Department of Plant and Environmental Biology
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
Now showing 1 - 20 of 105
Item 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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 alThis 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.Item 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.Item 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 alMycotoxigenic 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.Item 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.Item 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 foliageItem 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.Item 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.Item A review of biopolymer (Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate) synthesis in microbes cultivated on wastewater(Science of the Total Environment, 2021) Amadu, A.A.; Qiu, S.; Ge, S.; Addico, G.N.D.; Ameka, G.K.; Yu, Z.; Xia, W.; Abdul-Wahab, A.; Shao, D.; Champagne, P.The large quantities of non-degradable single use plastics, production and disposal, in addition to increasing amounts ofmunicipal and industrialwastewaters areamong themajor global issues known today. Biodegradable plastics from biopolymers such as Poly-β-hydroxybutyrates (PHB) produced by microorganisms are potential substitutes for non-degradable petroleum-based plastics. This paper reviews the current status of wastewatercultivated microbes utilized in PHB production, including the various types of wastewaters suitable for either pure or mixed culture PHB production. PHB-producing strains that have the potential for commercialization are also highlighted with proposed selection criteria for choosing the appropriate PHB microbe for optimization of processes. The biosynthetic pathways involved in producing microbial PHB are also discussed to highlight the advancements in genetic engineering techniques. Additionally, the paper outlines the factors influencing PHB production while exploring other metabolic pathways and metabolites simultaneously produced along with PHB in a bio-refinery context. Furthermore, the paper explores the effects of extraction methods on PHB yield and quality to ultimately facilitate the commercial production of biodegradable plastics. This reviewuniquely discusses the developments in research on microbial biopolymers, specifically PHB and also gives an overview of current commercial PHB companies making strides in cutting down plastic pollution and greenhouse gases.Item Sensory evaluation, descriptive textural analysis, and consumer acceptance profile of steamed gamma-irradiated Pleurotus ostreatus (Ex. Fr.) Kummer kept in two different storage packs(Scientific African, 2020-02-20) Odamtten, G.T.; Kortei, N.K.; Obodai, M.; Akonor, P.T.; Wiafe-Kwagyan, M.; Buckman, S.; Mills, S.W.N.O.The influence of gamma irradiation on the sensory, acceptability and some descriptive textural attributes of dried P.ostreatus were evaluated. Sensory evaluation was carried out using steamed mushroom samples irradiated at doses 0 (control), 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 kGy at a dose rate of 1.7 kGy/h from a Cobalt 60 source (SLL 515, Hungary) batch irradiator and stored in either polythene or polypropylene packs for 12 months at 28–30°C. Using a structured questionnaire, 44 male and female panelists independently assessed the samples for sensory attributes. Organoleptic scores were made according to a nine (9) point hedonic scale. The evaluation showed mean scores of general likeness. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) recorded for attributes such as appearance, aroma, taste, and mouthfeel. color and overall acceptability recorded some significant differences (p < 0.05). Also, descriptive textural attributes of hardness, adhesiveness, chewiness, and smoothness recorded no significant difference (p > 0.05). Cohesiveness however differed significantly (p < 0.05). Gamma irradiation of samples recorded no adverse effect on its organoleptic attributes. In the consumer acceptability test, the two differently treated samples; mushrooms irradiated with 1kGy and kept in polypropylene packs and non-irradiated mushroom (control) were rated similarly (p > 0.05), although more respondents preferred the control. Mostly, consumers wrongly perceive gamma irradiation to influence organoleptic properties of foods and also destructive to the food matrix hence the need to assess the quality difference organoleptically by human sensory analysis.Item Rice Grain Cadmium Concentrations in the Global Supply‑Chain(Exposure and Health, 2020-02-19) Adomako, E.; Shi, Z.; Carey, M.; Meharg, C.; Williams, P.N.; Signes‑Pastor, A.J.; Triwardhani, E.A.; Pandiangan, F.I.; Campbell, K.; Elliott, C.; Marwa, E.M.; Jiujin, X.; Farias, J.G.; Nicoloso, F.T.; De Silva, P.M.C.S.; Lu, Y.; Norton, G.; Green, A.J.; Moreno‑Jiménez, E.; Zhu, Y.; Carbonell‑Barrachina, A.A.; Haris, P.I.; Lawgali, Y.F.; Sommella, S.; Pigna, M.; Brabet, C.; Montet, D.; Njira, K.; Watts, M.J.; Hossain, M.; Islam, M.R.; Tapia, Y; Oporto, C.; Meharg, A.A.One of cadmium’s major exposure routes to humans is through rice consumption. The concentrations of cadmium in the global polished (white), market rice supply-chain were assessed in 2270 samples, purchased from retailers across 32 countries, encompassing 6 continents. It was found on a global basis that East Africa had the lowest cadmium with a median for both Malawi and Tanzania at 4.9 μg/kg, an order of magnitude lower than the highest country, China with a median at 69.3 μg/ kg. The Americas were typically low in cadmium, but the Indian sub-continent was universally elevated. In particular certain regions of Bangladesh had high cadmium, that when combined with the high daily consumption rate of rice of that country, leads to high cadmium exposures. Concentrations of cadmium were compared to the European Standard for polished rice of 200 μg/kg and 5% of the global supply-chain exceeded this threshold. For the stricter standard of 40 μg/kg for processed infant foods, for which rice can comprise up to 100% by composition (such as rice porridges, puffed rice cereal and cakes), 25% of rice would not be suitable for making pure rice baby foods. Given that rice is also elevated in inorganic arsenic, the only region of the world where both inorganic arsenic and cadmium were low in grain was East Africa.Item A new model for efficient, need‐driven progress in generating primary biodiversity information resources(Applications in Plant Sciences, 2020-01-19) Asase, A.; Sainge, M.N.; Radji, R.A.; Ugbogu, O.A.; Peterson, A.T.Premise The field of biodiversity informatics has developed rapidly in recent years, with broad availability of large‐scale information resources. However, online biodiversity information is biased spatially as a result of slow and uneven capture and digitization of existing data resources. The West African Plants Initiative approach to data capture is a prototype of a novel solution to the problems of the traditional model, in which the institutional “owner” of the specimens is responsible for digital capture of associated data. Methods We developed customized workflows for data capture in formats directly and permanently useful to the “owner” herbarium, and digitized significant numbers of new biodiversity records, adding to the information available for the plants of the region. Results In all, 190,953 records of species in 1965 genera and 331 families were captured by mid‐2018. These data records covered 16 West African countries, with most of the records (10,000–99,999) from Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, and Cameroon, and the fewest data records from Mauritania (<100 records). The West African Plants Initiative has increased available digital accessible knowledge records for West African plants by about 54%. Several of the project institutions have put initial project data online as part of their Global Biodiversity Information Facility data contributions. The average cost of data capture ranged from US$0.50−1.00 per herbarium sheet. Discussion Data capture has been cost‐effective because it is much less expensive than de novo field collections, allows for development of information resources even for regions in which political situations make contemporary field sampling impossible, and provides a historical baseline against which to compare newer data as they become available. This new paradigm in specimen digitization has considerable promise to accelerate and improve the process of generating high‐quality biodiversity information, and can be replicated and applied in many biodiversity‐rich, information‐poor regions to remedy the present massive gaps in information availability.Item Evaluation of nutritional and phytochemical variability of cowpea Recombinant Inbred Lines under contrasting soil moisture conditions in the Guinea and Sudan Savanna Agro-ecologies(Heliyon, 2020-02-18) Asante, I.K.; Alidu, M.S.; Mensah, H.K.Plant breeders’ efforts in developing drought tolerant and high-yielding cowpea varieties may be in vain unless the developed varieties are evaluated to ascertain the influence of water stress on their nutritive value, antioxidants, and phenolic contents under contrasting moisture regimes. The study was set up to evaluate the nutritional value, phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of cowpea Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) under contrasting soil moisture in the Guinea and Sudan Savanna agro-ecologies of Ghana. Forty-eight cowpea RILs seed samples from well-watered and water stress experiment were pulverized. Distillation and titration was carried out and the organic samples extracted and various biochemical analyses were carried out using standard protocols and methodologies. The dried grain mineral contents were determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, while the protein content was determined by the combustion method. Correlation and regression analysis and principal component analysis were performed using STATA version 13. Biochemical analysis for seed related traits revealed that inbred lines responded differently to drought. Significant differences of watering regimes on various phytochemical traits were only observed in phosphorus and lead. Inbred line with family number 57 had the highest crude protein content of 46.90% under well-watered conditions. Inbred line 84 under water stress conditions had high levels of Mg and K. Inbred line 20 under well-watered conditions had the highest antioxidant content. For phenolic acid content, inbred line 255 scored the highest. Quercetin and rutin were most abundant in inbred line 186 for both water-stress and well-watered conditions. The indication is that moisture stress could affect seed yield but no effects on the phytochemical and nutritional variables. Genotypic differences could arise from parental combination used for developing the inbred lines for the study. 1. Introduction Cowpea [Vigna unguiculate (L.) Walp.] is an extensively cultivated legume food crop of the tropics and sub-tropics, used in the diets of humans and animals. Cowpea seeds are an excellent source of carbohydrate (50–60%) and an essential source of protein (18–35%) (Stancheva et al., 2017; Addo-Quaye et al., 2011). Cowpea also contains considerable amount of micronutrients such as vitamin A, iron, Zinc and calcium (Quaye et al., 2009; Prinyawiwatkul et al., 1996). The crude protein from the seeds and leaves ranges from 23 to 32% (Diouf, 2011). Since cowpea is an essential source of protein for all, the effects of moisture stress on protein and free amino acid concentrations in seeds cannot be over emphasized. Also, the leaves and stems have been noted for its high amounts of Ca, Mg, K and Zn and therefore may serveItem Working with indigenous, local and scientific knowledge in assessments of nature and nature’s linkages with people(ScienceDirect, 2020-01-15) Yeboah, A.A.O.; Hill, R.; Adem, C.; Alangui, W.V.; Molnar, Z.; Aumeeruddy-Thomas, Y.; Bridgewater, P.; Tengo, M.; Thaman, R.; Yao, C.Y.A.; Berkes, F.; Carino, J.; Carneiro da Cunha, M.; Diaw, M.C.; Dıaz, S.; Figueroa, V.E.; Fisher, J.; Hardison, P.; Ichikawa, K.; Kariuki, P.; Karki, M.; Lyver, P.O.; Malmer, P.; Masardule, O.; Pacheco, D.; Pataridze, T.; Perez, E.; Roue, M-M.; Roba, H.; Rubis, J.; Saito, O.; Xue, D.Working with indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) is vital for inclusive assessments of nature and nature’s linkages with people. Indigenous peoples’ concepts about what constitutes sustainability, for example, differ markedly from dominant sustainability discourses. The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services (IPBES) is promoting dialogue across different knowledge systems globally. In 2017, member states of IPBES adopted an ILK Approach including: procedures for assessments of nature and nature’s linkages with people; a participatory mechanism; and institutional arrangements for including indigenous peoples and local communities. We present this Approach and analyse how it supports ILK in IPBES assessments through: respecting rights; supporting care and mutuality; strengthening communities and their knowledge systems; and supporting knowledge exchange. Customary institutions that ensure the integrity of ILK, effective empowering dialogues, and shared governance are among critical capacities that enable inclusion of diverse conceptualizations of sustainability in assessments.Item Global Sourcing of Low‑Inorganic Arsenic Rice Grain(Exposure and Health, 2019-11-12) Adomako, E.; Carey, M.; Meharg, C.; Williams, P.; Marwa, E.; Jiujin, X.; Farias, J.G.; De Silva, P.M.C.S.; Signes‑Pastor, A.; Lu, Y.; Nicoloso, F.T.; Savage, L.; Campbell, K.; Elliott, C.; Green, A.J.; Moreno‑Jiménez, E.; Carbonell‑Barrachina, A.A.; Triwardhani, E.A.; Pandiangan, F.I.; Haris, P.I.; Lawgali, Y.F.; Sommella, A.; Pigna, M.; Brabet, C.; Montet, D.; Njira, K.; Watts, M.J.; Meharg, A.A.Arsenic in rice grain is dominated by two species: the carcinogen inorganic arsenic (the sum of arsenate and arsenite) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). Rice is the dominant source of inorganic arsenic into the human diet. As such, there is a need to identify sources of low-inorganic arsenic rice globally. Here we surveyed polished (white) rice across representative regions of rice production globally for arsenic speciation. In total 1180 samples were analysed from 29 distinct sampling zones, across 6 continents. For inorganic arsenic the global ̃x was 66 μg/kg, and for DMA this figure was 21 μg/kg. DMA was more variable, ranging from < 2 to 690 μg/kg, while inorganic arsenic ranged from < 2 to 399 μg/kg. It was found that inorganic arsenic dominated when grain sum of species was < 100 μg/kg, with DMA dominating at higher concentrations. There was considerable regional variance in grain arsenic speciation, particularly in DMA where temperate production regions had higher concentrations. Inorganic arsenic concentrations were relatively consistent across temperate, subtropical and northern hemisphere tropical regions. It was only in southern hemisphere tropical regions, in the eastern hemisphere that low-grain inorganic arsenic is found, namely East Africa ( ̃x < 10 μg/kg) and the Southern Indonesian islands ( ̃x < 20 μg/kg). Southern hemisphere South American rice was universally high in inorganic arsenic, the reason for which needs further exploration.Item A checklist of rheophytes of Cameroon(PhytoKeys, 2019-05-09) Ameka, G.K.; Kuetegue, F.; Sonké, B.Rivers in Cameroon were surveyed to collect and document rheophytic plants. Rheophytes are the dominant aquatic macrophytes in tropical river systems, where they are adapted to extreme environments of rushing water (e.g., river rapids, waterfalls and flash floods). Rheophytic plants are useful indicators of river health. However, their habitats are threatened by human activities such as agriculture, plantation development, alluvial mining and dam construction, particularly in tropical countries. In this survey we documented 66 rheophytic species in 29 genera and 16 families. Two ferns, 8 monocotyledons and 56 dicotyledons were listed. Apart from the Podostemaceae family in which all species are rheophytic, the other 15 families have few species which are rheophytic. Five of these families have up to four species and the remaining 10 have only one member as a rheophytic species. The conservation status of each species is assessed and discussed. This work urges botanists, conservationists, and policy makers to do more to protect the habitats of rheophytes and put in place strategies and action plans for the conservation of this important biological group. KeywordsItem Predicted impacts of global climate change on the geographic distribution of an invaluable African medicinal plant resource, Alstonia boonei De Wild(Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 2019-07-04) Asase, A.; Peterson, A.T.The likely effects of climate change on geographic distributions of African medicinal plants have not seen detailed analysis. We investigated likely effects of future climate change processes on suitable geographic areas for an important medicinal plant resource, Alstonia boonei De Wild. We characterized the potential geographic distribution of the species by means of ecological niche models based on primary biodiversity data and interpolated climate data from the WorldClim archive. Results indicated that suitability for the species was lower at the northern and southern extremes of the species’ known geographic distribution, whereas broader areas in the eastern half of the species’ distribution were identified as suitable. Future potential geographic distributions were similar to present-day distributional patterns, with modest increases in suitability, which translated into only subtle likely range shifts, with slight expansions of suitability for the species in all directions. As such, in the face of changing climate, the geographic distribution of Alstonia boonei is likely to remain largely stable under present and future climates. This study serves as an example of how ecological niche modeling can be used to evaluate probable effects of future climate change on invaluable natural medicinal resources, implications for healthcare, livelihoods, and conservation practice.Item Major plants foraged by bees for honey production in Ghana: mapping of bee floral sources for the development of the apicultural industry(Grana, 2019-07-29) AMEKA, G.; LETSYO, E.Honey is increasingly being used as a food supplement and to treat various diseases and disorders in Ghana. Information on floral nectar preferences of foraging honeybees is, therefore, imperative to increase production to keep pace with demand. However, in Ghana, these floral nectar preferences are yet to be investigated and identified. This study was conducted to determine bee forage sources in the three main agro-ecological honey-producing zones of Ghana. Forty-eight unblended honey samples sourced from beekeepers were analysed. Pollen spectra of the honey samples revealed 27 different pollen types of which eight were identified to family level, while 15 and four were at the level of genus and species, respectively. The results also showed that, in general, 48% of the analysed samples were unifloral honeys with the most important pollen types coming from Sapotaceae/Meliaceae, Anacardiaceae and Burkea africana. Combretaceae, Sapotaceae/Meliaceae and Anacardiaceae, as well as Lannea-type and Burkea africana were found to be the most frequent (with occurrence greater than 50%) sources of nectar utilised by bees to produce honey. The predominant pollen sources of the honeys in the three main apicultural zones of the country were Sapotaceae/Meliaceae and Anacardiaceae (Forest zone), Sapotaceae/Meliaceae and Lannea-type (Savannah–Forest transition zone) and Sapotaceae/Meliaceae, Anacardiaceae and Gynandropsis gynandra (Savannah zones). Identification of the major bee floral sources can be used as a guide by beekeepers in the location of their apiaries as well as reforesting disturbed sites with these plants to act as sources of bee forage.