DSpace Angular :: Browsing by Author "Abaidoo R. C"

Browsing by Author "Abaidoo R. C"

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ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI SPECIES IN LONG-TERM SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA
(Taylor & Francis, 2009) Bukola Emmanuel; Olajire Fagbola; Abaidoo R. C; Oluwole Osonubi; Olusola Oyetunji
Soil fertility management systems (SFMS) can influence the community structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Hence, long-term SFMS was studied. The SFMS comprised three legume combinations, urea application and solely maize as control. Spores were extracted by wet sieving, characterized and identified using their morphology. Interrelationships between cropping systems and occurrence of AMF species were analyzed with genotype by environment (GGE) biplot. Seventeen species were identified with Glomus species (47.05%) having highest value while Gigaspora species had the least (11.76%). Legume residues significantly (P < 0.05) increased spore population with the highest spore count (120 spores/100 g soil) obtained in plot under cowpea residue. Shannon Weiner index (H ) of maize/Lablab purpureus plot was highest (1.996) while that of sole maize system was the least (1.550). The GGE indicated Glomus intraradices as a stable species across all the SFMS. Community structure of AMF and function can be preserved using appropriate SFMS.
Agronomic and economic benefits of integrated nutrient management options for cowpea production
(Cambridge University Press, 2020) Issoufa Bachir Bounou; Ibrahim Ali; Abaidoo R. C
The limitation of soil amendments and insufficient and irregular rainfall are the main factors accounting for the decline in crop yields in the Sahelian low-input cropping systems. This study explored the agro nomic and economic responses of integrated use of millet glume-derived compost with synthetic fertilizer in cowpea-based cropping system. A two-year field experiment was laid out as factorial design arranged in randomized complete blocks with three rates of compost (0, 4000, and 8000 kg ha−1) and three rates of recommended synthetic fertilizer (0, 50, and 100%). Cowpea grain yield increased markedly with com bined application of compost and synthetic fertilizer. The combined use of compost applied at 8000 kg ha−1 and 50% of the recommended rate of synthetic fertilizer increased cowpea grain yield by 51% compared to the application of 100% of the recommended rate of synthetic fertilizer. The rainwater use efficiency (RaUE) increased by 52 and 49% with the combined application of compost at 8000 kg ha−1 along with 50% of the recommended rate of synthetic fertilizer when compared to the application of 100% of the recommended rate of synthetic fertilizer in 2013 and 2014, respectively. All treatments induced a positive net income, and the highest value/cost ratio was achieved with combined application of compost and syn thetic fertilizer. This study highlights the possibility of improving cowpea productivity through combined use of composted locally available organic input with half of the recommended rate of synthetic fertilizer. This combination would reduce the investment in mineral fertilizer currently made by smallholder farmers in the Sahelian low-input cowpea cropping system and reduce environmental pollution resulting from the current practice of burning the millet glume.
Antagonistic Effect of Indigenous Bacillus subtilis on Root-/Soil-borne Fungal Pathogens of Cowpea
(Researcher, 2011) Killani, A.S.; Abaidoo R. C; Akintokun, A.K; Abiala, M. A.
The biopesticide ability of indigenous Bacillus subtilis as a biocontrol agent against cowpea fungal pathogens Fusarium verticilloides, F. equiseti, F. solani, F. oxysporum, and Rhizoctonia solani isolated from diseased cowpea in the northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria was evaluated in the laboratory. Primary in-vitro screening for antagonism against these phytopathogenic fungi revealed significant (P ≤ 0.05) inhibitory effects on mycelial radial growth of the pathogens. Generally, the antibiosis exhibited by B. subtilis against F. verticilloides, F. equiseti, and R. solani was highly significant. However, there were little or no inhibition effects on F. solani, and F. oxysporum. Differences in times of inoculation between the antagonist and the pathogens were not significantly (P ≤ 0.05) different in aiding effective and efficient inhibition of the pathogens by B. subtilis. The B. subtilis strain isolated, identified, and used in this present study is a promising natural biopesticide agent which can be considered as an alternative to chemical pesticides in cowpea disease management strategies and should be further studied and tested for control of other phytopathogenic fungi causing diseases and yield loss in susceptible cowpea germplasm.
Assessing low quality water use policy framework: Case study from Ghana
(Elseveire, 2015) Amponsah Owusu; Vigre Håkan; Wilde Schou Torben; Boateng Ethel Seiwaa; Braimah Imoro; Abaidoo R. C
We sought to understand the factors that have undermined the effective implementation of the low quality water reuse provision in Ghana’s Irrigation Policy. Two Strategic Environmental Assessment tools (i.e. compatibility matrix and sustainability test) were used for the policy analyses. The analyses identified neither conflicts nor sustainability issues which could undermine the effective implementation of the policy in Ghana. Rather, its effective implementation was found to be the result of the lack of supportive legislation, regulations and guidelines. Furthermore, most of the institutions, which have been identified as key stakeholders for the policy implementation, not only lack the commitmentto implementthe policy but also perceive low quality water reuse as a practice that can endanger public health. We conclude that effective implementation of the low quality water reuse policy requires an integration of the policy into the broader water resources management context supported with legislation and regulations which spell out clearly institutional responsibilities, and rewards and punishments for compliance or otherwise.
Assessing the performance of the grain legume marketing system in northern Ghana
(Academia, 2013) Aidoo R.; Mensah J.O; Opoku A; Abaidoo R. C
The main objective of this study was to examine costs, returns and efficiency levels associated with the activities of key players in the grain legume marketing chain in northern Ghana. A total of 140 market participants comprising 93 retailers, 39 wholesalers and eight (8) assemblers/aggregators were selected from major and satellite markets in the three Northern Regions of Ghana through a multi-stage sampling approach. Data for the study was obtained through personal interviews with the use of structured questionnaire. In addition to descriptive statistics, gross marketing margin, net margin and marketing efficiency analyses were performed using field data. The study identified a long chain of greater than four different channels/pathways through which grain legumes moved from farm gate to final consumers. Marketing of grain legumes in the study Districts was found to be profitable, as only 18% of gross marketing margin was spent as marketing costs, with the remaining amount retained as net marketing margin. The study further showed that net marketing margins were not equitably distributed among different trading partners along the marketing chain. Generally, net marketing margin for assemblers/aggregators was far higher than that received by wholesalers and retailers. Marketing activities by all traders in the grain legume value chain were performed efficiently, with efficiency ratios far in excess of 100%. Trading in groundnut was far more profitable than trading in cowpea and soyabean. The main constraints identified by grain legume traders were limited access to credit, high cost of transportation, poor road network and inadequate storage facilities
Asssesing the effectiveness and impact of agricultural water management interventions: the case of small reservoirs in northern Ghana
(Elsevier, 2018) Daniel Acheampong; Bedru B. Balana; Nimoh Fred; Abaidoo R. C
Agricultural water management, particularly management of multi-purpose small reservoirs (SRs) in drier sa vanna areas of the northern Ghana, is being promoted as a key solution to improve agricultural production, enhance food security and livelihoods of smallholder farm households. However, little empirical evidence exist on how effective these small water infrastructures are in terms of delivering multiple benefits and their impact on the livelihood of smallholder farmers. This study assessed the effectiveness and impact of the small reservoirs on smallholder vegetable farmers in northern Ghana. A participatory rating method using a 5-point Likert-scale was used to assess the effectiveness of SRs in delivering multiple livelihood benefits and an endogenous switching regression model was applied to assess the SRs’ impact using a primary data collected from 328 randomly sampled vegetable farmers. Results from the Likert scale analysis show that most of the SRs are either dysfunctional or underutilized and not effective in delivering multiple benefits. Results from the endogenous switching regression model show that there is only about 3% increase in the income of vegetable farmers participating in irrigated vegetable production using SRs against the counterfactual situation but this change is insignificant statistically. The current low level effectiveness and impact of SRs could be enhanced by improving their management, for example, through the provision of incentive mechanisms such as subsidies to the private sector involvement in rehabilitation, management and irrigation service provision and strengthening the ca pacity of existing water users associations. Furthermore, small reserviors should be recognized not only as water sources for small scale irrigation but also as providers of multiple livelihood benefits to local communities and consequently should attract due attention in public resource allocation in their rehabilitation and management/ institutional capacity building.
Bacteria related to Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense from Ghana are effective groundnut micro-symbionts
(Elsevier, 2018) Osei Ophelia; Abaidoo R. C; Ahiabor Benjamin D.K.; Boddey Robert M.; Rouws Luc F.M.
The identification of locally-adapted rhizobia for effective inoculation of grain legumes in Africa’s semiarid regions is strategic for developing and optimizing cheap nitrogen fixation technologies for smallholder farmers. This study was aimed at selecting and characterising effective native rhizobia, from Ghanaian soils for groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) inoculation. From surface-disinfected root nodules of cowpea and groundnut plants grown on farmers’ fields, 150 bacterial isolates were obtained, 30 of which were eventually found to nodulate groundnut plants. After testing the symbiotic potential of these isolates on groundnut on sterilized substrate, seven of them, designated as KNUST 1001–1007, were evaluated in an open field pot experiment using 15N labelled soil. Although 15N dilution analyses did not indicate differences among treatments in the proportion of nitrogen (N) derived from the atmosphere (%Ndfa), all seven strains increased total N derived from N2 fixation by inoculated groundnut plants as compared to the non-inoculated control. Inoculation with KNUST 1002 led to total N accumulation as high as that of the groundnut reference strain 32H1. Genetic characterisation of the isolates by sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene, 16S – 23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) region and nodC gene revealed that isolates KNUST 1003 and 1007 were related to Rhizobium tropici, a common bean symbiont. The other five isolates, including KNUST 1002 belonged to the Bradyrhizobium genus, being closely related to Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense. Therefore, this study revealed novel native Ghanaian rhizobia with potential for the development of groundnut inoculants
Biological nitrogen fixation potential by soybeans in two low-P soils of southern Cameroon
(Springer, 2010) Jemo M.; Nolte C.; Tchienkoua M.; Abaidoo R. C; 0000-0002-1235-2252
Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) poten tial of 12 soybean genotypes was evaluated in conditions of low and sufficient phosphorus (P) supply in two acid soils of southern Cameroon. The P sources were phosphate rock (PR) and triplesuperphosphate (TSP). The experiment was carried out during two consecutive years (2001 and 2002) at two locations with different soil types. Shoot dry matter, nodule dry matter, and nitrogen (N) and P uptake were assessed at flowering and the grain yield at maturity. Shoot dry matter, nodule dry matter, N and P uptake, and grain yield varied significantly with site and genotypes (P\0.05). On Typic Kan diudult soil, nodule dry matter ranged from 0.3 to 99.3 mg plant-1 and increased significantly with P application (P\0.05). Total N uptake of soybean ranged from 38.3 to 60.1 kg N ha-1 on Typic Kandiudult and from 18 to 33 kg N ha-1 on Rhodic Kandiudult soil. Under P-limiting conditions, BNF ranged from -5.8 to 16 kg N ha-1 with significantly higher values for genotype TGm 1511 irrespective of soil type. Genotype TGm 1511 can be considered as an important companion crop for the development ofsmallholder agriculture in southern Cameroon
Bradyrhizobium spp. (TGx) isolates nodulating the new soybean cultivars in Africa are diverse and distinct from bradyrhizobia that nodulate North American soybeans
(Academia, 2000) Abaidoo R. C; Keyser Harold H.; Singleton Paul W.; Borthakur Dulal
The newly developed cultivars of soybean in Africa, known as Tropical Glycine cross (TGx), are nodulated by bradyrhizobia indigenous to African soils, here designated Bradyrhizobium spp. (TGx). Isolates of Bradyrhizobium spp. (TGx) obtained from nodules of TGx soybeans that were inoculated with soils from 65 locations in six African countries were characterized and grouped into 11 phylogenetic clusters on the basis of RFLP of the 16S rRNA gene. Five restriction enzymes (RsaI, HinfI, MspI, CfoI and HaeIII) established RFLP groups within these Bradyrhizobium spp. (TGx) isolates, which were used to construct a phylogenetic tree showing their genetic relationship with other Bradyrhizobium species. RFLP analysis indicated that Bradyrhizobium spp. (TGx) is a heterogeneous group with some isolates related to Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Bradyrhizobium elkanii strains and some to Bradyrhizobium spp. (misc.) reference strains isolated from a variety of tropical legumes. The heterogeneity within the large phylogenetic clusters was further examined through analysis of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) using GC rich PCR primers. The RAPD analysis showed additional heterogeneity in the Bradyrhizobium spp. (TGx) phylogenetic clusters, which was not revealed by separations based on RFLP analysis. The Bradyrhizobium spp. (TGx) isolates were classified into effective and ineffective types based on their symbiotic performance on TGx soybean. The isolates were randomly distributed throughout the phylogenetic clu
Combined application of inoculant, phosphorus and organic manure improves grain yield of cowpea
(Taylor & Francis, 2020) Ulzen Jacob; Abaidoo R. C; Ewusi-Mensah Nana; Masso Cargele
Low concentrations of P and organic manure in savanna soils limit cow pea response to rhizobia. The study was conducted to determine the combined effect of P and organic manure on cowpea response to rhizobia in a factorial experiment arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications on smallholder farmers’ fields in northern Ghana in 2015. The factors were two levels of Bradyrhizobium inoculant, two levels of P fertilizer, three treatments of manure (fertisoil, cattle manure, and no manure). Addition of Bradyrhizobium inoculant to P and fertisoil significantly increased shoot biomass yield from 1677 kg ha−1 in the plots without Bradyrhizobium inoculation to 1913 kg ha−1. Likewise, the addition of Bradyrhizobium inoculant to P and cattle man ure significantly increased shoot biomass from 1437 kg ha−1 to 1813 kg ha−1 .Grain yield increases of 1427 and 1278 kg ha−1 were obtained over the control when either fertisoil or cattle manure and P, respectively, were added to Bradyrhizobium inoculant. The value cost ratio for adding Bradyrhizobium inoculant to phosphorus and fertisoil was two indicating that it could be attractive to risk-averse smallholder farmers. The study demonstrated the potential of the combined application of organic matter and P to improve cowpea response to Bradyrhizobium inoculation.
Combined use of millet glume-derived compost and mineral fertilizer enhances soil microbial biomass and pearl millet yields in a low-input millet cropping system in Niger
(Taylor & Francis, 2019) Issoufa Bachir Bounou; Ibrahim Ali; Abaidoo R. C; Ewusi-Mensah Nana
A two-year field experiment was conducted in Niger to explore the effects of integrated use of millet glume-derived compost (MGD-Compost) and NP fertilizer on soil microbial biomass carbon (Cmic), nitrogen (Nmic) and millet yields. Three compost rates (3000 kg ha−11500 kg ha−1 and 0 kg ha−1) and three NP fertilizer rates (100%, 50% and 0% of recommended NP fertilizer) were arranged in a factorial experiment organized in a randomized com plete block design with three replications. Combined application of com post and NP fertilizer induced a synergistic effect on Cmic and Nmic. Compost application increased millet grain yield from 59% to 91% compared to control. Combined application of compost and NP fertilizer increased millet grain yields from 57% to 70% in 2013 and from 36% to 82% in 2014 compared to sole application of mineral fertilizer. Agronomic efficiency (AE) of nitrogen values increased by 3.7 and 2.3 times than those of sole NP fertilizer application in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Phosphorus AE was 1.6 times higher than that of the sole application of NP fertilizer. These findings indicate that integrated application of MGD-Compost and NP fertilizer enhances soil microbial biomass content and increases millet grain yield in a low-input cropping system.
Comparison of molecular and antibiotic resistance pro®le methods for the population analysis of Bradyrhizobium spp. (TGx) isolates that nodulate the new TGx soybean cultivars in Africa
(The Society for Applied Microbiology, 2002) Abaidoo R. C; Keyser H.H.; Singleton P.W.; Borthakur D.
Aims: Comparison of molecular and antibiotic resistance pro®le methods to identify an easy method that can differentiate between strains of introduced Bradyrhizobium japonicum and the indigenous Bradyrhizobium spp. (TGx) isolates which nodulate the newly developed TGx soybean cultivars in Africa. Methods and Results: Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of 16S rDNA generated by ®ve restriction enzymes, banding patterns in Southern hybridization using nod and nif genes as probes, and resistance patterns of the isolates to nine antibiotics, were used to group 26 Bradyrhizobium spp. (TGx) isolates and four other Bradyrhizobium strains. The clusters of isolates obtained from the four grouping methods were all different, although all methods revealed large genetic diversity among the isolates. Conclusions: Results indicate that the antibiotic resistance pro®le method is as good as the three molecular methods used in this study for phylogenetic grouping of the Bradyrhizobium spp. (TGx) isolates, which may serve as a basis for further characterization of selected isolates from each group. Signi®cance and Impact of the Study: The antibiotic resistance pro®le method can be used as a simple means of assessing genetic variability and grouping of a large number of Bradyrhizobium spp. (TGx) isolates. Representative isolates from each group can then be selected for further characterization.
Contribution of Wastewater Irrigation to Soil Transmitted Helminths Infection among Vegetable Farmers in Kumasi, Ghana
(Plos One, 2016) Amoah Isaac Dennis; Abubakari Amina; Stenstro¨m Thor Axel; Abaidoo R. C; Seidu Razak
Wastewater irrigation is associated with several benefits but can also lead to significant health risks. The health risk for contracting infections from Soil Transmitted Helminths (STHs) among farmers has mainly been assessed indirectly through measured quantities in the wastewater or on the crops alone and only on a limited scale through epidemiological assessments. In this study we broadened the concept of infection risks in the exposure assessments by measurements of the concentration of STHs both in wastewater used for irrigation and the soil, as well as the actual load of STHs ova in the stool of farmers and their family members (165 and 127 in the wet and dry seasons respectively) and a control group of non-farmers (100 and 52 in the wet and dry seasons, respectively). Odds ratios were cal culated for exposure and non-exposure to wastewater irrigation. The results obtained indi cate positive correlation between STH concentrations in irrigation water/soil and STHs ova as measured in the stool of the exposed farmer population. The correlations are based on reinfection during a 3 months period after prior confirmed deworming. Farmers and family members exposed to irrigation water were three times more likely as compared to the con trol group of non-farmers to be infected with Ascaris (OR = 3.9, 95% CI, 1.15–13.86) and hookworm (OR = 3.07, 95% CI, 0.87–10.82). This study therefore contributes to the evi dence-based conclusion that wastewater irrigation contributes to a higher incidence of STHs infection for farmers exposed annually, with higher odds of infection in the wet season.
Contributions of Rhizobium Inoculants and Phosphorus Fertilizer to Biological Nitrogen Fixation, Growth and Grain Yield of Three Soybean Varieties on a Fluvic Luvisol
(American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 2015) . Aziz A. L. A.; Ahiabor B. D. K; Opoku A.; Abaidoo R. C
An experiment to identify an efficient strategy to optimize biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in three soybean varieties {Jenguma (TGx1448-2E), Anidaso and Quarshie (TGx1445-2E)} was conducted in the experimental field of the CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Nyankpala, Northern Region, Ghana. The experiment had a split-split plot design with three replications and interactions tested were inoculation rate (0, 50 and 100% inoculation) (main plot), soybean variety (sub-plot) and phosphorus rate (0, 22.5 and 45.0 kg P2O5/ha) (sub-sub plot) using maize as a reference crop. The soybean was sown at two seeds per hill at a spacing of 50 cm x 10 cm. The results showed that inoculating soybean with the commercial inoculant Legumefix (Bradyrhizobium strain 532c) had no effect on plant height, nodule number, nodule dry weight, shoot dry weight, pod number, grain yield and 100-seed weight. However, the soybean varieties showed significant differences in pod number, 100-seed weight and phosphorus uptake efficiency (PUE). The amount of N2 fixed (measured by Total Nitrogen Difference method) ranged between 52.3-71.0 kg N/ha. Phosphorus applications of 22.5 and 45.0 kg P2O5/ha increased grain yield by 35.4 and 33.9%, respectively and also increased N2 fixation by 49.39 and 69.82%, respectively over the unfertilized control. The interactions among these treatments did not significantly influence the parameters measured except PUE for which there were significant differences among the soybean varieties and the phosphorus rates. Inoculation did not therefore increase nodulation and BNF of the three soybean varieties but phosphorus application increased the growth and grain yield of the soybeans.
DETERMINANTS OF FERTILIZER MICRODOSING-INDUCED YIELD INCREMENT OF PEARL MILLET ON AN ACID SANDY SOIL
(Cambridge University Press, 2016) IBRAHIM ALI; Abaidoo R. C; FATONDJI DOUGBEDJI; OPOKU ANDREWS
Recent studies have reported the benefits of fertilizer microdosing in increasing crop yields in low input cropping systems. Little information is however available on the mechanisms underlying this effect. The objective of this study was therefore to explore the root-based mechanisms governing the growth enhancing phenomena of the fertilizer microdosing technology. A two-year experiment was conducted at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Research Station in Niger. Four treatments comprising (i) 2 g hill−1 of diammonuim phosphate (DAP), (ii) 6 g hill−1 of compound fertilizer NPK, (iii) broadcasting of 200 kg ha−1 of compound fertilizer NPK (recommended rate) and (iv) unfertilized control was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. On average, fertilizer microdosing treatments (2-g DAP hill−1 and 6-g NPK hill−1) achieved 86% and 79% of the grain yields recorded from broadcasting of 200-kg NPK ha−1, respectively, in 2013 and 2014. The leaf area index and leaf chlorophyll content significantly increased with fertilizer microdosing at the early stage of millet growth. At the same stage, fertilizer microdosing enhanced the lateral root length density in the topsoil (0–20 cm) by 72% and 40% at respective lateral distances of 25 cm and 50 cm from the centre of the hill compared with broadcast of 200-kg NPK ha−1. Fertilizer microdosing did not significantly change soil pH in the root zone. It is concluded that the positive effect of fertilizer microdosing in increasing millet yield results from the better exploitation of soil nutrients due to early lateral roots proliferation within the topsoil
Determination of the impact of Long-term Poultry manure use on selected soil nutrients
(Academia, 2015) Ahiahonu Elvis Kodzo; Abaidoo R. C; Ahialey Elikem Kwaku
In this study, the long-term impacts of poultry manure (PM) on vertical distribution of soil macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) have been determined. In addition, change in other soil fertility indicators such as organic matter (OM) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) levels were assessed. Soil samples from four depths (0-15, 15-30, 30-60, and 60-120 cm) from the sites were analyzed. Generally, the mean total soil nitrogen increased with depth in the cultivated poultry manure amended soils up to 60cm depth and decreased sharply at depth range 60-120 cm in both wet and dry seasons. At both the cultivated and uncultivated sites at Deduako, available P levels were highest at the top 15 cm depth of the soil and decreased rapidly with increasing depths for both seasons in both the cultivated and uncultivated sites. The exchangeable K content at Deduako during the wet and dry season was significantly higher at all sampling depths than the corresponding depths of uncultivated land. Generally, the exchangeable Ca levels were significantly higher in cultivated soils at the experimental sites than those of the uncultivated land. There were significantly higher exchangeable Ca levels in wet season than that of dry season at both sites. Significantly higher (p < 0.05) Mg levels recorded in wet season. The OM contents at all sampling depths of cultivated site were also higher than that of the uncultivated sites. At the Deduako vegetable site, during the wet season, the CEC in cultivated soils at the various sampling depth were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of uncultivated soil. Increases in all selected soil properties were, generally, higher in the wet season than the dry season.
Dietary Risk Assessment Due to the Consumption of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon in Two Commonly Consumed Street Vended Foods
(Taylor & Francis, 2020) Ankar-Brewoo Gloria Mathanda; Darko Godfred; Abaidoo R. C; Dalsgaard Anders; Johnson Paa-Nii; Otoo Ellis William; Brimer Leon
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are present and pervasive in the environment. Handling of the foods by the vendors is therefore likely to introduce PAHs into the meals. Quantification of PAH was made usingvHPLC-FID and consumption data by face–face interviews with 188 regular consumers for the vendors. Data obtained were iterated 10,000 times using palisade @risk software and results presented at 95th percentile level of consumption showing the worst case scenario. Dietary risk assessment of 12-priority PAHs was carried out on the components of two staple foods in Ghana. Naphthalene was detected in all food samples at concentrations ranging from 1.7 to 6.5 mg kg21 at 95th percentile consumption level. Benzo(a)pyrene and dibenz-a,h-anthracene were detected in fried chicken samples with the stochastic concentrations of 1.2E–02 mg kg21 and 3.2E–03 mg kg21, respectively, at the 95th percentile level of consumption. Incremental life cancer risk values fell within the deminis value of 1026 to 1024 except at the 95th percentile level of consumption of chicken, hot pepper sauce, and soup components of the meals which were higher(1023). The 95th percentile level of consumption of fried rice meal as well as the 50th and 95th percentile level of consumption of the fufu meal had a hazard index above 1, indicating consumers may be suffering the non carcinogenic effects due to PAH in the respective meals. The study, there fore, showed that high consumption levels of the street vended foods are likely to cause dietary risk to the health of its consumers
Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soils of yam (Dioscorea spp.) cropping systems in four agroecologies of Nigeria
(Taylor & Francis, 2012) Dare Michael Olajire; Abaidoo R. C; Fagbola Olajire; Asiedu Robert
The diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in soils under a yam cropping system in four agroecologies of Nigeria was investigated. Soil samples were collected from yam fields at Onne (humid forest, high rainfall area), Ibadan (derived savanna), Abuja (Guinea savanna) and Ubiaja (humid forest, medium rainfall area). Soil characteristics, AM fungi species, spore abundance, Shannon diversity index, species richness and evenness were determined. A total of 31 AM fungi species was isolated from the four agroecologies with a range of 14–20 species found in a single location. Glomus species were the most abundant among AM fungi species with G. geosporum, G. intraradices and G. mosseae occurring in large populations in all locations. Ubiaja, which had a cassava/natural vegetation sequence before yam, had significantly higher spore abundance and species richness than the other locations, which had a yam/legumes or a maize/legume sequence before yam. However, diversity was significantly higher at Abuja, which had a maize/legume sequence with yam, than Ibadan, which had only a yam/ legume sequence. The study revealed significant diversity in AM fungal species across agroecologies in yam-growing regions. Further research on the functional consequences of changing composition of AM fungi species across the region is recommended.
ECONOMICS OF SMALL-SCALE SEED YAM PRODUCTION IN GHANA: IMPLICATIONS FOR COMMERCIALIZATION
(Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, 2011) Aidoo Robert; Nimoh Fred; Bakang John-Eudes Andivi; Ohene-Yankyera Kwasi; Fialor Simon Cudjoe; Abaidoo R. C
This study evaluated the economics of seed yam production in four major yam producing Districts in Ghana. The analysis was based on primary data collected from seventy (70) seed yam producers selected through snowball sampling technique. The data covered seed yam production activities during the 2009 cropping season. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data and gross margin analysis was used to assess the profitability of seed yam production. On average, a typical seed yam producer cultivated 4.5 acres (1.8 ha) of seed yam and the yield was estimated at 8,319setts/acre. Average variable cost incurred on an acre of seed yam farm was estimated at GH¢685.68 and planting material costs constituted about 44% of this cost. The gross revenue obtained from seed yam sales was estimated at GH¢1,518.22 per acre and the corresponding gross margin was found to be GH¢832.54 per acre. Evidence from the study suggests that seed yam production is a profitable venture. However, the gross margin of seed yam production varied markedly across yam producing Districts, primarily due to differences in yield and price of seed yams. The two most important production constraints were identified to be inadequate capital and high labour cost. The paper has demonstrated that seed yam production has bright prospects in Ghana and presents an opportunity for private investors to diversify their investment portfolios.
Effect of crop rotation and nitrogen fertilization on yield and nitrogen efficiency in maize in the northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria
(Academic Journal, 2009) Yusuf A. A.; Iwuafor E. N. O.; Abaidoo R. C; Olufajo O. O.; Sanginga N.
Two crop rotation cycles were evaluated to determine the effect of cropping systems and N fertilization on the yield and efficiency of N in maize. Maize was grown on plots which had previously supported monocrops of two genotypes each of soybean (TGx 1448-2E and SAMSOY-2) and cowpea (IT 96D-724 and SAMPEA-7), natural fallow and maize. In a split-plot experimental design, three N fertilizer rates (30, 60 and 90 kg ha-1) and an unfertilized control were compared. On average, maize following legumes had higher grain yield of 1.2 and 1.3-fold compared with maize after fallow or maize after maize respectively. Similarly, legume rotation resulted in significant increase in total N uptake compared to continuous maize. In both years, N agronomic efficiency (AEN) and N fertilizer recovery efficiency (REN) of maize following grain legumes were on average 14 and 34% greater than of maize following maize and 12 and 20% greater than of maize following fallow respectively. On the other hand, all N efficiency indices except N physiological efficiency significantly decreased with increasing N levels. These indicate greater N use efficiency for the legume-rotation and poor efficiency for maize monoculture as well as the inefficiency of the current method of N fertilizer application.

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