http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/965 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:13:58 GMT 2026-04-14T23:13:58Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/11459 Development Of Trap-Irradiate-Release/Sterile Insect Technique As A Tool For Integrated Pest Management Of Bac/Rocera Dorsalis Hendel (D1ptera: Tephritidae) In Mango Orchards Ofori, Enoch Selorm Kofi One major important fruit Ily causing widespread damage to fruits and vegetables in Ghana is the oriental fruit fly, Bacfrocera dorsalis Hendel. Current management strategies such as male annihilation technique, bait application technique and insecticide applications are unable to eliminate the challenges posed by B. dorsalis. This study therefore sought to determine a new strategy in which B. dorsalis might be managed in a more integrated fashion . Over a period of one year, the fruit fly population in the south-eastern mango enclave of Ghana was monitored using baited traps to ascertain their diversity and population dynamics. This was followed by another study to determine the most efticient trap types and time of day to mass trap B. dorsalis for irradiation studies. In another study, the optimum dose of gamma irradiations to cause sterility in adult male B. dorsalis Jor trap-iITadiate-release/sterile insect technique was investigated. Furthermore, the behavioural response of adult males of B. dorsalis that have been pre-exposed or un-exposed to methyl eugenol (ME) to ME-baited traps was investigated. Ten fruit fly species were identified in the study area with B. dorsalis being the most dominant. Through this study, Dacus langi and Dacus longislylus were detected and recorded for the first time in Ghana. Ecoman traps were most efficient for trapping large numbers of adult B. dorsalis and evening-captured flies survived better. Moreover, trapping of flies that were un-exposed to ME yielded a higher recovery rate compared with nies that were pre-exposed to ME. This study has demonstrated that. a large population of adult male B. dorsalis exist in the south-eastern mango enclave of Ghana that could be trapped in the evenings with Eeoman traps for irradiation and TIR technique of insect pest management. Furthermore, TIR has a great potential to be successful since the males trapped with ME-baited traps and irradiated are less likely to be re-trapped in ME-baited traps. xix, 188p:, ill. Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/11459 2021-12-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/10861 Effects of Environmental Changes on the Assemblages of Eight Sympatric Large Grazers in the Mole National Park, Ghana Dakwa, Kwaku Brako The goal of this thesis was to determine the effects of environmental changes on the assemblages of eight sympatric large grazer~ of Mole National Park (MNP). Transects were surveyed in each of five main habitat types over a one-year period by counting large grazers and measuring abiotic, anthropogenic and grass-related variables. Climate and land cover data time series were analysed for change detection and ARIMA models used to forecast changes up to 2020. Mixed effects and regression models of grazing behaviours were used to identify the environmental factors by which animals selected preferred feeding areas. The results indicated there has been a significant climate change over the period. The mean temperature increased by about 0.7 °c after two decades and the mean rainfall decreased after each decade. Co-existing large grazers avoided resource use overlaps and competition, but allowed high overlaps and some degree of competition when resources were limited. Larger grazers were more selective for forage than smaller ones and habitat use varied seasonally with different patterns for each habitat type leading to inter-habitat shifts by large grazers. The mean density of grazers ranged from 1.18 ± 0.36 (elephant) to 6.5 ± 0.601km2 (kob). Populations showed increasing trends for all the large grazers with the potential for further increases in future. With the weight ratio of 1.40, grazers at MNP were closely packed but several species with similar body weight co-existed within the grazer assemblage. Limiting factors, mainly water, fire and anthropogenic, imposed constraints that resulted in either lack of a clear pattern of abundance, distribution and habitat selectivity or unexplored forage in most seasons. Replication of this study about two to four times is recommended to boost the outcome as information for management planning and action. ii, ill: 267 Sat, 01 Oct 2016 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/10861 2016-10-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/10414 Establishment of Laboratory Colony of Black Soldier Fly (Bsf), Hermetia Illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Ewusie, Ebenezer Ato ABSTRACT Black soldier fly larvae are converters of organic waste into edible biomass and organic residue. This study investigated the feasibility of establishing indigenous black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens colony on different diets. Weighed oviposition traps were placed on five microhabitats to collect wild egg clutches which were separately incubated in the laboratory on layer meal diet. Thereafter, larvae were reared on layer meal-wheat bran mixtures and on market waste fractions. Five- day old larvae were reared in 80 litre barrels at different larval densities; 3,600, 4,800, 6,000 and 7,200 per 30kg dry weight of formulated organic market waste to study the effect of density on larval growth and biomass accumulation. Larvae of different ages; 4, 8 and 12 days old were exposed to different temperatures; 35, 40, 45 and 50°C and reared on layer meal diet to investigate the effects of temperature and age on larval growth and development. H. illucens colony was successfully established from 57 wild egg clutches collected. Market waste fractions as larval diet had significant effect on larval biomass and fecundity. Larval density of 4,800 produced significantly the highest growth in length and specific growth rate of larvae. Age and temperature significantly influenced larval development and fecundity. It was observed that larvae can withstand at least 4 hours of sustained high temperatures up to 45oC and develop to adult. Wheat bran, layer meal-reduced diet mixtures, vegetable waste, fruit waste, uncooked food waste and their combinations were able to produce larval biomass and growth rates that were similar to layer meal and therefore could be substitutes for the standard layer meal diet, thus reducing cost of diet for mass rearing of black soldier fly. ii,ill:151 Sat, 01 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/10414 2019-06-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/8583 An evaluation of honey production in the Volta region of Ghana towards certification as a geographical indications (G1) product Besah-Adanu, Courage komla Geographical Indication (GI) is a form of intellectual property identifying a prodm:t as originating from a region/locality/territory where its quality and reputation is associated with its geographical origin. Gls arc considered as a plai.;c - specifk quality assurance initiative that enhances the monetary value of a product, hence increase producers' premium. Honey produced by the honeybee (Apis mellifera) is the most commercialized hive product in Ghana. The country may have the opportunity to promote unique honey products through geographical indications (Gls). To improve the economic livelihood of the numerous honey producers across the country, the environment by way of biodiversity conservation. And the country through foreign exchange. Yet very little is known about the potential or Ghanaian honeys in terms or development and promotion through Gls. The same holds for botanical and geographical origins, quality, what a GI honey is and whether Ghanaian consumers appreciate information on food labels and arc even aware of the concept ofgis. This phd investigated the potential of honey from the Volta Region as a GI product in Ghana. This study seeks to increase knowledge about the concept of geographical indications. The investigations also assessed how the GI concept could be introduced to the Ghanaian consumer by assessing how they utilise information of food labels and how familiar they arc with a GI label. The study took place in the Volta Region (for the main honey case studies) and the Greater Accra Region (for consumer studies). In the Volta Region, four honey producing districts (Kadjebi, J\daklu, I Io west and J\katsi south) were selected for the studies. Data were collected from local producer groups on honey Production processes. Harvesting and extraction as wdl as how honey quality is ensured among producers. 1 loncy samples were also analysed for pollen and physico-chemical qualities. Results from pollen and quality analysis together with personal observations enabled the determination of botanical and geographical origins of the honeys and their quality parameters within international standards. Results on food label appreciation and GI awareness by consumers enables the interpretation of how the Ghanaian consumer could be engaged in terms of reaching them with the Gl concept and its benefits. The main investigation was premised on four research questions stemming from the overall objective orthe study. Each research question is presented as a full paper as illustrated below. Paper 1 presents results on the Characteristics c4· a Geographical Indications (Gls) Registered honey through literature review. This is necessary to assess the way forward for developing a GI honey in Ghana in terms of understanding all the important factors that must be developed in order to have one for Ghana looking at what others have done. Many clements were observed to characterise the GI process which I have grouped under three main themes for the purposes of this study. These arc Indicative Elements, which include (reputation for quality, high average price and the coming together of producers into formal or informal organization); E sential Elements, consisting of clear natural or human link to the geographical area of production and Supportive Elements that include (relevant laws by the state and state institutions). Paper 2 presents results on the Botanical and Geographical Characterisation of honey Samples. Pollen types belonging to 21 plant families were identified. Seven families were found in >50% of the samples and are the Most important: :Vlalvaccac (Ceiha sp.). Combrctaccac. J\rccaccac (/:'laeis guineensis). Pouceae. /\stcraceac ( Viguiera sp. ). /\naeard iaccac and Sapindaceac. /\rccaccac (J:'/aeis guineensis: oil palm) and Astcraceac (Viguiera sp.) Were found in l 00% of the samples: Combretaceae in 94% and Poaccac in 88%. Pollen analyses also showed that eight of the honey samples could be described as monotloral. Showing the most dominating pollen types which were Ebenaceae. J\nacardiaceae, Moraccac. Combretaceae and J\rccaceae (Elaeis Guineensis). Also. The Volta Region was the geographical origins of the honey Samples analysed since pollen representation in the honey samples could be traced to the vegetation in the Region. Jt was also easy to differentiate the geographical and botanical origins of honeys from the various Districts. Paper 3 presents findings on the Chemical evaluation (?L Ghanaian honeys within International Physicochemical Standards including: Water (moisture) content. 1 lydroxymcthylfurfural (HMF), ph, Diastase activity, Free acidity and Electrical conductivity. The mean values recorded included Water content 20.1 %; pl I 3.8; HMF 26.9 mg/kg; Diastase activity 15.3 ON; Free acidity 31. L meq/kg % and Electrical conductivity 0.6 111S/cm. Six of the honey samples examined comply with the stipulated limits by the European Commission for ·Table Honey· (wholesome for direct consumption) while the remaining ten were described as Industrial Honeys' (only good for industrial use) as they did not meet all requirements in the EU. Paper 4 presents findings on consumer knowledge of origin (GI) and quality food standard labels in Ghana. The habit of reading food labels is high among the youth in Ghana. The most important factor when reading food labels was date label manufacture and expiry dates. It was also observed that Ghanaians were most familiar with two main ce1titying bodies in Ghana: FDA and GSA. Familiarity with these national certifying logos was high among the youth and females. Results also buttressed the assertion that the GI concept is new and not known among most Ghanaians in Ghana. This study reveals the urgent need for an expanded study for a total botanical and geographical description of Volta honeys. An elaborate strengthening of capacity across the honey production system is also required to ensure that all honeys meet international quality standards. In addition. Producer organisations need to be strengthened in terms of harnessing the power of collective action in the promotion of their produce. Deliberate public education and awareness creation of G Is and its related benefits in the country is recommended through a national GI policy to develop. Promote and protect G ls. The national law of Gls must also be made operational. xiii 181:, ill Wed, 01 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/8583 2018-08-01T00:00:00Z