Dr. Michael Wiafe-Kwagyan

Contact info mwiafe-kwagyan@ug.edu.gh

About

Dr. Michael Wiafe-Kwagyan research focuses on Mycology and Plant Pathology. His PhD research was on the use of two Pleurotus species (oyster mushrooms) in recycling rice waste. He serves as the PI for the Mushroom Research and Production Project at the department. He has a considerable teaching and research experience in Mycology and Plant Pathology. He is a Senior Lecturer and the past Head of the Department. He has co-authored forty peer-reviewed papers. He is currently working on mushrooms and the use of plant products as antifungal agents against fungal pathogens of plants and humans. 

Dr. Wiafe-Kwagyan is a Reviewer and Editorial Board Member of several International peer-reviewed journals. Some of these Journals include the Journal of Food Processing and Preservation; Journal of Plant Breeding and Crop Science; Ghana Journal of Science; Toxicon Science Direct; New Zealand Journal of Botany, Journal of Tropical Life Science; Scientific African Elsevier; International Food Research Journal; Food Science and Nutrition; Central European Journal of Botany; Advances in Agricultural Technology & Plant etc.

Education

BSc. MPhil. & PhD (Ghana)

Research Interest

  • Mushroom Biotechnology 
  • Mycoprotein 
  • Plant Pathology with special reference to the use of plant products as biocontrol agents of fungal pathogens of plants and animal 
  • Fungal Taxonomy 
  • Fungal Physiology and Mycobioremediation. 

Publications

List of Publications

  1. Odamtten G. T., J. Addo, M. Wiafe-Kwagyan and N. K. Kortei (2024). A retrospective update on the Auricularia species in Ghana and their nutritional, ethnomycological and pharmacological values for health. Ghana J. Sci. 65 (1): 90 -108 https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/gjs.v65il.8 
  2. Nii Korley Kortei, Valentina Sylvia Gillette, Michael Wiafe-Kwagyan, Leslie Owusu Ansah, Vincent Kyei-Baffour, George Tawia Odamtten. (2024). Fungal profile, levels of aflatoxin M1, exposure, and the risk characterization of local cheese ‘wagashi’consumed in the Ho Municipality, Volta Region, Ghana. Toxicology Reports 12: 186–199
  3. Li Xuefei, Frederick Leo Sossah, Yonglan Tuo, Jiajun Hu, Qian Wei, Shiyu Li, Na Rong, Michael Wiafe-Kwagyan, Changtian Li, Bo Zhang, Xiao Li1, and Yu Li. (2023). Characterization and fungicide sensitivity of Trichoderma species causing green mold of Ganoderma sichuanense in China. Frontiers in Microbiology. Sec. Evolutionary and Genomic Microbiology Volume 14 – 2023. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1264699
  4. Wiafe-Kwagyan, M*., Adalete, E. K., Sossah, L. F., and Odamtten G. T. (2023). Role of Mushroom Pathogen Trichoderma harzianum Rafai in the Reduction of Growth Yield, Nutrient Quality, and Morphometric Measurements of the Fruiting Body of Pleurotus ostreatus EM-1 From Seven Oyster Mushroom Cultivation Farms in Ghana. J N food sci tech, 4(1):1-12. doi: https://doi.org/10.47485/2834-7854.1021
  5. Nii Korley Kortei, Peter Oman Ayiku, John Nsor-Atindana, Leslie Owusu Ansah, Michael Wiafe-Kwagyan, Vincent Kyei-Baffour, Isaac Delali Kottoh, George Tawia Odamtten. (2023). Toxicogenic fungal profile, Ochratoxin A exposure and cancer risk characterization through maize (Zea mays) consumed by different age populations in the Volta region of Ghana. Toxicon 226: 1-16, 107085. 
  6. Wiafe-Kwagyan, M*., Adalete, E. K., Sossah, L. F., and Odamtten G. T. (2023). Mycobiota of compost, air, fruiting bodies of Pleurotus ostreatus (EM-1) and the mycotoxigenic potential of some resident Aspergillus species. J. Agric. Crop Res. 11(1), 9-24, doi: 10.33495/jacr_v11i1.23.102 ISSN: 2384-731X
  7. Eric Kumi Asare, Silas Wintuma Avicor, Yahaya Bukari, Ishmael Amoako-Attah, Solomon Agyare, Mabel Yeboah, Michael Wiafe-Kwagyan*. (2023). Survival of Mushrooms and Termites Upon Pesticide Exposure in the Cocoa Agro-ecosystem. Trop. Life Sci. 13 (1): 1 – 12. doi: 10.11594/jtls.13.01.01. 
  8. Nii Korley Kortei, Sandra Badzi, Salifu Nanga, Michael Wiafe Kwagyan, Denick Nii Kotey Amon and George Tawia Odamtten. (2023). Survey of knowledge, and attitudes to storage practices preempting the occurrence of filamentous fungi and mycotoxins in some Ghanaian staple foods and processed products. Scientific Reports, 13:8710 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-35275-5
  9. G. T. Odamtten, M. Wiafe-Kwagyan* and N. K. Kortei. (2023). Phenology, Morphological, and Anatomical Characteristics of a Stinkhorn Mushroom in Ghana. Ghana J. Sci. 64 (1), 14 – 24 https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/gjs.v64il.2
  10. Levi Yafetto, George Tawia Odamtten, Michael Wiafe-Kwagyan. (2023). Valorization of agro-industrial wastes into animal feed through microbial fermentation: A review of the global and Ghanaian case. Heliyon 9 (2023) el 4814 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14814
  11. George Tawia Odamtten, Michael Wiafe-Kwagyan* and J. Addo. (2023). Morphological and morphometric features of the common rust gill mushroom (Gymnopilus penetrans (Fr; Fr) Murray) in Ghana. Ghana J. Sci. 64(1): 49-55 https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/gjs.v64il.6 (short communication).
  12. Wiafe-Kwagyan M*., Odamtten G.T., and Kortei N. K. (2022). Effect of Spent Mushroom Compost of Pleurotus eous Strain P-31 on Growth Performance and Nodulation of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp.). Tropical Life Sciences Research, 33(3), 129–149, DOI: https://doi.org/10.21315/tlsr2022.33.3.8
  13. Odamtten G. T., M. Wiafe-Kwagyan*and Kortei N. K. (2022). Observations on some  Fairy Ring forming Lepiota Mushrooms (Basidiomycota;   Agaricales) in Ghana. Ghana  J. Sci. 63 (1), 83 – 89. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/gjs.v63i.6 
  14. Wiafe-Kwagyan M*., Odamtten G.T. and Kortei N. K. (2022). Influence of substrate formulation on some morphometric characters and biological efficiency of Pleurotus ostreatus EM-1 (Ex. Fr) Kummer grown on rice wastes and “wawa” (Triplochiton scleroxylon) sawdust in Ghana. Food Sci. Nutr. 00:1–10. DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.2802 Wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/fsn
  15. Kortei N. Korley., Rachel Adinorkie Tetteh, Michael Wiafe-Kwagyan, Denick Nii Kotey Amon and George Tawia Odamtten (2022). Mycobiota profile, phenology, and potential toxicogenic and pathogenic species associated with stored groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) from the Volta Region, Ghana. Food Sci Nutr.;10:888–902.
  16. Odamtten G. T., M. Wiafe-Kwagyan*., G. Akwetey and K. Barko. (2022). Developmental morphology, anatomical features and fairy ring formation by two gasteroid basidiomycetous mushrooms, growing on grass lawns in Ghana. Ghana J. Sci. 63 (2), 2022, 21 - 30
  17. Odamtten G. T., Addo J. and Wiafe-Kwagyan M. (2021). Record of Medicinal Jew’s (Auricularia Auricula-Judae (Bull.) Quél) Ear Mushroom Growing in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana and its possible health values. Ghana Journal of Science 62 (2), 2021, 25 – 35
  18. Kortei N. Korley., Annan T., Papa Toah Akonor, Seidu A. Richard, Helen Ama Annan, Wiafe-Kwagyan M., Matilda Ayim-Akonor, Princess Golda Akpaloo (2021). Aflatoxins in randomly selected groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea) and its products from some local markets across Ghana: Human risk assessment and monitoring. Toxicology Reports 186-195
  19. Bekoe E.O., Wiafe-Kwagyan M., and Joycelyn Gaysi (2021). Antibacterial activity of the metabolites of Aspergillus chevalieri and Trichoderma harzianum. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 13(2): 67-70. Online ISSN: 0975-1491
  20. Ebenezer Owusu, Daniel Boamah, Wiafe-Kwagyan M*, Awura Abena Amponsah and Sylvesta Kaminta (2021). Studies on the Efficacy of Leaves Extracts of Centella asiatica against Escherichia coli, Samonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. Acta Scientific Microbiology. 4(3): 61-74. ISSN: 2581-3226
  21. Wiafe-Kwagyan M*, G. T. Odamtten and M. Obodai (2020). Differentiation of two Pleurotus species based on the restrictive digestion profile of the Internal transcribed spacer region. Ghana Journal of Science. 61(2): 105-112. Short Communication. DOI: 10.4314/gjs.v61i2.10
  22. Korley K.N., George Tawia Odamtten, Mary Obodai, Papa Toah Akonor, Wiafe-Kwagyan M., Serwah Buckman, Seth William Nii Odartey Mills. (2020). Sensory evaluation, descriptive textural analysis, and consumer acceptance profile of steamed gamma irradiated Pleurotus ostreatus (Ex. Fr.) Kummer kept in two different storage packs. Scientific African 2468-2276 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2020.e00328
  23. Wiafe-Kwagyan M*, Dzifa A.J. and Mensah G. I. (2019). Assessment of microbiological load and safety of selected pre-cut fruits and vegetables. Acta Scientific Nutritional Health 3(11): 99-108 (ISSN:2582-1423).
  24. Wiafe-Kwagyan M* and Odamtten G T. (2018). Use of Pleurotus eous strain P-31 spent mushroom compost (SMC) as soil conditioner on the growth and yield performance of Capsicum annuum L. and Solanum lycopersicon L. seedlings under greenhouse conditions in Ghana. Tropical Life Sciences Research 29(1):173–194. 
  25. Odamtten G.T., Nartey L.K., Wiafe-Kwagyan M*, Anyebuno G. and Kyei-Baffour V. (2018). Resident microbial load, toxigenic potential and possible quality control measures of six imported seasoning powders on the Ghanaian market.  Journal of Nutritional Health & Food Engineering, 8(1): 1-11. doi: 10.15406/jnhf.2018.08.00252 
  26. Kortei N.K., Odamtten G.T., Obodai M., Wiafe- Kwagyan M. and Dzomeku M. (2018). Comparative bioconversion of gamma irradiated, and steam sterilized ‘wawa’ sawdust (Triplochiton scleroxylon L.) by mycelia of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus Jacq. Ex.Fr. Kummer). International Food Research Journal 25(3): 943-950 
  27. Kortei N.K., George Tawia Odamtten, Mary Obodai, Michael Wiafe‑Kwagyan and Deborah Louisa Narh‑Mensah. (2018). Correlations of cap diameter (pileus width), stipe length and biological efficiency of Pleurotus ostreatus (Ex.Fr.) Kummer cultivated on gamma-irradiated and steam-sterilized composted sawdust as an index of quality for pricing. Agriculture & Food Security. doi.org/10.1186/s40066-018-0185-1
  28. Kortei N.K., George Tawia Odamtten, Mary Obodai, Michael Wiafe-Kwagyan. (2018).  Mycofloral profile and the radiation sensitivity (D10 values) of solar dried and gamma irradiated Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. Ex. Fr.) Kummer fruit bodies stored in two different packaging materials. Food Science & Nutrition, 1-9 doi: 10.1002/fsn3.545
  29. Kortei N.K., George Tawia Odamtten, Mary Obodai, Michael Wiafe- Kwagyan. (2017). Radiation response (Low Dose Gamma Radiation) of members of the Enterobacteriaceae in dry fruiting bodies of Pleurotus ostreatus and their identification using API 20E System. UK Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biosciences 5(3):09-13. ISSN: 2347-9442
  30. Kwodaga J.K, Odamtten G.T, Owusu E, Akrofi A.Y, Wiafe-Kwagyan M. (2017). Effect of Four copper-based fungicides on soil fungi in a cocoa farm at Tafo, eastern region, Ghana. Scientia Agriculturae 17 (2), 2017: 55-76. doi: 10.15192/PSCP.SA.2017.17.2.5576
  31. Kortei N.K., George Tawia Odamtten, Mary Obodai, Michael Wiafe- Kwagyan (2017). Nutritional qualities and shelf-life extension of gamma irradiated dried Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.Ex. Fr. Kummer) preserved in two different storage packs. Food Science and Technology 5(1): 9-16 doi: 10.13189/fst.2017.050102
  32. Kortei N. K., George Tawia Odamtten, Mary Obodai, M. Wiafe-Kwagyan, Edward Adotey Addo (2016). Influence of low dose of gamma radiation and storage on some vitamins and mineral elements of dried oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus). Food Science and Nutrition. 1-9; doi: 10.1002/fsn3.432 Wiley 
  33. Wiafe-Kwagyan* M., Obodai, M., Odamtten, G.T. and N. K. Kortei (2016). The potential use of rice waste lignocellulose and its amendments as substrate for the cultivation of Pleurotus eous Strain P-31in Ghana. International Journal of Advances in Pharmacy, Biology and Chemistry 5(2); 116-130 ISSN: 2277- 4688 
  34. Kortei, N. K., Odamtten, G. T., Appiah, V.., Obodai, M.  Narh Mensah, D. L., Akonor, P. T., Wiafe- Kwagyan, M., Ayim- Akonor, M.  and Adaboro, R. M. (2016). Preliminary shelf-life studies of in-vitro antioxidant potential of gamma irradiated dried mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus Ex. Fries) Kummer in Ghana. British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 9(2): 1-13, ISSN: 2231-2919
  35. Wiafe-Kwagyan, M*., G.T. Odamtten and M. Obodai (2015). Possible antibiosis effect of the metabolites of three fungal species resident in rice straw and husk compost on the in vitro radial and vegetative growth by Pleurotus ostreatus Strain EM-1and P. eous Strain P-31. International Journal Current Microbiology and Applied Science, 4(8): 525-538. ISSN: 2319-7706 
  36. Kortei, N. K. and Wiafe- Kwagyan, M. (2015). Comparative appraisal of the total phenolic content, flavonoids, free radical scavenging activity and nutritional qualities of Pleurotus ostreatus (EM-1) and Pleurotus eous (P-31) Cultivated on Rice (Oryza sativa) straw in Ghana. Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology 3(4): 153-164 ISSN: 2394-1081 SCIENCEDOMAIN 
  37. Kortei, N. K, Odamtten, G. T, Obodai M, Appiah V, Wiafe- Kwagyan, M. (2015). Evaluating the effect of gamma irradiation and steam pasteurization on the survival and growth of composted sawdust fungi in Ghana. British Microbiology Research Journal 7(4): 180-192. ISSN: 2231-0886 SCIENCEDOMAIN 
  38. Kortei N. K, Odamtten G.T, Obodai M, Appiah, Wiafe-Kwagyan M, Narh-Mensah D.L. (2015). Comparative effect of gamma irradiated and steam sterilized sorghum grains (Sorghum bicolor) for spawn production of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. Ex. Fr) Kummer. Applied Science Report.10 (1): 12-21. doi: 10.15192/PSCP.ASR.2015.10.1.1221. 
  39. Michael, Wiafe-Kwagyan* and George, T. Odamtten (2014). Influence of some natural plant products on some aspect of the life cycle of the two Phytophthora species causing the black pod disease of cocoa. Journal of Ghana Science Association, 15(2): 129-153
  40. Korley Kortei N and Wiafe-Kwagyan M. (2014). Evaluating the effect of gamma radiation on eight different agro-lignocellulose waste materials for the production of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus eous (Berk.) Sacc. Strain P-31). Croatian Journal of Food Technology, Biotechnology and Nutrition 9 (3-4), 83-90

 

Link to Publications

https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=en&user=sD-U5lwAAAAJ

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael-Wiafe-Kwagyan 

https://ugh.academia.edu/MichaelWiafeKwagyan

 

BOOKS

  1. M. Wiafe-Kwagyan, G. T. Odamtten, Mary-Obodai and E. Owusu. (2017). Rice (Oryza sativa) waste management in Ghana using oyster mushrooms. Germany, Lambert Academic Publishing LAP Lambert Academic Publishing. Pg. 1-102 ISBN:978-620-2-02234-7