Yvonne Lokko

Some IITA cultivars of white yams, D. rotundata plants (IITA TDr 131, 205 and 608) were propagated and maintained in vitro and used in the studies outlined below. The cultivars were either propagated in conventional micro-propagation vessels e. g. test tubes and GA7 vessels, or disposable vessels, the Watson modules. The performance of plants grown in either the Watson modules or GA7 vessels was similar.

Other local and IITA cultivars, not used in these studies were also propagated and maintained in vitro. Studies were carried out using ceramic sterile tiles for propagation to cut the cost of using disposable petri dishes. It was noted that a sterile tile, swabbed with sterile cotton wool and alcohol could replace the use of sterile petri dishes. This is cheap and requires less cleaning up after each subculture. 42

3.2.3 DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE

INSECT PESTS AND VECTORS CONTROL USING GENETIC METHODS

Laboratory rearing of Tsetse flies and related Researches to Improve the Sterile Insect Techniques for Control of Riverine Tsetse Flies in Ghana.

DelphinaA. Adabie-Gomez, C. E. Annoh, E. A. Ewusie, C. A. Asante, A. Nkumsah, F. Abruquah andR. Aballey

This pilot-scale study ultimately aims at controlling two riverine tsetseflies, Glossina palpalis palpalis and Glossina tachinoides, in the northern sector of Ghana using environmentally-safe genetic method called the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT).

Adult colonies of Glossina palpalis palpalis and Glossina tachinoides, were maintained in-vitro at 15,000 and 10,000 respectively throughout 1995 on mixed diet of 75% bovine and 25% porcine blood in the insectaries of the Department of Animal Science as stock cultures. Long periods of electricity failure in the second half of the year caused drastic changes in the rearing conditions and sharp decline in fly populations. Technical problems which made the gamma irradiator non-functional also affected the supply of good quality blood and led to high mortality due to starvation and microbial infections.

The routine maintenance of laboratory colonies of two species of tsetse flies using in vitro feeding technique progressed satisfactorily in 1996. Efforts were made to collect blood from the newly established modern slaughtering house at Kpong farms at Akuse. Although the conditions are acceptable for the collection of large quantity of more hygienic bovine and porcine blood from that facility, slaughtering is not regular making it impossible to stockpile good quantity of quality blood over a long period of time. Blood was therefore collected from a less hygienic abbatoir at James Town and this has resulted in high mortality and low reproductive performance.

Capability of Glossina tachinoides to mate and inseminate female flies in different mating ratios.

C. E. Annoh', H. F. Bar nor2, D. Luger2 andD. A Adabie-Gomez1

1. DAS/BNARI/GAEC, Legon-Accra, Ghana. 2. Entomology Unit, IAEA Laboratories, Seibersdorf, Austria. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the capability of Glossina tachinoides Westwood males to transfer sufficient sperms to the females when mated in different sex ratios. Matured flies from the tsetse colony in Seibersdorf Laboratory, Austria were used in this study. Male and female flies were mated in different ratios of female to male of 1:1; 2:1; 3: 1 and 5:1 in separate fly holding cages. All flies were kept under laboratory conditions of temperature 25 ± 1°C and 85 ± 10 % relative humidity respectively. They were fed in-vitro on defibrinated mixed blood diet composed of 75% bovine and 25% porcine blood. 43

Percentage insemination of female spermathecae was 76% for 5:1 and 100% for 1:1 ratios. The difference is statistically significant (P < 0.05). For 2:1 and 3:1 mating ratios, percentage insemination were 92.5% and 80.6% respectively. This difference is however not significant (P > 0.05), All female flies mated with re-used male flies had mating scars on their lower abdomen and the spermathecae were fully inseminated (100%). In conclusion, matured Glossina tachinoides males would mate and inseminate matured females at female to male ratio of 3:1 and 5:1 and such males could be used to re-mate more than two times without loss of inseminating ability, if allowed rest periods between matings.

Plate 7 - Tsetse Rearing Insectary showing Adult Flies in Cages on the Holding Trolleys

Decontamination of Blood using Gamma Radiation

D. A. Adabie-Gomez, C. E. Annoh, EA.Ewusie, C. A. Asante and A. Nkumsah

In 1994, a preliminary investigation on the possible decontamination of large batches of blood irradiated at a distance of 30 cm from the core of the gamma source indicated that irradiation at that distance did not meet the hygienic standard required. Work was initiated in 1995 to determine suitable irradiation dose, exposure time and distance from the source for effective decontamination of blood currently used for in-vitro feeding of tsetse flies. Such sterilized blood will in future be used for rearing other blood sucking insects such as Anopheles mosquitoes that would be studied. Only blood batches given doses of 1.2, 1.5 and 1.8 kGy at dose rate of 1.03 kGy/hr at a distance of 50 cm were evaluated in 1995. Irradiation at other distances was done in 1996. 44

Plate 8 - Tsetse flies in cages feeding on blood in trays through a silicone membrane

Determination of appropriate distance from the New Gamma Irradiation Source to obtain a maximum dose of 120 Gy for radio-sterilization of Glossina palpalis palpalis and G. tachinoides male flies.

C. E. AnnohandD.A. Adabie-Gomez, BNARI and Emi-Reynolds, G., NNRI

Studies were initiated to determine the suitability of the radiation dose for mass sterilization of the male tsetse flies using that multipurpose irradiator. Thirty 7-8 day old male flies of the two tsetse species, Glossina palpalis palpalis and G. tachinoides, were exposed to 120 Gy gamma radiation from Cobalt-60 source at varying distance of 30 - 200 cm from the core and mated with 2-3 days old untreated virgin females in a 1:1 sex ratio. Results of their reproductive performance indicated that irrespective of distance investigated the treated flies did not show significant differences in mating competitiveness and longevity compared with untreated flies. However, the female flies mated with the irradiated males treated at distances between 30 and 70 cm had over 95% of dead embryonated eggs aborted and produced fewer numbers of puparia (2- 16% of total puparia produced by untreated flies) than those treated at horizontal distances 80 and 200 cm. It appeared that the appropriate distance for achieving sterilization using 120 Gy is between 30 and 70 cm. 45

Radiosterilization Effects on Adult Males of Glossina tachinoides Westwood (Diptera: Glossinidae) exposed to dose of 130, 150, and 160 Gy from a Gamma Irradiation Facility in Ghana

C. E. Annoh and D. A.. Adabie-Gomez,DAS/BNARI/GAEC; I. Ennison and G. Emi-Reynolds, RTC/NNRI/GAEC.

The main objective is to determine a suitable dose of gamma radiation for effective induction of sterility in adult G. tachinoides males. Effect of gamma radiation doses of 130, 150 and 160 Gy in air from distances of 50 and 70 cm from the source was investigated. Laboratory-reared male flies of seven to eight days old were irradiated at horizontal distances of 50 cm and 70 cm respectively from a multi-purpose Gamma Irradiation Facility (capacity 0.5 MCi) at a dose rate of 1122 Gy/hr. After irradiation, the treated males were mated with 2-3 days old virgin females in a 1:1 ratio. The reproductive performance of the mated females was observed for a period of 45 days (post-mated). All the untreated, female flies mated with irradiated males at the different doses and the two distances extruded large numbers of aborted eggs which were in the process of embryogenesis as compared to only one aborted egg produced by females mated with non- irradiated mated males (control). They also produced very few viable pupae (range =1-9) while the control flies produced a total of 103 viable puparia. Fertility rate was reduced to 5% and 0.7% at doses of 150 Gy and 160 Gy respectively given at 50 cm from the source of irradiation. In conclusion, gamma radiation dose of 160 Gy given at a distance of 50 cm from the gamma source achieved greater than 95% sterility needed for mass sterilization of males of Glossina tachinoides.

Laboratory Study on the Stability of Different Colours of Acrylic oil paint and Day-glo Fluorescent powder used in Marking Tsetseflies for Ecological and Population Dynamics Studies

D. A. Adabie-Gomez, E. A. Ewusie and C. A. Asante

For distribution, dispersal and apparent survival studies on sterile flies used in any Sterile Insect Technique Control Programme, there is a need for a stable marking technique to distinguish between the flies of the natural population and released sterile flies. This study was therefore carried out to determine how long two different markers of three different colours (red, blue and yellow) stayed on the insects; whether or not they had any harmful effect on their mating behaviour, longevity or reproductive performance, and which of the markers and colours were more effective in marking flies. The two type of markers used were acrylic oil paint and day-glo fluorescent dust powder.

For marking with the fluorescent dyes, batches of fifteen puparia each were covered with a 1 cm layer of oven-sterilized sand containing a particular coloured dye and the adults which emerged through the sand picked up the dye in their ptilinum. In the case of the oil paint, the pronoturn of fifteen adult flies each were dotted with acrylic paint of a particular colour. All marked flies were mated with unmarked flies of the opposite sex in a 1:1 ratio and their survival and reproductive performance (survival, pupal production and pupal weights) and stability of the markers monitored for 110 days post-mating in the insectary under conditions of 27 °C and 85% relative humidity and natural photoperiod. Experiments were duplicated for each marker and 46 colour. The fluorescent dyes were detected by viewing squashed heads of dead flies under short wavelength UV light. Under the laboratory conditions, the different coloured acrylic oil paint and fluorescent markers did not appear to increase mortality, cause modification of behaviour, or have adverse effect on survival/longevity or had any apparent effect on viability of puparia produced. The fluorescent dyes were more effective as markers and probably persist throughout the life of the insect because dusted flies of both sexes retained their markers up to the 110 days when the experiment was terminated. The acrylic paints, on the other hand, were only clearly visible up to 90 days after marking. Of all the colours used the yellow acrylic paint was the better colour because it was clearly visible against the brown background colour of the flies.

Socio-economic Study on Constraints to Livestock Production in the Savelugu-Nanton District of Northern Ghana

D. A. Adabie-Gomez andE. A. Ewusie

Socio-economic studies and surveys were started in 1995 to collect relevant data on crops and livestock production constraints and the needs of the farmers in the selected tsetse-infested areas and on the tsetse population dynamics needed for planning the tsetse control operation using the sterile insect technique. Preliminary survey was carried out in December 1996 to identify village communities to be studied in detail; to identify interpreters for each community; and to collect some information for the modification of the questionnaire (previously used by the Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Control Unit of VSD/MOFA at Pong-Tamale area) to be used for groups discussions and individual interviews. The methodology and questionnaires are being developed for testing prior to launching the field work in 1997. The information was used for assessing level of community participation in the proposed tsetse control.

Monitoring Natural Population of Tsetse Flies and Impact Assessment of Tsetse Control Project in the Savelegu-Nanton District, Northern Region of Ghana.

D. A. Adabie-Gomez, C. E. Annoh and A.Nkumsah

Field trips to Northern Ghana to monitor natural population in target areas prior to release of sterilized flies was started in 1995 but had to be suspended owing to financial and technical reasons. Training of field personnel and participating farmers in both social and technical skills to ensure the sustainability of the tsetse control programme has also been delayed due to logistics problems.The data collected in the socio-economic study will be used in combination with tsetse population dynamics data (when collected) for planning fly releases and to assess the impact of the insecticide-impregnated screens and targets and sterile male releases on the tsetse population and trypanosomiasis incidence in the target area.

However, the laboratory study on the stability of fluorescent dust and acrylic paints to be used in marking flies for dispersal and survival studies in the field has been completed. Results are presented elsewhere in this report. 47

Survival and Dispersal Studies on Laboratory-reared male Tsetse flies in the Field

D. A. Adabie-Gomez, C. E. Annoh, and A. Nkumsah

A preliminary study was carried out to determine the survival and dispersal rates of laboratory- reared male tsetse flies in the natural breeding sites in the field and to obtain information needed for determining the numbers of sterile males and frequency of releases to be adopted during the control phase of the project. A total of 600 tsetse flies comprising of 300 sterile males each of the two species, Glossina palpalis palpalis and G. tachinoides were released in 1995 at a site near Adayili #2 village in the Savelugu-Nanton District, Northern Ghana. Due to financial constraints and logistic problems the survival and dispersal rates of the released flies could not be monitored and hence attempts to make our first large-scale releases of the sterilized males in the Northern Ghana in 1996 were not successsful.

Integration of Inherited Sterility of Cereal Stem-borers for Insect Pest Management Programme : I. Bioecological Studies on two cereal stem-borers, Eldana saccharina and Sesamia calamistis.

C. E. Annoh '., M. Botchey 2, D. A. Gomez ' andB. A. Mensah 2

1. DAS/BNARI/GAEC, Legon-Accra, Ghana. 2. Department of Zoology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.

The objective of this study is to contribute to increased production of maize and sorghum through the reduction of stem-borers infestations using the radiation induced Fl sterility technique.

Field survey of stem-borer infestations in selected maize farms in the Ga District of the Greater Accra Region and Experimental farms at BNARI started in December, 1995. Out of the 201 of stem borers collected 80% was Eldana saccharina Attempts are being made to establish colonies of the two stem-borers in the laboratory in order to breed large numbers for radio- sterilization studies.

ANIMAL NUTRITION

Studies on the improvement of the hygienic quality and shelf-life of non-conventional Feeding Stuff using Gamma Irradiation

Kwame Nyamekye Boamah , Victoria Appiah , Abraham Danso and Moses Asamoah

1. Dept. of Animal Science, BNARI/GAEC. Legon-Accra, Ghana. 2. Dept. Food Science and Radiation Processing, BNARI/GAEC, Legon-Accra, Ghana.

A survey on locations, types and forms of agro-industrial by-products and kitchen left-overs that can be used as animal feeds was completed in 1994. However, the preliminary experimentation to evaluate the effects of irradiated and unirradiated feed-stuffs on the growth and reproductive performance of rabbits and guinea-pigs could not commence in the second quarter of 1995 as scheduled. This is because the only Animal Scientist in the department at the time was appointed the Agriculture Commercial Manager and transferred to the Central Administration of the Commission. 48

A systematic mapping survey of forage and animal tissue using Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) to locate mineral deficiencies and excesses in Communal grazing areas of Ghana.

Y M. Gomda (DAS/BNARI/GAEC), P. Gyawu (UST), F. K. Fianu (UG), E. Osae (NNRI/GAEC) andN. Karbo (ARI/CSIR)

The main objectives are (a) to determine levels of mineral elements in plants and animal tissues taken from communal cattle grazing areas using NAA; (b) to draw up a map indicating the areas of mineral deficiencies and excesses; and (c) to recommend appropriate ways of combating mineral deficiencies and excesses through strategic feeding supplementation for various regions to boost animal production in Ghana. This project is receiving financial assistance of twelve million cedis (12,000,00.00) under the NARP Research Grant Scheme. Two (2) million cedis was released in November, 1996 for commencement of the project.

The study began in December 1996. Some equipment/supplies required for tissue sampling were procured and discussions were held with researchers in collaborating institutes in the different regions of Ghana regarding their specific roles in the implementation of project. Main research activity has been the collection of grass, blood and hair samples in five districts of the Northern Region (Tolon-Kumbungu, Tamale, Savelugu-Nanton, Saboba and Bole), and some parts of the Ga District of the Greater Accra Region. Grass sampling in the Ga district took place in cattle grazing areas at Pokuase, Amasaman and Katamanso of the Coastal savannah. Kraals were randomly selected in all the districts visited and where breeds were available, 2 lactating cows, 2 pregnant cows, 2 heifers and 2 bulls were chosen from each kraal and blood sample as well as hair samples were taken.

In all 64 West African Shorthorn (WASH), 16 Sangas and 18 Zebus were sampled. In addition, 26 grass species on which the animals grazed were also sampled. The samples are currently being analyzed in the laboratory using neutron activation technique.

Effects of different feed supplementation on the growth, reproduction and health of Rabbits

Y. M. Gomda, C. K. DesBordes andM. Mohammed-Alfa

The objectives are to find the most cost-effective way of supplementing Panicum maximum diet of rabbits to satisfy the nutrient requirements of rabbits using cheap locally available feeding materials; to reduce the incidence of diseases among rabbits; and to achieve optimum growth rate with low morbidity and mortality in order to improve upon the productivity of rabbits.

A two-man team visited the Nungua Livestock Research Farm of the University of Ghana to familiarize themselves with the appropriate housing, feeding and management of rabbits. The housing area for the rabbits has been demarcated and fenced, cassava peels have been collected and dried and arrangements are being made to construct the hutches, feeding trays and watering troughs, and to collect brewer,s spent grain and other crop residues after which feeding trials will start. 49

ANIMAL REPRODUCTION AND HEALTH

Improvement of LivestocK Production and Health

Attempts were made to establish a multidisciplinary approach in the improvement of the production of dairy cattle at the Amrahia Dairy Farm. The approach will involve the use of a radioimmunoassay to evaluate the reproductive status of the animals, feed supplementation and artificial insemination. This work is being done in collaboration with the Animal Production Department of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The search for funding and formalization of the areas of collaboration is in progress.

Seroepidemiological Survey of Brucella abortus infection in cattle in the Accra plains of Southern Ghana using ELISA and Rose bengal techniques.

C. K. DesBordes1 and G. Opoku-Pare2

1. DAS/BNARI/GAEC, Boc 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana. 2. Veterinary Services Department Headquarters, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Accra.

The objectives are to deteimine the prevalence of Brucella abortus and seasonal distribution of brucellosis in cattle, and to develop strategies for control and/or prevention of the disease which will eventually lead to increased cattle productivity and increased production of milk and meat. This is a new collaborative study being considered between the Veterinary Services Division of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (VSD/MOFA) and the Department of Animal Science of BNARI. VSD is to provide the bulk of the funds and laboratory facilities for the project, since they have the equipment for the ELISA. The study will commence as soon as funds are made available.

Survey of Bovine Babesiosis and the Development of improved recombinant vaccine against the disease.

M. Mohammed-Alfa1, E. Haruna 2, P. K. B. Salia 2, andM. Wilson 3

1. DAS/BNARI/GAEC, Box 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana. 2. Veterinary Services Department, P. O. Box 97, Pong-Tamale, Ghana. 3. Noguchi Memorial Meiical Research Institute (NMMIR), University of Ghana, Legon.

The objective of this project is to map out the distribution of various species of Babesia and determine the seasonal incidence of bovine babesiosis in selected areas. This will enable the development of an effective, safe and relatively cheap preventive strategy that will protect cattle against Babesiosis and result in improved health and increased productivity of cattle. This is also a collaborative study between the VSD/MOFA and our department. Funds for this work are yet to be released. Work will hopefully start within the first quarter of 1997. All efforts are being made to acquire the basic reagents. 50

Development of Vaccines against Gastrointestinal Helminth Infections of Cattle using Recombinant DNA Techniques.

M. Mohammed-Alfa1, E. Haruna 2, P. K. B. Salia 2, andM. Wilson 3

1. DAS/BNARI/GAEC, Box 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana. 2. Veterinary Services Department, P. O. Box 97, Pong-Tamale, Ghana. 3. Noguchi Memorial Medical Research Institute (NMMIR), University of Ghana, Legon.

This project is aimed at developing more cost-effective vaccines against helminth infections of cattle. Funds for this project are yet to be released, meanwhile the Animal Production Department of MOFA has assured us of some farms where we could collect samples. Attempts are also being made to establish collaborative linkage with the National Veterinary Laboratory (NVL) at Pong-Tamale for the production of the vaccines.

INSECT AND ANIMAL BREEDING

This newly established project is concerned with effective production and distribution of high- quality insects and livestock and laboratory animals required by research programmes for use in their research for control of target pests of major food crops and vectors of important livestock and human diseases. The activities are aimed at improving techniques for efficient and cost- effective production. Currently, only some laboratory animals (rabbits and guinea-pigs) are being reared. A number of rabbits and guinea-pigs were produced and sold to second-cycle institutions. Only two hutches were acquired during the year and this substantially increased the rate of production as compared to previous year.

Routine Maintenance of Laboratory Animals

Breeding programme : The guinea-pigs-stock in January 1995 was 205 made up of 63 females, 93 males and 49 juveniles. This increased to 376 by end of March but was decimated to 168 by an outbreak of pneumonia towards the end of the year. The rabbit stock, on the other hand, increased from 35 to 63 within the year. Inspite of this problem, the breeding of both guinea-pigs and rabbits was gradually stepped up through the introduction of new feed formulation and feeding regimen resulting in the sale of 54 guinea-pigs to secondary schools and 15 breeding rabbits to GAEC workers within the year. Plans are underway to intensity the production to generate more revenue for the department.

Animal Health Care : Pneumonia was a major problem during the year. All infected animals were treated with antibiotics and response was been very good.

3.3 COLLABORATIVE RESEARCHES ACTIVITIES

A) ON-GOING RESEARCH PROJECTS WITH NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

1. Performance of irradiated Maize and Cowpeas in Traditional Food Systems

This is a collaborative research project involving BNARI, Food Research Institute of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (FRI/CSIR), Department of Nutrition and Food Science of the University of Ghana (DNFS/UG) and Women in Agricultural Development of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA). The study will investigate the quality of local food products prepared from irradiated food grains when funds become available. 51

2. Investigation on Lactic Acid Fermentation Organisms for Food Preservation

The study aims at isolating and characterizing bacteriocins produced by lactic acid fermenting organisms from wet fermented cassava dough with view of using some of them for low cost food preservation (biopreservatives), food safety and hence reduce the use of synthetic chemicals in processed foods.

This collaborative research was initiated in 1995 and it involves the participation of BNARI, FRI and Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research (NMTNR).

B) UP-COMING RESEARCH PROJECTS WITH NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Several national institutions were contacted in an attempt to establish collaborative linkages and the responses have been encouraging. Several collaborative research proposals were then prepared during the period. These included:

1. Effect of yeastlage supplementation on the performance of dairy cows.

Improving non-conventional feed resources and agro-industrial by-products as feed for ruminants using ionizing radiation and microbial biotechnology. It is aimed at developing appropriate technology for the processing and improving nutritional quality of ruminants feed formulated from by-products from agriculture, breweries, flour mills as well as restaurants. This collaborative research involves the participation of BNARJ and Animal Production Department (APD) of Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

2. Studies in Animal Reproduction and Health (in collaboration with APD and VSD of MOFA)

In principle, the APD and Veterinary Services Department (VSD) of MOFA are willing to collaborate with us on a research proposal entitled "On-farm Research and Development Programmes on Animal Nutrition, Production and Protection" covering the following aspects:

a) Survey on Diseases of Reproduction. b) Reproductive performance of West African Dwarf goats and Sahelian goats around Accra . c) Studies on the diagnosis of protozoal infections (Anaplasmosis, Trypanosomiasis, Babesiosis) of ruminants using Enzyme Immunoassay Techniques. d) Development of vaccines against gastro-intestinal helminth infections of cattle and small ruminants using recombinant DNA techniques.

APD have identified their stations at Amrahia, Ejura and Kintampo for the on-farm research work. A draft of a memorandum of understanding is being studied. The signing of such document will formalize the linkages and make the participating parties more committed to the successful implementation of the projects. Data collection will begin as soon as the levels of collaboration have been clearly defined and other logistic problems solved. Further efforts will be made in the coming years to establish new collaborative linkages with other national and international institutions. 52

3.4 INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CONTRACTS

1. Techno-economic Feasibility of Food Irradiation in Ghana. (IAEA Research Contracts No. RC 8448)

The pilot scale studies on the extension of the shelf-life of smoked herring fish through irradiation and effective packaging is being carried out.

2. Production of Mutant of Local Cassava Cultivar "Bosom nsia" resistant to ACMV (IAEA Research Contracts No. 5414/R4/IG)

Some selected ACMV tolerant variants were multiplied to observe the sustainability of the preferred traits. Genetic characterization of the selected variants will be done as soon as the relevant equipment items are received from IAEA. This will be done before the field trials are done to evaluate parameters such as yield, cooking quality, etc.

3. In vitro Production of ACMV-free Cassava planting materials (IITA Research Contracts on Ecologically Sustainable Cassava Plant Protection Project (ESCaPP)

The institute is collaborating with Dr. W. Msikita of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Cotonou, Benin on efforts to Generate Somatic Embryos of Cassava for Mutagenesis. Plantlets have been generated for three IITA cassava cultivars which initially were not responsive to our established culture medium. Two of these are currently being weaned in the Green House before being transferred into the Screen House.

3.5 SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS/TRAINING/WORKSHOPS

Various Scientific Meetings/Training/Workshops attended by Scientists of the Institute

K. G. Montford (Scientific Officer)

(a) 4th IAEA Research Co-ordination Meeting on Adverse Effects on Flora and Fauna from the use of Organochlorine Pesticides on the African Continent. Entebbe, Uganda. 27 November - 1 December, 1995.

(b) F AO/IAEA International Symposium on the Use of Nuclear and Related Techniques for Studying Environmental Behaviour of Crop Protection Chemicals, Vienna, Austria, 1-5 July, 1996.

Victoria Appiah (Principal Scientific Officer)

(a) IAEA Co-ordination Meeting on the Impact of Food Irradiation to reduce post-Harvest losses in Africa, BNARI/GAEC, Kwabenya, Ghana. 7-11 August, 1995.

(b) 12th International Consultative Group on Food Irradiation (ICGFI) Annual Meeting. Vienna, Austria. 7-9 November, 1995.

(c) World Safety and Accident Prevention Education Conference organized by World Safety Organization. Dallas, Texas, USA. 23 - 26 Sept., 1996. 53

(d) 13th ICGFI Annual Meeting: Portugal. 5 - 7 November, 1996.

Charles M. Gbeciemah (Scientific Officer)

(a) African Regional Consultation of Government-designated Experts to review draft on the International Technical Guidelines for Safety in Biotechnology. Cairo, Egypt. 10-12 July, 1995.

(b) Africa Regional Co-operative Agreement (AFRA) Workshop on the Establishment of Industrial Radiation Processing in Developing Countries. Randburg, South Africa, 20-24 November, 1995.

(c) AFRA Project Formulating Meeting. Tunis, Tunisia. 20 - 24 March, 1996

(d) Workshop on Safety in Biotechnology for West and Central Africa. Abidjan, La Cote d'lvoire. 10 - 14 June, 1996. It dwelt on biosafety issues and developed biosafety regulations relevant to specific countries in West Africa.

Ralph K. A. Ahiabu (Scientific Officer)

(a) 4th FAO/IAEA/1TALY Research Co-ordination meeting on Improvement of basic food Crops in Africa through Plant Breeding including the use of induce mutations. Naples, Italy. 30 October - 3 November, 1995.

(b) UNDP External Review of ESCaPP Projects. IITA, Cotonou, Benin. 28 May to 4 June, 1996.

(c) Third International Scientific Conference of the Cassava Biotech Network CBN III. Kampala, Uganda. 27 - 31 August, 1996.

(d) AFRA X (RAF/5/029) Workshop on the Improvement of on-farm Evaluation of Improved Mutant lines of important African Crops. Bamako, Mali. 7-12 October, 1996.

Dr. H. M. Amoatey (Scientific Officer)

(a) Joint GAAS/GAEC/CSIR Symposium on rapid multiplication of seed yam and other vegetatively propagated crops. Kwabenya, 28th March, 1995.

(b) 1 st FAO/IAEA Research Co-ordination meeting on Cellular Biology and Biotechnology including Mutation Techniques for creation of new useful banana genotypes. Vienna, Austria. 20 - 24 November, 1995.

(c) AFRA X Regional Workshop on Mutation Techniques for the Improvement of Stress Tolerance. Arusha, Tanzania. 13-17 Nov., 1995. 54

(d) Training Workshop on INFORM: HRD Centre, CSIR. Accra, Ghana, 15-26 July, 1996. This course was sponsored by NARP and introduced participants to the use of Computers in analysis and processing of Human resource data in support Management in Agriculture research.

(e) Advanced Professional Training in Biotechnology. DSE Zschortau and Oberdorla Nurseries Ltd. Germany, 15 August - 15 December, 1996. This course was sponsored by the German government and introduced participants to Micropropagation and related techniques for the Conservation and Use of Plant Genetic Resources and the Improvement of Crops.

Delphina A. Adabie-Gomez (Senior Scientific Officer)

(a) African Association of Insect Scientists (AAIS) conference at Yamoussoukro, La Cote d'lvoire. 6-11 August, 1995.

(b) NARP Consultative Management Meeting. STEPRI/CSIR. Accra, Ghana. 27 -28 March, 1996.

(c) 1996 Annual Research Extension Linkages Committee (RELC) Planning Session for South Eastern Zone (SEZ), Jasikan and Nkwanta, Volta region, Ghana. 6-8 November, 1996.

(d) Round Table Discussion on Livestock Research in Ghana. STEPRI/CSIR. Accra, Ghana. 15 November, 1996.

Charles E. Annoh (Scientific Officer)

(a) 2nd FAO/IAEA Seminar for Africa on Animal Trypanosomiasis: Vector and Disease Control using Nuclear Techniques, Zanzibar, 27th November - 1st December, 1995.

(b) Planning Committee of 2nd Co-ordinating Meeting of AFRA VIII. Accra, Ghana. 11-15 March 1996.

George Y. P. Klu (Principal Scientific Officer)

2nd Co-ordination meeting of the AFRA (X) project on Nuclear Techniques in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology. Tangiers, Morocco, 11-19 December, 1995.

David Bansa (Scientific Officer)

(a) Symposium on "Towards profitable export of yam and other tubers/roots". STEFRI, Accra, Ghana, 18-19 July, 1995.

(b) Seminar on "Economic Uses of Fruits and their by-products". STEFRI, Accra, Ghana, 11th July, 1995. 55

Josephine Nketsia-Tabiri (Senior Scientific Officer)

(a) 1995 Annual meeting and Food Expo of the Institute of Food Technologists, Anaheim, California, USA. 3 - 7 July, 1995.

(b) Symposium on "Towards profitable export of yam and other tubers/roots". STEPRL' CSIR Conference Hall, Accra, Ghana. 18-20 July, 1995.

(c) IAEA Co-ordinated Research Meeting on Impact of Food Irradiation to reduce post- harvest losses in Africa, BNARI/GAEC, Kwabenya, Ghana. 7-11 August 1995.

(d) Workshop on World Food Day, National Theatre, Accra, Ghana. 13 October, 1995.

(e) The First FAO/IAEA Research Co-ordination Meeting on "Production of Safe, Ready- to-Eat Shelf-Stable Food through Radiation Processing". Belfast, Ireland. 7-13 September, 1996.

(f) FAO/IAEA/AFRA Workshop on Guidelines for the Preparation and Harmonization of Legislation on Irradiated foods. BNARI/GAEC, Accra, Ghana. 21 - 25 October, 1996.

Fred Osei Kofi (Scientific Officer)

(a) One-day Workshop on Plant Genetic Resources. MEST. Accra, Ghana. 25 July, 1995.

(b) One-day Workshop on Farming Systems Approach to Agricultural Research. Soil Research Institute, Accra, Ghana. 25 October, 1996.

Dr. Charles K.Desbordes (Scientific Officer)

(a) World Food Day Celebration, National Theatre, Accra, Ghana. 13* October, 1995.

(b) Ghana Poultry Farmers Association Anniversary seminar, Osu Childrens' Home, Accra, Ghana. 8th November, 1995.

(c) Inauguration of the Ghana Branch of the World Poultry Science Association. British Council Hall, Accra, Ghana. 29 February -1 March, 1996.

(d) 2nd West African Commonwealth Veterinary Association Workshop and 22nd Veterinary Medical Association Congress. Accra, Ghana. 24- 28 September, 1996.

(e) Round Table Discussion on Livestock Research in Ghana. STEPRI/CSIR. Accra, Ghana. 15 November, 1996. 56

Mr. Alex Owusu-Biney (Scientific Officer)

(a) ICTP/ICGEB International Workshop on Biomass Production and Utilisation. Trieste, Italy. 20-31 May, 1996.

(b) Regional Seminar on "Traditional Fermented Food Processing in Africa". Accra, Ghana. 3-4 July, 1996.

Ms. Y. Lokko (Scientific Officer)

(a) 2nd Research Co-ordination Meeting on the Use of in-vitro techniques for Selection of Radiation Induced Mutants tolerant to Adverse Environmental Conditions. Cairo Egypt. 15- 19 April, 1996.

(b) Workshop on Advanced Breeding of Root and Tuber crops". IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria. 8 July- 2 August, 1996.

(c) Annual Meeting of Collaborators in Root and Tuber Crop Research. Ibadan, Nigeria. 5-7 August, 1996.

(d) UNESCO/BAC International Training Course in Plant Biotechnology. Pretoria, South Africa. 25 August - 6 September, 1996.

(e) Symposium on Nuclear Energy and Environment: The Ghanaian Perspective. World Environmental Day. Accra, Ghana. 5 June,1996.

Dr. Y. M. Gomda (Scientific Officer)

2nd Co-ordination Meeting of AFRA Project VIII on Radioisotopes in Animal Reproduction and Nutrition. GAEC, Kwabenya, Ghana. 11-15 March, 1996.

Mr. Kenneth Danso ( Assistant Scientific Officer)

Seminar on the "Understanding and Implementation of the Regulations on Radioactive Waste Management in Ghana". GAEC, Kwabenya, Ghana. 9-10 October,1996.

Dr. Musheibu Mohammed-Alfa (Scientific Officer)

(a) Press Conference on Mad Cow Disease on behalf of the Commission. MOFA Extension Service Headquarters Conference Room, Accra. 28 June, 1996.

(b) 2nd West African Commonwealth Veterinary Association Workshop and 22nd Veterinary Medical Association Congress. Accra, Ghana. 24 - 28 September, 1996.

(c) Annual Conference of the Ghana Veterinary Doctors Association on Theme "Control regulations guiding international livestock and poultry trade". Accra, Ghana. 24-28 September, 1996, 57

Dr. (Mrs.) Rose Boatin

FAO/IAEA/AFRA Workshop on Guidelines for the Preparation and Harmonization of Legislation on Irradiated foods. BNARI/GAEC, Accra, Ghana. 21 - 25 October, 1996.

Other Meetings attended by Groups of staff

1. Scientific Collaboration Consultative Meeting between the scientific staff of the Department of Animal Science of BNAR1 and Animal Science Department of UST, Kumasi, Ghana. 1-2 February, 1996. It was attended by D. A. Adabie-Gomez, C. K. DesBordes, Y. M. Gomda, and M. Mohammed-Alfa.

2. The Joint 15th WAS A and 19th GSA Biennial Conference on "Enhancing Regional Economic Integration through Science and Technology". Cape Coast, Ghana. 18-22 September, 1995. It was attended by Mrs. Victoria Appiah, Dr. Mrs. Delphina Adabie-Gomez, Mr. David Bansa, Ms. Josephine Nketsia-Tabiri,1 Mr. C. M. Gbedemah, Mr. C. E. Annoh, Mr. R. K. A. Ahiabu, Ms. Yvonne Lokko and Mr. Kenneth Danso.

3. GAEC/MOH/AML,USA Workshop on "National Cancer Programme for Ghana" held at NovoteL Accra, Ghana. 27th Nov.-1st Dec. 1995. BNARI Scientists in attendance were Delphina Adabie-Gomez, Rose Boatin, Josephine Nketsia-Tabiri and Victoria Appiah.

4. 1st Annual Meeting of Ghana Institute of Biology, UCC, Cape-Coast, Ghana. 22 Sept. 1995. BNARI Scientists in attendance were Victoria Appiah, Delphina Adabie-Gomez, Josephine Nketsia-Tabiri, C. M. Gbedemah, Yvonne Lokko, C. E. Annoh and Kenneth Danso.

5. 6th Biennial Workshop of GSA on "Standards in Development". Golden Tulip Hotel, Accra, Ghana. 1 - 2 August, 1996. It focused on' the importance of standards to industrial development and international trade. It was attended by Victoria Appiah, Delphina Adabie- Gomez, Josephine Nketsia-Tabiri, C. M. Gbedemah, Alex Owusu-Biney, Rose Boatin, Musheibu Mohammed-Alfa and C. E. Annoh.

6. FAO/IAEA/GAEC Regional Training Workshop on Guidelines for the Preparation, Adapting and Harmonization of Legislation on Irradiated Foods. GAEC, Accra, Ghana. 21-25 October, 1996. It was attended by Josephine Nketsia-Tabiri, C. M. Gbedemah, Alex Owusu-Biney, and Rose Boatin. This workshop attended by Food Scientists and Food Regulatory Authorities from various African countries developed the African Model Legislation on Irradiated foods. It was organized as part of the activities of AFRA II Project on Food Preservation for the Biennium 1995 - 1996.

7. Regional Seminar on Traditional Fermented Food Processing in Africa. FRI/CSIR, Accra,Ghana. 3-4 July, 1996. It was attended by Victoria Appiah, Josephine Nketsia-Tabiri, C. M. Gbedemah, Alex Owusu-Biney, and Rose Boatin. It exposed participants to current Food Science and Technology Projects in African Countries and discussed ways of improving traditional food fermentation processing. 58

Workshop and Photo exhibition to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United nations. National Theatre, Accra, Ghana. 13th October, 1995 :- David Bansa, Charles Annoh, Josephine Nketsia-Tabiri, Charles desBordes, Rose Boatin.

4. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COLLABORATING INSTITUTIONS

In fulfilling its functions, the BNARI has close cooperation programmes with many research institutions, countries and organizations both on the national, regional and international levels. These include :-

International Bodies :-

• African Regional Co-operative Agreement (AFRA) Programmes for operational projects in food and agriculture research which are executed through IAEA (AFRA II, AFRA III AFRA VIII and AFRA X). © International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Cotonou, Benin & Ibadan, Nigeria. 9 The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). • Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nation (FAO). • World Health Organization (WHO). • United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP). • Ecologically Sound Cassava Protection Programme (ESCaPP), Cotonou, Benin.

National Bodies:- a) Government Boards, Ministries and Corporations « Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, Tafo. • Ghana Cocoa Board • Cocoa Processing Companies, Tema and Takoradi. « Ministry of Food and Agriculture b) Departments in the Universities ® Department of Crops Science,(UG,UST) • Department of Soil Science (UG) • Department of Nutrition and Food Science (UG) • Department of Biochemistry (UG) • Department of Botany (UG) c) Institutes under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Animal Research Institute (ARI) Food Research Institute (FRI) Crops Research Institute (CRI) Soil Research institute (SRI) • National Agricultural Research Projects (NARP) 59

Oil Palm Research Institute (OPRI)

Private Enterprises Ejura Farms, Ejura Seraphim Surgical Limited, Accra. Intravenous Infusions Company Limited, Koforidua. Volta River Estates Limited, Akwamufie. Ashanti Goldfields Company, Obuasi.

5, SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS

5.1 MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT

Well-trained personnel are essential to the success and sustainability of any endeavour, especially research programmes. Therefore in implementing the human resource development programmes, efforts are made to ensure that training through fellowships, scientific visits, training courses and workshops is specific and relevant to the tasks which the individuals will perform. Fellowships are usually limited to a minimum of three months and a maximum of six months. Regional and interregional training courses are held by IAEA periodically to train young scientists in isotope and radiation techniques and their applications. These usually last for 4-8 weeks and provide participants with the basic theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for initiating studies aimed at solving problems in agricultural production.

Staff trained within the period include :-

Name of Staff Type of Training Venue Period Yvonne Lokko IAEA fellowship Seibersdorf, 1 January-31 July, 1995 Austria. Kenneth E. Danso IAEA fellowship Plant Breeding 1 January -30 May, 199* Wageningen Agriculture Department, University, The Netherlands. C. F. S. Edmundson Mushroom cultivation Food Research 11 Jan.-3 Feb., 1995 Institute, Ghana.

D. Adabie-Gomez Scientific visit TTRI,Tanzania, 2 - 29 April, 1995 Unjuga Island, Zanzibar Seibersdorf, Austria.

H. M. Amoatey 14th FAO/IAEA Seibersdorf. Austria, 18 April-26 May, 1995 Interregional Course on Advances in Plant Mutation Techniques

Joyce Aryee, Course on Bacteriology Noguchi Memorial 7 Aug. - 16 Oct., 1995 Emmanuel Akolmolga Institute for Medical Tahini Manama Research, Legon-Accra, Ghana. 60

J. Nketsia-Tabiri IAEA fellowship Canada 10ct.-Dec.,1995

H. M. Amoatey Advance Professional DSE Zschertau and 15Aug.-15 Dec, 1996 Course in Biotechnology, Oberdorla Nurseries Micropropagation and Ltd., Germany. Related Techniques for the Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources and the Improvement of crops.

H. M. Amoatey Training Workshop on HRDU/CSIR. 15-26 July, 1996. INFORM Accra, Ghana,

Yvonne Lokko UNESCO/BAC Pretoria, 25 Aug.-6 Sept., 1996 International Course South Africa. on Plant Biotechnology

C. K. DesBordes Regional Training Cairo, Egypt. 13-26 April, 1996. Workshop on the Use of Immunoassay and related techniques for Studies on Animal Production.

5.2 SIGNIFICANT RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FINDINGS

- Appropriate gamma radiation doses have been determined and are being used by the Radiation Technology Centre for semi-commercial sterilization of medical supplies such as hypodermic needles, gauze, cotton wool, disposable syringes, sanitary pads etc.

- Laboratory scale studies on dose requirement for radiation control of losses in various local food commodities including cocoa beans, cowpeas, maize, yams, onions, smoked fish, salted dried fish ("koobi"), garden eggplant fruits, and mangoes have been completed and will be applied during the semi-commercial pilot studies.

- The success of the laboratory scale studies encouraged the Government of Ghana to acquire a pilot-scale multipurpose gamma irradiator to facilitate techno-economic feasibility studies on irradiation processing technology in Ghana. The irradiator was commissioned on 8th March, 1995.

- Draft Regulations for Irradiated Foods, a pre-requisite working paper for test-marketing of irradiated foods in Ghana, has been prepared for the consideration and approval by the Ghana Standards Board.

- Through public education programmes, some degree of awareness about irradiation treatment of food and medical supplies have been created among Ghanaians.

- Insect sterilization technique for the control of insect pests and vectors particularly riverine tsetse flies has been developed, and the stability of day-glo fluorescent dust and acrylic oil paint markers for flies to be used in the field for SIT activities has also been determined. 61

Artificial media for tissue culturing of local varieties of some economic plants like plantain, banana, pineapple, cassava etc. have been developed and are being improved and made cheaper for commercial application.

Through induced mutation breeding some cassava varieties of "Bosom nsia" which are relatively tolerant to African Cassava Mosaic Virus (ACMV) have been developed.

In-vitro production of 2000 plantlets of exotic plantain cultivars FHIA-21 for the national research team working on NARP Plantain Improvement Program, and In-vitro production of 20,000 plantlets of local plantain cultivars "Apem pa" and "Apantu pa" for the Grains and Legumes Development Board of Ministry of Food and Agriculture for distribution to farmers.

In-vitro production of 100,000 seed yams for Ministry of Food and Agriculture for distribution to farmers in yam-producing areas in the Northern sector of Ghana.

5.3 TECHNOLOGIES READY FOR TRANSFER TO USER-AGENCIES

- The minisett technique for rapid multiplication of yam planting material is being extended to farmers.

Production of sterile males of Glossina palpalis palpalis and G. tachinoides for the Control and/or eradication of riverine tsetse flies.

- Radiation sterilization of medical supplies.

5.4 EQUIPMENT

BNAR1 acquired the following additional equipment in 1995 through research contracts, technical co-operation agreements and other donor agencies:-

1 Laboratory mill ,. 2 Water stills 2 pH meters 1 Vacuum pump 1 Vacuum dryer 1 Magnetic stirrer 1 Heat and magnetic stirrer 1 Incubator 1 Bacterial counter 4 Aluminium Petri dish canisters 1 Weighing balance 50 Petri dishes 4 Beakers (1 liter) 2000 Rubber bungs 1 ELISA equipment 1 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) equipment

5. 5. LIST OF PUBLICATIONS,TECHNICAL AND CONFERENCE PAPERS

5. 5.1 PUBLICATION IN REFEREED JOURNALS

Nketsia-Tabiri, J. and Sefa-Dedeh, S. (1995) - Optimization of process conditions and quality of salted dried tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using Response Surface Methodology. J. Sc. Food Agric. 69, 117-127. 62

Moussaid, M., Lacroix, M., Nketsia-Tabiri, J. and Boukeri, C. (1996) Phenolic compounds and the colour of oranges subjected to a combination treatment of waxing and irradiation. Poiyphenol Communications 96,. Bordeaux, France.

Nkctsia-Tabiri, J., Alhassan, R., Emi-Reynolds, G. and Sefa-Dedeh, S. (1995) Potential Contribution of Food Irradiation in Post-Harvest Management in Ghana. Proc. Int. Symp. On Cost-Benefit Aspects of Food Irradiation Processing. IAEA-SM-328/17, 175-189.

5.5,2 CONFERENCE/SEMINAR PAPERS

Ahiabu, R. K. A. (1995a) - Screening of some Cassava cultivars for resistance to the African Cassava mosaic Virus. 15th WASA/19th GSA Biennial Conference, UCC, Cape-Coast, Ghana 18-22 Sept. 1995. . (1995b) - Effect of gamma Irradiation on ACMV infected Cassava planting materials. 15th WASA/19thGSA Biennial Conference, UCC, Cape Coast, Ghana. 18-22 Sept. 1995.

Ahiabu, R. K. A. , Lokko, Yvonne, Danso, K. E. and Klu, G. Y. P. (1995a) Mutagenesis for for ACMV Resistance in Ghanaian Cassava cultivar, "Bosom Nsia". 4th FAO/I AEA/ltaly Research Co-ordination Meeting, Naples, Italy. 3 Oct.- 3 Nov. 1995. (1995b) - Screening of some cassava cultivars for resistance to the African Cassava Mosaic Virus. Joint 35th WAS A/19th GSA Biennial Conference, UCC, Ghana. 18 -22 Sept. 1995.

Bansa, David (1995a) - Pilot Scale Preservation of yams, Dioscorea rotundata Pior by gamma radiation. (1995b) - Post-harvest handling of yams in Markets and farms in Accra and Nkwanta Districts towards profitable export of yam and other tubers/roots,Symposium at. SEPRI, Accra, Ghana. 18 - 19 July, 1995.

Nketsia-Tabiri, J. (1995a) - Phenolic compounds and the colour of oranges subjected to a combination of treatment of waxing and irradiation. 9th Annual meeting of Food Expo of the Institute of Food Technologists, Anaheim, California, USA. 3 - 7 July, 1995. (1995b) - Effect of Irradiation in combination with waxing on essential oils in orange peel. 9th Annual meeting of Food Expo of the Institute of Food Technologists, Anaheim, California, USA. 3 - 7 July, 1995. (1995 c) - Response of ginger {Zingiber officinale) rhizome to gamma radiation. 15th WAS A/19th GSA Biennial Conference, Cape-Coast, Ghana, 17 - 22 Sept. 1995. (1995d) - Radiation decontamination and disinfestation of salted dried tilapia fish. 15th WASA/19th GSA Biennial Conference, Cape-Coast, Ghana, 17-22 Sept., 1995.

Gbedemab, C. M. and Oteng-Yeboah, A. A. (1996) Status and Trends of Biotechnology and Biosafety in Ghana. Workshop in Biotechnology for West Africa. La Cote d'lvoire. 10- 14,1996. 63

Lokko, Y. (1996) GXE Interactions for cyanogenic potential in Cassava. Workshop on Advanced Breeding of Root and Tuber Crops. IITA, Ibadan,Nigeria. 8 July - 2 August, 1996.

Jalloh, A., Lokko, Y., Lahai, M. Dassou, R.A.,Sunu, D. Y., Antwi, A., Benessi, 1. R. M. and Akano, A. (1996) Standardization of Cassava Germplasm Evaluations. Annual Meeting of Collaborators of Roots and Tubers Crops Research. IITA,Ibadan, Nigeria. 5-7 August, 1996.

Osei-Kofi, F., Amoatey, H. M. and Lokko, Y. (1996) Improvement of Pineapple (Ananas comosus) using Biotechnology and Mutation Techniques. 2nd Research Coordination Meeting on the Use of In vitro Techniques for Selection of Radiation Induced Mutant Tolerant to adverse Environmental Conditions. Cairo, Egypt. 5-19 April, 1996.

Appiah, V. (1996a) The Quality of Cocoa Butter from Irradiated Cocoa Beans. FRI/CSIR. Accra, Ghana. 3 July, 1996. (1996b) - The Contribution of Irradiation to Public Health in Ghana. World Safety Organization Conference. Dallas, Texas. USA. 23 - 26 September, 1996. (1996c) - The Status of Food Irradiation in Ghana. 13th ICGFT Meeting. Portugal. 5-7November,1996.

Owusu-Biney, Alex (1996a) Harnessing the Potential of Biomass through Bioconversions. ICTP/ICGEB International Workshop on Biomass Production and Utilization. Trieste,Italy. 2.0-31 May; 1996. (1996b) - Transduction Studies of Some Isolated Phages. 14th South African Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. South Africa. 19-24 January, 1997.

Adabie-Gomez, D. A. (1995a) Effects of different doses of gamma radiation on four different age groups of puparia of Glossina palpalis palpalis (R-D) (DEPTERA: GLOSSTNIDAE). Presented at the Joint 15th WASA and 19th GSA Biennial Conference, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. 18 -22 September, 1995.

(1995b) Sustainable Arthropod Vector Control for Increased Animal Production in Tropical Africa with emphasis on Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Control. Presented at the 1 lth Bienniel AAIS Conference and Scientific Meeting at Yamoussou-kro, La Cote d'lvoire, 6-11 August, 1995.

(1995c) Atoms for Peace and Development. Presented at the STME Clinic for Giris held in Achimota School, Accra, Ghana. 14-25 August, 1995.

Annoh, C. E., Barnor, H. F., Luger, D. and Adabie-Gomez, D. A. (1995) Capability of Glossina lachinoides to mate and inseminate female flies in different mating ratios for SIT Control Programme in Ghana. Presented at the Joint 15th WASA and 19th GSA Biennial Conference, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. 18-22 September, 1995. 64

Armoh, C. E. (1995) Developing Sterile Insect Technique for Riverine Tsetse Eradication Programme in Ghana. Presented1 at the 2nd FAO/IAEA Seminar for Africa on Animal Trypanosomiasis: Vector and Disease Control using Nuclear Technique held in Zanzibar, 27 Nov. - 1 Dec, 1995.

Danso, K. E., Amoatey, H. M., Ahiabu, R. K. A. and Klu, G. Y. P. (1995) Ex-vitro Performance of in vitro Regenerated Yams, Dioscorea sp. in different hardening media. Presented at the Joint 15th WAS A and 19th GSA Biennial Conference, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. 18-22 September, 1995.

Danso, K. E. (1995) High frequency Germination of Cassava, Manihot esculenta Crantz somatic embryos.

5. 5. 3 PAPERS BEING CONSIDERED FOR PUBLICATION IN REFEREED JOURNALS

Gbedemah, C. M. and Odamten, G. T. (1995) - Production of crude protein by Trichoderma vivide per ex Fr. on lignocellulose following the combination treatment of Heat and chemical hydrolysis of maize (Zeamays) husk. (J. of UST).

Gbedemah, C. M., Sawyer, L. C. and Obodai, Mary (1995) - Preliminary investigation into the bioconversion of Gamma irradiated agricultural waste (J. of UST).

Nketsia-Tabiri, J. (1995a) - Public awareness of Food Irradiation Technology (J. of UST). (1995b) - Response of ginger (Zingeber officinale) to gamma radiation (J. of UST). (1995c) - Radiation decontamination and disinfestation of salted dried tilapia fish "Koobi". (J. of UST).

Nketsia-Tabiri, J., Osei-Kofi, F. and Amoatey, H. M. (1996) - Effects of/// vitro Micropro- pagation and Forcing on the Quality of Pineapple Juice. (J. of UST).

Owusu-Biney, Alex (1996a) Drug Resistance Studies on Some Selected Bacteria/Clinical isolates. (J. of UST). (1996b) - Harnessing the Potential of Biomass through Bioconversions. (Bioresource Technology Journal). (1996c) - Transduction Studies of some isolated phages. (Journal of Biotechnology).

Gomda, Y. M. (1996) The effect of Supplementary Feeding on the Work output and Physiological Responses of Indigenous Cattle Working in an Oil Palm Plantation. (Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science).

Adabie-Gomez, D. A. (1995) Sustainable Arthropod Vector Control for Increased Animal Production in Tropical Africa with emphasis on Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Control. (Proceedings of the AAIS Conference held at Yamoussoukro, La Cote d'lvoire, 6-11 August, 1995, a special issue of the Journal of Insect Science and Its Application).

Adabie-Gomez, D. A. and Annoh, C. E. (1995) Effects of Different Doses of Gamma Radiation on Four Different Age Groups of Puparia ofGlossinap. palpalis (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Ghana Journal of Science) 65

Adabie, D. A., Annoh, C. E. and Boohene, C. K. (1995) Laboratory maintenance of in-vivo and in-vitro colonies of Glossina p. palpalis for Sterile Insect Technique Control Programme in Ghana" (Journal of Insect Science and its Application).

Adabie, D. A. and Dransfield, R. D. (1995) Some observations on the breeding sites and spatial distribution of puparia of Glossina pallidipes within the larviposition sites at Nguruman, Kenya. (Ghana Journal of Science).

Adabie, D. A. and Dransfield, R. D. (1995) Assessment of Mortality Rate in Puparia of Glossina pallidipes Austen (Diptera : Glossinidae) in under field conditions. Proc. 3rd International Conference on Tropical Entomology. Nairobi, Kenya. 30 October - 4 November, 1994. A special issue of the Journal of Insect Science and Its Application).

Ahiabu, R. K. A. (1996) Screening of some Cassava Cultivars for resistance to the African Mosaic Virus Disease (Ghana Journal of Science).

5.5.4 TECHNICAL REPORTS

Osei-Kofi, F. (1995) Preliminary Studies of Somatic Embryogenesis of Sweet Potatoes.

Annoh, C. E. Adabie-Gomez D. A.1, Ennison, I. and Emi-Reynolds, G (1996) - Radio- sterilization Effects on Adult males of Glossina tachinoides exposed to doses of 130, 150 and 160 Gy from Gamma Irradiation Facility in Ghana.

Adabie-Gomez, D. A., (1996a) Socio-economic studies on the Farmers' perception, attitude and knowledge on tsetse problem and control in the Savelugu-Nanton District, Northern Region of Ghana.

Adabie-Gomez D. A., (1996b) Laboratory Studies on the stability of acrylic oil paint and day-glo fluorescent dust used to mark tsetse flies for ecological and population dynamic studies.

Osei-Kofi, F., Amoatey, H. M. and Lokko, Y. (1996) Improvement of Pineapple, Ananas comosus using Biotechnology and Mutation Breeding Technique

5.6 DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES OBTAINED

Mr. George P. Y. Klu obtained his doctorate degree from the Department of Plant Breeding of the Wageningen Agricultural University in the Netherlands on 22nd October, 1996.

Miss Josephine Nketsia-Tabiri of the Department of Food Science and Radiation Processing successfully defended her PhD thesis at the Food Science and Nutrition Department of the University of Ghana on 18th July, 1996. The corrected thesis was submitted in December, 1996. 66

5.7 INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENTS

Mr. Charles Gbedemah of the Department of Food Science and Radiation Processing was appointed the Project Scientific Consultant for the AFRA IV-19 Project on Radiation Processing in Africa for the period 1997 - 2001. He was one of four scientists from the African region to be invited by the International Atomic Energy Agency to formulate a five year development project for Radiation Processing in Africa.

Dr. G. Y. P. Klu, the Director of the Institute, was also appointed the Project Scientific Consultant for AFRA III -18 : Project (RAF/5/042) on the Development of Improved Crop Varieties for the period 1997 -2001.

6. MEMBERSHIP OF BNARI MANAGEMENT BOARD AND COMMITTEES

a) MANAGEMENT BOARD

1995 MANAGEMENT BOARD

Prof. E. Laing Department of Botany, University of Ghana (UG), Chairman Legon-Accra.

Dr. J. K. Obinim Director, Veterinary Services Department, Member Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Accra.

Dr. D. D. Adomako Executive Director, Cocoa Research Institute of Member Ghana, (CRIG), Tafo.

Dr. Martin A. Odei Deputy Director-General, CSIR, Accra. Member

Dr. F. Ofori Director, Crops Services Department, MOFA, Accra. Member

Dr. E. Y. Safo Faculty of Agriculture, University of Science and Member Technology (UST), Kumasi.

Mrs. Abigail Andah Director, Food Research Institute, CSIR, Accra. Member

Mr. K. 0. Nyarko Department of Biological Sciences, UST, Kumasi. Member

Prof. G. C. Clerk Department of Botany, UG, Legon-Accra. Member

Mr. G. Y. P. Klu Director, BNARI/GAEC, Kwabenya. Member

Dr. A. W.'K. Kyere Director, National Nuclear Research Institute Member (NNR1), GAEC, Kwabenya.

Mrs. V. Appiah Head of DFSRP/BNARI/GAEC, (Representative Member of Heads of Departments of BNARI). 67

Mr. C. M. Gbedemah DFSRP/BNARI/GAEC. (Representative of GAEC Member Senior Members Association).

Mr. G. E. Akoto Radiation Protection Board, GAEC, Kwabenya. Member (Representative of Senior and Junior Staff of GAEC).

Ms. E. Tamakloe BNARI/GAEC, Kwabenya. Secretary

1996 MANAGEMENT BOARD

The Management Board of the Institute was reconstituted in 1996. The new Board members are as follows:

Prof. J. C. Norman Deputy Director-General Chairman (CSIR-Agric. Research) Dr. G. Y. P. Klu Director, BNARI Member

Dr. Eric Kwei Pioneer Food Cannery, Tema Member

Prof. S.K.A Danso Soil Science Dept, UG, Member

Dr. Francis Ofori Director, Crop Services Dept. MOFA, Member

Dr. S. Twumasi-Afriyie Crops Research Institute, Kumasi. Member

Dr. J. K. Obinim Director, Vet. Services (MOFA), Accra Member

Mrs. Abigail Andah Director, Food Research Institute (CSIR) Member

Dr. A. W. K. Kyere Director (NNRI/GAEC) Member

Mrs. Victoria Appiah BNARI, (Rep. Heads of Departments) Member

Mr. Charles Gbedemah BNARI, (Snr. Members Asso. Rep.) Member

Mr. C.F.S. Edmundson BNARI, (Snr. Staff Asso. Rep.) Member

Ms. E. B. Tamakloe BNARI,GAEC Secretary b) Research and Technical Committee

Prof. E. Laing Dept. of Botany, UG, Legon Chairman Prof. G. C. Clerk Dept. of Botany, UG, Legon Member Prof. J. C. Norman NARP/CSIR Member Dr. J. K. Obinim Veterinary Services Department, Accra Member Dr. Francis Ofori Crop Services Department, Accra Member Dr. D. D. Adomako CRIG, Tafo Member Dr. G. Y. P. Klu BNARI/GAEC Member Dr. H. M. Amoatey DPSS/BNARI/GAEC Member 68

Dr. Mrs. D. Adabie-Gomez DAS/BNAR/GAEC Member Mrs. Abigail Andah Food Research Institute, Accra Member Mrs. Victoria Appiah DFSRP/BNAR1/GAEC Member •Mr. K. O. Nyarko DBS/UST, Kumasi Member Ms. E. B. Tamakloe BNARI/GAEC Secretary c) Administration, Finance and Development Committee

Dr. Martin A. Odei Deputy Director-General, CSIR, Accra. Chairman Mr. Samuel Appiah CSIR, Accra. Member Dr. G. Y. P. Klu Director, BNARI/GAEC, Kwabenya. Member Dr. H. M. Amoatey DPSS/BNAR1/GAEC Member Dr. Mrs. D. A. Gomez DAS/BNAR/GAEC Member Dr. A. W. K. Kyere Director, NNRI/GAEC Member Mrs. V. Appiah DFSRP/BNARI/GAEC Member Mr. E. Boakye-Agyemang Agricultural Development Bank, Accra. Member Mr. K. Dankwa GAEC, Kwabenya Member Mr. Kwakwa Sarpong MOFA Member Mr. Michael Mintah GAEC Member Ms. E. Tamakloe BNARI/GAEC, Kwabenya. Secretary d) Documentation Committee

1993 - 1995

Dr. Mrs.Delphina A. Adabie-Gomez DAS/BNARI/GAEC Chairman Dr. Harry M. Amoatey DPSS/BNARI/GAEC Member Mrs. Victoria Appiah DFSRP/BNARI/GAEC Member Ms. Josephine Nketsia-Tabiri DFSRP/BNARI/GAEC Member Mr. Charles E. Annoh DAS/BNARI/GAEC Member Mr. Fred Osei-Kofi DPSS/BNARI/GAEC Member Mr. Ralph K. A. Ahiabu DPSS/BNARI/GAEC Member Ms. Comfort Mensah DFSRP/BNARI/GAEC Typist

1996 - 1998

Dr. Mrs. D. Aba Adabie-Gomez DAS Chairman Dr. Josephine Nketsia-Tabiri, DFSRP Member Mr. Kojo G. Montford DFSRP Member Mrs. Vivian Oduro DPSS Member Mr. Kenneth E. Danso DPSS Member Dr. Charles Desbordes DAS Member Dr. Yahuza Gomda DAS Member Ms. Janet Adzewoda DAS Typist 69 e) Welfare Committee

Mr. Kojo G. Montford DFSRP Chairman Mr. Fred Osei-Kofi DPSS Member Mr. David Bansah DFSRP Member Mr. E. A. Ewusie DAS Member Ms. Josephine Aryee DFSRP Member Mr. Zachariah Bayor DPSS Member Mr. A. Y. Antwi BNARI/GAEC Secretary

7. STAFF LIST

Department/Name of Staff Qualification Position/Rank

Administration

Dr. George Y. P. Klu, BSc. Hon. (UST) MSc. (UCC) Director, PhD. (The Netherlands) Principal Scientific Officer, Ms. Emerentia B. Tamakioe BA (UCLA) MA (UG) Snr. Administrative Officer Mr. A.Y. Antwi Dip. Public Admin. (UG) Administrative Assistant Mr. Samuel Odei GCE "O" Level Office Assistant Ms. Janet A. Adzewoda NVTI Typist (Temporary) ** Mr. K. Nyamekye-Boamah BSc. Agric. (UST), MSc. (CSU,USA) Commercial Manager

Department of Food Science and Radiation Processing

Ms. Josephine Nketsia-Tabiri BSc. (UG), M.Phil.(UK), MSc. (UK) Senior Scientific Officer, Acting Head of Department * Mrs. Victoria Appiah BSc. (UST), MSc. (UST) Principal Scientific Officer, Dr. Mrs. Rose Boatin BSc, MSc., PhD. (UK) Scientific Officer Mr. Charles M. Gbedemah BSc. (UG), MSc. (UG) Scientific Officer Mr. Kojo Montford BSc. (UST), MSc. DIC (UK) Scientific Officer Mr. David Bansa BSc. (UG), MSc. (UG) Scientific Officer Mr. Alex Owusu-Biney BSc. (UG), MSc. (UG) Scientific Officer Mrs. Stella Nkansah BSc. (USA) Asst. Scientific Officer Mr. C. F. S. Edmundson GCE "O" Level Chief Technician Mr. E. Akolmolga Dip. Microbiology, HND Prin. Technician Mr. Titus Vuore Dip. Lab. Tech. (UCC) Prin. Technician Ms. Josephine D. Aryee Dip. Lab. Tech. (UCC) Technician Mr. Tahiru Mahama Vet. Tech. Cert.(Ghana) Technician Ms. Comfort Mensah NVTI Typist Mr. William Srekumah GCE "O" Level Departmental Assistant

Department of Animal Science

Dr. Mrs. Delphina A. Gomez BSc.Hon. (UST), MSc. & PhD. (UG) Senior Scientific Officer, Head of Department Mr. Charles Annoh BSc. (UCC), MSc. (UCC) Scientific Officer Dr. Charles K. DesBordes BSc.(Guelph);DVM (ABU) MVSc.(Ib) Scientific Officer Dr. Yahuza M. Gomda MVSc.(Timisoara) Ph.D (Hannover) Scientific Officer 70

Dr. Mohammed-Alfa DVM., MVSc, PhD. (Moscow) Scientific Officer + Dr. Jonathan Stiles BSc. (UG), MSc. (UK), PhD. (UK) Scientific Officer + Mr. Carl Kenneth Boohene BSc. (UG) Asst. Scientific Officer Mr. Ebenezer A. Ewusie Dip. Lab. Tech. (UCC) Technician Mr. Godfrey Damnyag Vet. Tech. Cert. (Ghana) Technician Mr. Charles A. Asante GCE "O" Level Technical Assistant Gd.I Mr. Albert Nkumsah GCE"O" Level Tech. Assistant Gd.I Mr. Frederick Abruquah GCE "O" Level Departmental Assistant Mr. Reinfred Aballey MSLC Laboratory Assistant Mr. Abraham Danso MSLC Animal Keeper Mr. Moses Asamoah MSLC Animal Keeper

Department of Plant and Soil Sciences

Dr. Harry M. Amoatey BSc.(UG), MSc.(UK), PhD. (UK) Scientific Officer, Head of Department Mr. Frederick Osei-Kofi BSc.(UST), MSc.(Japan) Scientific Officer Mr. Ralph K. A. Ahiabu BSc.(UG), MSc.(UK) Scientific Officer Mr. Kenneth E. Danso BSc.(UCC) Asst. Scientific Officer Mrs. Vivian Oduro BSc. (UST), M. Phil.(UST) Scientific Officer Ms. Yvonne Lokko BSc.(UG), MSc.(UK) Scientific Officer *Ms. Gertrude A. Torto BSc.(UG) Scientific Officer Mr. Ernest Dinku SLT (Intermediate), HND Principal Technician Mr. Marcus Quaynor - Addy SLT (Intermediate), HND Principal Technician Mr. Emmanuel K. Gasu Dip. Lab. Tech. (UCC) Technician Mr. Bernard Quaye Cert, in General Agriculture Technician Mr. W. A. Gyamerah Cert, in General Agriculture Technician Mr. Alex K. Asumeng GCE "0" Level Technical Assistant Gd.I Ms. Elizabeth Amosah NVT1 Clerk Typist Gd.I Mr. Matthew De-Graft Mensah GCE "0" Level Departmental Assistant Mr. Akwetey Semaha MSLC Senior Gardener Mr. Yaw Boadu MSLC Senior Gardener Mr. Zacharia Bayor MSLC Gardener Mr. Akologo Azure MSLC Gardener Mr. Emmanuel Ofosu MSLC Gardener Mr. Roger Annan MSLC Gardener

* On Study Leave ** On secondment to Ghana Exnort Promotion Council. + Dropped from the rolls 71

8. PROBLEMS/CONSTRAINTS

8.1 Staffing

The offices of the Director and Heads of Departments lack Stenographer Secretaries and Clerk Typists. This has adversely affected secretarial services in the Institute. In addition, the scientists and technical staff at post are not adequate.

8.2 Funding for Research : Amount and Flow of Funds

The perennial problem of inadequate and untimely release of funds from the government for purchasing inputs for research work and infra-structural developments continue to bedevil all activities in the institute. It has been extremely difficult to achieve the targets set each year due to inadequacy and late release of research funds. Research activities in BNARI are basically on living materials. In 1996, the institute received only 0.75% of the estimated budget and bulk of it was released at the tail end of third quarter. This suggests lack of understanding by the authorities of the time-bound nature of agricultural research which is tied to the seasons. Agricultural experiments, unlike physical or chemical ones, once started cannot be suspended when funds become exhausted and resumed when funds become available, because the whole experiment will be lost for the year, if funds are-interrupted at any stage before the experiments are completed. It is imperative that funds for agricultural research operations are released at the beginning of the first and third quarters of the years to avoid serious disruption of research work.

It is recommended that the Management of GAEC explain persistently to the senior officials of the Ministry of Finance the time bound nature of biotechnological and agricultural research and its linkage to the rainy seasons. Substantial funds need to be approved for agricultural research. It is imperative that funds approved are released in a more timely manner (i.e. should be released in February instead of August or October) to ensure that planned experiments are not jeopardised and project goals are achieved within the estimated duration.

Lack of Up-to-date Scientific Journals and Literature in our library has also hampered literature reviews during the preparation of research proposals. The Government must consider the restoration of the book allowance for purchase of relevant books.

8.3 Fluctuation and Outage of Electricity and Water Supplies.

Frequent fluctuations of water and electricity supplies caused delays in the execution of all projects and hampered other research efforts depending on these facilities. Electricity cuts led to loss of large numbers of Tissue Culture plantlets; high mortality in tsetse flies being reared for control using SIT; spoilage of large volumes of blood being kept under cold storage for in-vitro feeding of blood-sucking insects; and halted all radio-sterilization operations during the period. These constraints also led to substantial financial loss because reagents and biological samples in cold storage got spoilt and had to be discarded. Overhead water tanks with pumps must be provided in all buildings with research laboratories to provide uninterrupted water supply. It is suggested that the Commission should consider applying to the Electricity Corporation of Ghana for a substation at the reactor site or provide stand-by electricity generators of a bigger capacity. 72

8.4 Lack of Laboratories for Research and Office Accommodation for Staff

Basic infrastructure is grossly inadequate. The institute does not have its own permanent building so the departments of the institute are presently squatting in the Old Reactor and the P & T Buildings belonging to the National Nuclear Research Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission. This situation is not conducive for any scientific research. Research and administrative staff urgently need suitable offices and research laboratories.

8.5 Unavailability of Vehicle at critical periods

The number of vehicles for field trips is grossly inadequate. Unavailability of vehicle when critically needed hampered the periodic monitoring of insect populations and multi-locational agronomic trials of field crops and consequently the successful implementation of all field studies.

9. TARGETS AND PROGRAMMES FOR 1997 - 1998

The next phase of our development must focus on providing the BNARI community the means to accomplish its mandates on continuous and rationale basis. Partnership with other institutions were strengthened leading to increased collaboration in our activities. End-users are being more clearly defined and targeted. While a great deal has been accomplished over the past year, much more remains to be done.

9.1 TARGETS ON GENERAL ACTIVITIES IN THE INSTITUTE

1. Preparation of 1999-2000 budget for all the departments in the institute.

2. Preparation of Annual and Technical reports.

3. All the newly employed scientists will embark on respective research after their proposals have been approved by the Research and Technical Committee and BNARI Management Board.

4. Attempts will be made to improve infrastructure for research activities.

5. In the face of dwindling government support for research work, more research proposals for obtaining research grants will be prepared and efforts to obtain additional research funds from international donors and other sources will be vigorously pursued.

6. Discussions on inter-institutional and multidisciplinary collaboration on research studies would be continued for the establishment of strong organizational linkages and to ensure the timely inputs by scientists in approved projects so that the work will be initiated and implemented within the estimated duration.

7. Staff of the department will actively participate in seminars, conferences, workshops at national and international levels throughout the coming years. 73

8. It is hoped that enough funds will be provided to enable the institute to embark on identified commercial projects to generate revenue for successful implementation of projects and programmes.

Commercialization of Research Results

While the objective of partially shifting the financial burden of funding agricultural research from the public sector and donors to the private sector is laudable, the directives requiring all research institutes in Ghana to raise 30% of their operating costs from commercialization of their research results in a period of five years may not apply across all agricultural institutes. Care should be taken lest it ends up in commercialization of research facilities as opposed to research results. Some institutes can meet the target while others like BNARI may not be able to do that in the short-term because of the heavy initial capital needed to establish operational units for production of both crops and animals, long gestation period of animals, weak infrastructure and lack of equipment items, vehicles and qualified personnel.

For commercialization of research results to succeed, the additional capital and operating costs of expansion for commercial activities of the institute's departments should be provided separate from research budgets and that these activities should be managed and accounted for as separate cost centres/units.

Areas identified for commercial activities include:-

1. Production and sale of tissue cultured plantlets of plantains, bananas, pineapple and cassava to farmers.

2. Test marketing of gamma irradiated food items like yams.

3. Production and sale of mushroom.

4. The establishment of facilities for the production of rabbits, guinea-pigs, poultry and small ruminants for sale as laboratory animals or as meat at a Shop to be established.

5. The establishment of a Veterinary Clinic to provide health services for pets and other domestic animals in the Kwabenya-Dome-Haatso-Agbogba neighbourhood.

9.2 RESEARCH PROGRAMMES AND TARGETS FOR 1997 - 1998

With the timely provision of adequate research funds, equipment, and field vehicles, we hope to embark on the following research projects: -

9.2.1 DEPARTMENT OF FOOD SCIENCE AND RADIATION PROCESSING

Food Irradiation Project

• Complete the preparation of Standards on Irradiated foods in collaboration with Ghana Standards Board by early 1997 to facilitate test-marketing of Irradiated foods in the year. 74

• Work on the Pilot Scale Irradiation of yam will continue with the optimization of conditions for irradiation and storage of yam in preparation for large scale irradiation and test marketing of irradiated yams.

• Pilot scale studies on the gamma preservation and quality assessment of irradiated cocoa will commence.

• Development of cost-effective techniques and sound environmental management practices for reduction of post-harvest losses and ensure food safety and security.

• Studies on kola nuts irradiation will commence.

• Packaging and irradiation studies on cowpeas will commence.

« Irradiation of sweet potatoes against sprouting will continue.

Human Nutrition Project

Training of one scientist and one technician in human nutrition by the IAEA. This would be followed by the starting of the IAEA Technical Co-operation project on the use of Isotopes in human nutrition.

Food and Environmental Biotechnology

Studies on using microbes for bio-leaching of precious metals from their ore with special emphasis on gold and removal of toxic heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, and chromium from the environment will be stepped up.

Microbial Biotechnology

Isolation of bacteriocins from lactic acid-fermenting organisms for low-cost preservation, reduction in anti-nutritional compounds and improvement in nutritional value of food items.

Radiation Sterilization of Medical Products

The radiation sterilization of tissues as a basic study for a tissue bank.

9.2.2 DEPARTMENT OF PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES

Plantain and Banana project

1. Continuation of a project on the use ofin-vitro techniques to induce resistance against Black Sigatoka disease in " Grande naine" banana. 75

Conduction of radiosensitivity test to establish a useful dose for inducing mutations and genetic variability in a local clone of "Grande naine" banana with regard to resistance against Black Sigatoka disease using gamma radiation.

In-vilro culture and subculture over several generations (up to M1V8) of irradiated shoot tips to produce ex-vitro plants for testing for resistance against Black Sigatoka disease.

Nursery screening of the ex-vitro plants for resistance against Black Sigatoka disease.

2. Further collection and in vitro culture of available germplasm ofMusa spp. in Ghana.

3. Identification and genetic classification of available germplasm of Musa spp. in Ghana.

4. Field assessment of performance of ex-vitro plantlets of plantains and bananas.

Pineapple Project

1. Studies on effects of radiation on the vegetative growth and agronomic evaluation of tissue culture pineapple will continue.

2. Continuation of the mutagenesis treatment (45 and 55 Gy) of pineapple explants for selection for tolerance to heat and drought.

3. In vitro induction in Sugar Loaf Pineapple using gamma radiation at 30 and 40 Gy will be continued.

Yam project

1. Continue studies on the Improvement of microtuber size of yam.

2. In-vifto mutagenesis on local yam cultivars to induce genetic variability and develop an efficient regeneration system using RAPD technique will be continued.

3. Agronomic evaluation of minisett yams will be carried out.

4. Yam meristem Culture and Evaluations of virus-free planting materials will be conducted.

Cassava project

1. Generation of somatic embryos of cassava for mutagenesis.

2. Cassava variants obtained through mutation breeding techniques will be evaluated and multiplied.

3. Studies on the epidemiology of ACMV will be continued. 76

Sweet Potato project

More sweet potato plantlets will be generated and taken through hardening process before transferring to the field. 2. Somatic embryogenesis of sweet potato will be continued. pi ejects to be embarked upon in the Soil Science Section include :- « fertilizers and Biofertilizers and plant nutritional requirements. * Radiation applications in the field of soil-water-plant relationships « Studies on the macronutrients and micronutrients in native soils.

9.2.3 DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE Tsetse Project

1. Continue with the ecological and epidemiological studies on the natural tsetse population and the disease incidence in selected sites in the Northern Region; the mobilization of rural communities to participate and/or contribute to area-wide tsetse fly control operations based on insecticide impregnated screen.

2. Up-grading of tsetse fly colonies to mass rearing status to produce large numbers of flies and embark on pilot scale releases of sterilized males to control tsetse flies in three selected areas in the Savelugu-Nanton District of the Northern Region and conclude field work on the Control of Riverine tsetse flies using Trapping technology and SIT as well as assess the impact of the project on the socio-economic status of the rural communities in the control area.

Stem-borer Project

1. Continue studies on the Use of inherited sterility principles for integrated control of iepidopterous maize stem-borers and begin radiation experiments on cabbage diamond- back moth.

2. Entomology researches will be diversified to cover other arthropods of medical, agricultural and veterinary importance such as houseflies, mosquitoes etc. Scientists will therefore prepare collaborative research proposals for consideration and approval.

Animal Nutrition Projects 1. Complete studies on the systematic mapping of grazing areas the inland Savannah zone of the Northern Regions of Ghana with mineral deficiencies and excesses using the Neutron Activation Analysis. 2. Begin the work on the effect of different feed supplementation on the growth, reproduction and heath of rabbit and other ruminants.

Animal Health and Protection Projects

Complete the collection of baseline data on the incidence of Bovine Babesiosis and the prevalence of the various Babesia strain's by the end of 1997. 77

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Director of BNARI 402286 (direct line) 400310 Ext. 300 Head of Secretariat 400310 Ext. 301 Head of Department of Animal Science 400310 Ext. 303 Head of Department of Plant and Soil Science 400310 Ext. 307 Head of Department of Food Science and Radiation Processing 400310 Ext. 310

Please NOTE that the new postal address of the Institute is:-

BIOTECHNOLOGY AND NUCLEAR AGRICULTURE RESEARCH INSTITUTE, P. O. BOX AE 50, ATOMIC ENERGY, ACCRA, GHANA.