ADAMFO PA/ URTICAL
Trials on Cocoa trees plantation to assess Adamfo PA influence on health, flowering and pest defense.
Private trial Ghana, Ahafo Region, Feb 2024
Conducted , supervised and edited by agronomist Gazali Halidu
Introduction
Farmer name: Yahya Iddrisu
GPS Coordinates: Lat: 7.138052 Long: -2.133864
Site trial: Ahafo Region, Tano North district
Farm size: 1acre
Sprayer Type: 15liter boom spraying tank machine.
Number of fillings: 6
Dosage: Berry dosage – 1/1.2 L each 100L of water Date of Spraying: 10/02/2024
Inspection Date: 20/02/2024
Field orbservations:
Both the control area and the sprayed area were inspected of any pests and diseases attacks, flowers and leaves
formations and mortality of young pods (chereles) and bloomed flowers.
(A) Sprayed Area
Flower shooting: Flowers are looking very fresh and alive. More chereles developing and not dropping, wilting
and diseased.The greenish colour of pods is available unlike when it’s not during dry season. Pods are looking
very smooth without any embellishment on the outer surface.
(B) Control
Flowers look dessicated and wilting; More flowers continuously drying out and dropping off from the tree.
Very few chereles seen but are wilting and diseased. Pods are not deep green as expected and the outer
surfaces of pods are not smooth. They usually have dark inundated spots and looking rough on the outer
surfaces.
Analysis of results
Based on the field visit observations made on the acre of cocoa land belonging to Yahya Iddrisu in the Ahafo
Region, Tano North District, several conclusions and insights can be drawn:
1. **Effectiveness of Spraying**: The sprayed area exhibits healthier and more vibrant characteristics
compared to the control area. This includes fresh and alive flowers, well-developed chereles without wilting or
disease, and smooth, green pods. These observations suggest that the spraying regimen using a 15-liter boom
spraying tank machine with berry dosage was effective in controlling pests and diseases, promoting flower and
pod development, and maintaining overall plant health.
2. **Impact on Flower and Pod Development**: In the sprayed area, there is a notable increase in flower
shooting and the development of chereles, which are not dropping prematurely. This indicates successful
pollination and fruit set, contributing to potential higher yield. Conversely, in the control area, flowers are
dessicated and wilting, leading to a higher rate of flower drop and potentially lower fruit production.
3. **Pod Quality and Appearance**: The pods in the sprayed area have a smooth outer surface and a deep
green color, indicative of healthy pod development. In contrast, pods in the control area exhibit signs of disease
or stress, with dark spots and rough outer surfaces, which may affect pod quality and market value.
4. **Overall Crop Health**: The sprayed area shows signs of overall improved crop health, with fewer instances of wilting,
disease, and pest damage compared to the control area. This suggests that the spraying regimen effectively protected the cocoa
plants from common threats, resulting in better plant vigor and productivity.
Special thanks to Gazali.
