Department of Crop Science
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Item Combining Ability and Heterotic Grouping of Selected Yellow Maize (Zea Mays L.) Inbred Lines for Resistance to Maize Streak Virus Disease(University of Ghana, 2023) Narh-Madey, B.Maize streak virus disease (MSVD) is a major constraint to maize production in sub-Saharan Africa. Developing nutritious and high-yielding yellow maize hybrids to complement white maize is an important step in achieving food and nutrition security in the face of MSVD for sustainable food systems in Ghana. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine the combining ability effects of yellow maize inbred lines for grain yield and other yield-related components, (ii) classify the inbred lines into heterotic groups, and (iii) assess the performance of the resultant single cross hybrids and inbred lines across maize streak infested environments. Eight yellow maize inbred lines were used to develop 28 F1 hybrids in a half diallel mating design. The hybrids, plus four standard checks were evaluated using a 8 × 4 alpha lattice design with two replications in the field. The inbred lines were evaluated adjacent to the hybrids using a randomized complete block design whilst in the greenhouse, evaluation was done using a completely randomized design with two replications. Both hybrids and inbred lines were screened under artificial MSV inoculation, natural MSV inoculation, and controlled environments. General combining ability (GCA) effects were not significant for most traits including grain yield whereas specific combining ability effects were significant for most traits. This suggested that the inheritance of these traits was conditioned by non-additive gene action. Inbred lines were grouped into two distinct heterotic groups based on significant SCA values. WYML 6 × WYML 8, 9450 × WYML 10, PIONEER, and WYML 12 × WYML 9 were the best-performing hybrids for grain yield across environments, indicating tolerance of resistance to MSV. However, grain yield in the naturally-infested environment was lower than in the artificially-infested environment. This suggested that there could be mixed infections or that the strain of MSV present in the natural environment could differ from that used for artificial inoculation. The area under the disease progress curve showed that MSV infested less than 50% of all fields in the study. Keywords: Zea mays, combining ability, heterosis, heterotic groupings, maize streak virus.Item Evaluation of F4 Generation of Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata) Genotypes for Drought Tolerance and High Yield(University of Ghana, 2022) Atsoribo, N.E.Globally, demand for improved agricultural production has increased as a result of an increasing human population. Drought and heat stress brought on by climate change exacerbate the difficulties of increasing crop production. Drought stress has a primary consequence of lowering crop output by reducing biomass and seed weight. Irrigation and breeding are two strategies for minimizing the consequence of drought or addressing the problem of drought stress. Irrigation, on the other hand, necessitates a significant upfront investment and the availability of water throughout the growing season, particularly during flowering and pod filling. This makes it more difficult, particularly for African small-scale farmers. The study was aimed at increasing cowpea yield through improved tolerance to drought. There was high diversity among the genotypes for days to first flowers, chlorophyll content, plant healthiness, stem greenness, number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, number of days to maturity, and ultimately the yield of the genotypes across all the treatments applied. The most decline was observed in the pod filling stage drought treatments across all measured parameters. Pearson correlation was conducted to observe the relationships between the parameters measured. The correlation analysis revealed a strong relationship was established between chlorophyll content and plant healthiness. Number of pods per plant was positively correlated to number of seeds per pod and similarly, seed size and pod length, revealing that the size of seeds and number of seeds in a pod determines the length of the pod. The ranking of genotypes based on the three drought tolerant parameters revealed some genotypes that performed better than Danila, a known drought tolerant line and Hewale the high yielding local cultivar. High yielding and drought tolerant genotypes for the vegetative and pod filling stage drought showed true drought tolerance.Item Effects of Soil Amendments and Rhizobium Inoculation on Soybean Nodulation, Growth and Yield in the Semi-Deciduous Forest Agro-Ecological Zone of Ghana(University of Ghana, 2023) Mohammed, A.Ghana's soybean cultivation is primarily restricted to the Guinea savanna and the forest/savanna transitional agro-ecological zones. Although soybean can be grown in the semi deciduous forest zone, its productivity is limited due to low soil pH and limited nodulation. The study was conducted at the University of Ghana Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre at Kade in the semi-deciduous forest agro-ecological zone of Ghana between August and December, 2021.The objective of the study was to assess the combined effects of soil amendments, phosphorus fertilizer and rhizobium inoculation on soil chemical properties, nodulation, growth and yield of soybean. The experiment was laid in a split-split plot design with four (4) replications with main plot being soil amendments (No amendment, 2 tons/ha lime and 5 tons/ha rice husk biochar), subplot being P fertilizer at 0 and 20 kg P ha-1 and sub subplot with or without Rhizobium inoculation. Data on nodule number and effectiveness, shoot biomass, one hundred seed weight and grain yield were taken. Results from the study indicated that phosphorus application significantly influenced grain yield as grain yield was increased by about 60% due to P application. There wasincrease in soil pH from the initial 5.09 to 5.52 and 5.54 on plots that received biochar and lime respectively, 17 weeks after treatment application. The effect of inoculation on pH was also significant (p < 0.05). Rhizobium inoculation had significant effects on exchangeable K and Mg. The inoculated plots had exchangeable K and Mg values of 0.37 and 2.62 cmol (+)/kg soil, respectively, while the values for the uninoculated plots were 0.33 and 3.31 cmol (+)/kg soil for K and Mg respectively. Inoculation significantlyinfluenced nodulation parameters such as nodule number, nodule effectiveness and nodule fresh weight of soybean. The application of rhizobium inoculant significantly (p < 0.001) increased nodule number and nodule effectiveness by 44 % and 45 % respectively, over plantsthat received no inoculants. The sole application of P fertilizer increased the number of nodules by 44 % compared to the plots that received no P fertilizer However, this did not translate intoincreased grain yield. The interaction between Rhizobium inoculation and Phosphorus fertilizer significantly affected dry shoot biomass of soybean. Treatment interaction between soil amendments and P fertilizersignificantly influenced P-use efficiency. The results show that the three factors that were studied did not interact to significantly influence nodulation, growth and yield of soybean However, the three factors interacted to significantly enhance nodulation and improve P-use efficiency and some soil chemical properties (OC, Total N and exchangeable Ca and Mg). However, it is recommended that farmers can apply phosphorus fertilizer at the rate of 20 kg P/ha for increased grain yield of soybean on acid soil.Item Effect Of Different Local Edible Coatings On The Physical, Chemical And Organoleptic Properties Of Canary Yellow Melon(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Wuni, J.M.A.Melon has high export potential but is highly perishable. To meet the consumer's desire to eat melons free of chemicals and also extend the shelf life of the fruit, handlers along the value chain generally employ various postharvest practices to achieve positive results. This study sought to assess the influence of different local edible coatings on the physical, chemical, and organoleptic properties of canary yellow melon (Cucumis melo var. inodorus). The study was carried out in two phases -a survey involving farmers and traders and a laboratory analysis. In the first phase, postharvest handling practices along the yellow melon value chain in Afienya - Prampram District of Ghana was assessed. One hundred open-ended and close-ended questionnaires were administered to farmers and traders of yellow melon. For the second phase, the influence of different local edible coatings on the physical, chemical, and organoleptic properties of canary yellow melon were assessed. Eight (8) treatments were laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications of 18 fruits per treatment. Seven waxing materials (Shea Butter, Neem Oil, Beeswax, Shea Butter + Beeswax, Shea Butter + Neem Oil, Neem Oil + Beeswax, Shea Butter + Beeswax + Neem Oil) were used for coating the yellow melon fruits. Treated fruits plus control fruits were kept at ambient condition (29.3–31.3 °C, 69.0–72.0% RH) till 21 days and assessed for various quality indices including weight loss, firmness, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acids (TTA), vitamin C and shelf-life. Results obtained from phase I of the study showed that farmers ensured that there were available markets before the fruits were planted and even harvested. The majority of the farmers had access to extension services but the services rendered did not include postharvest technology. Postharvest losses were recorded throughout the value chain of the fruit. Some of the losses recorded were mechanical, physiological, and biological (rot and pest attack). Notably, 66% mechanical loss at harvest was reported by the respondents. At the sale point, 82% of traders recorded losses and the rate of spoilage was up to 98%. The total economic loss incurred by the farmers was estimated at GHȻ 17, 500 out of an expected income of GHȻ 80,000. While that of the traders was GHȻ 4,300 out of an expected income of GHȻ 15,000. Lack of appropriate vehicles for the transportation of fruits, lack of storage facilities and postharvest technology were among the challenges the handlers of the fruit faced. Respondents did not have any knowledge about waxing and did not know of any modern storage technology but were willing to adopt storage technologies. Results from the laboratory analysis indicated that all coated treatments were able to preserve fruits’uits quality indices during the storage period. Longer shelf-life was observed in fruits coated with BW (18 days) while the shortest shelf-life of nine days was recorded for the control (uncoated fruits). Fruits coated with BW, SB and BW and its combination maintain fruit firmness and also reduce percentage weight loss. Fruits coated with BW and SB + NO recorded lower Vitamin C loss. Sensory evaluation revealed the overall acceptability of waxed fruits and consumers’ willingness to purchase waxed fruits. BW can therefore be used to prolong the shelf-life, improve glossiness and attractiveness, ensure firmness and also reduce weight loss of yellow melon fruits. Regarding the pathogenicity of organisms associated with postharvest rot of melon fruits, the results showed that the pathogen that causes yellow melon rot is Lasiodiplodia theobromae. The pathogenic ability of the organism proved positive as it was able to cause decay and reduced the shelf-life when inoculated onto healthy fresh samples of the fruits causing postharvest losses. The symptoms that appeared on the diseased fruit made it both unmarketable and unwholesome for household use, therefore, causing financial and economic losses to both farmers and traders. The study made a number of recommendations to help reduced or curbed postharvest losses. First, an agreement between farmers and buyers before planting or harvesting should be documented to avoid future disappointment that will lead to losses. Along the value chain (harvesting, sorting, packaging, transportation, and storage) general care should be considered during fruit handling. Best results can be achieved when baskets are cushioned with soft material to reduce impact during handling and transportation, throwing fruits into baskets and overloaded should be avoided to reduce bruises, which result in losses. The presence of specialized temperature control vehicles and storage facilities can significantly reduce post-harvest losses. The use of black polythene sheets, nylon sacks, and tarpaulin for covering fruits during transportation and storage should be avoided to prevent the build-up of heat that will accelerate postharvest losses. Extension workers should include postharvest services to farmers and other food handlers to preserve the quality of the fruits and also reduce losses. Researchers should disseminate new postharvest findings to extension workers to enable them to carry out their services efficiently. Therefore, it is recommended that BW and its combination should be used to treat yellow melon fruits to prolong their shelf life and also preserve their physical, chemical, and organoleptic properties.Item Inducing Genetic Variability In Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata, L. Walp Var. Asontem) Using Ethyl Methane Sulfonate(University Of Ghana, 2021-09) Gyamfi, M.O.Unique variants are desired in the development of genetically improved crops to meet farmer and market needs hence ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) was used to induce genetic variability in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata cv. Asontem). The main objective of this research was to characterize induced variations in EMS chemically mutagenized population of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp Var. Asontem) in the M1 and M2 generations. The optimum concentration (LD50) of EMS for generating the mutagenized population was determined by treating seeds with different concentrations of EMS (0.0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6% and 0.8% v/v) and observing the germination count after 5 days. Three thousand cowpea seeds were treated with the LD50 concentration to generate the M1 population. Mutagenized seeds were sown with 500 untreated seeds serving as control (wild type). Data on qualitative and quantitative traits were collected during the evaluation of the M1 generation using Cowpea Descriptor of the IBPGR (1983). M2 seeds obtained after the M1 generation were sown and evaluated for morphological mutations in quantitative and qualitative traits. Data analysis was done using statistical software R, STATA and excel. The optimum dose (LD50) determined was 0.4%. The percentage germinations in the mutagenized population and wild type were 17.8% and 61.6% respectively. Percentage survival was higher in wild type (98.38%) as compared with the M1 population (78.46%). Frequency distribution analysis revealed variations in both the qualitative and quantitative traits observed in the M1 and M2 generations. Different phenotypic classes were observed in plant pigmentation, pod curvature, leaf shape, leaf colour, seed shape and seed coat colour. Individuals in the M1 population were widely distributed for measurements of chlorophyll content, plant height, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of locules per pod and number of seeds per pods as compared with the wild type. Principal component analysis revealed that he quantitative traits in the M1 population had first four principal components contributing to 77.22% of the total variability observed whiles the first four principal components in the wild type accounted for 75.26% variability. In the wild type, the first three principal components of qualitative traits accounted for total variability whereas, the first four principal components of qualitative traits in the M1 population accounted for 89.96% variability. During the M2 generation, percentage germination in the M2 population (74.03%) was lower than the wild type (80%). A wide spectrum of morphological abnormalities was observed in the M2 population. There were 1.59% that had abnormal leaflet number, 0.4% had variegated leaves, 0.14% xantha and albino mutants, 0.55% with irregular leaves. M2 individuals were widely distributed for days to flowering, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, number of locules per pods, percentage seed set, pod length and number of seeds per plant. Chi-square test of associations of qualitative traits had only one insignificant association in the wild type while a total of 27 associations were observed in the M2 with 13 significant associations. A total of 28 pairwise correlations were estimated among the 7 quantitative traits in the M2 population and all correlations were significant. Principal component analysis showed that the quantitative traits in the M2 population had first four principal components contributing to 95.58% of the total variability observed whiles the first four principal components in the wild type accounted for 92.20% variability. In the wild type, the first two principal components of qualitative traits accounted for total variability whereas, the first four principal components of qualitative traits in the M2 population accounted for 76.77% variability. Assessment of diversity using both quantitative and qualitative traits grouped the M2 generation into 7 major clusters. About 2.88% of the total M2 population performed significantly higher than the wild type for number of seeds per plant, 2.59% performed significantly higher than the wild type for number of pods per plant. Top 20 individuals selected for number of seeds per plant had significantly higher performance in other yield attributing characters. In conclusion, the EMS mutagenesis was effective in inducing the unique variations that will be useful for breeding and development of new farmer preferred varieties.Item Pre And Post-Harvest Calcium And Ethephon Treatment On The Physiology, Quality And Shelf-Life Of Orange-Fleshed Sweetpotato(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Allotey, A.N.A.The storage stability and shelf-life of agricultural produce is of great concern to both producers and consumers. Due to the harsh climatic conditions of the tropics, sweetpotato roots deteriorate at an increasing rate posing a challenge to its post-harvest storage life. The pre-harvest and post-harvest application of calcium salts has been successful in slowing down the ripening process of agricultural produce and reducing produce loss of firmness. The firmness of crops can be maintained through the application of calcium salts (calcium chloride) by stabilizing cell membranes and enhancing cell turgor. Ethylene, a naturally occurring plant growth hormone is also used in improving the growth of plants and has diverse effects on the development, growth and storage life of agricultural produce. In this research, calcium chloride was applied at two different concentrations at the sixth and twelfth week after Orange-Fleshed Sweetpotato cultivation and ethephon, seven days before harvest as foliar spray. Untreated roots were also dipped in the same calcium chloride and ethephon treatment concentrations a day after harvest. The changes in the physiological, biochemical and overall quality and shelf-life (weight loss, sprouting, decay, shrinkage) was studied. The efficacy of calcium chloride in inhibiting the growth of certain pathogens was also assessed and the anti-fungal activity of the calcium chloride was determined by measuring the mycelia growth of the pathogens. The pathogens isolated from the orange-fleshed sweetpotato included Botryodiplodia theobromae and Colletotricum spp. The results showed that calcium chloride at 2% and 4% concentration was not able to inhibit the growth of the pathogens. Both pre- and post-harvest treatment applications inhibited sprouting of the sweetpotato roots. However, the pre- and post-harvest calcium and ethephon treatments were not able to reduce the physiological weight loss, shrinkage and decay of the orange-fleshed sweetpotato roots. The pre- and post-harvest calcium chloride and ethephon treatments had no significant effect on the biochemical properties of the roots as compared to the control.Item Tomato Resistance To Fusarium Wilt Disease: Effect Of Grafting Combination And Molecular Characterisation Of Fusarium Isolates(University Of Ghana, 2021-07) Awu, E.J.Recently, tomato cultivation in the Berekum West District of Ghana faced a severe yield loss due to Fusarium wilt disease. In this study, a survey was conducted to assess farmers’ knowledge on prevalence, spread, control, economic importance, and the use of grafted tomato to manage tomato wilt disease. Six communities were selected to determine the incidence and severity of the disease and identify the causal organism of the wilt using molecular markers. Based on molecular identification using Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region sequencing did not only identify Fusarium oxysporum isolate but in addition, Fusarium equiseti isolate was identified as the causal organism of the wilt disease in Berekum West District. Out of several Solanum plants screen for resistance against Fusarium wilt, the best two, Solanum macrocarpon and Solanum torvum were selected as rootstock for grafting onto Solanum lycopersicum (Petomech). Plant growth, yield improvement and disease management of both grafted plants, non-grafted plant were evaluated under artificial inoculation condition (4.4 x 10^6 spores suspension) in a pot experiment and under a naturally infected open field condition at Berekum. There was significant interactive effective between the rootstocks and Fusarium inoculum, where grafting was effective in reducing the disease severity and incidence on the field and in the pot experiment. There was also a significant interactive effect on the growth, photosynthetic activity and yield but the fruit quality traits of either grafted and non-grafted plants showed similar or no significant differences. For the pot experiment, Petomech grafted onto Solanum macrocarpon produced significantly higher yield 453.1 g per plant compared to Petomech grafted onto Solanum torvum (350.3 g) and non-grafted plant (205 g). However, under the open field experiment (naturally infected field), Petomech grafted onto S. torvum produced the highest fruit per plant (158 g), Petomech grafted onto S. macrocarpon (148.7 g) and non-grafted petomech produced 51.4 g per plant. Overall, grafting was effective tool used to improve the yield and growth of tomato plants in a Fusarium infected field.Item Response Of Rice To Nitrogen Source And Zinc Fertilization In An Irrigated Ecology In Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Baidu, E.Nutrient management is important to achieve optimum growth and yield of rice. Nitrogen and zinc deficiencies are widespread in most rice cultivating soils and is very important to address these deficiencies to promote high paddy yield. Nitrogen and zinc fertilizers are used to address these deficiencies in rice growth and yield, and the nitrogen source is very important to achieving yield targets. The source of nitrogen fertilizer may influence its zinc uptake due to its unique chemical changes on the soil. Pot and field experiments were conducted at the University of Ghana Soil and Irrigation Research Centre, Kpong (SIREC) under irrigated conditions to examine the effect of nitrogen sources and zinc application rate on the growth, yield and grain zinc content of rice. For the pot experiment a 2 x 6 factorial experiment was laid out in a completely randomised design, with 3 replicates. Two N sources, area and sulphate of ammonia (SoA) at 120 kgN/ha served as the main plots and Zinc rates at, 0 kg ha-1, 5 kg ha-1, 10 kg ha-1, 15 kg ha-1, 20 kg ha-1, 25 kg ha-1, served as subplots with three replicates. The pots were flooded to represent irrigated conditions. Results from the pot experiment showed that interaction between the rate of zinc application and N source did not influence growth and yield parameters of rice. Secondly SoA was a better N fertilizer source than urea in promoting growth and grain yield. SoA application produced higher number of tillers, productive tillers, above ground biomass and percentage filled grains than urea. The grain yield induced by SoA was 13 % higher than urea. Growth and yield components like above ground biomass, plant height, tiller number at maturity, effective tillers, panicle length,100-grain weight and grain yield did not respond to Zinc application. For the field experiment, it was a randomised complete block design, laid out in a split plot design with 3 replicated. it was made of 4 sources of N as main plot and 4 Zinc rates as subplots. The level of N sources included 100 % N from chemical fertilizer (CF100), 75 % N from chemical fertilizer + 25 % N from Poultry manure (CF75PM25), 50 % N from chemical fertilizer + 50 % N from poultry manure (CF50PM50 ) and a control, No nitrogen application (No). The chemical fertilizer was applied in the form of urea. The levels of zinc were 0 kg Zn/ha.(Zn0), 5 kg Zn/ha (Zn5), 10 kg Zn/ha(Zn10) and 15 kg Zn/ha(Zn15). Results obtained from the pot experiment showed there was a significant interaction between N source and zinc rate for number of tillers/m2 and number of panicles/m2. Besides those two parameters interaction between N source and zinc rate did not show any effect on the other growth parameters, grain yield and zinc content in the rice. The relative contribution of N from urea and PM influenced the growth and yield of rice. The grain yield of CF75 PM25 treatment that replaced 25% of the recommended rate of inorganic fertilizers (urea) with PM was at par with the grain yield of urea 100% (CF100). However, (CF100) urea, performed better than (CF50 PM50), when the urea and PM contributed equal parts of N in a ratio of 50: 50. The CF75 PM25 treatment produced the highest grain yield and was not statistically different from Urea 100% (CF100). The results showed that grain yield and number of productive tillers of rice responded to zinc application. Zinc application at 5 kg Zn /ha recorded the highest grain yield. Zinc fertilizer application did not influence zinc concentration in the grains. Application of 5 kg Zn/ha increased zinc concentration in the straw by 13%. Increasing the rate of application (>5kg Zn/ha) did not result in any further increase in the zinc concentration in the straw.Item Management Of Plant Parasitic Nematodes Of White Yam (Dioscorea Rotundata) Using Abamectin Treated Banana Paper In Krachi Nchumuru District(University Of Ghana, 2022-03) Attoesi, G.F.Plant parasitic nematodes are important crop pests threatening food security and causing huge pre-harvest and post-harvest losses in crops including yam. The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of abamectin pretreated banana paper for controlling the key plant parasitic nematodes of yam (Dioscorea rotundata) in the field and in storage. A survey was conducted to ascertain farmers knowledge about plant parasitic nematodes and their control. Field trials were then conducted to test the efficacy of abamectin in controlling key plant parasitic nematodes of yam using the “wrap and plant” technology, where seed yams were wrap before they were planted. After the harvest of yam tubers, storage experiment was conducted to test the effect of the treatments on yam tubers at storage. A laboratory experiment was conducted to ascertain plant parasitic nematode population dynamics in response to the treatment. The results from the survey revealed that majority (97%) of the yam farmers interviewed were aware of the problem of plant parasitic nematodes, but lacked the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to control these important pests in their yam farms. Majority of the farmers (79.2%) estimated up to 50% of their yam tuber lost to plant parasitic nematodes both in field and in storage and this seriously affected their livelihood. Consequently, more than 80% of the farmers could not pay their children’s school fees, medical bills, and repayment of bank loans. Only about 12% of the farmers admitted they knew plant parasitic nematodes could be controlled with the use of nematicide. However, 81% of the farmers were ready and willing to adopt the abamectin pretreated banana paper technology. Field trials revealed no significant effect of the abamectin on the number of yam tubers harvested per plot and the number of mounds harvested because the treatments had no effect on germination of seed yams. However, the abamectin pretreated banana paper (A) produced yam tubers which were significantly higher (p<0.05) in weight and length as compared to only banana paper without abamectin (B) and the control which is the farmer’s practice (FP). For the storage experiment, treatment A reduced the plant parasitic nematode damage significantly (p< 0.05) on stored yam tubers compared with the B and FP. There was no significant difference in weight loss of yam tubers across the treatment during storage as the percentage weight loss for A, B and FP after five months were 33.16%, 32.37% and 32.74% respectively. The benefit cost ratio of abamectin pretreated banana paper was 1.37 and 2.56 for wet and dry seasons respectively which indicate profitability. These results confirm that abamectin pretreated banana paper can be used in the management of plant parasitic nematodes of yam for improved yield and storability of yam tubers.Item Pre And Post-Harvest Calcium And Ethephon Treatment On The Physiology, Quality And Shelf-Life Of Orange-Fleshed Sweet potato(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Allotey, A.N.AThe storage stability and shelf-life of agricultural produce is of great concern to both producers and consumers. Due to the harsh climatic conditions of the tropics, sweet potato roots deteriorate at an increasing rate posing a challenge to its post-harvest storage life. The pre-harvest and post-harvest application of calcium salts has been successful in slowing down the ripening process of agricultural produce and reducing produce loss of firmness. The firmness of crops can be maintained through the application of calcium salts (calcium chloride) by stabilizing cell membranes and enhancing cell turgor. Ethylene, a naturally occurring plant growth hormone is also used in improving the growth of plants and has diverse effects on the development, growth and storage life of agricultural produce. In this research, calcium chloride was applied at two different concentrations at the sixth and twelfth week after Orange-Fleshed Sweet potato cultivation and ethephon, seven days before harvest as foliar spray. Untreated roots were also dipped in the same calcium chloride and ethephon treatment concentrations a day after harvest. The changes in the physiological, biochemical and overall quality and shelf-life (weight loss, sprouting, decay, shrinkage) was studied. The efficacy of calcium chloride in inhibiting the growth of certain pathogens was also assessed and the anti-fungal activity of the calcium chloride was determined by measuring the mycelia growth of the pathogens. The pathogens isolated from the orange-fleshed sweet potato included Botryodiplodia theobromae and Colletotricum spp. The results showed that calcium chloride at 2% and 4% concentration was not able to inhibit the growth of the pathogens. Both pre- and post-harvest treatment applications inhibited sprouting of the sweet potato roots. However, the pre- and post-harvest calcium and ethephon treatments were not able to reduce the physiological weight loss, shrinkage and decay of the orange-fleshed sweet potato roots. The pre- and post-harvest calcium chloride and ethephon treatments had no significant effect on the biochemical properties of the roots as compared to the control.