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Item Optimization of Propagation Methods For The Production of Queens Flower (Lagerstroemia Speciosa)(University Of Ghana, 2017-07) Okyere, B.This study consisted of two experiments that evaluated the effect of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) treatments on the rooting of Lagerstroemia speciosa stem cuttings and the effect of seed germination pre-treatments (sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide and sulphuric acid) on the germination of Lagerstroemia speciosa seeds. In the rooting experiment, 15 cm long stem cuttings from softwood, semi-hardwood and hardwood were used. The treatments comprised six IBA concentrations namely, 0 ppm (control), 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, 1500 ppm, 3000 ppm and 4500 ppm for 10 seconds. The semi-hardwood and hardwood were subjected to the 0 ppm (control), 1500 ppm, 3000 ppm and 4500 ppm treatments while the softwood cuttings received 0 ppm (control), 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, 1500 ppm and 3000 ppm. There were 20 cuttings per treatment. Each treatment was replicated three times. The 1500 ppm IBA treatment outperformed the other IBA treatments in all the different stem cuttings producing 14.8 % rooting in softwood cuttings, 14.8 % in semi-hardwood cuttings and 16.6 % in the hardwood cuttings. Hardwood stem cuttings generally produced better response to rooting than the semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings. Percent rooting, number of roots per cutting as well as length of longest roots improved with age of cuttings for the best IBA concentration as well as the control. Hence the combination of hardwood cuttings at 1500 ppm IBA rooting hormone produced the best rooting in Lagerstroemia speciosa. Mature seeds (820) from healthy looking trees were used in the germination experiment. Freshly harvested seeds (20 each) were treated with hydrogen peroxide (5% and 10%), 3.5% sodium hypochlorite (50% and 75%) and 90% sulphuric acid (5 min., 10 min., 15 min., and 20 min). The treatments consisting of a control and the pre-treatments mentioned were replicated five times. The evaluations performed for 34 days starting from seed sowing, showed that sulphuric acid had the highest germination percentage (3.7 %) than those treated with hydrogen peroxide (2.6 %) and sodium hydroxide (Clorox) 0.0 %. The most effective sulphuric acid treatments were for 10 min. and 20 min. Strategies for further improvement of germination as well as rooting of cuttings of Lagerstroemia speciosa are suggestedItem Comparative Effect of Soilless Substrates on Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Greenhouse Grown Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus L.).(University of Ghana, 2017-07) Ameho, C.S.Although the production of cucumber under greenhouse brings about higher yields and better fruit qualities, challenges of using soil medium coupled with high cost of cocopeat are some of the limiting factors. This prompted the investigation to compare the effect of soilless substrates on growth, yield and fruit quality of greenhouse grown cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) at the University of Ghana Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre, Okumaning – Kade in the Eastern Region of Ghana from October 2016 to March 2017. A 2 x 6 factorial was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The experiment consisted of two cucumber varieties (Kenzo F1 and Darina) and six substrates (Cocopeat (C), Palm Fibre (PF), Carbonated Rice Husk (CRH), Palm Fibre-Carbonated Rice Husk mix (PF + CRH) , Cocopeat-Palm Fibre mix (C + PF) and Soil (So). Data on physiochemical properties of substrates, growth indices, yield components and quality attributes were collected. Cost benefit analysis of the substrates were also determined. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data using Genstat 12th edition statistical package. The results show that, the different soilless agricultural wastes investigated can be used to successfully produce cucumbers under greenhouse conditions. PF, C and PF+CRH results in good growth of greenhouse cucumber plants compared to So and CRH substrate. The soilless substrates that produced the best yield of greenhouse grown cucumber are PF (227.25 t/ha), C+PF (101.40 t/ha) and PF+CRH (88.05 t/ha). The soilless substrates that produced the best fruits quality in terms of TSS are C (4.42) and PF (4.18). Dry Matter (DM) was highest in C (5.63) followed by PF (5.33). The highest Moisture Content (MC) was recoded in PF (297.04), C + PF (194.82) and C (182.98). Revenue and profit recorded by Darina grown in PF was the highest (GHC 1,275,201.00 and 1,202,431.00). Based on the results from the work conducted, it is recommended that the optimum soilless substrate or their combination that cucumber growers in Ghana can use as an alternative growth media to soil in greenhouse are PF, C, PF + CRH and C+PF substrates.Item Effect of Planting Date and Variety of Cowpea [Vigna Unguiculata (L.)Walp.] on Green Pod Production(University of Ghana, 2013-06) Ansoba, Y.E.; Norman, J.C.; Kanton, R. A. L.; Amoatey, C. A.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences Forest and Horticultural Crop Research CentreA study was carried out in 2012 in a Sudan savanna ecology in Ghana aimed at identifying the optimal planting dates and suitable cowpea varieties for green pod production. Six planting dates were considered starting from the onset of the rainy season (20th June, 30th June, 12th July, 25th July, 2nd August and 12th August), and four improved cowpea varieties released by Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) as Baawutawuta, Padi-tuya, Songotra and Zaayura. The experimental design used was a factorial Randomised Complete Block with five replications. Growth and yield parameters including plant height, stem diameter, number and weight of leaves, number and weight of branches, pods per plant, mean pod weight, pod diameter, pod length, leaf area, plant canopy and fibre content of the green pods were determined. Results indicated that the interaction effect of planting date and varieties on plant height was not significant during the early ages of plants but became significant from the fifth week onwards. Leaf area, pod diameter and fibre content of green pods were also significantly affected by interaction effect between variety and planting date. Pod length, pod number per plant and green pod yield per plant were not influenced by the interaction effect of planting dates and cowpea varieties but the different varieties responded differently to the different planting dates. The highest mean pod number per plant and green pod yield per plant did not follow the same trend as Baawutawuta recorded the highest mean pod number but was not the highest yielder per plant; while Padi-Tuya which did not produce the highest mean pod number per plant was the highest yielder per plant. The improved varieties proved to be suitable materials for green pod production but the date of planting for higher pod yield varied with variety considering the fact that Baawutawuta and Padi-Tuya produced highest pods per plant when planted on 12th August while Songotra and Zaayura recorded their highest number of pods per plant when planted on June 30th.Item Development of Starter Culture for Fermentation of Millet into Fura and Preservation of Fura by Gamma Radiation(University of Ghana, 2016-06) Amankona, C.; Amoa-Awua, W.K.; Appiah, V.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Forest and Horticultural Crop Research CentreLactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) are the most widespread of organisms responsible for food fermentation and have been applied as commercial starter cultures in many food industries. A study was conducted to develop a starter culture for the fermentation of millet into Fura and to extend the shelf life of Fura by gamma radiation. The isolation, characterization and identification of the LAB and yeasts responsible for Fura fermentation was carried out using physiological methods. A brief survey was carried out in Dome and Nima in Accra to observe and confirm the processing operations documented in literature and also obtain samples for laboratory analysis. The enumeration of aerobic mesophiles, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts populations were carried out on Plate Count Agar, de Man Rogosa Sharpe Agar and Oxytetracycline Glucose Yeast Extract Agar respectively. The LAB species were characterized using Gram Reaction, Catalase Reaction, Oxidase Test, Salt Tolerance Test, Growth at Different Temperatures and Growth at Different pH. The LAB and yeasts Isolates were tentatively identified by determining their pattern of carbohydrate fermentation using the API 50 CH and ID 32 C galleries respectively. The LAB were also screened for their technological properties on rate of acidification, production of exopolysaccharides (EPS), amylase and protease activity including their antimicrobial activity against some common enteric pathogens using the Agar Well Diffusion Assay. Starter culture trials were carried out using dominant strains of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts in singles and in combinations. Challenge testing with Escherichia coli (RM EC. 0157; 11Q-1411), Vibrio cholerae, Staphylococcus aureus (RM SA 1L-1304), and Salmonella typhimurium(RM ST 20B-1410), in a sterile millet dough was also carried out. The lactic acid bacteria identified were Lactobacillus fermentum (33.33%), Weissella confusa (20%), Lactobacillus brevis (16.67), Pediococcus acidilactici (13.33%), Lactococcus lactis ssp lactis 1 (10%) and Lactococcus rafinolactis (6.67%) whereas the yeasts were characterized and identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae (43.75%); Candida krusei (25%) Candida albicans (18.75%) and Candida membranifascians (12.5%); Mean pH values decreased from 6.47-6.38 to 4 .02-3.83 with corresponding increase in titratable acidity from 0.18-0.19 to 0.51-0.62 during all the fermentation trials. The population of LAB increased from 107 to1010 cfu/g whilst the population of yeasts increased from 105 to108 cfu/g during all the dough fermentation trials. Three LAB isolates (Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus brevis and Weissella confusa) exhibited the fastest rates of acidification with the least pH values and corresponding high percentage titratable acidity values and therefore have the potential to be used as starter cultures for Fura production. All the lactic acid bacteria isolates exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the pathogens tested in the present work (Salmonella typhimurium, E. coli, Vibrio cholerae and Staphylococcus aureus), with L. fermentum exhibiting the strongest inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio cholerae. In the challenge test, the microbial numbers of most of the pathogens reduced significantly in the course of the fermentation and were not detected after 12 hours in many of the mixed culture combinations. Fermented and unfermented Fura samples were given different treatments involving vacuum packaging and irradiation and stored at ambient temperature. Fermentation did not have an effect on shelf life because the unfermented samples also fermented during storage. The combination of irradiation and vacuum packaging had the most significant effect on Fura and samples were wholesome after six (6) weeks. Samples which were irradiated but not vacuum packaged were also wholesome but had higher microbial counts. Samples which were vacuum packed but not irradiated had shelf life of four (4) weeks. Samples which were packed in polyethylene bags and given no further treatment had a shelf life of two weeks.Item Rural Women and the High Forest of Ghana: A Case Study of the Nkawie Forest District(University of Ghana, 1996-04) Abruquah, E.; Naysmith, J.K.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Forest and Horticultural Crop Research CentreAbruquah, E. 1996. Rural women and the high forest of Ghana: a case study of Nkawie Forest District. M.F. Report. Faculty of Forestry, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. 128 pp. (Advisor: J.K. Naysmith, PhD). Key words: forest conservation, forest resources, non-timber forest produce, deforestation, rural women, land degradation, taungya farming. A comprehensive record of rural women and forestry at the community level in one district in Ghana has been developed. The extent and nature of their participation, knowledge of non -timber forest products, rationale for their actions, problems they encounter, factors affecting their activities, effect of such activities on the forest resources and the various ways by which they contribute to forest conservation are reported. Hie study methods involve participant observations and unstructured interviews in five villages in Ashanti Region of Ghana. Results of the study indicate that women know about the seasonality, availability, values, distribution, types and cost of various forest products. The forest work women do and the purpose and the ways they utilize forest resources depend on the characteristics of the forest available to them and the kinds of economic resources available to their household. For 40 percent of the women in the Nkawie forest district, the principal reason for engaging in forestry activities is to earn income. Allocation of sufficient time to meet all other needs is their major concern. Generally the commercial activities of the women, especially the extraction of fuelwood, tend to have a negative effect on the forest resources while their activities on a domestic basis have a minimum or no effect on the forest. Some recommendations are made as to how women can more effectively participate in forest management activities including the decision making process at levels beyond the household.Item Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil in the High Forest Zone of Ghana Associated with Logged Forest and with Areas Converted to Teak (Tectona grandis Linn. F)(University of Ghana, 1997-07) Salifu, F.K.; Meyer, W.L.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Forest and Horticultural Crop Research CentreSalifu, K. F. 1997. Physico-chemical properties of soils associated with logged forest and areas converted to teak (Tectona grandis Linn. F). M.Sc.F thesis, Faculty of Forestry, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay. 104 pp. Major advisor Dr. W. L. Meyer. Keywords: Tectona grandis Linn. F, logged forest, physico-chemical properties, total nutrients, nutrient concentration, regression analysis. The rapid and extensive introduction of teak to satisfy a predicted wood shortage in Ghana has given rise to the question of the short/long-term effects that management of teak plantations might have on soil properties. No research data is currently available to answer this question. Physico-chemical properties of soils were compared under two distinct forest covers (logged native forest, and teak plantations) at three different forest reserves (Bosomoa, Tain II and Yaya) located in the Kintampo, Dormaa - Ahenkro, and Sunyani Forest Districts, respectively in The High Forest zone of Ghana. One-Way analyses of variance (ANOVA) was used for the comparisons. Ages of the plantations used for the study ranged from 15 to 29 years. A total of 28 [20m x 20m] random sample plots representing 14 teak/logged forest pairs were included in the study. Three hundred fifty (350) soil samples were collected in June, 1997 and analyzed for their physico-chemical properties. Within the Bosomoa and Yaya locations, nitrogen (N), and magnesiumn (Mg) concentrations and organic matter (OM) contents in the surface soil horizons were significantly higher under logged forest than under teak plantations. Also phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) concentrations were significantly higher under logged forest at Bosomoa. Similarly, total nutrients were generally higher in soils under adjacent logged forest compared to teak plantations in the Bosomoa and the Yaya locations. Higher nutrient concentrations and contents in soils under logged forest was due to more undergrowth, litter and organic matter under logged forest. Higher nutrients under logged forest may also be due to a lesser demand for these nutrients by tree species in logged forest. Lower soil macro-nutrient concentration and contents in soils under teak was due to lower organic matter content under teak cover. Lower nutrients in soils under teak plantations may also be associated with higher nutrient demand, and nutrient immobilization by teak. At the Tain II sites, there were no significant differences among soil nutrient concentrations and contents under teak and native logged forest. Soil exposure due to bush fires at Bosomoa sites resulted in higher surface soil horizon bulk densities (Db’s) under teak plantation (1.33 g cm'5). In contrast, surface soil horizon Db’s under teak plantation were lower at Tain II (1.23 g cm ’) and at Yaya sites (1.10 g cm'3). There were no significant differences in Db’s between vegetation types within locations. Regression models were developed for Db of soils under teak cover, using easily measurable soil variables such as OM, Clay, silt, volume of coarse fragments and soil pH. Equations relating Db of soils under teak cover to these soil variables are presented for Bosomoa and Tain II. The models can be used to explain Db at the study locations and on comparable sites.Item Natural Decay Resistance of some Ghanaian Timbers and Wood Decay Hazard Potential for Ghana(University of Ghana, 1996-07) Kumi-Woode, B.G.; Edrou, C.A.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Forest and Horticultural Crop Research CentreKumi-Woode, B. G. 1996. Natural decay resistance of some Ghanaian timbers and wood decay hazard potential for Ghana. M.Sc.F. Thesis. Faculty of Forestry, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. 98 pp. (Advisor: E. C. Setliff, PhD). Key words: decay resistance, agar-block, soil-block, Coriolopsis polyzona, Oligoporus placentus, Pycnoporus sanguineus, Trametes versicolor, decay index. The natural decay resistance of 30 Ghanaian wood species, the decay capacity of four wood decay fungi, the effect of test method on fungal decay ability, and the wood decay hazard potential in Ghana were determined. Five of the wood species were rated as highly resistant, six as resistant, eight as moderately resistant and 11 as non resistant. Of the four decay fungi, Coriolopsis polyzona, Oligoporus placentus, Pycnoporus sanguineus and Trametes versicolor, only the strain of C. polyzona (004) induced adequate weight loss in the birch reference wood in either test methods (agar- and soil-block) for use in decay resistance rating. The two methods significantly influenced the performance of the fungi after 6 weeks of exposure with the white rot fungi showing higher decay ability in soil- than agar-block method, the converse was true for the brown rot fungus (O. placentus) using Betula alleghaniensis as substrate. However, after 12 weeks of exposure the test methods did not seem to have any effect on the performance of the fungi and resultant decay rating. Wood decay hazard in Ghana varies from areas of moderate, to those of very high potential. Generally the western part of the country has higher hazard potential than the eastern portions and the south has higher potential than the north, except for the southeastern comer which has the lowest hazard potential. Rainfall amounts, and to some extent the relief of the area, were the paramount determinants of the decay index in Ghana rather than temperature.Item Logging Residue from the Tropical High Forests in the Western Region of Ghana(University of Ghana, 200-01) Eshun, A.A.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Forest and Horticultural Crop Research CentreEshun, A. A. 2000. Logging residue from the tropical high forests in the Western Region of Ghana. 161 pp. M.Sc.F. thesis, Faculty of Forestry and the Forest Environment, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Major Advisor: Dr. H. Gary Murchison. Key words: Western Region of Ghana, logging residue, volume estimation, harvesting efficiencies, sample size, biomass equations, volume equations, residue utilization. In the face of increasing demand for industrial wood and the serious reduction of the forest resource base in Ghana, logging is reported to be wasteful. However, the level of wastage or residue generation has not been well quantified and described in regard to its potential uses and/or effects on the resource base. Data were collected from 100 sample trees during normal commercial harvesting operations in five logging sites within four forest districts in the Western Region of Ghana. The data were analysed in order to assess the extent of logging residue. On average, 79 percent of the total bole volume and 68 percent of the measured above-ground total tree volume was extracted as logs. Thus, 32 percent of the measured above-ground total tree volume was left in the forest as residue. Branch wood was the highest average proportion of logging residue followed by crown-end offcuts, butt-end offcuts and stump wood. Logging residue may be attributed to a variety of causes including natural defects, and human errors and/or inefficiencies of machine operators. This study indicated significant differences in harvesting efficiencies among timber species and among logging companies. Efficiencies were highest in the two large-scale companies followed by the mediumscale and the small-scale companies. These differences emanated from the level of integration of the companies, equipment and machinery available, the competence of the workforce, terrain conditions, bole shape and form, bole length, occurrence and extent of natural defects, and rarity and commercial value of the species. The study further showed that for a combination of various species, 56 sample trees will be required at an allowable error of }10 percent and a confidence level of 95 percent in order to estimate the proportions of the various identified logging residue (or tree sections). Provisional biomass models were developed for predicting the measured above-ground total tree volume and thereby the measured above-ground total residue volume. Also, provisional local and standard volume equations were developed for forest resource management. Generally, the species-specific models were more precise than the generalised equations. In order to increase recovery and utilization of harvested trees, potential types of forest products which might be converted from logging residue were identified. These products include small-size solid products (e.g., scantlings, strips, squares, narrows, shorts, parquet and strip floorings, broomsticks, profile boards, mirror and picture frames), chips for wood-based panel products, pulp and paper, charcoal, fuelwood and other potential commercial uses.Item The Growth and Yield of Teak [Tectona Grandis Linn F.) Plantations in Northern Ghana(University of Ghana, 1997-12) Nunifu, T.K.; University Of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Forest and Horticultural Crop Research CentreNunifu, K. T. 1997. The growth and yield of teak (Tectona grandis Linn F.) plantations in Northern Ghana 101pp. MScF Thesis, Faculty of Forestry, Lakehead University. Advisor: Dr. H. G. Murchison. Key Words: Biomass, Biomass equations, Northern Ghana, Teak, Tectona grandis, Volume Tables, Yield models. Teak (Tectona grandis Linn F.) is a popular exotic species in Ghana, widely grown in industrial plantations and small scale community woodlots. In spite of its importance, limited information exists on the growth and yield of this species. Presented here are the results of a preliminary study aimed at assessing the growth and yield potential and developing provisional yield models for the management of teak in Northern Ghana. Data were collected from 100 temporary sample plots from plantations in this region, ranging in ages from 3 to 40 years. Local, standard and stand volume equations and tables were constructed from the data. Additive above ground biomass and site index equations, and provisional empirical yield models were also developed and presented. Site index curves were used to classify teak plantations in the region into site classes I, II and III, in order of decreasing productivity. The assessment of growth and yield revealed the potential for growing teak to acceptable timber size on good sites. Yield functions, indicate that teak can be grown on biologically optimum rotations of 31, 38 and 48 years on site classes I, II and III respectively. The diameter distribution was modelled by the three-parameter Weibull function, using the maximum likelihood and the percentile parameter estimators. The diameter distribution showed positive skewness indicating there are more trees in smaller diameter classes. Initial planting spacing of 2 by 2 m could be reduced to accommodate initial mortality and to achieve optimum stocking levels in order to improve form and timber quality.Item Incentives for Participation in Forest Management in the High Forest Zone of Ghana; Gender, Age and Social Origin.(University of Ghana, 2000-02) Boafo, M.S.; Benson, C. A.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Forest and Horticultural Crop Research CentreThe social and economic incentives for community to participate in forest management activities to achieve sustainable management of forests have received very little attention in West Africa. In particular, differences in relation to gender, age and social origin have not been examined. Local communities use the forest for different purposes and have participated in different ways towards the sustainable management of the forest depending on their livelihood and social differences such as gender, age and social origin. Ninety people from four communities comprising two migrant communities, an admitted settlement in the forest reserve and a forest landowning community served as participants for this study. The study utilized participant observation, participant interviews and strategic planning workshops. Local communities value and use forests and forest resources for household subsistence and as a supplementary source of cash income depending on gender, age, social origin and household responsibilities of each individual. Local communities have participated in the management of the forest through forest boundary cleaning, forest rehabilitation, monitoring for illegal activities, prevention of fire outbreaks and forest management planning. Participation in each activity depends on the gender, age and social origin and to some extent the access to collect and gather forest resources. Many people in the local communities were interested in participating effectively and efficiently in the management of the forest if sustainable and secured social and economic incentives are in place. Local communities are interested in participating in forest boundary cleaning, monitoring and reporting illegal activities, controlling and protecting of forest fires, rehabilitating degraded areas of the forest, including thinning and harvesting operations, and in forest management planning. Appropriate incentives for participating effectively and efficiently are dependent on the gender, age and social origin of each individual. These include social and economic incentives such as payment of wages for each activity, access to the forest for gathering and collecting forest resources for both household subsistence and income generation, community development projects, increase in revenue rates, regular payment of revenues, employment for the Juniors and a share in the final crop planted in the forest through rehabilitation work.Item A study of bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) in Mole National Park, Ghana.(University of Ghana, 2000-03) Dankwa-Wiredu, B.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Forest and Horticultural Crop Research CentreDankwa Wiredu, B. 1999. A study o f bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriplus Pallas) in Mole National Park, Ghana. M.Sc.F thesis. Faculty o f Forestry and the Forest Environment, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON. 73pp. Major advisor Dr. Dave Euler. Keywords: Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus, Ghana, behavior, focal-animal, feeding sites, resting site, bedding sites, activity pattern, movement pattern. The bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), one o f the ungulates occurring in Ghana, has not been the subject of extensive study. For the species and its habitat to be managed effectively to meet the needs o f the people of Ghana and the tourist industry, a sound understanding of its habitat and behavior is required. This study examined the habitat and behavior o f bushbucks in Mole National Park, Northern Ghana. The study also compared local knowledge to observational data. The site selected for the study was in the Samole area and had Guinea savanna vegetation. Four bushbucks were used as focal animals for the study. One was fitted with a radio ear tag. These animals were followed, and data on their habitat, food and activities were recorded. Bushbucks were found to have a low variability in their diet. Twenty-six food plants were found, with four being widely fed upon. All the food plants, except for two species, were dicotyledons. Bushbucks fed mainly on leaves from upright shoots. Each individual developed its own activity pattern and followed specific paths while foraging. Bushbucks used the open savanna woodland and marshes that provided both food and cover to a greater extent than the riverine forest. A higher preference was shown for marshes. Resting and bedding sites were chosen irrespective of the tree species. Plant species with branches touching the ground, first branches between 27cm and lm. and crown densities between 20-80% were readily chosen as resting and bedding sites. Bushbucks were active at temperatures below 30°C. When temperature exceeded 3 1°C. bushbucks retreated to the bushes or thickets to rest and chew the cud. A temperature difference of between 2-5"C occurred in the shade and in the open areas within lm o f the resting and bedding sites.Item Development of a Methodology for Monitoring Changes in Ghanaian Forest Reserves(University of Ghana., 2000-06) Asare, V.N.A.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Forest and Horticultural Crop Research CentreThe Ghanaian Forests are a significant component of the country’s development. Occasioned by the rapid population growth of the country, increasing phenomena such as shifting agriculture, logging, fuelwood harvesting and fire outbreaks have claimed over 70 % of the original forests. The reduction of forests has stimulated the development of management tools to control forest depletion. In order to focus the intervention of forest managers and environmental planners, the rate and impact of forest depletion must be monitored and well documented. Financial constraints and the lack of adequate maps have hindered the setting up of effective monitoring mechanisms. This study illustrated the feasibility for using Landsat data and GIS to map changes in the Ghanaian forest reserves. GIS was used to create the initial database for the study. Three image analysis change detection methods namely image algebra (image differencing), spectral temporal and spectral temporal principal component analysis were employed. The results of the analysis showed that spatial distributions of the changed areas produced by all three methods were similar, varying only in the extent. The remote sensing image analysis required the information stored in the GIS database for rectification and for the assessment of the classification procedure. A quantitative accuracy assessment was not possible for the procedures due to limited ground truthing. The use of GPS in field data collection was demonstrated by its use in delineating the boundary of a selected reserve. The GPS data was able to adequately display the reserve boundary, the spatial distribution of Taungya and farms along the boundary as well as relocated boundary pillars. All new layers of information generated from the research were displayed and stored in the GIS. Finally, the importance of the outlined procedures in the monitoring of Ghanaian forest and the limitations of the study were discussed.