Browsing by Author "Boateng, B.A."

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Development of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) on five varieties of Bambara groundnut, Vignasubterranea (L.) Verdcourt, in Ghana
(Journal of Arid Agriculture, 2009) Boateng, B.A.; Dauda, Z.; Ayertey, J.N.
The development of Callosobruchus maculates Fab. on five varieties (Botosinkpila, Sinkpikara, Sinkpibia, Sinkpipiela and Sinkpisabla) of stored bambara groundnut (Vignasubterranea(L.) Verdcourt) seeds wasassessed in the laboratory, under fluctuating temperature and relative humidity of 25.3 to 30.3 oCand 26.7 to75% R.H. Fifteen grammes(15 g) of seeds of each variety treatment were weighed separately into 500 ml bottles and infested with four pairs (male and female) of 0-48 hrs old adult beetles. Each treatment was replicated 5 times. The number of adults that emerged from eggs was lower than the number of eggs laid on seeds of each variety. However, the emerging progenies were on average much lower in the resistant varieties relative to the susceptible ones. Varieties Sinkpibia, Sinkpipiela and Sinkpisabla were relatively susceptible to infestation bythe beetle. Higher numbers of adults emerged from these seeds. The susceptible varieties also suffered more than 50% weight loss after 3 months of storage. Their susceptibility index values ranged from 13-14. Botosinkpila and Sinkpikara varieties produced relatively fewer adults which caused less than 50% weight loss. Susceptibility indices of 12•13 were recorded for these and suggest them to be moderately resistant or tolerant to attack. The two resistant varieties had hard seed coats, with seed coat force values greater than 20 Newton (N) as compared to the soft in the susceptible varieties which had force values of less than 20 N. The significance of these findings to the resource-poor subsistence farmers is discussed
Effect of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdcourt) varieties on development of Callosobruchus maculatus Fab. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)
(Journal of Arid Agriculture, 2009) Dauda, Z.; Ayertey, J.N.; Boateng, B.A.
The development of Callosobruchus maculatus Fab. on five varieties (Botosinkpila, Sinkpikara, Sinkpibia, Sinkpipiela and Sinkpisabla) of stored bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdcourt) seeds was assessed in the laboratory, under fluctuating temperature and relative humidity of 25.3 to 30.3˚C and 26.7 to 75% R.H. Fifteen grammes 15g of seeds of each variety treatment were weighed separately into 500ml bottles and infested with four pairs (male and female) of 0-48 hrs old adult beetles. Each treatment was replicated 5 times. The number of adults that emerged from eggs was lower than the number of eggs laid on seeds of each variety; however, the emerging progenies were on average much lower in the resistant varieties relative to the susceptible ones. Varieties Sinkpibia, Sinkpipiela and Sinkpisabla were relatively susceptible to infestation by the beetle. Higher numbers of adults emerged from these seeds. The susceptible varieties also suffered more than 50% weight loss after 3 months of storage. Their susceptibility index values ranged from 13-14. Botosinkpila and Sinkpikara varieties produced relatively fewer adults which caused less than 50% weight loss. Susceptibility indices of 12-13 were recorded for these and suggest them to be moderately resistant or tolerant to attack. The two resistant varieties had hard seed coats, with seed coat force values greater than 20 Newton (N) as compared to the soft in the susceptible varieties which had force values of less than 20 N. The significance of these findings to the resource-poor subsistence farmers is discussed
The effect of processing method of cassava chips on the development of Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)
(African Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 3 (8), pp. 537-541, 2008) Chijindu, E. N.; Boateng, B.A.; Ayertey, J.N.; Cudjoe, A.R.; Okonkwo, N.J.
Susceptibility of processed cassava chips to infestation by the Larger Grain Borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) was investigated in the laboratory (25 - 34°C, 61 - 92% r. h and 12 h: 12 h light: dark regime). Chips of two varieties were variously processed by fermentation, parboiling and sun-drying and stored for different periods. About 150, 200 and 300 g of processed cassava chips in Kilner jars were artificially infested with 15 pairs of P. truncatus adults and stored for 49, 59 and 69 days respectively. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in the mean numbers of adults recorded on the processed chips after 49 days of storage. Across varieties, fermented chips recorded the highest number of adults (407.0 ± 53.9), followed by 395.9 ± 34.5 and 351.0 ± 42.1 adults found on plain and sundried chips, respectively. Parboiled chips however supported the lowest number of adults (89.0 ± 16.4). The number of P. truncatus adults increased with increasing storage period on all chips. The overall mean weight loss recorded on plain, sun-dried and fermented chips were 71.5 ± 7.7%, 71.2, 6.7% and 71.7± 8.8% respectively after 69 days of storage by which time most of the chips had disintegrated completely. The lowest amount of loss, 20.9 ± 5.0%, was recorded on parboiled chips. The study showed that the practice of parboiling confers greater protection to cassava chips against infestation and losses due to P. truncatus than the other traditional fermentation and sun-drying methods.
Efficacy of Neem oil and Neemazal against the Larger Grain Borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) in stored maize
(Journal of Ghana Science Association, 2009) Boateng, B.A.; Aidoo, I.E.; Obeng-Ofori, D.; Cudjoe, A.R.; Akuamoah, R.K.
The biological activity of neem oil and Neemazalon adult and immature stages of the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus, as well as on its F1 progeny was assessed in stored maize in the laboratory. Repellency and persistency effects of the treatments in grain as well as the effect of the treatments on grain damage were also determined. Neemazal was more toxicto P. truncatus than neem oil. The highest dosage of 0.8ml/200g grain killed 100% adult P. maculatus after 72 h exposure but the same dosage of neem oil resulted in 70% mortality after 96h. The products also caused significant (p<0.05) mortality in P. truncates eggs and larvae, Neemazal provided greater protection to maize grains with no noticeable boreholes on grains' treatedwith 0.6 and 0.8ml/200g grain. All treatments repelled less that 50% P. truncatus adults. Activity of the two product significantly declined (0<0.05) in treated grain after 24 hour of storage following treatment. Neemaza loffered greater protection against both immature stages and adults of P. truncatusin stored maize.
Preference of and Damage to Processed Cassava Chips by Araecerus fasciculatus (Degeer)
(Journal of Applied Sciences Research 4(8): 939-944, 2008) Boateng, B.A.; Chijindu, E.N.
Laboratory studies were conducted on the preference and extent of deterioration of differently processed cassava chips caused by A. fasciculatus. The trials were carried at temperature of 25-30oC and relative humidity of 61-92%. Statistical analysis of insect preference to the processed chips in a choice test revealed that adults of A. fasciculatus significantly (p< 0.05) preferred fermented and sun-dried chips to parboiled and plain chips. A susceptibility test and insect developmental study were conducted to further understand the factors responsible for the differences in the processed chips. Weight losses caused by A. fasciculatus on plain, sun-dried and fermented chips across varieties at 79 days of storage were 20.6%, 16.3% and 16.9% respectively. However, parboiled chips sustained lower loss of 2.6%. Adult population density was also significantly lower (P<0.05) on parboiled chips (36.8±2.3) than on fermented chips (108.5±8.6) at 79 days of storage. The developmental period of this pest was similar on all the different processed chips, although it was slightly prolonged on sun-dried chips. The study has shown that parboiling of cassava chips before storage reduces their susceptibility to A. fasciculatus infestation.
Studies on the Suitability of Parkia Biglobosa (Jacq.) [African Locust Bean] for the Development of Sitophilus Zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
(University of Ghana, 2005-08) Abdullahi, A.; Ayertey, J.N.; Boateng, B.A.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science (DABCS)
Maize is an important staple food crop in Ghana and is cultivated throughout the country. The Guinea savanna zone in the Northern region, which is fast becoming a major production zone, is also the natural ecological zone of Parkia plants. Some insect pests, such as Sitophilus zeamais are a serious threat to maize production in Ghana. These insects appear to have adapted to and survive on some wild host plants. They may therefore emigrate from these alternative hosts to preferred hosts when the crops are planted in the field. The objective of this study was to investigate the suitability of Parkia biglobosa for the development o f S. zeamais and also to determine whether S. zeamais adults would exhibit any preference for Parkia substrates when given a choice. A comparative study of the development o f S. zeamais on Parkia seeds, pulps, pods and maize showed that the weevil does not reproduce at all on Parkia substrates under both field and laboratory conditions. Mean developmental period on maize under controlled conditions was significantly (P < 0.05) shorter (41.2 days) than under ambient environmental conditions (47.0 days). The mean weight of adults (3.4mg) under controlled conditions was, however, not significantly different (P > 0.05) from what was obtained under ambient environmental conditions (2.8mg). The mean number of eggs laid on maize under controlled conditions was significantly (P < 0.05) higher (114.5) than under ambient environmental conditions (94.75) and no eggs were laid on Parkia seeds, pulp and pods. In free-choice tests, significantly (P < 0.05) more weevils were recorded on maize than on Parkia substrates under both sets of conditions. Comparative study on survival of S. zeamais on Parkia seeds, pulp, pods and maize variety Volta local showed that survival of the weevils stabilized with time on maize but high mortality was recorded on Parkia seeds, pulp and pods under both sets of conditions. More weevils survived on Parkia seeds, pulp and pods in an environmental chamber in the laboratory than under the field conditions. From this, no conclusion can be drawn that Parkia pods, pulp and seeds may act as alternate hosts for S. zeamais and investigation needed to be undertaken to determine the actual factors responsible for the unsuitability or unacceptability of Parkia biglobosa as a host for S. zeamais. It is suggested that a better understanding of the biology and behaviour o f S. zeamais in relation to Parkia pods, pulp and seeds will assist in the development of improved management practices for the control of this pest and so reduce heavy losses caused by this pest both in the field and storage.
Suitability of dried chips of plantain, cocoyam, yam and cassava for the development of the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)
(International Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 2009) Isah, M.D.; Ayertey, J.N.; Boateng, B.A.
Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the suitability of dried chips of cassava, yam, plantain and cocoyam for the development of Prostephanus truncatus. Substrate acceptability, suitability and susceptibility for egg bioassay and development were investigated. The tests were conducted using 2 varieties of each of plantain (apantu, asamienu), cassava (biafra, bosomensia), yam (pona, takyiman) and cocoyam (red, white) dried chips, where 100-200 unsexed adults were introduced into 500g shelled maize stored in a 1 litrekilner jars and covered with a metal screen which were remove dafter 2 weeks, the synchronized F1 progeny obtained were used for the experiments. Thebeetle successfully completed its life cycle on plantain and cassava dried chips and alsoachieved marginal success on yam and cocoyam chips. The mean developmental periodsof the beetle were 36.3-36.8, 35.5-36, 40-40.5 and 40.5-41 days on the plantain, cassava, yam and cocoyam chips respectively. Mean number of eggs laid on the dried chips of plantain, cassava, and yam ranged from 23.7-32.3, 34.3-44 and 11.3-12.7 while only10.3-11.3 eggs were recorded on dried cocoyam chips. Similarly, higher numbers ofadults were recorded on the dried chips of plantain and cassava than were recorded onthe dried chips of cocoyam and yam. Furthermore, higher per cent weight loss and quantities of frass produced were recorded on the dried chips of plantain and cassava than could be found on cocoyam and yam. These findings suggest that in the absence of the most preferred host (maize), the beetle can subsist on other dried chips especially plantain and cassava. It also means that dried plantain chips which have hitherto not been known to support the development of the beetle can serve as a satisfactory host for P. truncatus.
Toxicity of Jatropha Seed Oil to Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) and its Parasitoid, Dinarmus basalis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)
(Journal of Applied Sciences Research 4(8): 945-95, 2008) Boateng, B.A.; Kusi, F.
The susceptibility of C. maculatus and D. basalis to Jatropha seed oil was evaluated under laboratory conditions. The adults of C. maculatus and D. basalis had the same susceptibility to Jatropha seed oil but the parasitoid was relatively more susceptible than its host at all treatment levels. The oil was also repellent to C. maculatus but its persistency declined from 15 to 60 days in storage. The eggs of C. maculatus were comparatively more susceptible to the Jatropha seed oil than those of the parasitoid due to the protection afforded by the grain. However, the larvae and pupae of C. maculatus showed a relatively lower susceptibility to the oil. It is possible to incorporate the oil in a well designed pest management programme taking advantage of the short persistency of the oil on grains and its relatively ineffectiveness against the C. maculatus pupae developing inside the grain.