American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 2011
Cashew is one of the most important cash crops in Ghana where it is largely grown in the coastal,... more Cashew is one of the most important cash crops in Ghana where it is largely grown in the coastal, transitional and guinea savannah belt. Its cultivation is largely a small holder activity and serves as their main source of income. However, cashew orchards in these areas are expanding as a result of its economic potentials. Therefore cashew (Anacardium occidentale) seedling growth as influenced by the size of polythene bag for nursing was investigated using 4x6 inches, 4x7 inches, 5.5x6 inches, 5x7 inches, 5.5x7 inches and 7x10 inches polythene bag size categories in order to assess the possibility of using other polythene bag sizes smaller than what farmers use currently (7x10 inches) in relation to germination ability of the cashew seeds and seedling growth in order to minimize nursery production cost. The complete randomise design was used for two months of nursery trial with four replications. Data was collected on percentage germination, days to seedling emergence, number of leaves, plant height (cm), stem girth (mm), leaf area (cm 2) and root length (cm) and were statistically analysed. The results showed a relationship between the parameters and the polythene bag sizes. The results showed that seedlings of polythene bag sizes 5.5x7 inches and 7x10 inches were superior to the sizes of polythene bag 4x6 inches, 4x7 inches, 5.5x6 inches and 5x7 inches seedlings both at emergence and seedling growth. The size of the nursery bag had a significant influence on seed germination, seedling vigour, number of leaves, plant height, stem girth, leaf area and root length at nursery growth. It was concluded that optimum performance was observed with bag size of 5.5 x 7 inches.
CONSUMER PREFERENCE, QUALITY AND SHELF LIFE OF THREE POPULAR VARIETIES OF BANANA (Musa spp. AAA) IN GHANA
Fruits of Cavendish, Mysore (Alata kwadu, local variety), and Gros Michel varieties of banana wer... more Fruits of Cavendish, Mysore (Alata kwadu, local variety), and Gros Michel varieties of banana were assessed to determine their relative differences in quality, shelf life and consumer preference. A general survey was conducted in the Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, Ashanti and Western Regions of Ghana to assess the consumer and seller preference of the three varieties of banana. Moisture content, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, pulp to peel ratio, vitamin content (B6, B12 and C) and shelf life studies were conducted as indicators of fruit quality over seven stages of ripening based on a standard colour chart. Sensory analysis was conducted using randomly selected panelists from the Department of Food Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, to assess the consumer preference of the fruits based on taste, texture, finger and pulp colour and size of fingers. Mysore had the least moisture levels for all colour stages and lasted longer than both Cavendish and Gros Michel varieties. Mysore...
Journal of experimental agriculture international, Apr 11, 2023
This study examined the growth and post-harvest quality of sod produced from C. aciculatus seed, ... more This study examined the growth and post-harvest quality of sod produced from C. aciculatus seed, a popular turfgrass in Ghana. Although viable and readily available, C. aciculatus seeds are not commonly used, and its sod quality characteristics are unknown. The experiment was conducted at the College of Agriculture Education, AAMUSTED, Mampong campus, using a 3 x 3 factorial experiment in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications, using a wooden frame system. The treatment factors were Fertilizer (10 t/ha chicken manure, 450 kg ha-1 Foliar fertilizer, and No fertilizer) and base netting (Rubber fiber net, Jute mat, and No net). Results showed that Original Research Article
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is an important crop grown successfully in tropical and subtropi... more Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is an important crop grown successfully in tropical and subtropical climates with huge nutritional, economic, and industrial benefits. e physical properties of seeds, particularly length, width, thickness, mean diameter, angle of repose, degree of sphericity, mass, and surface area, have been found to play significant roles in designing equipment for storage, transportation, and subsequent field operations of the seeds. erefore, a study was carried out to determine the effects of different harvesting times on the physical properties of seeds of twelve roselle accessions for their subsequent industrial management. In total, 12 × 3 factorial arrangements in Randomized Complete Block Design and Completely Randomized Design were used for the field and laboratory experiments, respectively. e first factor was germplasm accessions at twelve levels (HS08,
Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is gaining increasing global appeal and has received massive ma... more Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is gaining increasing global appeal and has received massive marketing and distribution due to its significant nutritional benefits for human health. There is little or no history on how the fruit was introduced into the country. However, raising suitable planting materials continues to be a challenge. Thus, the study sought to identify suitable budwood sources through fruit quality assessments. Mature, bruised-free fruits were harvested from five different trees at New Koforidua in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The experimental design for this study was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five replicates. Twenty-five fruits were selected from each tree for data collection and fruit analysis. The parameters studied were the physical properties (fruit weight, fruit firmness, seed weight, pulp weight, peel weight, fruit length and fruit diameter) and chemical properties [chemical composition, pH, total titratable acids (TTA) and total soluble sol...
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is an important crop grown successfully in tropical and subtropi... more Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is an important crop grown successfully in tropical and subtropical climates with huge nutritional, economic, and industrial benefits. The physical properties of seeds, particularly length, width, thickness, mean diameter, angle of repose, degree of sphericity, mass, and surface area, have been found to play significant roles in designing equipment for storage, transportation, and subsequent field operations of the seeds. Therefore, a study was carried out to determine the effects of different harvesting times on the physical properties of seeds of twelve roselle accessions for their subsequent industrial management. In total, 12 × 3 factorial arrangements in Randomized Complete Block Design and Completely Randomized Design were used for the field and laboratory experiments, respectively. The first factor was germplasm accessions at twelve levels (HS08, HS11, HS19, HS25, HS27, HS32, HS41, HS58, HS59, HS69, HS83, and H86), and the second factor was ha...
The attributes that drive South African consumer preference for apple eating quality and appearan... more The attributes that drive South African consumer preference for apple eating quality and appearance were investigated in this study. Black, white and Indian consumers of two age groups (18-25 or 26+) and different socio-economic background participated in consumer studies conducted in Pretoria, Gauteng province and Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal province. Nine different commercial apple cultivars were used to attain variation in eating quality and appearance attributes. Descriptive sensory analysis was carried out on all nine cultivars using a trained panel. Consumer preference for eating quality and appearance of all nine cultivars was assessed on a 9-point hedonic scale. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to project the outcome of descriptive sensory analysis onto consumers’ preference dimension. Region, ethnic and age groups as well as gender, interacted for consumer preference of eating quality. Black consumers from both Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal and from both age groups (18-2...
Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 2021
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is an important crop grown in tropical and subtropical climates ... more Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is an important crop grown in tropical and subtropical climates with huge nutritional, economic and industrial benefits. The plant undergoes explosive shattering to disperse seeds after physiological maturity leading to high loss of seeds at the time of harvesting. A field experiment was carried out to determine the effect of different harvesting stages on the growth, yield and shattering dynamics of seeds of twelve Roselle accessions in the Department of Horticulture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi from March to November, 2019. A 3x12 factorial design in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used for the study, where factor one was harvesting stages at three levels (physiological maturity, one week after physiological maturity and two weeks after physiological maturity) and factor two was accessions at twelve levels. The study revealed that accession HS08 performed best in terms of growth (plant height, the number o...
Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research, 2018
Aims: Studies were carried out to ascertain a suitable soilless medium which would enhance root d... more Aims: Studies were carried out to ascertain a suitable soilless medium which would enhance root development in Thuja occidentalis using stem cuttings and air-layered propagules. Economically, the demand for these ornamentals necessitates that the difficult-to-root phenomenon should be solved. Study Design: A 2 x 6 factorial in a randomised complete block design replicated three times was the experimental design used for the stem cutting experiment. While a complete randomised design with 6 treatments which were replicated three times used for the air-layering experiment.
South African consumers' preference for apple eating quality and appearance were investigated in ... more South African consumers' preference for apple eating quality and appearance were investigated in this study. Black, white and Indian consumers of two age groups (18-25 or 26+) participated in consumer studies conducted in Pretoria, Gauteng province (GP) and Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal province (KZN). Nine apple cultivars were used to attain a wide variation in flavour and appearance parameters. Descriptive sensory analysis was carried out using a trained panel and consumer preference for eating quality and appearance was assessed on a 9-point hedonic scale. Principal component analysis was used to project the outcome of descriptive sensory analysis onto consumers' preference dimension. Region, race and age group interacted for consumer preference of eating quality while region, race and gender interacted for consumer preference of appearance. Black consumers from both GP and KZN and from both age groups as well as white and Indian consumers from the older age group (26+) had a high preference for sweet taste. White and Indian consumers from the young age group (18-25) preferred cultivars that were closely associated with positive textural attributes. Except for black female consumers from GP, black consumers generally preferred the appearance of 'Golden Delicious'. White and Indian consumers preferred the appearance of green 'Granny Smith'. These appearance preferences seem to relate to taste preferences.
Laboratory analysis to establish the residue levels of pesticides in cabbage heads harvested from... more Laboratory analysis to establish the residue levels of pesticides in cabbage heads harvested from farms in the forest ecozone of Ghana revealed the presence of organochlorines, and further analysis quantified the amounts present. Analysis of organochlorine residue levels in heads of cabbage at harvest indicated alpha-BHC, gamma-BHC (Lindane), beta-BHC, delta-BHC, beta-Endosulfan and Heptachlor residue levels of 0.321, 0.908, 0.883, 0.394, 0.207 and 0.140 mg/kg, respectively, which are all higher than the FAO/WHO guideline value of 0.05 mg/kg. However, DDT, DDE, Endrin, Dieldrin and Endosulfan sulphate showed residue levels of 0.017, 0.07, 0.022, 0.010 and 0.005 mg/kg, respectively, which are all below the FAO/WHO guideline value of 0.02 mg/kg for DDT and DDE, and 0.05 mg/kg for Endrin, Dieldrin and Endosulfan sulphate, respectively. Analysis of residue levels of the organochlorines, after 14 days of storage in a refrigerator at 5°C, showed significant reductions (p<0.05) in pesticide residues in the cabbage heads. All of the pesticide levels fell below the FAO/WHO recommended levels, except gamma-BHC (Lindane) and beta-BHC, whose levels dropped significantly (p<0.05) but were still higher than the FAO/WHO recommended levels. From the results of the analyses, storing cabbage for 14 days could remove all traces of Aldrin, Dieldrin and Endosulfan sulphate. Organochlorine pesticides are banned for vegetable production in Ghana; therefore, the detection of these organochlorine pesticides residues in cabbage samples indicates misuse of agrochemicals among cabbage producers in the forest ecozone, and these cabbages therefore pose health hazards for consumers, particularly if they are consumed soon after harvest.
Mango (Mangifera indica) is consumed, among other reasons, for its pleasant taste and flavour. Ma... more Mango (Mangifera indica) is consumed, among other reasons, for its pleasant taste and flavour. Mango fruits are rich sources of vitamins A, B and C. They are being increasingly processed into products such as dried mango slices (chips). These products have longer shelf life than fresh fruit and therefore assure all year round availability of mango in various forms. Mango at different stages of ripening possesses different physico-chemical properties. A study was carried out to determine the effect of stage of ripening of fruits on eating quality of 'Keitt' mango chips. Physico-chemical changes were monitored in fruits during ripening. There were increases in levels of Total Soluble Solids and pH while titratable acidity and vitamin C content declined with ripening. Chips showed increased levels of protein and crude fiber with ripening whereas the levels of carbohydrates declined. Magnesium levels in chips increased with ripening whereas the levels of phosphorus, potassium, calcium and sodium declined. Sensory analysis revealed that chips produced from fully ripe 'Keitt' mango fruits were more acceptable than half ripe and unripe in appearance (1.37), taste (1.27), flavour (1.38) and mouth feel (1.45). Texture of chips produced from fully ripe mangoes performed satisfactorily (2.64). INTRODUCTION Mango (Mangifera indica L.), a fruit native to the tropics and sub-tropics belonging to the family Anacardiaceae (Pamplona-Roger, 2003), is usually consumed worldwide for its pleasant taste and flavour (USDA, 2006). It is a rich source of vitamins A and C as well as dietary fibers (Pal, 1988). According to Litz (1998), mango is commonly utilized for processing of juice, nectars, fruit leather, and frozen pulp as well as for flavouring product for baked goods, ice cream or yoghurt. Dried pieces may be added to salads and fruit cocktail as well (Nakasone et al., 1999). Global production of mangoes is forecasted to reach 30.7 million tons (Mt) by 2010 (FAO, 2003), with India maintaining the lead with 12.3 Mt. Mango is a nontraditional export produce in Ghana where the industry is employing many workers. Ghana produced 4,000 t of mangoes in 2003 (Deng and Janssens, 2004). Mangoes produced in Ghana include, (the local cultivar), 'Palmer', and 'Keitt'; 'Keitt' alone represents 85% of the total export value (Asiedu et al., 2007). Mango is a delicate perishable fruit (Temple, 1999) which must be handled with care. Recent developments at the international market have necessitated the need to research into promoting local consumption and utilization of processed mangoes. This study assessed the effect of stage of ripening on eating quality of 'Keitt' mango chips.
Radio Broadcast as an Extension tool in Dry Season Vegetable Production in the Upper West Region, Ghana
The Ghana Institute of Horticulturists (GhIH), in collaboration with the Canadian Society for Hor... more The Ghana Institute of Horticulturists (GhIH), in collaboration with the Canadian Society for Horticultural Science (CSHS), initiated a project on dry season vegetable production in the Upper West Region (UWR) of Ghana in 2001. Five years after initiation of this project, more than 150 farmers and some agricultural extension staff in three districts received training through Farmer Field School (FFS), and Training of Trainer‘s (ToT) Workshop. The project enhanced food and income security and introduced good agricultural practices to farming households. Despite the immense benefits derived from this project, distance between project sites increased the cost of project implementation and limited the expansion of the project to new sites. In 2005, a series of radio discussions on Radio Upper West were initiated to increase the coverage of educational programmes on the benefits and lessons learned on dry season vegetable farming. Scripts were written on various topics, such as compostin...
Horticulture and Animal Production Improve Farm Income and Address Gender Equality in Northern Ghana
Rural communities in the Northern and Upper West regions of Ghana face many challenges, including... more Rural communities in the Northern and Upper West regions of Ghana face many challenges, including low agricultural productivity and limited water for human consumption and irrigation. Household incomes and food security are compromised, leading in turn to poor nutrition and overall health of rural inhabitants. In addition, many young people migrate to urban areas in the south in search of work. In order to counter these challenges, two agricultural partnership projects were initiated. In 2001. the first project partnered the Canadian Society for Horticultural Science (CSHS) with the Ghanaian Institute of Horticulturists (GhIH). It focused on improving household health and income through irrigated vegetable production in the Upper West. Project leaders worked with local extension staff to develop production strategies and farmer field schools. As a result of these interventions, the area under vegetable production per family has increased from 0.025 acres to 0.25 acres. The second pr...
African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2011
Mango (Mangifera indica) fruits are consumed, among other reasons, for their pleasant flavour. Th... more Mango (Mangifera indica) fruits are consumed, among other reasons, for their pleasant flavour. They are rich sources of vitamins A, B 6 and C. Mango fruits are being increasingly processed into products such as dried mango slices (chips). These products have longer shelflife and, therefore, assure all year round availability of mango in different forms. The stage of ripening of mango fruits influences consumer acceptability. This is because it affects the physico-chemical characteristics of the mango fruit. In order to produce mango chips of acceptable quality, determination of the most appropriate stage of ripening of fruits for chip production should be known. This study was, therefore, carried out to determine the effect of stage of ripening of Keitt mango fruits on eating quality of its derivative chips. Some physicochemical changes occurring in fruits were monitored during ripening. The results showed that there were significant increases (P<0.05) in total soluble solids and pH while titratable acidity and vitamin C content declined with ripening. No significant differences were observed between the different stages of ripening in any of the proximate parameters with the exception of the ash content. Chips showed increased levels of ash with ripening. Magnesium levels in chips increased with ripening whereas the levels of phosphorus, potassium, calcium and sodium declined. Sensory evaluation of the chips revealed that chips produced from fully ripe Keitt mango fruits were more acceptable than half ripe and unripe mango fruits. The chips from the fully ripened had the best scores for appearance (1.37), taste (1.27), flavour (1.38) as well as mouthfeel (1.45). The texture of chips produced using the fully ripened Keittt mango fruits were adjudged to be satisfactory (2.64). The study showed that fully ripened mango fruits were better in producing chips of acceptable sensory quality than both unripe and fullripe mango fruits. The taste which was mainly due to the sugar content of the mango chips contributed significantly to overall acceptability and therefore could be used as a quality indicator of Keitt mango chips.
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