SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE

Characterisation and Widening of the Genetic Base of Tiger Nut (Cyperus Esculentus L.) by Chemical Mutagenesis

2025-06-03T17:10:41Z

Characterisation and Widening of the Genetic Base of Tiger Nut (Cyperus Esculentus L.) by Chemical Mutagenesis Twumasi, Patrick Limited information exists regarding the diversity of tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.) in Ghana, hindering potential improvements. To address this gap, an assessment of genetic diversity was conducted using 11 morpho-descriptors and nine simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to explore variability among and within the accessions to provide valuable insights for further breeding through mutagenesis. A total of 42 accessions were collected from major tiger nut growing areas in Ghana and these were planted in the field using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. The results from the field characterization showed significant differences among the accessions for some traits studied. The use of SSR markers demonstrated high mean polymorphism of 0.78. UPGMA cluster analyses of both morphological and molecular data indicated low genetic variability within the accessions. Four high-yielding accessions were identified for potential improvement through mutagenesis. Subsequently, 400 tubers of the four genotypes (two brown and two black tuber-producing) underwent treatment with ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and colchicine at various concentrations. Analysis of quantitative data revealed LD50 and RD50 values for mass treatmeant of tiger nut tubers with the mutagens. Subsequently, 600 tubers of the four selected genotypes were mass-treated with EMS and colchicine mutagens following the LD50 and RD50 values determined, and were field-planted for M1V1 to M1V4 generations. Twenty-one mutants have beeen identified for breeding enhancement and possible varietal release. xxii, 188p:, ill.

Widening the Genetic Base of Cowpea Germplasm Through Gamma Rays Mutagenesis

2025-06-03T14:07:23Z

Widening the Genetic Base of Cowpea Germplasm Through Gamma Rays Mutagenesis Lumorh, Prosper Deo-Donne The genetic diversity of cowpea is narrow because the crop is self-pollinated. Gamma rays were used to increase genetic diversity of Hansadua, WC-36, ACC122WxWC-10, IT97K-819 and WC-10 parental genotypes. Selecting for earliness, high yields, disease resistance and high nutritional contents compared to parental controls and checks were done at M4 generation. The results showed significant wide variations in the responses of cowpea genotypes to gamma ray doses as LD50 and RD50. The estimated LD50 values were Hansadua (452.0 Gy), WC-36 (662.0 Gy), ACC122WxWC-10 (694.0 Gy), IT97K-819 (590.5 Gy) and WC-10 (591 Gy). Hansadua was the most sensitive to gamma radiation. The mass irradiation at the respective LD50 and RD50 values induced plant architecture to vary from indeterminate to determinate, semi-erect to acute erect, prostrate, spreading and some twinning. An increase in yields from 3.7t/ha in parent to 5.8t/ha in HanM4(12)(25) was observed. The ash values ranged from 2.93-3.56%, with HanM4(17)(1W) being highest. Carbohydrates ranged from 58.27-69.73% with HanM4(12)(5) being highest and protein ranged from 19.09-30.53% from the parental control with the highest in HanM4(12)(3). All the putative mutants were early maturing with days to 50% maturity of 42 to 61 days. HanM4(17)(1W) had 21.7% incidence of brown rust while HanM4(41)(HY31) recorded 10% incidence of golden mosaic disease. The results confirmed gamma ray induction can enhance yields, nutritional components, early maturity and disease tolerance/resistance of cowpea. xx 183p:, ill

Enriching Roasted Maize Porridge to Enhance Intake of Protein and Vitamin a Using Locally Available Staple Foods

2025-06-03T12:46:52Z

Enriching Roasted Maize Porridge to Enhance Intake of Protein and Vitamin a Using Locally Available Staple Foods Otoo, Gifty Serwaa(Mrs) Protein deficiency, particularly among youngsters, is widespread in most developing nations. An effective approach to address this insufficiency is to integrate regionally abundant staple foods, such as Bambara groundnut and soybean, into current and widely consumed meals, like porridge made from roasted maize flour. For addressing issue related to vitamin A deficiency among expectant mothers and infants, the use of staple foods such as ripe plantain and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, which abound in Vitamin A, can be explored. Thus, in this study, the properties of composite flours made from roasted maize, Bambara groundnut, and ripe plantain (MBP), roasted maize, Bambara groundnut, and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (MBO), and roasted maize, soybean, and ripe plantain (MSP) were investigated. Additionally, the study assessed the consumer preference for porridge made from the ingredients. Increasing the quantities of Bambara groundnut, soybean, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, and ripe plantain resulted in an augmentation in protein and β-carotene levels, respectively, while having no impact on the physicochemical quality. The iron content was enhanced by increasing the amount of ripe plantain, while the zinc content was enhanced by increasing the amount of orange flesh sweet potatoes. Nevertheless, elevated concentrations of the Bambara groundnut and soybean resulted in an augmentation of the tannin content. Hedonic sensory scores indicated no significant changes in acceptability in terms of aroma, appearance, texture, and taste. Therefore, the porridges from the composite flours from this study could easily be accepted by consumers because their attributes were similar to those of roasted maize porridge that they are familiar with. xv, 199p:, ill.

Evaluation of a Self-Regulating Low Energy Clay-Based Irrigation (Sleci) System Using Bell Pepper (Capsicum Annuum) as aTest Crop

2025-06-03T12:25:09Z

Evaluation of a Self-Regulating Low Energy Clay-Based Irrigation (Sleci) System Using Bell Pepper (Capsicum Annuum) as aTest Crop Osei, Gilbert The study evaluated the SLECI system's effectiveness, using bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) as a test crop. Five specific objectives were set to accomplish the aim of the study. Objective one aimed at assessing how irrigation water quality and soil properties influence the performance indicators of (SLECI) system. This objective was accomplished by undertaking a laboratory experiment, with soil type (clay, sand, and loam) and source of irrigation water (river, well, and tap water) as treatments. Performance parameters of the SLECI system, such as seepage rate, hydraulic conductivity, and drainage porosity, were recorded. Pearson correlation tests conducted at a 5% probability level indicated that eight (8) correlations (Zinc, Copper, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Iron, Potassium, and SAR) were statistically significant to the performance of the SLECI system. In contrast, soil properties (bulk density, porosity (%), particle density, infiltration rate, soil salinity, and soil sodicity) were significant to the performance of the SLECI system. Objective two aimed to assess the response of bell peppers to different irrigation systems (watering, drip irrigation, and SLECI system) and fertilizer application methods (basal application and fertigation), under greenhouse conditions. Analysis of variance (p < 0.05) revealed that bell peppers grown under the SLECI system had significantly higher growth, yield, productivity, and quality parameters. Fertigation resulted in significantly superior growth, yield, productivity, and quality parameters. The interaction of the SLECI system and fertigation outperformed all the remaining interactions of the irrigation system and fertilizer application method for data collection. Objective three aimed at investigating the effects of SLECI system burying depth (5 cm, 10cm, and 15 cm) and fertilizer recommended application dosage (100% RAD, 80% RAD, and 60 RAD) on bell peppers under open field conditions. Analysis of variance (p < 0.05) showed significantly higher growth, yield, productivity, and parameters from a burying depth of 10cm. Among fertilizer application dosage treatments, 80% of RAD produced bell pepper plants exhibited significantly higher growth, yield, and productivity parameters. The best-performing treatment interaction was the SLECI system burying depth of 10cm and 80% RAD. Objective four aimed to assess bell peppers' response to saline irrigation water (0.54 dS/m (control), 2.0 dS/m, 4.0 dS/m, 6.0 dS/m, and 8.0 dS/m) using the SLECI system. Compared to the control (0.55 dS/m) increasing water salinity levels to 2.0 dS/m, 4.0 dS/m, 6.0 dS/m, and 8.0 dS/m resulted in decreased growth, yield, and productivity parameters of bell pepper. Objective five aimed at simulating moisture and salinity levels using MATLAB. A coefficient determination of 0.99413, 0.98613, and 0.96689 was observed between experimental and simulated results indicating the robustness of MATLAB in simulating water and soil dynamics in the soil. Overall, the research highlights the potential of the SLECI system to enhance agricultural land and water productivity. xxiii, 326p:, ill.