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The study was carried out to determine the nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of taro genotypes and also determine the phenotypic plasticity of the genotypes in two agro ecological zones in Ghana. The towns and zones were Bunso in the semi deciduous forest (an upland) and Tano Dumasi in the forest savannah transition agro-ecological (a waterlogged area) zone in the Eastern and Ashanti regions respectively.Two (2) freshly harvested corms of each genotype from each location were assessed for their nutritional (moisture, protein, carbohydrate, ash and fat) and anti-nutritional (phytate, oxalate and tannin) composition Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and AMMI analysis using GenStat 12 edition to assess the effect of genotype, environment and their interaction on the traits studied. Phenotypic plasticity for the genotypes and the traits studied was also calculated. Pearson correlation was also conducted to assess the relationship between the traits studied. There were significant differences among the genotypes for nutrient and anti-nutrient composition except for percentage fat, indicating enough genetic variability among the genotypes, giving room for good selection progress for development of taro varieties. A higher magnitude of the environment over genotype and genotype by environment interaction observed indicates the influence of environment in the expression of the nutritional and anti-nutritional traits. Observed varied phenotypic plasticity among the genotypes for the nutrient and anti-nutrients composition also indicates varied adaptation of the genotypes to the environment. Genotypes BL/SM/115, CE/MAL/32 and CE/IND/16 and hybrids KAO19 × CE/MAL/32 and CE/IND/16×KAO19, CE/IND/16 × BL/SM/10, and CE/IND/16 × BL/SM/115 which recorded high nutrients and low anti-nutrients content and were stable across the environments can be released to farmers for cultivation. They could also be included in breeding programs for the development of enhanced nutritional quality of taro in Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starchy staples are a major source of livelihood support for farmers, traders, and processors who participate in these crops' value chains, while also providing staple food to many people, especially the less affluent in society. Despite this position, the productivity figures of starchy staples are low. We use a unique data set and meta-frontier efficiency analysis to assess whether the production shortfalls of major starchy staple crops in Ghana could be attributed to technical inefficiency, technology gaps or both. Results show strong evidence of about 50% production shortfall for cassava, yam, cocoyam, and plantain. For cassava production, the Guinea Savannah zone has the most superior technology, with a technology gap ratio of 0.92, while yam production is more technically efficient in the Sudan Savannah zone, with a technical efficiency score of 0.67. Cocoyam production is more technically efficient (0.56) in the Transition zone, but yam is more technically efficiently produced in the Coastal Savannah zone of Ghana. These results show that production shortfall is more influenced by pure farmer technical inefficiencies (about 45%) rather than by technology gaps (about 20%) along ecological lines. Thus, the sector could benefit from improvements in farmer managerial skills and efficient use of existing technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taro is a valuable staple food crop among resource-poor rural people in countries such as Nigeria and Ghana, among others. Characterization of genetic diversity is a prerequisite for proper management of breeding programs and conservation of genetic resources. Two hundred seventy one taro accessions obtained from Nigeria and Vanuatu were genotyped using DArTseq-based SNP markers with the objectives of investigating the genetic diversity and population structure. In the analysis, 10,391 SNP markers were filtered from the sequence and used. The analysis revealed higher transition than transversion types of SNPs in the ratio of 1.43:1. The polymorphism ranged from 0.26 to 0.29 for the markers, indicating moderate genetic diversity. A model-based Bayesian clustering analysis of taro accessions yielded five subgroups and revealed the admixture situation in 19.19% of all accessions in the study. Vanuatu taro accessions exhibited more genetic diversity than Nigerian taro accessions. The population diversity estimate (PhiPt) was relatively higher (0.52) for accessions originating from Vanuatu than for Nigerian accessions. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that most variation existed among individuals within a population at 52%. Nei's genetic distance showed that relatedness is based on geographical proximity. Collection of taro genetic resources should give more emphasis to within regions to utilize diversity in taro breeding program. This study also demonstrated the efficiency of DArTseq-based SNP genotyping for large-scale genome analysis in taro. The genotypic markers provided in this study are useful for association mapping studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many plant species worldwide cultivated for food have been neglected and are being underutilized despite their crucial contributions to food security, nutrition and income generation to rural citizens, leading to a nearly permanent diet deficiency. Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott), an important food crop in the family Araceae, is one of the neglected species. This study therefore focused on identifying potential challenges mitigating taro production and utilization in taro-producing areas of Ghana and to formulate recommendations for overall increased production and utilization of the crop. The study was conducted in Ahanta West Municipal, Dormaa Municipal, Kumasi Metropolitan and East Akim Municipal in the Western, Bono, Ashanti and Eastern Regions of Ghana, respectively. These districts were ever known for taro production in Ghana. Well-structured questionnaires were used to collect information on ethnobotany of taro, possible causes of taro endangerment and remedies to combat them from farmers, traders and consumers. Results: The survey revealed different vernacular names for taro, and the corm was the main part used as food. The corms were usually boiled before eaten. Major recipes of taro identified were "Puree and Ampesi." The study revealed that taro was mainly cultivated on marginal soils as well as near water bodies. Taro was largely cultivated on subsistence scale. The study also revealed that utilization as food and tool of trade has reduced drastically. Major causes of taro extinction reported included: lack of healthy planting materials, unavailability of consumable corms and disease [Taro leaf blight disease(TLBD)] of the crop. Conclusion: It was suggested that the release of cultivars which are resistant to the TLBD and publication of the nutritional benefits of the crop could revive the cultivation and utilization of the crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study sought to assess combining ability and establish the gene action involved in the inheritance and heritability of yield and yield components in taro. Five (5) parents and twenty (20) F1 hybrids generated from hybridization were evaluated in 3 locations in Ghana. The field trials were laid in RCBD with three replications. Data measured included number of stolons, number of suckers, corm length (mm), corm width (mm), corm weight (g), yield (kg/ha) and dry matter content. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted using Statistical Tool for Agricultural Research version 2.0.1. Griffing Method II, Model 1 diallel analysis was used to estimate the general and specific combining ability. Heterosis was estimated for all the F1 hybrids. Heritability and correlation among the traits was also estimated. The ANOVA revealed significant differences among the genotypes for yield and its components. The high magnitude of SCA over GCA, high broad sense heritability over narrow sense heritability and below unity Bakers ratio observed for most of the yield traits studied indicates the predominance of non-additive gene action in the expression of the traits. The highly significant positive heterosis and above parental means recorded for the progenies indicates that effective progress can be made in the development of high yielding varieties of taro. CE/IND/16 which recorded significant positive GCA for all the traits except for number of stolons can be included in hybridization programs for varietal development in taro. Hybrids: CE/MAL/32 × KAO19, KAO19 × CE/IND/16, CE/IND/16 × KAO19 and CE/IND/16 × BL/SM/10 which had high hybrid vigor across the research environments could be further evaluated in other environments to ascertain their potentials for release to farmers for cultivation. Significant positive association observed between corm weight and yield/ha(kg) and corm width (mm), indicates that breeding for high corm weight and corm width will definitely improve the yield of taro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taro, Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott., is a staple food for many people in Africa. Despite the numerous importance of the crop, it still remains an underutilized crop in Ghana with little information on many aspects of the crop, especially agronomic practices. This experiment was conducted to identify the effect of planting distance on growth and yield of two promising taro accessions. The experiment was laid out using the split-plot design arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications in which accessions (BL/SM/80 and BL/SM/16) were used as main plots and three planting distances (1 m × 1 m, 1 m × 0.75 m, and 1 m × 0.5 m) as subplots. Data were recorded on the 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, 20th, 24th, and 28th week after planting (WAP) for growth parameters while yield data were taken at harvest. The results indicated that plant height (63.4 cm), petiole length (44.0 cm), number of leaves (4.7), leaf length (31.7 cm), and width (20.5 cm) were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in closely spaced plants than widely spaced plants at 4 WAP and 8 WAP for petiole length (70.3 cm) and in the 28th WAP where there was an accession effect on leaf length and number of suckers/plant. The highest corm yield/plant (0.63 kg) and total corm yield/ha (11.7 t/ha) in both accessions were achieved by the medium plant spacing (1 m × 0.75 m) and lower plant spacing (1 m × 0.5 m), respectively. Accession BS/SM/80 recorded the highest total yield/ha of 13.0 t/ha for 1 m × 0.5 m plant spacing. The higher number of suckers (8.1) was recorded by higher spaced plants. From the study, it was seen that growth parameters correlated significantly and positively with yield. It is therefore recommended that farmers in the area and those in similar production areas use a spacing of 1 m × 0.5 m for optimum growth and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corms of eighteen (18) genotypes comprising twelve (12) introduced and six (6) local genotypes were studied for their nutrient quality to provide information on their nutrient characteristics for a holistic development of the crop. The crop is known for its edible corms and leaves. Corms are boiled before eating and take a short time to cook as their carbohydrate structure is not complex. The leaves are eaten as vegetables. The crops were planted at Nobewam in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana using the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The biochemical or nutritional analysis was done at Crop and Soil Sciences laboratory at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Data were collected on the chemical and mineral compositions of the genotypes (corms). Variations were observed in both chemical and mineral characteristics. Carbohydrate content of the genotypes ranged from 62% to 76%; protein ranged from 13% to 25%; fibre ranged from 1% to 2%; calcium ranged from 0.29% to 0.72% and iron content ranged from 0.18 mg/100 g to 1.18 mg/100 g. Significant differences P < 0.05 were observed in both chemical and mineral traits, indicating a higher degree of variability in the genotypes. Significant P < 0.01 and positive correlations were observed between protein and energy levels; magnesium and iron; magnesium and calcium; and potassium and ash. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that the first component (PC1) accounted for 96% of variation. Some genotypes including; BL/SM/10, BL/SM/132, KA/019, SAO/020, BL/SM/151, BL/SM/80, BL/SM/116, BL/SM/16, and KA/035 possess desirable nutrient levels such as protein, fibre, carbohydrate, and iron which could be exploited for further development of taro in Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of sustainable and appropriate management strategy to control leaf blight of taro depends on a good understanding of the population structure of its causal pathogen. Morphological and molecular techniques were used to characterise the population of Phytophthora colocasiae obtained from different locations in Ghana. Based on colony growth habit, the isolates were grouped into four morphogroups and expressed significant differences in colony diameter. Molecular analysis revealed polymorphism among the isolates. A dendrogram produced using unweight pair group method with arithmetic mean generated grouped isolates of P. colocasiae into six clusters. Results obtained proved the existence of variation in the causal pathogen of taro leaf blight disease in Ghana. This provides an important basis for developing suitable management strategies against leaf blight of taro caused by P. colocasiae based on good integrated approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cocoyam, Xanthosoma sagittifolium, is cultivated for human nutrition, animal feed, and cash income for both farmers and traders. As food for humans, its nutritional value includes carbohydrate, minerals and vitamins . Despite its socioeconomic importance, cocoyam production in Ghana is beset with challenges such as lack of improved varieties for commercial production and post-harvest losses of cocoyam leaves. To address these challenges, a socioeconomic baseline survey was conducted to provide benchmark information on commercial cocoyam and cocoyam leaf production for further research under the Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programme (RTIMP). A total of 110 randomly selected cocoyam farmers were interviewed in Fanteakwa District of the Eastern region of Ghana. Survey findings showed that cocoyam production levels were very low with an average acreage of 0.8 hectares per farmer and yield of 6.2mt per hectare as compared to achievable yields of 8.0mt per hectare. Majority (92%) of the farmers interviewed cultivated cocoyam for both cormels and leaves. However, harvesting of cocoyam leaves was only undertaken when cormels were matured. Cocoyam production in the Fanteakwa District was profitable. For a hectare of cocoyam farm, total cost of production, total revenue and net revenue were $669, $1426 and $757 respectively. Some of the problems besetting the cocoyam industry enumerated by the farmers interviewed include high cost of planting material, lack of knowledge on improved varieties and limited access to credit. Availability of harvestable cocoyam leaves was seasonal. In order to stimulate supply response to high market demand in the dry season, intensive mono cropping management practices under irrigation is recommended. Development of a comprehensive cocoyam/cocoyam leaf production and marketing strategy in Ghana and dissemination of existing improved cocoyam varieties through effective extension activities is also recommended. Farmers interviewed suggested that varietal improvement research should focus on superior qualities such as early maturing, high yielding and resistance to disease and pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seventy cocoyam accessions collected from the eastern and Volta regions of Ghana were studied using RAPD technique. Ten primers were used to study the genetic diversity and structure of the experimental material and a total of 120 different bands were detected. Levels of polymorphic fragments detected by the ten primers ranged from 69.2% to 100%. In the accessions from the eastern region, the mean observed and effective number of alleles per individual per population and mean Nei's gene diversity were 1.99±0.01, 1.53±0.12 and 0.312±0.05, respectively. Mean observed and effective number of alleles per individual per population and Nei's gene diversity were 1.76±0.17, 1.44±0.16 and 0.264±0.08, respectively for the accessions from the Volta region. Considering the entire collections, the mean observed and effective number of alleles per individual per population and Nei's gene diversity for primers were 1.99±0.02, 1.54±0.12 and 0.319±0.05, respectively. In terms of Nei's F-statistics in the subdivided populations for all primers, the overall gene diversity (Ht) ranged from 0.230 to 0.396 with a mean of 0.313+0.06, within sample gene diversity (Hs) ranged from 0.214 to 0.372 with a mean of 0.286+0.06, gene differentiation (Gst) ranged between 0.005 and 0.178 with a mean of 0.086. Geneflow estimate ranged between 2.309 and 99.500 with a mean of 5.314. The accessions grouped into three main clusters. Accession BD96/183 was the most diverse and may be incorporated into cocoyam breeding programs. The 70 accessions did not cluster into their distinct geographical regions suggesting that there may have been movement of germplasm across the two regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cocoyam ( Xanthosoma sagititolium) and Watercocoyam ( Colocasia esculenta) have gained increased importance in the diets of majority of people in developing countries such as Ghana. The concentration levels of arsenic, cadmium, and mercury in Cocoyam ( X. sagititolium) and Watercocoyam ( C. esculenta) in Tarkwa and its surrounding villages a mining community in Ghana were measured in this study. From the results of the study, the levels of arsenic, cadmium and mercury in X. sagititolium and C. esculenta were higher than the WHO recommended levels. These root tubers absorb or uptake toxic chemicals from the soil as a result of the mining operations. This means that, the consumption of X. sagititolium and C. esculenta by humans from such environments may pose a serious health risk. There is therefore the need for a concerted effort by all to minimize the negative impact of gold mining in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "First Report of Leaf Blight of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Caused by Phytophthora colocasiae in Ghana," by E. Omane, and colleagues is presented.