Physiology/ Biochemistry Divisions

Mission Statement

The mission of the Division is to understand the physiological and biochemical bases for sustainable growth and quality production of the Institute’s mandated crops (Cocoa, Coffee, Shea, Kola and Cashew) in an environmentally friendly atmosphere.

Research Activities

The Physiology unit is concerned with studies involving Crop/ Environment Interactions with respect to growth and yield; the use of resources like water, carbon dioxide, radiation and nutrients; easing the establishment of crops to improve their growth and yield. The Biochemistry unit is concerned with studies into the biochemical quality of the crop produce; biochemical and molecular bases for diseases and their prevention in these crops; exploitation of mandated crops for by-products; development of pheromones for insect pest control; post-harvest and storage studies of the mandated crops products.

Current Research Projects

• The physiological basis for drought resistance in cocoa.
• Efforts to ease the establishment of cocoa in denuded areas.
• Development of compact cocoa types for high density planting.
• Physiological effects of shade on growth and yield of cocoa.
• Studies in cocoa quality during primary processing using biochemical and molecular markers.
• Pesticide residue analysis.
• Characterization of Cocoa Swollen Shoot Viruses (CSSV) and cocoa germplasm using micro-satellite-PCR.
• The use of molecular markers in breeding for CSSV and blackpod disease resistance.
• Development of by-products from cashew and cocoa.
• Irradiation disinfestations and preservation of kolanuts.
• Assessment of Kola phenolics and other biochemicals as quality indicators in cured kola nuts.
• Assessment of biochemical substances that influence germination in kola seeds.
• Isolation, identification, formulation and use of semio-chemicals for the control of the cocoa stem borer, Eulophonotus myrmeleon in Ghana.
• Isolation, identification, formulation and use for the control of Characoma stictigrapta Hampson, a lepidopterous (Noctuidae) pest of cocoa in Ghana.
• Improving shelf life of shea butter using natural antioxidants.
• Studies on the effect of some plant oils and acetone extracts on growth and sporulation of cocoa Phytophtora in Ghana.
• The effect of primary processing of shea fruits on the kernel and butter quality.
• Cocoa seed storage in artificial medium.
• Production and evaluation of cashew apple wine from different coloured apples in Ghana.