ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Phenology and seed germination improvement of two important tree species in the moist semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana

Understanding the phenology and seed germination improvement techniques of native forest tree species is crucial for their conservation and the restoration of degraded forest areas. This study examined the reproductive phenology and the effect of four chemical and physical seed germination improvement techniques on two indigenous forest tree species namely; Terminalia superba and Terminalia ivorensis. The reproductive phenology was observed and documented over 24 months. The effects of chemical and physical scarification on seed germination were also evaluated under ambient temperatures for 36 days. Period and intensity of Leaf flushing (LF), Flowering (FL), Fruiting (FR) and Seed dispersal (SD) pheno-phases of 115 selected tree stands of the species were monitored and scored using the widely adopted BBCH system of coding plant phenology. Leaf flushing (LF) in both species coincides with the onset of the wet season in April-July, and it is followed by flowering in August-September. Fruiting and seed dispersal pheno-phases occurred between October-February. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.7325, P < 0.05) was found between the highest Leaf flushing (LF) percentage and average monthly rainfall (RA). The strongest negative correlation was established between percentage of Fruiting (FR) individuals in both species and mean monthly maximum temperatures (TEmx). Chemical scarification (soaking in H2SO4 2g/l for 20 minutes prior to sowing) improved seed germination in both species by more than 50 percent. Results indicate that T. superba and T. ivorensis undergo a consistent and synchronized annual reproductive cycle dependent on temperature and rainfall. The results further suggest that large scale climatic fluctuation can affect the reproductive and vegetative phenology of the trees.

Source: KNUST
PhD (Painting & Sculpture) Asante folklore and Kumasi kiosk architecture: a visual exploration of hybridity and mythography

This studio-based research improvises on the architectonics of Kumasi kiosks. I present the ensuing body of artefacts as a working prototype which joins on-going cultural conversations on hybridity in contemporary art. The typical Kumasi kiosk is referenced as a site for negotiation of boundaries in its design, setting and function, but I have also made allusions to suggestions of hybridity and boundary negotiation in the polyvalent structure of Asante myth and folklore. I made a close study of three hundred kiosks located in the urban quarters of Kumasi. I also engaged such thinkers on hybrid spaces as Homi Bhabha , Jacques Derrida, Michael Foucault, Stuart Hall, Paul Gilroy, etc, to discourse on Asante mythology. I laid emphasis on the myth of ɔhyeεni (ɔhene-king), a patriarchal figure who negotiates boundaries, Asante and Akan filial kinship narrative from Asante history. I employed a personal technique of painting, -Aberphoh, which is a reconfiguration of abstract expressionist and surrealist genres. Asante art forms laden with their myths, some of which visually portrayed mythology, especially the totems, were also studied as the basis upon which art works were recreated in the form of paintings on sculptural structures created with plywood. I used the Asante myth of Abubu-mmabaa to explore the structural dialogue of inside and outside in my hybridized artefact. I have also presented an iconographic catalogue of totems and symbols which appear on the inner and outer surfaces of my structures. I present my project as an artefact to be contained in a gallery space as well as a structure or site which contains other artefacts. Like the Kumasi kiosk, these structures are not intended to be permanently site-specific. Each is collapsible and foldable and thus portable to any possible location for re-erection and exhibition. It is a cross genre installation interfacing painting, sculpture, architecture, poetry and performance.

Source: KNUST
Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Properties and Antimicrobial Activities of the Extracts from Funtumia africana and Funtumia elastica

Funtumia africana and Funtumia elastica belong to a group of invaluable plants used in managing a wide range of diseases in West Africa. This study aimed at assessing the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of extracts of the stem bark of F. africana and F. elastica. The dried, milled stem barks of F. africana and F. elastica were extracted with water and 70% ethanol by cold maceration. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids, and tannins were determined using standard methods. The extracts were tested against bacterial and fungal pathogens, namely; Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Candida albicans. The zone of inhibition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), activity index, and the total antimicrobial activity of the extracts on the organisms were evaluated. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, reducing sugars, anthocyanins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, quinones, tannins, and saponins. The ethanolic extract of F. elastica had the highest phenolic flavonoid contents and total antioxidant capacity. A positive correlation was observed between TPC with TAC (R = 0.893, p < 0.05) and TFC with TAC (R = 0.613, p < 0.05). The extracts were most active against E. coli and C. albicans and least active against B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa. The data obtained from the study indicated that the barks of the two plants possessed both antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Source: KNUST
Phenotypic and molecular characterization of released and elite sweetpotato varieties in Ghana compared with virus-tested putative ramets

Following release of Ghanaian sweetpotato varieties which are selections from exotic introductions, no effort was made to maintain true-to-type virus-tested foundation seed stocks. Original exotic virus-tested plants of Ghanaian released and elite varieties obtained from CIP were introduced and compared with putative ramets using morphological descriptors and molecular markers, yield and quality attributes and severity of virus symptoms with time. Planting materials of cultivars and introduced virus-tested materials of same genotypes were field multiplied at Fumesua, Ghana, before planting in replicated trials at two locations during the 2011 major growing season. Standard morphological descriptors and molecular markers were used to assess similarity of genotypes, while yield and virus symptoms during growth were used to determine benefits of using virus-tested planting material. The Ghanaian released varieties Otoo and Sauti were found to be closely related with original source material. Conversely, Faara and Okumkom were found not to be closely related with original source material. The recently introduced virus-tested genotypes, Mogamba and Kenya, yielded significantly (p < 0.05) higher than putative ramets and could be used as a source of clean planting material. On the contrary, TIS 3017 and TIS 8266 also introduced recently, produced significantly (p < 0.05) lower yields than putative ramets. These varieties should be cleaned locally using in vitro tissue culture techniques. Mogamba was found to be the genotype with the lowest expression of virus symptoms and recorded the highest yield. More attention should be given to maintenance of seed quality of virus-free stocks and continuous selection for trueness to type.

Source: KNUST
Phenotypic and Molecular Screening of Thirty Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) Germplasm for Root-Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne Incognita) Chitwood, Resistance.

This study was conducted to screen 30 tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) germplasm for root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita) resistance. Three experiments were conducted. Field experiment was done on a field naturally heavily infested with root–knot nematodes at Afari in the Atwima Nwabiagya district of Ashanti region of Ghana. A pot experiment was conducted in a plant house at Crops Research Institute. Molecular screening was also done at the Biotechnology Laboratory of the Crops Research Institute to detect markers for the gene that confers resistance to tomato (Mi) with specific primers (Mi23/F//Mi23/R). Six resistant cultivars - FLA 496-11-6-0, 2641A, “Adwoa Deede”, Tima, Terminator F1 and 2644A were identified in the molecular screening. The susceptible check (UC82) recorded the highest (2,508) J2/200 ml soil recovered from the rhizosphere of tomatoes which was significantly different (P=0.01) from the resistant check (VFNT) which recorded 208 J2/200ml soil in the field study. The susceptible check (UC82) also recorded a significantly high number (108) J2/g root compared to the resistant check (VFNT) which recorded none. The susceptible check, UC82, and the resistant check, VFNT, recorded mean gall indices of 4.0 and 0.0, respectively, on a scale of 0-5 in the field work. VFNT and three other resistant cultivars, - FLA 496-11-6-0, 2641A and Adwoa Deede did not gall in the pot experiment. FLA 496-11-6-0, Adwoa Deede, Tima and the resistant cultivar recorded significantly high fruit yield (3.3, 5.8, 1.3 and 2.4 t/ha) respectively. The susceptible check, UC82, however, recorded significantly low fruit yield (0.4 t/ha). Most of the susceptible cultivars identified recorded significant decreases in fresh and dry shoot weights with increasing inoculum densities (Pi = 0, 250, 500). Six resistant cultivars identified in the molecular screening correlated well with the resistant phenotypes in both the field and pot experiments.

Source: KNUST
Phenotypic correlation estimates of external and internal quality traits of Cobb500 broiler hatching eggs

This study was aimed at determining the internal and external quality traits of the hatching eggs of Cobb 500 broiler breeders as well as the phenotypic correlations between these traits. A total of 330 eggs collected over a period of eleven weeks during the second half of the first laying cycle, were used for this study. The birds were raised in floor pens at a breeding farm of Darko Farms and Company Limited, at Atwima Manyia a suburb of Kumasi in the Ashanti region, Ghana. The values (external quality parameters) obtained for the egg weight, egg width, egg length, shell thickness, shell ratio, shape index and shell weight respectively were 59.37g, 4.35cm, 5.64cm, 0.54mm, 12.4%, 77.6%, 7.35g. The internal quality parameters; albumen height, albumen weight, albumen ratio, Haugh unit, yolk diameter, yolk height, yolk weight, yolk index, and yolk ratio were found respectively as 5.94mm, 32.63g, 54.80% 75.10, 42.11mm, 16.35mm, 19.43g, 38.81% and 32.84%. According to the results obtained in this research, all the internal quality traits of the eggs except the yolk ratio were found to have significant positive correlations with the weight of the egg. These results suggest that it is possible to use egg weight in determining the egg length, egg width, and weight. Both albumen height and yolk height significantly influenced Haugh unit and this implies that these traits could be used to determine the Haugh unit.

Source: KNUST
Phosphate rock utilization by soybean genotypes on a low-P savanna soil and the status of soil P fractions after a subsequent maize crop

Information on the inter- and intra-specific variability in the acquisition and utilization of phosphorus (P) by promiscuous soybean genotypes under low-P conditions can be helpful in the short-term management of soil P availability. Thirteen promiscuous soybean genotypes were evaluated in a low-P soil at Fashola in the derived savanna of Nigeria to compare their ability to acquire and utilize P from phosphate rock (PR) and single superphosphate (SSP). Changes in soil P fractions after a subsequent maize crop were also assessed. The treatments were 90 kg P/ha added as PR (90-PR), 30 kg P/ha as SSP (30-SSP), and 0 kg P/ha as a control (0-P). Large differences occurred in growth, nodulation, and mycorrhizal infection rates among the soybean genotypes and were related to the P sources. Three genotypes (Tgm 1511, Tgm 1419, and Tgm 1360) increased their shoot dry matter yield significantly with PR application. The efficiency of the genotypes to acquire and utilize fertilizer or soil P differed significantly, and their ranking depended on how efficiency is defined. Shortly after application, 90-PR and 30-SSP resulted in similar increases in available P but the effects of 90-PR on the Ca-bound pool were significantly higher than those of 30-SSP. The difference in Ca-bound P between 90-PR and 0-P decreased from 44 to 26 mg/kg after the second cropping, leading to significantly higher levels of resin P (p = 0.006) and HCO3-Pi (p = 0.038) in the PR treatment than in the control. The results of this study indicate that exploiting genotypic differences in P use efficiency may lead to the selection of soybean genotypes that can potentially enhance productivity in the low-P savanna soils.

Source: KNUST
The philosophical and symbolic meanings of art forms at shrines and churches in Ghana: a case study in the Central Region

The thesis investigates the various art forms at shrines and churches, the materials used to produce them, what part they play in the worship, the philosophies behind them, their symbolic meanings, similarities and differences in them. Many visual art forms exist in shrines and churches. An empirical observation by the researcher indicates that, whereas the art forms at shrines are considered unholy by many Ghanaians, about 70% of whom are said to worship in the churches, the ones at the churches are considered sacred. The study focuses on selected art forms at shrines and churches and categorises them according to the symbolic, philosophical meanings behind them. The problem the thesis seeks to solve is to identify similarities and differences in symbolic and philosophical meanings of the art forms employed at both places of worship. The main objectives of the research were: to find out the philosophical and symbolic meanings of the art forms, the roles these art forms play in the worship, and the similarities and differences in these art forms at shrines and churches. The descriptive, survey method with interviewing and questionnaire administration were employed to gather the data for the research. The sample population of the research constituted 20 leaders of all the identified shrines and churches, 50 members from all the five identified shrines and five churches the researcher visited. The researcher employed the technique of purposive sampling and simple random sampling. The similarities in function of the art forms at the shrines and churches in the Central Region are similar with slight differences. It therefore implies that the art forms at the shrines and art forms at churches serve almost the same purposes. The research discovered that a challenge is posed to the few school-educated elite of the Traditional worshipers in particular to embark upon serious research and proper documentation of the art forms at the shrines. The research also recommends that the leaders of Traditional worship should be given formal school education to help them keep record on the symbolic and philosophical meanings of the art forms they use. Finally, the research recommends that the Christians community should try to adopt the same meanings of the art forms to avoid or, at least, reduce disparities.

Source: KNUST
Philosophical and aesthetic significance of theSilver-Stool of Asante-Mampong.

Stools are the most important regalia in the palaces of Asante’s chiefs. The stools are paraded during formal occasions like Adae or installation of a new chief. These stools do not only denote the social status of its owner, but rather a measure of wealth and the attestation of its history. However, the history and the significance value behind the silver-stool of Asante-Mampong are not known to many people of Mampong in particular and Asante in general. In order to achieve the set objectives for the research work, the researcher employed the qualitative and descriptive methods. Interview and observation were used as the primary sources of data whilst articles, books served as the secondary data sources. The secondary data were collected from libraries and internet sites. To ensure the credibility of information collected, the researcher selected some chiefs from Asante-Mampong and elders from Manhyia Palace, Kumasi. The chief of Asante-Mampong is the first born of the state, the leader and an occupant of a state Silver-Stool. The chief of Mampong state is both a religious and political head. His authority is ultimately derived from the very people he rules. His actions and inactions must follow customs, traditions and usage. The silver-stool is believed to be of an ancestral origin. The significance of the history of Mampong and the silver-stool has contributions to the development of education in Ghana. The values may centre on moral, political, religious, aesthetics, educational and others which will encourage certain positive practices. Myths and legends associated with chieftaincy should be demystified as it has rich information the history and status of a stool. Values inherent in the chieftaincy institution can be integrated into curriculum of formal education. Chiefs and elders in palaces must be well educated on the stools they serve. The institution of chieftaincy has educational implications and therefore information on them should not be exclusive to prevent researchers from getting access to them. There should be a database for traditional state institutions so that people can easily access them through the internet. The accessibility of the traditional institution will help the public to understand and appreciate culture as a basis of our society.

Source: KNUST
Phosphorus Adsorption Isotherms of Some Selected Soils from the Eastern Region of Ghana

Phosphorus (P) sorption in soils is a key process governing its availability to crops and environmental consequences. As a result of the high P fixation (low soil solution P concentration) in soils worldwide, crop yields are often low. In view of this fact, this study was initiated to determine the P sorption characteristics of some soils and derive parameter estimates relevant in the prediction and management of P as well as their relationship to the properties of the soils. Twelve soil samples were obtained from the Eastern Region of Ghana for this study. Measurement of P sorption was conducted by equilibrating air dried soil (<2 mm) in 0.2 M CaCl2 solution containing various concentrations of P. Phosphorus concentrations in the equilibrium solution were determined by the molybdenum blue method. The amount of P sorbed by the soils differed among the various soils. Differences in P- adsorption were greatly influenced by soil properties like soil organic carbon (SOC), soil pH, amounts of calcium and aluminium and the clay content. Soil from Huhunya which was virgin, adsorbed the greatest P, and the least P was also adsorbed by soil from a plantain farm in Huhunya. Phosphorus sorption data for soils was fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm equations. Phosphate adsorption was well described by the three isotherm equations but the Langmuir adsorption isotherm provided the best fit to the experimental data. The three parameters derived from the Langmuir isotherm are the adsorption maximum (Kmax), bonding capacity (b) and the maximum buffering capacity. Adsorption maximum and bonding capacities estimated ranged from 109.89 μg/g to 625.00 μg/g with an average value of 211.61 μg/g and from 0.124 mL/μg to 0.692 mL/μg with an average value of 0.285 mL/μg respectively. Maximum buffering capacity also ranged from 19.235 to 294.125 with an average value of 72.55. The sorption capacity (a) and sorption energy (n) were v estimated from the Freundlich equation and they ranged from 37.601 to 224.388 μg/g and 2.721 to 5.988 with average values of 82.965 μg/g and 3.930 respectively. Buffering capacity (B) which was estimated from the Temkin equation ranged from 16.915 to 103.350, with an average value of 37.991. It was realized that virgin soil from Huhunya would require the most P fertilizer. The least P fertilizer would be required by soil from the plantain farm (HP). Correlation analysis showed significant relationship between some soil characteristics and the sorption parameters derived from the three equations. There is however the need for inclusion of more soil chemical, physical and mineralogical properties in predicting soil P-adsorption to enhance reliability of information.

Source: KNUST
Phenotyping of Striga gesnerioides (Willd.) and Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) resistance in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) population in northern Ghana

Parasitic weed Striga gesnerioides (Willd.) and flower Thrips (Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom) are among the major constraints of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) production. The single approaches used for their control appears to be highly insufficient. Host-Plant Resistance seems to have merit in efficiently and economically controlling these pests. The objectives of this study were to evaluate recombinant inbred lines developed between Striga and Thrips resistant parents, IT97K 499-35 and Sanzi respectively by Single Seed Descent (SSD), for Striga and Thrips resistance in Northern Ghana. The study also evaluated the promising Striga gesnerioides resistant lines for yield loss assessment. Studies involved field and pot screening under artificial inoculation. Twenty-seven (27) RILs out of the 251 RILs screened were completely resistant to Striga gesnerioides. The level of Thrips infestation was very low (0 to 11 flower Thrips per plot) making it difficult to rank the genotypes into the categories (resistant and susceptible). The damage index (scores) were therefore not recorded due to the total absence of flower Thrips in a good number of plots. The percentage reduction in the grain yield and dry biomass among the RILs was lower in the resistant RILs (0.55% to 3.08% and 1.11 to 7.7% respectively) than the susceptible ones (28.45% to 58.88% and 47.29% to 61.71% respectively). The negative effect of Striga infestation on cowpea grain yield and dry biomass can then be reduced when resistant genotypes are used.

Source: KNUST
Phenotypic characterisation and genetic diversity of the local pig of Ghana

The present study involved three separate studies. At the outset and in collaboration with the USAID funded IITA lead Africa RISING project which was being implemented in the three regions of northern Ghana, a preliminary survey was conducted to identify pig farmers who were members of the Africa RISING’s Research for Development Platform (R4D) and to solicit their support and active participation in the study. However, the main focus of this research work was based on phenotypic characterisation and genetic diversity study of the local pig of Ghana.

Source: KNUST