Browsing by Author "Nyarko, George"

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    The efficacy of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) products as seed protectant and their effects on the viability and vigour of seedmaize (Zea mays)
    (1998) Nyarko, George
    Two experiments were set up to determine whether neem extracts and products bad fungicidal and insecticidal properties on storage pests and to investigate their effects on the quality of seed thus treated. Foundation seedmaize (Var. Abeleehi) was obtained from Crop Research Institute, Kumasi and the commercial seeds raised at the Department of Horticulture, U.S.T., Kumasi, using the recommendations of the maize guide (Anon., 1990). Pre-surface disinfected samples of the seeds were treated with neem seed powder, neem leaf powder and neem oil at 0.5% and 1.0% concentration each. Some of the seeds were also treated with Dithane-M45 while others were left untreated (controls). The seeds were stored for nine months in presterilized sealed black polythene bag. After that period, the seeds were incubated using the blotter technique. The fungi found growing on the seeds after seven days were then isolated and identified using the habit characters. Samples of seedmaize were first kept in a deepfreezer for two weeks to kill any hidden infestation of maize weevils. The seeds were then treated with the neem products and Actellic 25EC (for comparison), and compared with an untreated control. Two hundred (200) seeds of each treatment were then put into individual conical flasks after which five pairs of newly emerged adult maize weevils were introduced. The flasks were then covered with a piece of muslin cloth. The experimental set ups were kept for six months, after which the efficacy of the chemicals was determined by counting live