Department of Plant and Environmental Biology

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    Eco-innovation, sustainable business performance and market turbulence moderation in emerging economies
    (Technology in Society, 2022) Larbi-Siaw, O.; Owusu, E.; Xuhua, H.; et al.
    The study purports to empirically draw out the prominence of eco-innovation in achieving sustainability in business performances, which is further tested by the moderation of turbulent market conditions on the rela tionship. In contrast to previous eco-innovation research, a nascent methodology involving a dual-stage hybrid analysis and an emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) technique, deep learning was used to analyze 683 viable responses from Ghanaian manufacturing firms. Some intriguing conclusions were discovered where the dimensions of sustainable business performance are achievable vis-a-vis ` the implementation of product, process, and organizational eco-innovation. Notably, a manufacturing firm’s environmental performance can be considerably improved by implementing the triumvi rate of product, process, and organizational eco-innovation. Subsequently, a firm can improve its social per formance by R&D investment in eco-innovations, novel green management practices and staff sensitization on eco-innovation. Lastly, market turbulence (technology and environmental turbulence) in the form of techno logical advancements, intense market competition, changing household demand and taste amplifies the positive effect of product and organizational eco-innovation on the economic dimension of sustainable performance. Theoretically, a newly integrated theoretical framework, which incorporates eco-innovation, contingency and RBV theory, could aid in determining the relative importance of specific determinants, thereby providing sig nificant contributions to eco-innovations on the sustainability of business performance.
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    Fungal profile, levels of aflatoxin M1, exposure, and the risk characterization of local cheese ‘wagashi’ consumed in the Ho Municipality, Volta Region, Ghana
    (Toxicology Reports, 2024) Kortei, N.K.; Wiafe-Kwagyan, M.; Odamtten, G.T.; et al.
    Wagashi is a West African type cottage cheese locally prepared from cow milk. Wagashi like other milk products, is prone to microbial contamination, particularly by fungi. Many of these fungal species produce mycotoxins which are of serious public health concern. This work aimed to update the mycoflora profile and determine the concentrations of aflatoxin M1 and its health risk characterization due to the consumption of wagashi. Culturing the wagashi on mycological media (Oxytetracycline Glucose Yeast Extract OGYE, Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol DRBC) caused a de-novo growth of the quiescent spores at 28–30 ◦C for 5–7 days. The analysis of AFM1 levels in the samples was done using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography connected to a Fluo rescence detector (HPLC-FLD). The exposure and risk assessment to the AFMI levels were determined using deterministic models prescribed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The fungal counts ranged be tween 2.36–4.30 log10 CFU/g. In total, thirteen (13) fungal species from eight (8) genera were isolated from all wagashi samples. They are; Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium verticillioides, Peni cillium digitatum, Trichoderma harzianum, Aspergillus terreus, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Rhizopus stolonifer, Asper gillus fumigatus, Yeast sp., Mucor racemosus and Fusarium oligosporum belonging to the genera Fusarium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Rhodotorula, Rhizopus, Yeast, and Mucor. The AFM1 observed in the wagashi samples’ analysis was low, ranging from 0.00 (Not Detected) ± 0.00 − 0.06 ± 0.002 µg/Kg. Risk assessments of AFM1 using deterministic models produced outcomes that ranged between 5.92 × 10− 3 - 0.14 ng/kg bw/day, 1.42 –44.35, 0–0.0323 ng aflatoxins/kg bw/day, and 1.51 × 10− 3 − 9.69 × 10− 4 cases/100,000 person/yr for esti mated daily intake (EDI), margin of exposure (MOE), average potency, and cancer risks, respectively, for the age categories investigated. Fungal counts were interpreted as medium to high. It was also established that the consumption of wagashi may pose adverse health effects on all age categories in the selected zones of the study since all calculated MOE values were less than 100,000.
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    Medicinal plants used for management of diabetes and hypertension in Ghana
    (Heliyon, 2023) Asafo-Agyei, T.; Appau, Y.; Barimah, K.B.; Asase, A.
    Diabetes and hypertension have been declared as a global health menace of the 21st Century. Thus, the search for potential therapeutic agents from medicinal plants for the management of diabetes and hypertension is important. This study was undertaken to investigate medicinal plants being used in the management of diabetes and hypertension by herbalists in Ghana. Data were obtained from 36 herbalists through questionnaire interviews and conversations. Botanical specimens were collected, processed and identified following standard ethnobotanical methods. Data were analyzed using Fidelity Level (FL) and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF). A total of 39 species of plants belonging to 31 families were reported being used for management of diabetes and hypertension. Eighteen of these plants are used for the treatment of hypertension, 12 species for diabetes, and 9 species for management of both diseases. Informant consensus factor was highest for plants used to treat both diseases (IFC = 0.82) followed by hypertension (ICF = 0.31) and then diabetes (IFC = 0.24). FL values were high for Carica papaya L. Moringa oleifera Lam. and Khaya senegalensis A. Juss. for the management of both diabetes and hypertension. Of the 14 species used for hypertension, Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schum. ex. Thonn.) recorded the highest FL value whiles Momordica charantia L. recorded the highest FL value for antidiabetic plants. Baphia nitida G. Lodd, Luffa aegyptiaca Mill. and Tapinanthus banguwensis (Engl. & k. Krause) Dancing are being mentioned for the first time in the management of hypertension. Herbal medicines for treatments of both diabetes and hypertension were usually prepared from multiple plant pre scriptions by boiling the plant parts, and the decoctions drunk for treatments. The results show that there is substantial preclinical evidence to support the usefulness of some of these herbs as an important choice for patients with diabetes and hypertension. However, clinical studies are important to confirm the efficacy and safety of the herbal medicines prescribed by herbalists.
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    Trace metal load of two urban wetlands with varied catchment activities in Ghana
    (Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2023) Owusu, E.; Blankson, E.R.; Awunyo, R.G.; et al
    This study compared Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (As) and Cadmium (Cd) concentrations in sediment, water, and biota at Vaughan Dam which receives limited sewage effluent discharge from residential areas, and Korle Lagoon which receives industrial effluents, electronic waste, garages-spill oil and a host of others in addition to residential sewage effluent discharge. Samples were analyzed with Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The results showed that concentrations of trace metals were generally higher in the sediment, water, and plants from the Korle Lagoon but only Cu in the sediment of Korle Lagoon showed a significantly high concentration. The similarities in the rank orders of the metal concentrations together with the dominance of Zn and Pb in most compartments of the wetlands indicated major differences did not exist in the contaminant input to the two wetlands except electronic waste recycling and disposal that resulted in significantly high copper concentrations in the sediment of Korle Lagoon. No evidence of biomagnification was determined along the food chains of the Vaughan Dam and the Korle Lagoon for all the metals studied.The Tilapia zilli from Vaughan Dam, the only biota that is regularly consumed from the wetlands, had Cr, Cu, Pb, Cd, Hg, and As concentrations above FAO/WHO permissible limits and therefore pose a health risk to consumers.
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    Variations in seaweed-associated and planktonic bacterial communities along the coast of Ghana
    (Taylor & Francis, 2023) Adu-Gyamf, A.; Akrong, M.O.; Anning, A.K.; et al.
    ABSTRACT Seaweed associated bacteria can be exploited for sustainable production and conservation of seaweeds, although limited information exists in several coastal waters in West Africa. Here, the diversity and abundance of bacteria on five seaweeds, Sargassum vulgare, Padina durvillaei, Hydropuntia dentata, Hypnea musciformis and Ulva fasciata, and surrounding seawaters across five coastal sites in the Central and Western regions of Ghana were investigated. Biochemical tests and MALDI–TOF identification system were used to determine the bacteria diversity and abundance on the seaweeds and seawater. A total of 530 bacterial isolates, belonging to 28 species (and mostly Proteobacteria and Firmicutes) were identified. A higher diversity of bacteria species was found associated with the seaweeds (83%) than in seawater (17%). Bacterial composition was similar among taxonomically-related seaweeds. The brown (S. vulgare) and red (H. musciformis) seaweeds recorded the most and least diverse bacterial assemblage, respectively. Seasonally, bacterial diversity and abundance were marginally higher in the wet season. The study provides important baseline information on the spatial, temporal and taxonomic distribution of bacteria associated with commercially valuable seaweed species in the coastal areas of Ghana. The results are also important for the sustainable exploitation and conservation of these important macroalgae in Ghana and elsewhere.
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    Survey of knowledge, and attitudes to storage practices preempting the occurrence of flamentous fungi and mycotoxins in some Ghanaian staple foods and processed products
    (Scientific Reports, 2023) Wiafe‑Kwagyan, M.; Amon, D. N.K; Kortei, N.k; et al
    Mycotoxigenic fungi can infect and produce potent mycotoxins in foodstufs prior to harvest, during harvest (feld fungi), and in storage after harvest (storage fungi), which when ingested, can result in adverse health efects. This study was aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices adopted by the Ghanaian populace to help mitigate the occurrence of molds and mycotoxins in foods. A cross-sectional survey involving a structured questionnaire was conducted with 642 respondents from twelve regions of Ghana. Descriptive statistics and analyses of variance were calculated. Correct Classifcation Rate (CCR) was measured to assess the utility of a logistic regression model. The results of the study showed that the majority of 299 (46.6%) of the respondents were between the ages of 18–25. Age and educational level were related to knowledge about the occurrence of fungi and mycotoxins in foods (p< 0.05). More than half the respondents, 50% indicated that they knew of afatoxins as a major mycotoxin present in food. Higher education directly infuenced on the knowledge of mycotoxicosis and the management of stored food to present intoxication by fungal metabolites. 502 (32.9%) knew that consuming foods with toxins could cause stomach aches. The most commonly consumed food commodity despite the presence of visible growth of fungi was bread (35.3%). The average KAP score for knowledge showed that, out of 100%, there was adequate knowledge (63.8%) among the members of the Ghanaian populace. Favorable environmental conditions of high humidity (>85% ERH) and temperature (> 28–32 °C) enhance the proliferation of fungi in most foods and the attendant production of mycotoxins such as afatoxins, ochratoxins, and fumonisins are associated with several severe human and animal health conditions; mycotoxicosis was associated with high fever, pain, vomiting, suppression of immunity, cancer, etc. when these foods are consumed on regular basis for a prolonged length of time. Future examination of the food items used for the School Feeding Programme in Ghana will ofer opportunities to examine the risks of feeding youth with fungal-contaminated food preparations from providers.
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    Investigating the experiences of head of basic schools I'm fulfilling their supervisory role
    (Ecology and Evolution, 2023) Marshall, C.A.M.; Dabo, J.; Mensa, M.; Ekpe, P.; Hawthorne, W.D.
    At best, conservation decisions can only be made using the data available at the time. For plants and especially in the tropics, natural history collections remain the best available baseline information upon which to base conservation assessments, in spite of well-documented limitations in their taxonomic, geographic, and temporal coverage. We explore the extent to which changes to the plant biological record over 20 years have changed our conception of the conservation importance of 931 plant taxa, and 114 vegetation samples, recorded in forest reserves of the southwest Ghana biodiversity hotspot. 36% of species-level assessments changed as a result of new distribution data. 12% of species accepted in 2016 had no assessment in 1996: of those, 20% are new species publications, 60% are new records for SW Ghana, and 20% are taxonomic resolutions. Apparent species ranges have increased over time as new records are made, but new species publications are overwhelmingly of globally rare species, keeping the balance of perceived rarity in the flora constant over 20 years. Thus, in spite of considerable flux at the species record level, range size rarity scores calculated for 114 vegetation samples of the reserves in 1996 and 2016 are highly correlated with each other: r(112) = 0.84, p< .0005, and showed no difference in mean score over 20 years: paired t(113) = −0.482, p = .631. This consistency in results at the area level allows for worthwhile conservation priority setting over time, and we argue is the better course of action than taking no action at all.
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    Survival of Mushrooms and Termites Upon Pesticide Exposure in the Cocoa Agro-ecosystem
    (JOURNAL OF TROPICAL LIFE SCIENCE, 2023) Asare, E.K.; Avicor, S.W.; Bukari, Y.; Amoako-Attah, I.; Agyare, S.; Yeboah, M.; Wiafe-Kwagyan, M.
    Pesticides have become integral parts of cocoa cultivation for the management of in sect pests and fungal pathogens which cause significant damage to the crop. However, continuous pesticide usage in the cocoa agro-ecosystem is of concern due to perceived adverse effects on non-target organisms. In this study, mushrooms and associated ter mites were used to elucidate the possible effect of fungicides and insecticides on non target organisms in the cocoa agro-ecosystem. The vegetative phase of Pleurotus sa jor-caju (Oyster mushroom), Volvariella volvacea (Paddy straw mushroom), Termi tomyces globulus, and Termitomyces robustus (Termite mushrooms) were subjected to concentrations of commercially formulated fungicides (metalaxyl 12 % + copper (I) oxide 60 % and cupric hydroxide 77 %) and insecticides (imidacloprid 20 % and bifenthrin 2.7 %) to observe their growth rates on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Worker termites, Macrotermes bellicosus, were also exposed to the pesticides in Petri dishes for 24 h to observe their mortality. The manufacturer’s recommended concen tration of 245 ppm for bifenthrin completely inhibited mycelial growth of all the mushrooms and caused 100% mortality of termites. At 0.0245 ppm, the insecticide caused 60% mortality of termites, but it had no inhibitory effect on the mushrooms. Except for P. sajor-caju, mycelial growth of all the other mushrooms was completely inhibited by metalaxyl + copper (I) oxide at the manufacturer’s recommended con centration of 2400 ppm. However, mycelial growth rate of the mushrooms at 0.24 ppm of the fungicide was similar to the control plates. Although the recommended concentrations of the pesticides inhibited mushroom activity under controlled condi tions, mushroom survival in the cocoa agro-ecosystem amidst pesticides could be due to diluted pesticide concentrations that result in the soil after application which is usu ally directed at the pods, trunk, and foliage
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    Influence of substrate formulation on some morphometric characters and biological efficiency of Pleurotus ostreatus EM-1 (Ex. Fr) Kummer grown on rice wastes and “wawa” (Triplochiton scleroxylon) sawdust in Ghana
    (Wiley, 2022) Wiafe-Kwagyan, M.; Odamtten, G.T.; Kortei, N.K.
    A study was conducted to correlate the stipe length, cap diameter, and growth yield (fresh weight) of the fruiting body of Pleurotus ostreatus strain EM-1 using different rice lignocellulosic wastes and “wawa” (Triplochiton scleroxylon) compost: raw una- mended rice straw; rice straw amended with 1% CaCO3 and 10% CaCO 3; rice straw amended with 1% CaCO3 and 10% CaCO 3 supplemented with 5, 10, and 15% rice bran prior to bagging; rice straw and rice husk mixture (1:1 w/w) amended with 1% CaCO 3 and 10% CaCO 3 supplemented with 5%–15% rice bran prior to bagging; and wawa sawdust amended with 1% CaCO3 and 10% rice bran. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design in a well-ventilated semi-dark room at 26– 28°C and 60%–65% ERH. The fresh weight, length of the stipe, and cap diameter increased differentially in each treatment with an increasing period of composting in the substrates. There was a good coefficient of determination (R2) among stipe length, cap diameter, and biological efficiency (%). The R2 among stipe length, cap diameter, and biological efficiency for the different formulated substrates ranged between R2 = 0.6346–0.9454 and R2 = 0.570–0.9624, respectively. The highest R2 was obtained on raw unamended rice straw substrates (stipe length and cap diameter were R2 = 0.9454 and R2 = 0.9444, respectively), whereas the lowest correlation co- efficient among stipe length, cap diameter, and biological efficiency (%) (R2 = 0.6346; R2 = 0.0570), respectively, was recorded on the rice straw and rice husk mixture sub- strates. The results show a positive correlation in morphometric growth parameters studied on the different formulated substrates.
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    Additions and corrections to the bryophyte flora of Ghana, including a new species of Cololejeunea (Spruce) Schiffn. (Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiophyta)
    (Taylor & Francis Group, 2021) Hodgetts, N.G.; Ameka, G.; Agyei, R.; Dankwah, C.
    Introduction. The bryophytes of Ghana are under-recorded, but the country has several important and relatively extensive examples of West African forest likely to support an interesting flora. Of these, Atewa Forest was targeted for survey in 2014, resulting in many records, including 58 taxa new to Ghana. This paper reports the results of further fieldwork, both in Atewa and elsewhere, in 2017, and makes some necessary additions and amendments to previously published data. Methods. Bryophyte fieldwork was carried out in key forest sites in southern Ghana during November 2017, and was followed by targeted herbarium studies. Key results. A new species, Cololejeunea ankasica, is described, and a new site for the rare Ghanaian endemic C. calcarata reported; a further 27 taxa new to Ghana are recorded, and amendments made to previously published information. Conclusions. This study shows that even lowland areas of remaining forest in Ghana are bryologically interesting and that bryophytes are an important but still under-recorded part of Ghana’s biodiversity. It also strengthens the case for National Park status for Atewa Forest, which remains the only known site in Ghana for many species characteristic of higher altitude forest.