Academic Background

Ms. (Biotechnology), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Mphil. (Agronomy), University of Education, Winneba

Bsc. (Agriculture), University of Cape Coast

Area of Research

I and my research team worked on ecophysiology of cocoa under a changed climate. The work aimed at clearing the debate on whether shade could reduce stress effects on cocoa under drought or elevated temperature. We looked at the physiological point of view where stress was imposed on cocoa plants using plastic sheet panels (in the case of water stress) and infra-red lamps (in the case of heat stress) and shade a means of ameliorating the effects. Data were taken on rate of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf water potential, soil moisture content and plant yield. We also monitored above and below canopy weather conditions of the cocoa plants and their effects on the physiological functions of the plant. Results from the work indicated shade having limited impacts on drought and elevated temperature. However, plants kept under shade showed increased physiological performances and yield than plants kept under full sun conditions. The research indicates the need of agroforestry to ensure growth and survival of cocoa plants under the changed climate. 

Papers from the Research 

1. Mensah, E. O., Asare, R. Vaast, P., Amoatey, C. A., Markussen, B, Owusu, K, Asitoakor, B. K. and Rabild A. (2022). Limited effects of heat and shade on cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) physiology. Environmental and Experimental Botany 201: 104983 
2. Mensah, E. O., Vaast, P., Asare, R. Amoatey, C. A., Owusu, K, Asitoakor, B. K. and Rabild A. (2022). Ecophysiology of cocoa under heat and drought stress. Book chapter (to be published) 
3. Mensah, E. O., Rabild A, Asare, R. Amoatey, C. A., Markussen, B, Owusu, K, Asitoakor, B. K. and Vaast, P. (2022). Physiological responses of 12-year cocoa plants to rainwater suppression and shade. Article (to be published) 

Experience at Denmark

I have had a semester stay at Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Denmark where I had time with international PhD students in the Science area. This has increased my network of information search. I was also oriented to the use of some physiological equipment such as CIRAS 3, Scholander Pressure Chamber and miniPAN and this is very important to the success of the project. A course on “Introductory Course for PhD Students” has widened my scope of dos and don’ts in scientific research.