Browsing by Author "Owusu, E.O."
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Item Arthropod diversity of cocoa farms under two management systems in the Eastern and Central regions of Ghana(Springer, 2021) Akesse-Ransford, G.; Owusu, E.O.; Kyerematen, R.; Adu-Acheampong, S.Diversity of insect communities can be used as bioindicators for change in the environment especially in farms under different management systems. In line with that, we conducted a research on insect species associated with cocoa under organic and conventional management systems in the Eastern and Central regions of Ghana. Insect collection was done using Hand height visual count, Canopy, and ‘‘Knock down’’, pitfall, coloured bowl and fruit-baited traps. A total of 13,742 individual insects belonging to 138 species from 63 families and 12 orders were recorded in the study. Insect abundance and diversity were generally higher in organic farms compared to conventional farms with Oecophylla longinoda as the most dominant species in both management systems and especially more dominant in organic cocoa farms Our study revealed that most of the insect species recorded were known cocoa pests although there was high abundance of beneficial insects too. Some of the pest species were Planococoides njalensis, Salh bergella singularis, Helopeltis spp and Pseudococus spp, while some of the beneficial insects recorded were Pheidole spp, Tegenaria spp, Camponotus spp, Cre matogaster spp. We can conclude that cocoa farms are potential habitats for insect biodiversity conservation. We recommend that management and/or agronomic practices used in cocoa farms should be geared towards protecting beneficial organisms for instance pollinators and natural enemies by effectively sup pressing insect pest populations while enhancing good seed production.Item Bioactivity of cardanol against the rust red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)(International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 2018-12) Buxton, T.; Owusu, E.O.; Kim, C.S.Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) is an economically important by-product obtained from the cashew nut Anacardium occidentale L. The liquid has been found to be versatile with a wide range of uses, including as a raw material in the polymer industry, in the development of drugs (antioxidants) and in pest control. One important chemical component of CNSL known for its bioactivity is cardanol. We isolated (8Z,11Z)-3-(8,11,14-pentadecatrienyl)phenol, a cardanol from CNSL, and determined its insecticidal and progeny growth and development inhibition activities against Tribolium castaneum Hebst. We used a bioassay-guided approach for the isolation. Exposure to cardanol produced 80% mortality of adult T. castaneum in the insecticidal bioassay. In the progeny growth and development inhibition bioassay, 46.7% of larvae were killed, and only 20.7% of adults emerged without deformities after the cardanol treatment. The amount of isolated cardanol from the 1 g equivalent/ml extracted CNSL was found to be 36.55 mg with LC50 value of 47.88 mg/ml and 13.28 mg/ml against adult T. castaneum and its larvae, respectively. We conclude that cardanol can potentially be useful in managing stored product insect pests, especially T. castaneum, but with the prerequisite that one should take much care when handling and when applying the compound.Item Bioefficacy of Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloides and Securidaca longependuncata against Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)(Journal of Biopesticides, 2013-01) Eziah, V.Y.; Buxton, T.; Owusu, E.O.Prostephanus truncatus Horn (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) are two important stored product insect pests found in most storage warehouses. Their activities tend to reduce the viability and the nutritive values of seeds and grains. In this study the bio-efficacy of Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloides and Securidaca longependuncata against P. truncatus and T. castaneum was investigated. The biological effects of methanol extracts of dry roots and leaves of Z. xanthoxyloides and the roots of S. longependuncata at 0.25 g mL-1, 0.5 g mL-1, 1.0 g mL-1 and 2.0 g mL-1 on the two beetle species were determined in the laboratory using dipping, grain treatment, progeny emergence, repellency and grain damage assessment assays. Adult mortality by dipping ranged between 80% and 100% in both insects for the plants extracts. There was no survival recorded at 2.0 g mL-1 of Z. xanthoxyloides roots and leaves and S. longepedunculata roots for both insects in treated grains. Also, no adult emerged in grains treated with 2.0 g mL-1 of the Z. xanthoxyloides roots while the same concentration of S. longepedunculata resulted in only 2% adult emergence for both insects. The methanol extracts of the two plants yielded various levels of repellency against the insects. 2.0 g/mL-1 of the Z. xanthxyloides roots yielded the highest repellency of 90.0 ± 9.5 % and 100 ± 0.0% against P. truncatus and T. castaneum respectively. Grains treated with plant extracts significantly reduced damage caused by P. truncatus and T. castaneum compared with the untreated grains. © JBiopest 370.Item Bioefficacy of zingiber officinale against prostephanus truncatus horn (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) infesting maize(Journal of Biopesticides, 2014-10) Ogbonna, C.U.; Eziah, V.Y.; Owusu, E.O.Maize is an important cereal crop grown in sub-Saharan Africa however, greater part of the grains produced is destroyed in storage by Prostephanus truncatus Horn (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae). In this study, the bio -activities of Zingiber officinale rhizome (Ginger), was investigated in the laboratory against P. truncatus at different proportions (25%, 20%, 15%, 10% and 5% wt/wt) with Actellic dust insecticide as a reference insecticide. The highest proportions (25% wt/wt) of Z. officinale powder significantly reduced the survival of P. truncatus to 0% after 12 days of treatment and the LD50 of the dust was obtained as 6.72%. The oil extract of Z. officinale at different concentrations (700 µL/mL, 350 µL/mL, 175 µL/mL, 87.5 µL/mL and 44 µ L/mL) and Agricombi insecticide as the reference was equally evaluated for the following: contact toxicity on adult insect by dipping, grain residual treatment, repellency effect, effect on progeny and adult emergence in treated grains and damage assessment to grains. There was no survival (0%) recorded at 700 µL/mL both in contact and residual treatment of P. truncatus. The LD50 of the oil extract was obtained as 84.78 µL/mL. Grains treated with the different concentrations of Z. officinale oil significantly repelled in sects with the highest concentration of 700 µL/mL yielding 100% repellency. The least mean adult emergence of 0.0 was recorded for both concentrations of 700 µL/mL and 350 µL/mL in treated grains. Grain damage by P. truncatus was significantly reduced when treated with Powder and oil extract of Z. officinale compared to the untreated grains.Item Corruption, Culture and National Development - An Interrogation of Africa’s Experience(2017-10-26) Acquah, P.; Owusu, E.O.The narrative about Africa’s development prospects has changed over the last decade, and it is now one of optimism; but not without an undertone of some skepticism. Recent growth rates and economic and social indicators show impressive progress and the benefits of years of economic reforms and engagement with development partners. However, low rankings in corruption-perception indicators in international surveys raise questions and concerns. Will corruption, weaknesses in institutions and governance diminish the capacity of governments to deliver improvements in well being for their citizens on a fair, equitable and sustained basis? Corruption, once a matter for much whispering in private and public forums, is now at the centre of the development policy agenda for countries on the path of reform. It is prominent in research and discussions on governance and the role of the developmental state that some see in Africa. Corruption is a global concern. But for Africa it is a critical issue of governance and arguably the x-factor, the toxin, in its economic performance. High Corruption is a flashing signal that something is wrong and there is an injustice. The use of public office for private benefit, and the prevalent violation of rules or norms of the society to gain private advantage can destroy the very fabric of society. Corruption takes a toll on the economy through various channels of decision making and economic and social interactions. Africa’s development experience and position at the bottom of the corruption- perception scale after decades of nation building inevitably raise several questions. A fundamental one is what in the politics, economics, institutions and the norms fosters such high corruption? What foments persistent weak governance, limited accountability and transparency, and episodes of conflict that restrain progress and the possible achievement of development goals? The lecture raises issues and questions, provocatively, whether Africa had a false start in nation building. The early years saw fierce competition for control and consolidation of political and economic power and redistributive policies. Would this have set the pattern of abuse of public trust and rent seeking behavior that has become embedded in the management of public affairs? Some of the many forms of corrupt practices occurring in secrecy and not disclosed in daily life, and public perceptions are considered. It is to underline the manner in which corruption can influence public attitudes and behaviour, and shape the economic environment. Furthermore, gleaning from the experience with anti-corruption initiatives elsewhere in the world, there is a conclusion that corruption is a complex and potentially intractable problem and an enormous challenge for policy-makers to fight. Economic transformation is the grand vision that inspires African institutions and cooperation for prosperity, peace and security. That vision should mean breaking the cycle of high corruption and low growth and locking into the virtuous dynamics of a sustainable low- corruption high –growth environment. It is better to stay on the path of economic efficiency and a level playing field. It starts with a credible commitment to pursuing, with good faith and rigour, an effective anti-corruption policy embedded in law and practice as a central pillar of a comprehensive development strategy. It needs to be well aligned with the values and rules of the society with broad popular support. The voice of the citizenry can be a powerful force for change and sustainable development.Item D-allethrin based mosquito coils for mosquito control: Knockdown and mortality effects on the malaria vector anopheles gambiae sensu lato(International Journal of Agriculture and Biology, 2013) Avicor, S.W.; Owusu, E.O.; Wajidi, M.F.F.Bioefficacy of five commonly used d-allethrin (0.1- 0.3% w/w) based coils was evaluated on non-blood fed female adult Anopheles gambiae sensu lato populations. Mortality ranged from 36% - 72% with KT50 and KT90 of 34.92 - 73.88 min and 143.78 - 447.54 min respectively. On the basis of the longer knockdown durations and mortality effects of the coils tested, the 0.3% d-allethrin coil should only be used as a supplement in minimizing vector-human contact and not as a sole protection measure. © 2013 Friends Science Publishers.Item The effect of fruit fly larval density on some quality parameters of mango(Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 2011) Akoto, S.H.; Billah, M.K.; Afreh-Nuamah, K.; Owusu, E.O.Three varieties of mango, Jaffna, Palmer and Kent were infested with different first instar larval densities (10, 20 and 30) of the invasive fruit fly species, Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta & White. This was to determine the effect of each of the densities on three fruit quality parameters. The parameters included Total Soluble Solids (TSS), Percentage Titratable Acidity (% T.A.) and pH, of which TSS and pH showed decreasing trends while % T.A. showed an increasing trend with time. In the controlled treatments where fruits were either held intact or punctured but with no introduction of larvae, there was an increase in pH and TSS and a decrease in %T.A.. The shelf-life, which was taken as the period from the first day of treatment till signs of damage were observed, saw the three varieties infested with 10 larvae lasting up to 6 days, while fruits infested with 20 and 30 larvae lasted for 3 days. The shelf life of the controlled treatments for all the varieties lasted till the 15th day. The presence of fruit fly larvae in fruits causes a number of changes in internal quality parameters such as the TSS, pH, % T.A. and the internal damage area. While pH and TSS decreased with storage time, % T.A. increased with storage time compared with the controlled fruits. Total damage area of fruits was also increased with increase number of larvae introduced. pH, TSS and % T.A. of Jaffna and Kent on the 3rd day of storage were almost the same as their control treatments. Despite the differences, the presence of fruit fly larvae in fruits (irrespective of number), will have negative impact on the internal quality parameters after the 3rd day of storage and reduce the market (export and locally) value of the fruits.Item The effect of fruit fly larval density on some quality parameters of mango(2011) Akoto, S.H.; Billah, M.K.; Afreh-Nuamah, K.; Owusu, E.O.Three varieties of mango, Jaffna, Palmer and Kent were infested with different first instar larval densities (10, 20 and 30) of the invasive fruit fly species, Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta & White. This was to determine the effect of each of the densities on three fruit quality parameters. The parameters included Total Soluble Solids (TSS), Percentage Titratable Acidity (% T.A.) and pH, of which TSS and pH showed decreasing trends while % T.A. showed an increasing trend with time. In the controlled treatments where fruits were either held intact or punctured but with no introduction of larvae, there was an increase in pH and TSS and a decrease in %T.A.. The shelf-life, which was taken as the period from the first day of treatment till signs of damage were observed, saw the three varieties infested with 10 larvae lasting up to 6 days, while fruits infested with 20 and 30 larvae lasted for 3 days. The shelf life of the controlled treatments for all the varieties lasted till the 15th day. The presence of fruit fly larvae in fruits causes a number of changes in internal quality parameters such as the TSS, pH, % T.A. and the internal damage area. While pH and TSS decreased with storage time, % T.A. increased with storage time compared with the controlled fruits. Total damage area of fruits was also increased with increased number of larvae introduced. PH, TSS and % T.A. of Jaffna and Kent on the 3rd day of storage were almost the same as their control treatments. Despite the differences, the presence of fruit fly larvae in fruits (irrespective of number), will have negative impact on the internal quality parameters after the 3rd day of storage and reduce the market (export and locally) value of the fruitsItem Effect of some Ghanaian plant components on control of two stored-product insect pests of cereals(Journal of Stored Products Research, 2000-01) Owusu, E.O.In an attempt to find natural and cheaper methods for the control of stored-product pests of cereals, some traditionally useful Ghanaian plant materials were evaluated. Hexane+isopropyl alcohol extract of leaves of Ocimum viride proved most effective in the control of Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), followed by that of Chromolaena odorata. O. viride showed strong repellent activity and thus deterred the insects from feeding. It reduced survival of both insect pests to less than 25% after 10 days of treatment at concentrations of 0.1 mg ml-1 and above. The results show the potential of O. viride and C. odorata in the control of stored-product insects. © 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.Item Entomophobia: Are Insects Dictating the Pace of World Food Insecurity?(University of Ghana, 2016-07-14) Owusu, E.O.Entomology is a branch of Zoology that studies insects and how they interact with their environment, other species, and humans, as well as their management. The word originates with a Greek work Entom, meaning “insect” and logy meaning “study”. Insects are quite remarkable creatures with about 1 million species rightly identified, while about 8 million are yet to be identified. Entomology under present day consideration is a relatively young Science. It is a profession that we unnoticeably practice every day alongside our daily activities right from sunrise to sunset. Entomology plays a significant role in our daily lives because during the day, we deal with the insects that disturb our crops and animals, and unfortunately, have to contend with the nocturnal ones that transmit diseases to us when we are supposed to have very sound sleep. There are thousands of Entomologists world-wide dealing with various aspects of insects, including collection, identification, biology, evolution, diversity, physiology, utilization, chemical ecology, morphology, etc. Over several species of insects attack various crops of economic importance, causing severe harm and reducing economic as well as nutrient values of these crops. The struggle by humans and insects to gain supremacy in this world has existed since the days of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. The basic war between the two protagonists has existed because insects claim they inherited the world before the creation or evolution of humans. Humans took over the control of this world and have since caused a lot of discomfort to insects and other creatures, purely due to selfishness and greed. They (insects) therefore seek to engage humans in a great war to take over what they claim are rightfully theirs. This position of insects has created a lot of fear and panic within the human race to the extent that, in trying to counteract the subtle, seemingly harmless posture of insects, humans have resorted to pressing the panic button and in the process, hurting themselves and environment badly. While man rely on sophistications and heavily guarded technology to displace insects, these tiny creatures just make use of their natural brains and wisdom to outwit humans in all technological efforts. Insects attack crops on the field and in storage due to their feeding and oviposition behaviours such as piercing and sucking, biting and chewing, and boring. They may also transmit diseases to plants and some insects, especially the stored product pests, contaminate food with their body parts, faecal matter and webbings. These activities reduce the quality and quantity of food. Damage to crops by insects (field and stored) world-wide can be up to hundred percent in some cases. This raises serious concerns about the extent of food insecurity in the world and its associated consequences. In trying to counteract the effect of insects on agricultural production, various studies on issues such as the ever increasing resistance of insects to insecticides, host selection of insects, pheromones, as well as overall management options available, have been carried out by Scientists all over the world. The results of these researches have produced techniques that have been employed to control insect pests, but to date, man has remained hugely unsuccessful. Results of our studies so far have shown that, most agricultural insect pests, especially aphids and white flies (in Ghana and other parts of the world), have become resistant to human’s deadliest weapon, i.e., insecticides, through various inherent mechanisms such as: Production of altered forms of carboxylesterase, due to alterations in the parental protein molecule. Proteins E-7, E-9, and E-10 have been found to be responsible for organophosphate resistance in aphids. Thus elevated carboxylesterase resistance is deduced as a major resistance mechanism. Production of active site of insecticide inhibition by carboxylesterase which serves as “alternative target sites” or “sequestering protein”, by binding permanently to the inhibitor molecule. Thus insecticide hydrolysis is found not to be a mechanism for resistance. Emergency production of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobeneze (CDNB) linked glutathione S-transferase as a complimentary protective enzyme to confer resistance in close conjunction with other pre-existing mechanisms. Changes in the genomic DNA of resistant insects give rise to gene polymorphism. Thus, gene amplification/duplication is considered an important resistant mechanism. Other studies such as pheromone extraction, isolation, and identification have also been carried out by my team for various interventions (mating disruption, mass trapping and monitoring) on millet stem borer damage to millet in the Semi-Arid tropics of West Africa. Exploring the potential of various environment friendly Ghanaian traditional plants (for bio-active compounds) to control field and stored-product insect pests with my students have also revealed very interesting results, giving hope for the future management of insect pests. Are insects truly dictating the pace of world food insecurity and threatening food shortage and hunger? Results of research carried out by my team and various collaborators over the years point to the fact that, humans are in a state of panic, given true meaning to the word “Entomophobia”, and unquestionably losing the fight against the tiny insects, around the globe. Thus, insects are truly dictating the pace of world food insecurity, leaving humans with very little options to counteract their ruthless upsurge on agricultural crops.Item Identification of a fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)‑specific gene and development of a rapid and sensitive loop‑mediated isothermal amplification assay(nature, 2022) Osabutey, A.F.; Seo, B.Y.; Kim, A.; Ha, T.A.T.; Jung, J.; Goergen, G.; Owusu, E.O.; Lee, G.; Koh, Y.H.The fall armyworm [FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith)], a moth native to America, has spread throughout the world since it was first discovered in Africa in 2016. The FAW is a polyphagous migratory pest that can travel over long distances using seasonal winds or typhoons because of its excellent flying ability, causing serious damage to many crops. For effective FAW control, accurate species identification is essential at the beginning of the invasion. In this study, the FAW-specific gene Sf00067 was discovered by performing bioinformatics to develop a fast and accurate tool for the species-specific diagnosis of this pest. An Sf00067 loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed, and optimal conditions were established. The Sf00067 6 primer LAMP (Sf6p-LAMP) assay established in this study was able to diagnose various genotype-based strains of FAW captured in Korea and FAWs collected from Benin, Africa. Our FAW diagnostic protocol can be completed within 30 min, from the process of extracting genomic DNA from an egg or a 1st instar larva to species determination.Item Insecticidal activities of cinnamic acid esters isolated from Ocimum gratissimum L. and Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn leaves against Tribolium castaneum Hebst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)(Pest Management Science, 2019-06-10) Owusu, E.O.; Buxton, T.; Takahashi, S.; Doh, A.E.; Baffoe-Ansah, J.; Kim, C.BACKGROUND: Pest management using botanicals has been widely practiced in sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of theworld in recent times. The natural compounds present in these botanicals are known to be responsible for the protection they offer against insect pests. Someof these compoundsmay act as single compounds to produce an effect or theymay be synergistically effective. In the present study using a bioassay guided approach, two cinnamic acid derivatives,methyl cinnamate and sitosterol cinnamate, were isolated fromthe leaves of Ocimum gratissimumand Vitellaria paradoxa, respectively. RESULTS: The two cinnamic acid derivatives were found to show higher levels of insecticidal, larvicidal and larval growth inhibition activities against Tribolium castaneum. The LC50 of methyl cinnamate was determined to be 26.92mgmL−1 (95% CL: 1.18.66–38.84mgmL−1; slope±SE: 2.84±0.81) for the adult 8.31mgmL−1 (95% CL: 2.39–28.83mgmL−1; slope±SE: 0.66±0.28) for the larvae while the LC50 of sitosterol cinnamate was determined to be 6.92mgmL−1 (95% CL: 3.97–12.06mgmL−1; slope±SE: 1.59±0.12) the adult and 3.91mgmL−1 (95% CL: 2.21–6.93mgmL−1; slope±SE: 1.52±0.13) for the larvae. CONCLUSION: Generally, the susceptibility of adult T. castaneum to these cinnamic acid esters can be directly associated with the concentration aswell as time of exposure to the compounds. The isolated compounds support the use of O. gratissimumand V. paradoxa as important botanicals for the management of storage pests.Item Native SAG1 in Toxoplasma gondii lysates is superior to recombinant SAG1 for serodiagnosis of T. gondii infections in chickens(Parasitology International, 2019-04) Appiah-Kwarteng, C.; Saito, T.; Toda, N.; Kitoh, K.; Nishikawa, Y.; Adenyo, C.; Kayang, B.; Owusu, E.O.; Ohya, K.et.al.Toxoplasma gondii can infect almost all mammals and birds, including chickens. The aim of this study was to identify an appropriate immunogenic antigen for serodiagnosis of T. gondii infections in chickens. We examined serum samples from chickens that were intravenously or intraperitoneally infected with 106–108 tachyzoites of T. gondii strains PLK, RH, CTG, ME49 or TgCatJpGi1/TaJ using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), latex agglutination tests (LATs) and western blotting. Regardless of parasite strain or infection dose and route, the commercial LAT was positive for almost all sera collected 1 week post-infection. However, at 2 weeks post-infection, LATs were negative in the same birds. ELISAs using the Escherichia coli-produced recombinant T. gondii antigens SAG1 and GRA7 showed strong signals at 1–2 weeks post infection, but thereafter diminished for the majority of serum samples. In contrast, western blotting against crude tachyzoite antigens showed a persistent band up to 4 weeks post-infection. Sera from these chickens reacted much more strongly with SAG1 from crude tachyzoite antigens than with recombinant SAG1. Even in experimentally-infected birds whose parasite burdens in tissue were undetectable, sera still reacted with native SAG1. We tested sera from free-range chickens on a small farm in Ghana, Africa, using western blotting and found that the serum of one bird reacted with a single band of approximately 27 kDa, the putative molecular weight of SAG1. Thus we conclude that native SAG1, but not E. coli-produced recombinant SAG1, is suitable for serodiagnosis of T. gondii infections in chickens.Item On- Farm Evaluation of Candlewood Zanthoxylum Xanthoxyloides (Lam.) on Two Stored Product Pests.(University of Ghana, 2003-08) Koomson, C.K.; Owusu, E.O.; Ayertey, J.N.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science (DABCS)The biological activity of dry, ground plant parts (dust) and tablets of Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloides (Lam.) was assessed in both the laboratory and on the field against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Dry ground leaves, bark and roots were prepared in various proportions of 60% leaves and 40% roots; 70% leaves and 30% roots; 80% leaves and 20% roots; 90% leaves and 10% roots; 60% leaves and 40% bark; 70% leaves and 30% bark; 80% leaves and 20% bark; 90% leaves and 10% bark, as well as 100% leaves, 100% bark and 100% roots. These proportions were mixed with 5 kg of grains at 5% (wt/wt) concentration to assess contact toxicity, grain protection, effect on eggs and immature stages and persistency. The biological activity of Z xanthoxyloides was also accessed using tablets made from different concentrations of 2.2ml leaves and 1.8ml roots; 2.4ml leaves and 1.6ml roots; 2.6ml leaves and 1.4ml roots; 2.8ml leaves and 1,2ml roots; 2.2ml leaves and 1.8ml bark; 2.4ml leaves and 1.6ml bark; 2.6ml leaves and 1.4ml bark and 2.8ml leaves and 1.2ml bark. Five tablets of each of the different concentrations were mixed with 5 kg of grains to assess toxicity or grain protection by fumigation, effect on eggs and immature stages persistency and repellency. The effective combinations of dry ground dusts were 60% leaves and 40% roots; 70% leaves and 30% roots; 60% leaves and 40% bark and 70% leaves and 30% bark. These significantly (P<0.001) induced over 68 % mortality of both species of insects, provided about 96% protection to the grains, inhibited the development of eggs and immature stages and were persistent for 2 months. The effective tablet formulations were from concentrations of 2.2 ml: 1.8ml (v/v) leaves: roots; 2.4 ml: 1.6 ml (v/v) leaves: roots; 2.2 ml: 1.8ml (v/v) leaves: bark and 2.4 ml: 1.6ml (v/v) leaves: bark. These induced about 50% mortality, offered about 95% protection to the grains and evoked repellent actions against both insects. There was however, a rapid loss of activity after 7 days following treatment, irrespective of the dosage applied. Z xanthoxyloides, which is relatively safe to mammals because it is used for the treatment of ailments like tooth aches, stomach aches, leprous ulceration, and ulcers, syphilitic sores, fever, post-delivery pains while the leaves are fed to ruminants could be prepared into effective dry ground dust proportions as well as tablets for resource-poor farmers to protect their grains against some stored product pests.Item Perception of farmers’ management strategies for termites control in Ghana(2011) Akutse, K.S.; Owusu, E.O.; Afreh-Nuamah, K.Objective: Termites are serious pests in West Africa affecting crop production, buildings, books and wood conservation. Intensive use of insecticides which is of great environmental and health concerns was the most frequently control option. To make termites management environmentally friendly, there is a need to integrate indigenous knowledge about pest management techniques into the scaling-up process in order to improve farmers’ pest management practices. This paper documents farmers’ knowledge, perceptions and management practices against termites in Greater Accra and Volta Regions of Ghana.Methodology and results: Traditional methods of controlling termites used by farmers, obtained from a survey include application of plant extracts (55.71% of the respondents), dead animals, toads and intestines of rat (42.86%), physical removal of the queen (64.29%), human urine (55.71%), wood ash (30%), and poultry (60%). These are mainly practiced by small-scale farmers and their efficiency needs to be studied, improved and promoted. Additionally, a total of thirteen plants traditionally used for termite control were identified from the survey. From the 70 farmers investigated, 44.29% depend on chemicals and other strategies, while 55.71% used plants as control strategy. About 67.67% combined plants with chemicals and other strategies. Conclusion and application: Indigenous termite’s taxonomic knowledge identified needs to be documented and promoted to facilitate communication between farmers, extension agents and scientists on specific pest problems. The efficiency of the various indigenous control practices reported by farmers in this study need to be verified, and the promising ones standardized and promoted with other IPM measures with the aim of reducing chemical pesticides applicationItem Studies On The Biology And Activity Levels Of Carboxylesterase As An Indicator Of Insecticide Resistance In Populations Of Diamondback Moth, Plutella Xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) On Cabbage in Ghana(University of Ghana, 2000-08) Kaiwa, F.J.; Owusu, E.O.; Obeng-Ofori, D.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science (DABCS)Biology of Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) was studied in the laboratory under controlled conditions, i.e. 28 ±1 °C, 65-70 % r.h and a photoperiod of 12L: 12D hours. The results indicated that the developmental time of P. xylostella from egg to adult emergence took on the average 17.5 days. About 59 % of the eggs were laid on the first night of oviposition. Additionally females were generally larger (5.0mm) than males (4.5 mm). Effects of temperature, pH, and substrate concentration on the hydrolysis of a- naphthyl acetate by carboxylesterase from P. xylostella were evaluated. Optimum ranges of these parameters were, 40-45 °C for temperature, 6 9-7.3, for pH, and 35-40 mM for substrate concentration. Carboxylesterase analyses of P. xylostella populations collected around Accra indicated the probable incidence of insecticide resistance in the insect population. Carboxylesterase activity levels ranged from 2.06 to 28.29 nmol / 10min/μg protein. While the highest activity was recorded by populations from Kumoji Road and classified as moderately resistant, G.B.C (Ring Road) and Legon populations were classified as highly susceptible. The finding has enormous implications for the vegetable growers.Item To Coil or Not To Coil: Application Practices, Perception and Efficacy of Mosquito Coils in a Malaria-Endemic Community in Ghana(Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2017-07) Avicor, S.W.; Wajidi, M.F.F.; Owusu, E.O.Although evidence of mosquito coils’ impact on disease epidemiology is limited, they are popularized as mosquito-borne disease prevention devices. Their usage affects the environment, human and mosquito health. This study investigated the perception, usage pattern and efficacy of coils in a predominantly poor malaria-endemic Ghanaian peri-urban area. Information on protection methods, perception and usage pattern was garnered using questionnaires. The efficacy of commonly used coils in the area was then assessed on the malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae, in a glass chamber. Sole or co-application of mosquito control methods and risky usage practices were reported. Coils were deemed harmful to humans and mosquitoes, and their perceived effectiveness varied, with several factors influencing their purchase. High d-allethrin concentration coils induced quicker mosquito knockdown; however, mortality was less than 85%. The coil usage pattern compromises users’ health and can enhance mosquito tolerance to d-allethrin. The coils were ineffective against the vector, outlining a dichotomy between the users’ perception of efficacy and the observed efficacy. Hence, the usage of other safer and more effective vector control methods should be encouraged to protect households.Item Using Odonates As Markers Of The Environmental Health Of Water And Its Land Related Ecotone(International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation Vol. 5 Issue 11, pp.761-769, 2013) Acquah-Lamptey, D.; Kyerematen, R.; Owusu, E.O.The study of Odonata communities along wetlands requires the basic understanding of the abundance, distribution and number of species present. As habitat conditions change, they also exhibit changes in their diversity and distribution. Odonata assemblages were surveyed along the Densu River at Atewa Range Forest Reserve (ARFR) and Nsawam in the Eastern Region of Ghana and Weija in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Of the 177 species recorded for Ghana, 66 species (43 dragonfly and 23 damselfly species) were sampled along the Densu River. These belonged to eight families of which the Libellulidae dominated. The distribution of species was significantly different between the sites with the most diverse area being ARFR with 47 species. The various environmental variables along the river were recorded and their effects discussed.Item Who is “them”?: Governance in the educational sphere(2016-11-10) Belo-Osagie, M.; Owusu, E.O.Education of our children is vital for the future of our country and indeed the whole of Africa. Governance of the educational sphere is therefore an important issue. Although this issue is one that should concern all of us we often fail to engage or participate - in part because we fail to see what we as individuals can do to make a difference. This talk explores the urgency of the concern; and seeks to encourage us to ask how we, as individuals, can address and respond to it