http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/3283 2026-04-23T19:20:15Z 2026-04-23T19:20:15Z Alhassan, S. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4187 2024-07-15T13:03:49Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: EVALUATION OF NEW COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) LINES FOR STRIGA (Striga gesnerioides Willd) RESISTANCE AND YIELD PERFORMANCE Authors: Alhassan, S. Abstract: One of the most significant food mainstays in tropical Africa is the cowpea. However, parasitic weeds such as Striga gesnerioides, which has several distinct races, significantly reduces its productivity. The most dependable method for battling this parasite is the cultivation of resistant genotypes. Twenty new cowpea genotypes developed in the Coastal Savannah were evaluated under the Sudan Savannah condition for yield performance and resistance to Striga gesnerioides. The objectives were to: determine the agronomic and yield characteristics; Identify Striga resistant and susceptible lines among the genotypes as well as assess their morphological difference. The measured agronomic traits were days to flower initiation, days to 50% flowering, days to first maturity, maturity (90%), plant height, canopy size, leaf length, leaf width, number of pods per plant, number of pods per peduncle, pod length, seeds per pod, seed length, seed width, seed thickness, hundred seed weight (HSW), pod weight and grain yield per hectare. SSR-1 marker was used to screen these genotypes in the biotechnology laboratory at SARI. Most traits had significant coefficients of variation, and genotype variability was also substantial. Except for the number of pods per peduncle, all the features were likewise linked to high broad-sense heritability. The results of the study showed that 55% of the susceptible genotypes performed poorly in terms of hundred seed weight (HSW) yield, and this can be associated to Striga infestation. The results showed that only one genotype (UG-14) was resistant to the parasitic weed. This study also revealed high morphological variation among the tested genotypes. The non-susceptible line (UG-14) should be screened alongside other known Striga resistant genotypes to determine their genetic relatedness and with more Striga resistant markers. Description: MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Osei, S. A. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4177 2024-06-26T09:21:56Z 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: PERFORMANCE OF BACILLUS SUBTILIS IN IMPROVING GROWTH, HAEMATOLOGICAL AND LIVER HEALTH OF THE AFRICAN CATFISH (Clarias gariepinus, BURCHELL 1822) Authors: Osei, S. A. Abstract: The purpose of this research was to assess the effects of dietary probiotic (Bacillus subtilis) supplementation on haematology, growth and health of Clarias gariepinus. The feeding trial was conducted for 8 weeks. Average-weighted fish of 13.0 ± 0.22g were distributed into four groups, one of which was a control and the remaining three as treatment groups. The control diet (0 g/kg Bs) was made without the addition of probiotics, whereas the remaining three groups were prepared supplemented with the probiotic at different levels (10g/kg Bs, 20g/kg Bs and 30g/kg Bs). The length and weight of experimental fish were taken at intervals 0,15,30,45 and 60 days to evaluate growth parameters (initial weight, final weight, feed conversion ratio, weight gain) and body indices (condition factor, viscerosomatic index, and hepatosomatic index) of experimental fish. Blood samples were collected at the intervals 30 and 60 days for liver, plasma chemistry and haematological analysis. The haematological parameters such as red blood cells, haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, and haematological indexes (mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentrations) were examined. Total protein and albumin levels were measured in the plasma and also examined. Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine transaminase and Alkaline phosphate were analysed to check the state of the liver. After eight weeks, the results showed that, fish groups fed with treated diets showed much significant improvement in growth and condition indices in comparison to the control group. The Bacillus fed group (10g/kg Bs) showed an increase significantly in haematological parameters than in other groups. An increase significantly in Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine transaminase and Alkaline phosphate were observed at the end of four weeks in the Bs treated diets in comparison to the control group, decreasing significantly at the end of eight weeks to optimum ranges compared to the control. The result suggests that dietary administration of Bacillus subtilis at 10g/kg can be used effectively to improve growth and health status of fish. Description: MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN FISHERIES SCIENCE

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z TIA, A. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4169 2024-06-26T08:38:45Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: ASSESSING THE ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL OF SECURINEGA VIROSA ROOT EXTRACT AGAINST GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT BACTERIA INFECTION IN BROILER CHICKENS Authors: TIA, A. Abstract: Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) infections among poultry birds is a major challenge in the poultry industry with E. coli becoming the most common bacteria species implicated. Intestinal infection does not only create huge economic loss but cause diseases in humans. The aim of this research was to assess the antimicrobial potential of Securinega virosa root extract on gastrointestinal tract infections notably, pathogenic E. coli. Extracts from S. virosa roots were obtained using two different solvents (ethanol and acetone) to compare the solvent that yields the highest quantity with the most active ingredients for further studies. Screening of the plant extract was done using Gas chromatography molecular spectrometer. The extract obtained using acetone was used to examine its effect on E. coli and Lactobacilli in vivo after infecting them with E. coli as it delivered the most active ingredients of antimicrobial properties. Some important ingredients contained in the root extract of the S. virosa included Quinic acid, 2-Pyridinecarboxamide, N-(1- phenylpropyl)-, 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl, Pyrazole[4,5- b]imidazole, 1-formyl-3-ethyl-6-á-d-ribofuranosyl-, Octadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1,3- propanediyl ester, Phthalic acid, di(2-propylpentyl) ester, 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, 2,3-bis[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]propyl ester, (Z,Z,Z)-, 2(1H)-Naphthalenone, octahydro-, trans-, 3-Furanacetic acid, 4-hexyl-2,5-dihydro-2,5-dioxo, 2-Coumaranone, Hordenine, Pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid, methyl-phenyl-amide, n-Hexadecanoic acid and 8-Amino 6-methoxy-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline, These phytochemicals were found to contain anti-microbial properties and had significant effect on E. coli at a concentration of 1mg/mL and 0.5mg/mL resulting in a growth of 20 CFU and 247 CFU respectively as compared with the standard antibiotic used for treating broilers which gave 400 CFU at the same concentration. It is worth being used in the treatment of broiler chickens Description: MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Agbayiza, B. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4022 2023-06-05T11:38:20Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: THE POTENTIAL OF NATURAL ALKALINE SOURCES IN THE DETOXIFICATION OF AFLATOXIN-CONTAMINATED GROUNDNUT AND MAIZE Authors: Agbayiza, B. Abstract: Groundnut and maize are part of staple crops consumed mostly in Ghana but gets contaminated easily by aflatoxin. Consumption of aflatoxin contaminated food causes several adverse health effects including liver cancer. Several detoxification methods and techniques have been employed to reduce aflatoxin levels in groundnut but these have not been fully effective. The study was carried out to assess the potential of saltpetre, whitewash and wood ash in detoxifying aflatoxin-contaminated groundnut and maize. Two separate experiments were carried out in this study. The first experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with the concentrations of 0%, 1%, 5%, and 10% (w/v) and soaking time of 12 h, 18 h, and 24 h. The second experiment was factorial in a completely randomized design with the concentrations of 0%, 1%, 5%, and 10% (w/v), cooking times of 5, 10, 15 minute, and steeping time of 0 h, 6 h, 12 h. All experiments were replicated three times. Total aflatoxin level was determined using Rapid Test Kit for a Quantitative Test with Mobile Diagnostic Reader (Mobile Assay Inc., Boulder, CO). Alkaline concentration and soaking time significantly (p = 0.002) affected aflatoxin levels in both maize and groundnut. The result revealed that 5% saltpetre solution could reduce aflatoxin level by 89% in groundnut and 90% in maize while wood ash solution resulted in 28% total aflatoxin reduction in groundnut. In maize however, whitewash and wood ash solutions were able to cause a total aflatoxin reduction of 94% and 91% respectively. Consumer sensory analysis carried on the final product resulted in the overall acceptability of texture, colour, taste and aroma by the consumers. Saltpetre (5%, 10% (w/v)) was able to detoxify aflatoxin and maintained the proximate and sensorial quality in groundnutsuggesting its potential to be used as aflatoxin decontamination agent in groundnuts. It is recommended that further assessment of the effects of the natural lime on nutrient bioavailability and toxicity in humans should be carried out. Description: MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z