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Atta-Darkwa, T., Kabo-bah, A.T., Akolgo,G.A., Kotei, R. and Amo-Boateng, M. (2016). ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY FOR IRRIGATION IN THE ODA RIVER BASIN, EJISU-BESEASE, GHANA. International Journal of Current Research, 8,
Abstract
Hydrochemical study is a useful tool to identify the suitability of groundwater for irrigation purpose. Groundwater samples were collected from fourteen piezometers from the various locations in the study area to assess the quality of groundwater for irrigation use. To achieve this objective, concentrations of physicochemical parameters were analysed and interpreted with different irrigation indexes like Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), ECw, Percent sodium, Magnezium hazard and Kelly’s ratio. The various parameters estimated showed that electrical conductivity values ranged between186 to 638 μS/cm, TDS values were less than 500mg/l, SAR values varies from 0.34 to 0.86 meq/l, Na % values ranges from 20.55 % to 44.09 %, MH values ranged between 25.86 % to 55.29 % and KR varying between 0.13 and 0.44. The hydrochemical study of the area revealed that alkaline earths exceed alkalis and weak acids exceed strong acids in groundwater which presented a Ca-Mg-HCO3 groundwater type. Results from the groundwater chemistry of the boreholes plotted on the USSL diagram and the Wilcox diagram indicated that the groundwater is of good quality for irrigation. The study unraveled the mechanism controlling groundwater chemistry rock-forming minerals and evaporation.
Hydrochemical study is a useful tool to identify the suitability of groundwater for irrigation purpose. Groundwater samples were collected from fourteen piezometers from the various locations in the study area to assess the quality of groundwater for irrigation use. To achieve this objective, concentrations of physicochemical parameters were analysed and interpreted with different irrigation indexes like Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), ECw, Percent sodium, Magnezium hazard and Kelly’s ratio. The various parameters estimated showed that electrical conductivity values ranged between186 to 638 μS/cm, TDS values were less than 500mg/l, SAR values varies from 0.34 to 0.86 meq/l, Na % values ranges from 20.55 % to 44.09 %, MH values ranged between 25.86 % to 55.29 % and KR varying between 0.13 and 0.44. The hydrochemical study of the area revealed that alkaline earths exceed alkalis and weak acids exceed strong acids in groundwater which presented a Ca-Mg-HCO3 groundwater type. Results from the groundwater chemistry of the boreholes plotted on the USSL diagram and the Wilcox diagram indicated that the groundwater is of good quality for irrigation. The study unraveled the mechanism controlling groundwater chemistry rock-forming minerals and evaporation.
Tevor, J .W.,Konoboa, P. Y., Seidu, J. M., Kotei, R1, Sam-Amoah, L. K.
29th Biennial Conference of the Ghana Science Association (GSA). University of Development Studies, Tamale 3rd to 7th August, 2015
Paper presented:
INFLUENCE OF DAYS COCOA PODS SPEND ON THE GROUND AFTER HARVEST AND DRYING BY SOLAR DRYER ON THE QUALITY OF COCOA BEANS
Abstract
Abstract This project was carried out at the Department of Agriculture Engineering and Mechanization of the College of Agriculture Education, Mampong Ashanti of the University of Education, Winneba. It was to determine the number of days cocoa pods should spend on the ground after harvesting before breaking so as to maintain high quality cocoa beans. It was also to determine the quality of cocoa beans when dried with solar panel. Hybrid cocoa pods were left on the ground for varied duration after harvesting. The pods were broken to remove the beans, fermented and dried using direct sun and solar panel. Quality test was carried out on the dried cocoa beans. The results showed that cocoa beans took lesser days to dry with solar panel than direct sunlight. Cocoa pods that spent eleven (11) days or more on the ground produced higher defective beans with lower quality and sub-standard grade. The pods that spent less than eleven (11) days on the ground produced cocoa beans of good quality. Cocoa beans dried with solar panel were more acidic and were of a higher purity. It is recommended that cocoa pods be broken and processed within eleven (11) days after harvest. During cloudy and rainy weather farmers are advised to dry their cocoa beans using solar panels. Key words: Grading, Cocoa bean category, defects, mouldiness, slatiness, solar panel
Abstract This project was carried out at the Department of Agriculture Engineering and Mechanization of the College of Agriculture Education, Mampong Ashanti of the University of Education, Winneba. It was to determine the number of days cocoa pods should spend on the ground after harvesting before breaking so as to maintain high quality cocoa beans. It was also to determine the quality of cocoa beans when dried with solar panel. Hybrid cocoa pods were left on the ground for varied duration after harvesting. The pods were broken to remove the beans, fermented and dried using direct sun and solar panel. Quality test was carried out on the dried cocoa beans. The results showed that cocoa beans took lesser days to dry with solar panel than direct sunlight. Cocoa pods that spent eleven (11) days or more on the ground produced higher defective beans with lower quality and sub-standard grade. The pods that spent less than eleven (11) days on the ground produced cocoa beans of good quality. Cocoa beans dried with solar panel were more acidic and were of a higher purity. It is recommended that cocoa pods be broken and processed within eleven (11) days after harvest. During cloudy and rainy weather farmers are advised to dry their cocoa beans using solar panels. Key words: Grading, Cocoa bean category, defects, mouldiness, slatiness, solar panel
Essilfie, M. E., Dapaah, H. K., Tevor, J. W. & Darkwa, K. (2016). Number of Nodes and Part of Vine Cutting Effect on the Growth and Yield of Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) in Transitional Zone of Ghana. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 9,
Abstract
Abstracts Two field experiments were conducted at the Multipurpose crop nursery of the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong campus from May to September, 2013 and June to October, 2014 respectively to investigate into the effect of number of nodes (4, 5 and 6) and vine part (apical and semiwoody) on the growth and yield of sweetpotato. The results from both seasons showed that many of the characters measured increased with increase node number up to 6 nodes and with apical vine part. The apical vine cuttings established earlier than semiwoody cuttings in both seasons. Node numbers did not have significant effect on any of the yield characters measured although the 5 and 6 node cuttings gave higher marketable tuber weight per plot, tuber length and marketable tuber number per plot than the 4 node cuttings during 2014 growing season. The 5 node apical cuttings produced significantly higher vegetative biomass than 5 node semiwoody and the 4 and 6 node apical and semiwoody cuttings. Keywords : Sweetpotato; apical vine cutting; number of nodes; semiwoody vine cutting.
Abstracts Two field experiments were conducted at the Multipurpose crop nursery of the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong campus from May to September, 2013 and June to October, 2014 respectively to investigate into the effect of number of nodes (4, 5 and 6) and vine part (apical and semiwoody) on the growth and yield of sweetpotato. The results from both seasons showed that many of the characters measured increased with increase node number up to 6 nodes and with apical vine part. The apical vine cuttings established earlier than semiwoody cuttings in both seasons. Node numbers did not have significant effect on any of the yield characters measured although the 5 and 6 node cuttings gave higher marketable tuber weight per plot, tuber length and marketable tuber number per plot than the 4 node cuttings during 2014 growing season. The 5 node apical cuttings produced significantly higher vegetative biomass than 5 node semiwoody and the 4 and 6 node apical and semiwoody cuttings. Keywords : Sweetpotato; apical vine cutting; number of nodes; semiwoody vine cutting.
Dapaah, H. K. and Essilfie, M. E. (2016). Maize varietal intercropping and productivity under rain-fed conditions in a forest-savannah transition zone. TROPICAL AGRICULTURE, 93,
Abstract
Field experiments were conducted at the University farm of the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti Campus, Ghana, during the major rainy seasons of 2010 and 2011 to evaluate the growth, yield and productivity of a maize varietal intercropping system as influenced by relative times of planting (RTP) and row spacing. Three relative times of planting [(i) simultaneous, (ii) early-maturing maize (Akposoe) planted 10 days before medium-maturing maize (Obatanpa) and (iii) medium-maturing maize (Obatanpa) planted 10 days before early-maturing maize (Akposoe) were combined with two row spacings [(i) 80 cm and (ii) 100 cm] in a 3 x 2 factorial arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Sole Akposoe and Obatanpa were included as checks and to compare the productivity of the varietal intercrop options with the sole crops. The relative times of planting, row spacing and their interaction did not significantly influence the days to 50% tasselling (DFT) and days to 50% silking (DFS) of both maize varieties in both seasons. In both seasons, the plant height and total dry matter (TDM) accumulation of sole Akposoe and Obatanpa were greater than when both were intercropped. Among the intercrops, the plant height and TDM accumulation of both varieties when planted simultaneously were similar to when planted 10 days before the other, but greater than when delayed 10 days, for both seasons. Akposoe and Obatanpa intercrops spaced at 80 cm row spacing produced higher plant height and TDM accumulation than the 100 cm row spaced plants in both years. The sole Akposoe and Obatanpa out-yielded their intercropped counterparts by 12-53 % in both seasons. For the intercrops, the grain yield of Akposoe planted simultaneously with Obatanpa (1.71-2.12 t/ha) was similar to Akposoe planted 10 days before (DB) Obatanpa (1.80-2.20 t/ha), but out-yielded Akposoe planted 10 days after (DA) Obatanpa by 5-28 % in both seasons. The grain yield of Obatanpa planted simultaneously with Akposoe (3.38-4.78 t/ha) were also similar to the grain yield of Obatanpa planted 10 days before Akposoe (3.28-3.83 t/ha), but were 4-41 % greater than the yield of Obatanpa planted 10 days after Akposoe in 2010 and 2011. The 80 cm row spacing yielded 8-24 % and 11-26 % in 2010 and 2011, respectively, higher than the 100 cm row spacing. The varietal intercrops had higher productivity or land use ratios (1.12-1.76 for RTP and 1.14-1.80 for row spacing); and therefore, were 12-80% more productive and biologically more efficient than the sole crops in both seasons. Maize varietal intercropping produced higher total yield and was more productive under rain-fed conditions.
Field experiments were conducted at the University farm of the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti Campus, Ghana, during the major rainy seasons of 2010 and 2011 to evaluate the growth, yield and productivity of a maize varietal intercropping system as influenced by relative times of planting (RTP) and row spacing. Three relative times of planting [(i) simultaneous, (ii) early-maturing maize (Akposoe) planted 10 days before medium-maturing maize (Obatanpa) and (iii) medium-maturing maize (Obatanpa) planted 10 days before early-maturing maize (Akposoe) were combined with two row spacings [(i) 80 cm and (ii) 100 cm] in a 3 x 2 factorial arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Sole Akposoe and Obatanpa were included as checks and to compare the productivity of the varietal intercrop options with the sole crops. The relative times of planting, row spacing and their interaction did not significantly influence the days to 50% tasselling (DFT) and days to 50% silking (DFS) of both maize varieties in both seasons. In both seasons, the plant height and total dry matter (TDM) accumulation of sole Akposoe and Obatanpa were greater than when both were intercropped. Among the intercrops, the plant height and TDM accumulation of both varieties when planted simultaneously were similar to when planted 10 days before the other, but greater than when delayed 10 days, for both seasons. Akposoe and Obatanpa intercrops spaced at 80 cm row spacing produced higher plant height and TDM accumulation than the 100 cm row spaced plants in both years. The sole Akposoe and Obatanpa out-yielded their intercropped counterparts by 12-53 % in both seasons. For the intercrops, the grain yield of Akposoe planted simultaneously with Obatanpa (1.71-2.12 t/ha) was similar to Akposoe planted 10 days before (DB) Obatanpa (1.80-2.20 t/ha), but out-yielded Akposoe planted 10 days after (DA) Obatanpa by 5-28 % in both seasons. The grain yield of Obatanpa planted simultaneously with Akposoe (3.38-4.78 t/ha) were also similar to the grain yield of Obatanpa planted 10 days before Akposoe (3.28-3.83 t/ha), but were 4-41 % greater than the yield of Obatanpa planted 10 days after Akposoe in 2010 and 2011. The 80 cm row spacing yielded 8-24 % and 11-26 % in 2010 and 2011, respectively, higher than the 100 cm row spacing. The varietal intercrops had higher productivity or land use ratios (1.12-1.76 for RTP and 1.14-1.80 for row spacing); and therefore, were 12-80% more productive and biologically more efficient than the sole crops in both seasons. Maize varietal intercropping produced higher total yield and was more productive under rain-fed conditions.
Essilfie, M. E., Ofosu-Anim, J., Dapaah, H. K., Blay, E. T. and Norman, J. C. (2016). Yield and Root Quality of Two Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) Varieties as Influenced by Chicken Manure, Inorganic Fertilizer and Storage Methods. American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 11,
Abstract
Two field experiments were conducted at two seasons at the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti campus to investigate the responses of the yield and root quality of two varieties of sweetpotato (Apomuden and Okumkom) to chicken manure and inorganic fertilizers and storage methods. The experimental design used for the experiment was a 2 x 8 factorial arranged in randomized complete block design with four replicates in both seasons. The application of 15-15-15 kg/ha NPK+ 5t/ha CM and 15-30-30 kg/ha NPK + 5t/ha CM to Apomuden produced thicker vine diameter and dry matter accumulation respectively during the major season while Okumkom grown on 30-30-30 kg/ha NPK gave longer vine length in the same season. However, the application of amended treatments to both varieties decreased root quality (root crack) during the major season and increased pest infested roots during the minor season. Okumkom grown on 15-15-15 kg/ha NPK+ 5t/ha CM plot produced higher forked roots at harvest in both seasons. Okumkom grown on 30-45-45 kg/ha NPK and 30-60-60 kg/ha NPK plots had increased root sugar and starch content at harvest during the major season. Both varieties, whether treated or untreated had decreased starch content at 12 weeks in storage than at harvest in both seasons. Pit storage showed the most effective storage method in terms of root starch and sugar content in both seasons followed by ash and grass storage methods.
Two field experiments were conducted at two seasons at the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti campus to investigate the responses of the yield and root quality of two varieties of sweetpotato (Apomuden and Okumkom) to chicken manure and inorganic fertilizers and storage methods. The experimental design used for the experiment was a 2 x 8 factorial arranged in randomized complete block design with four replicates in both seasons. The application of 15-15-15 kg/ha NPK+ 5t/ha CM and 15-30-30 kg/ha NPK + 5t/ha CM to Apomuden produced thicker vine diameter and dry matter accumulation respectively during the major season while Okumkom grown on 30-30-30 kg/ha NPK gave longer vine length in the same season. However, the application of amended treatments to both varieties decreased root quality (root crack) during the major season and increased pest infested roots during the minor season. Okumkom grown on 15-15-15 kg/ha NPK+ 5t/ha CM plot produced higher forked roots at harvest in both seasons. Okumkom grown on 30-45-45 kg/ha NPK and 30-60-60 kg/ha NPK plots had increased root sugar and starch content at harvest during the major season. Both varieties, whether treated or untreated had decreased starch content at 12 weeks in storage than at harvest in both seasons. Pit storage showed the most effective storage method in terms of root starch and sugar content in both seasons followed by ash and grass storage methods.
Essilfie, M. E. Ofosu-Anim,J., Dapaah, K. H., Norman, J. C. and Blay,E. T. (2016). Growth and Yield of Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) as Influenced by Chicken Manure and Inorganic Fertilizers. American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 11,
Abstract
Aims: To assess the growth, yield and yield components of two varieties of sweetpotato as influenced by chicken manure and inorganic fertilizers. Study Design: The experimental design was a 2 x 8 factorial arranged in randomized complete block design with four replicates for both seasons. Place and Duration of Study: Field experiments were conducted at the multipurpose crop nursery of the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti from September, 2011 to January, 2012 (minor season) and from April to August, 2012 (major season). Methodology: Two sweetpotato varieties (Okumkom and Apomuden) and eight fertilizer treatments [(i) 10 t ha-1 chicken manure (CM), (ii) 30-30-30 kg/ha NPK, (iii) 15-15-15 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM, (iv) 30-45-45 kg/ha NPK, (v) 15-23-23 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM, (vi) 30-60-60 kg/ha NPK, (vii) 15-30-30 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM and (viii) No fertilizer (control)] were studied. Results: Okumkom differed significantly from Apomuden in number of leaves per plant, number of branches and vine fresh weight in both seasons. Apomuden grown on 30 45-45 kg/ha NPK and 30- 30-30 kg/ha NPK produced significantly higher number of marketable tubers and total tuber yield during the minor season. Tuber length and number of marketable tubers of Apomuden was significantly influenced by the application of 15 – 30 – 30 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM during the major season. Correlation analyses in both seasons show that the vegetative characters were significantly and positively correlated. On the other hand, number of leaves per plant was negatively correlated to the total tuber weight, marketable tuber number and marketable tuber weight. Conclusion: Farmers are encouraged to grow Apomuden on 15-30-30 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM for high marketable tuber number in both seasons. For high vegetative biomass as fodder for animals farmers are to grow Okumkom in both seasons.
Aims: To assess the growth, yield and yield components of two varieties of sweetpotato as influenced by chicken manure and inorganic fertilizers. Study Design: The experimental design was a 2 x 8 factorial arranged in randomized complete block design with four replicates for both seasons. Place and Duration of Study: Field experiments were conducted at the multipurpose crop nursery of the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti from September, 2011 to January, 2012 (minor season) and from April to August, 2012 (major season). Methodology: Two sweetpotato varieties (Okumkom and Apomuden) and eight fertilizer treatments [(i) 10 t ha-1 chicken manure (CM), (ii) 30-30-30 kg/ha NPK, (iii) 15-15-15 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM, (iv) 30-45-45 kg/ha NPK, (v) 15-23-23 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM, (vi) 30-60-60 kg/ha NPK, (vii) 15-30-30 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM and (viii) No fertilizer (control)] were studied. Results: Okumkom differed significantly from Apomuden in number of leaves per plant, number of branches and vine fresh weight in both seasons. Apomuden grown on 30 45-45 kg/ha NPK and 30- 30-30 kg/ha NPK produced significantly higher number of marketable tubers and total tuber yield during the minor season. Tuber length and number of marketable tubers of Apomuden was significantly influenced by the application of 15 – 30 – 30 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM during the major season. Correlation analyses in both seasons show that the vegetative characters were significantly and positively correlated. On the other hand, number of leaves per plant was negatively correlated to the total tuber weight, marketable tuber number and marketable tuber weight. Conclusion: Farmers are encouraged to grow Apomuden on 15-30-30 kg/ha NPK + 5 t ha-1 CM for high marketable tuber number in both seasons. For high vegetative biomass as fodder for animals farmers are to grow Okumkom in both seasons.
Essilfie, M. E., Dapaah, H. K., Ofosu-Anim, J., Blay, E. T. and Norman, J. C. (2016). Effect of Different Storage Methods and Fertilizer Rates on Quality of Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Storage Roots. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 10,
Abstract
Storage of fresh roots of two sweetpotato varieties (Apomuden and Okumkom) for up to 12 weeks was conducted from January to March, 2011 (minor cropping season) and from August to October, 2012 (major cropping season) using three storage methods by pit, ash, and grass. Roots were harvested at week 16 after planting. Sweetpotato was previously amended by treatments of chicken manure (CM) and inorganic fertilizer (NPK). The experimental design was randomized complete block. The result shows that Apomuden grown under amended and control plots and stored in grass, ash or pit did not differ significantly from Okumkom grown under the same treatment. Okumkom applied with 15-30-30 kg/ha NPK + 5t/ha CM and stored in grass gave lowest pest infested roots in both seasons. There was a significant difference between Apomuden and Okumkom grown under amended and control plots and stored in ash, grass and pit in weight loss of roots in both seasons. There was no significant difference between Apomuden and Okumkom grown under amended and control plots and stored in pit in root sprout during the major cropping season storage. However, Okumkom and Apomuden stored in pit had higher root sprout compared with ash or grass during the major cropping season. Okumkom applied with 15-15-15 kg/ha NPK +5t/ha CM and 30 – 45 – 45 kg/ha NPK and stored in grass did not sprout at 12 weeks after storage in both seasons. Okumkom applied with 15-30-30 kg/ha NPK + 5t/ha CM and 15-15-15 kg/ha NPK +5t/ha CM and stored in grass produced the least pest infestation, lower root weight and root sprout compared with Apomuden on the same treatment. There was no significant difference between Apomuden and Okumkom grown under amended and control plots and stored in grass, ash or pit in rotten roots during both storage periods. However, for lower rotten roots, the amended roots should be stored in pit than in grass or ash.
Storage of fresh roots of two sweetpotato varieties (Apomuden and Okumkom) for up to 12 weeks was conducted from January to March, 2011 (minor cropping season) and from August to October, 2012 (major cropping season) using three storage methods by pit, ash, and grass. Roots were harvested at week 16 after planting. Sweetpotato was previously amended by treatments of chicken manure (CM) and inorganic fertilizer (NPK). The experimental design was randomized complete block. The result shows that Apomuden grown under amended and control plots and stored in grass, ash or pit did not differ significantly from Okumkom grown under the same treatment. Okumkom applied with 15-30-30 kg/ha NPK + 5t/ha CM and stored in grass gave lowest pest infested roots in both seasons. There was a significant difference between Apomuden and Okumkom grown under amended and control plots and stored in ash, grass and pit in weight loss of roots in both seasons. There was no significant difference between Apomuden and Okumkom grown under amended and control plots and stored in pit in root sprout during the major cropping season storage. However, Okumkom and Apomuden stored in pit had higher root sprout compared with ash or grass during the major cropping season. Okumkom applied with 15-15-15 kg/ha NPK +5t/ha CM and 30 – 45 – 45 kg/ha NPK and stored in grass did not sprout at 12 weeks after storage in both seasons. Okumkom applied with 15-30-30 kg/ha NPK + 5t/ha CM and 15-15-15 kg/ha NPK +5t/ha CM and stored in grass produced the least pest infestation, lower root weight and root sprout compared with Apomuden on the same treatment. There was no significant difference between Apomuden and Okumkom grown under amended and control plots and stored in grass, ash or pit in rotten roots during both storage periods. However, for lower rotten roots, the amended roots should be stored in pit than in grass or ash.
Essilfie, M. E., Dapaah, H. K., Tevor, J. W. and Darkwa, K. (2016). Number of Nodes and Part of Vine Cutting Effect on the Growth and Yield of Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) in Transitional Zone of Ghana. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 9,
Abstract
Two field experiments were conducted at the Multipurpose crop nursery of the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong campus from May to September, 2013 and June to October, 2014 respectively to investigate into the effect of number of nodes (4, 5 and 6) and vine part (apical and semiwoody) on the growth and yield of sweetpotato. The results from both seasons showed that many of the characters measured increased with increase node number up to 6 nodes and with apical vine part. The apical vine cuttings established earlier than semiwoody cuttings in both seasons. Node numbers did not have significant effect on any of the yield characters measured although the 5 and 6 node cuttings gave higher marketable tuber weight per plot, tuber length and marketable tuber number per plot than the 4 node cuttings during 2014 growing season. The 5 node apical cuttings produced significantly higher vegetative biomass than 5 node semiwoody and the 4 and 6 node apical and semiwoody cuttings.
Two field experiments were conducted at the Multipurpose crop nursery of the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong campus from May to September, 2013 and June to October, 2014 respectively to investigate into the effect of number of nodes (4, 5 and 6) and vine part (apical and semiwoody) on the growth and yield of sweetpotato. The results from both seasons showed that many of the characters measured increased with increase node number up to 6 nodes and with apical vine part. The apical vine cuttings established earlier than semiwoody cuttings in both seasons. Node numbers did not have significant effect on any of the yield characters measured although the 5 and 6 node cuttings gave higher marketable tuber weight per plot, tuber length and marketable tuber number per plot than the 4 node cuttings during 2014 growing season. The 5 node apical cuttings produced significantly higher vegetative biomass than 5 node semiwoody and the 4 and 6 node apical and semiwoody cuttings.
Essilfie, M. E., Dapaah, H. K., Ofosu-Anim, J., Blay, E. T. and Norman, J. C. (2016). Assessment of Changes in Beta-carotene Content and Sensory Attributes of Two Sweet Potato Varieties as Influenced by Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers and Storage Methods. Journal of Applied Life Sciences International, 4,
Abstract
Two field experiments were conducted at two seasons at the research fields of the University of Education, Winneba-Mampong campus from September, 2011 to January, 2012 and April to July, 2012 to assess changes in beta-carotene content and sensory attributes of two sweet potato varieties (Okumkom and Apomuden) grown under organic and inorganic fertilizers and three different storage methods in Ghana. Cooked samples of the harvested sweet potato roots were evaluated for their sensory attributes. In the storability studies, the harvested roots were sorted, cured and stored under three storage methods for 3 months. The beta- carotene changes in the stored roots were assessed. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) between Apomuden and Okumkom grown under amendment and the control in beta-carotene content at harvest and in pit store in both seasons. The beta- carotene content of Apomuden increased by 15-30% in pit store during the minor season than at harvest. Both varieties grown under amendment and the control and stored in pit was the most effective storage method in terms of beta-carotene over ash and grass storage in both seasons. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) between Okumkom and Apomuden in root texture and palatability at harvest and after cooking during the minor season. Apomuden differed significantly (p<0.05) from Okumkom in root colour and flavour at harvest and after cooking during the major season. The application of 30-45-45 kg/ha NPK to both varieties was more acceptable with regard to root taste, colour and palatability than the other treatments during the minor season.
Two field experiments were conducted at two seasons at the research fields of the University of Education, Winneba-Mampong campus from September, 2011 to January, 2012 and April to July, 2012 to assess changes in beta-carotene content and sensory attributes of two sweet potato varieties (Okumkom and Apomuden) grown under organic and inorganic fertilizers and three different storage methods in Ghana. Cooked samples of the harvested sweet potato roots were evaluated for their sensory attributes. In the storability studies, the harvested roots were sorted, cured and stored under three storage methods for 3 months. The beta- carotene changes in the stored roots were assessed. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) between Apomuden and Okumkom grown under amendment and the control in beta-carotene content at harvest and in pit store in both seasons. The beta- carotene content of Apomuden increased by 15-30% in pit store during the minor season than at harvest. Both varieties grown under amendment and the control and stored in pit was the most effective storage method in terms of beta-carotene over ash and grass storage in both seasons. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) between Okumkom and Apomuden in root texture and palatability at harvest and after cooking during the minor season. Apomuden differed significantly (p<0.05) from Okumkom in root colour and flavour at harvest and after cooking during the major season. The application of 30-45-45 kg/ha NPK to both varieties was more acceptable with regard to root taste, colour and palatability than the other treatments during the minor season.
Alubokin, B. & Akyina, K. O. (2015). Effects of divorce on the academic performance of some selected public senior high school students in the Bolgatanga municipality of Ghana. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, 2,
Abstract
The study set off to find out the effect of divorce on academic performance of selected public Senior High School students in Bolgatanga municipality of Ghana. Descriptive survey design was adopted and a combination of simple random, purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select 100 students, 10 school counsellors and 10 parents for the study. Frequency analysis and t-test were used to answer the research questions and test the hypothesis respectively. It came out that students from divorced homes were high academic achievers but became low academic achievers after their families divorced. Divorce was therefore found to significantly limit students’ academic performance. It was recommended that counsellors identify students from divorced homes and counsel them.
The study set off to find out the effect of divorce on academic performance of selected public Senior High School students in Bolgatanga municipality of Ghana. Descriptive survey design was adopted and a combination of simple random, purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select 100 students, 10 school counsellors and 10 parents for the study. Frequency analysis and t-test were used to answer the research questions and test the hypothesis respectively. It came out that students from divorced homes were high academic achievers but became low academic achievers after their families divorced. Divorce was therefore found to significantly limit students’ academic performance. It was recommended that counsellors identify students from divorced homes and counsel them.
