Forest Nursery Operations and Knowledge of Plant Parasitic Nematodes in Four Forest Districts of the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Abstract

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.