Okra production is one of the major sources of livelihood for the majority of farmers in the Ashanti region of Ghana. In view of this a survey was conducted among okra farmers in 10 major okra growing communities in Ashanti region of Ghana namely Mankranso, Mfensi-Adankwame, Beposo, Abompe, Kotokuom, Nkwanta-Kesse, Atwima Mim, Abaesua, Offinso and Nerebehi between October, 2017 and March, 2018 to assess their production constraints and awareness of seed-borne fungi infection menace and it management in okra. Data were obtained from 100 okra farmers selected using multi-stage sampling procedure through the use of structured questionnaire and interviews. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) for Windows. Descriptive statistics were used and means were presented using tables and graphs. There was a clear dominance of male (75 %) as against female (25 %). Ninety-one percent (91%) of the farmers were married. Fifty four percent (54%) had basic education and 43% had no formal education. Approximately, 42 % of the farmers have been in okra production for over 10 years. Fifty three percent of the farmers intercropped okra with other vegetables. Majority (38%) of the farmers cultivated okra from two to three hectares. Most of the farmers (34 %) ranked pest infestation followed by diseases (24 %) as the major constraints of okra production. Majority (77 %) of the farmers were not aware of seed-borne fungi of okra and therefore most (73 %) of them did not manage the infection. Farmers should therefore be educated by extension officers on seed-borne fungi to create their awareness of the seed-borne infection in the study areas for effective management.
Nursery establishment for healthy seedlings is an integral part of afforestation and reforestation projects. Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are amid the destructive pathogens that greatly threaten forest nurseries. This study assesses forest nursery operations and knowledge of PPNs of four forest districts of Ashanti region of Ghana, namely Juaso, Mankranso, Offinso, and Nkawie. Respondents comprised only forestry staff involved in managing forest nurseries. A Structured and semi-structured interview schedule was employed for data collection. Data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 23. Descriptive statistics were used and means presented using tables and graphs. From the study, all the respondents (100%) established temporary nursery to meet seedlings demand. Majority of the respondents (83.3%) sourced soil from abandoned refuse dump while few (16.7%) collected top soils from unfarmed sites for raising seedlings. Disease occurrence in the nursery was observed by majority (75%) of the respondents while most (66.7%) of them had no idea of the causes of the diseases observed. Greater proportion (66.7%) of the respondents moreover had no knowledge of PPNs and therefore were unaware of their damage potential. Organising seminars and workshops for nursery managers on proper operations and awareness of PPNs to enhance their knowledge is recommended.
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