High Yield Cultivation and Pest Control Technology of Cashew

In order to enhance the yield and quality of cashew,it is essential to implement high-yield cultivation techniques effectively throughout the production process.Additionally,pest control measures should be employed to provide technical support for the industrialized development of cashew.

Life Cycle Assessment of Cashew Nutshell Briquettes Produced in Côte d’Ivoire

Now one of the main cash crops in Côte d’Ivoire, the cashew tree feeds an entire industrial sector based on the processing of its fruit. This processing generates a large volume of waste, consisting of cashew nutshells, the management of which poses environmental problems. With the aim of replacing charcoal and firewood with more environmentally friendly fuels, several studies are currently being carried out into the optimal use of cashew shells in fuel briquettes. To assess the environmental sustainability of these briquettes, this study calculates the environmental impacts associated with their life cycle, compares them with those of charcoal and firewood, and identifies the processes that contribute most to environmental pollution, with a view to improving them. Analysis of the results showed that cashew nutshell briquettes emit a range of pollutants over their life cycle that damage the environment and are responsible for the 7 impact categories considered: acidification, eutrophication, freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity, global warming, human toxicity, photochemical oxidation and terrestrial ecotoxicity potential. However, they are more environmentally friendly than charcoal and firewood for 5 impact categories: freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity, global warming, human toxicity, photochemical oxidation and terrestrial ecotoxicity potential. The 3 elementary processes, i.e. transport of biomass raw materials, production, and combustion of briquettes, emit pollutants that contribute most to the creation of environmental impact categories. The most relevant pollutants are nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM).

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Essential Oil Extracts in the Control of Termites (Isoptera: Termitidae) in Cashew Orchards in Badikaha (Côte d’Ivoire)

Cashew tree has gradually moved from a purely ecological aspect to a socio-economic one, due to the marketing of its nuts. But production per area, estimated at between 424 and 547 kg/ha, remains low, in contrast to India (2nd largest producer) and Vietnam (3rd largest producer), whose yields range from 1000 to 1500 and 2000 to 2500 kg/ha respectively. This low yield is due to a number of factors, among which insect pests are the most damaging. Among these insects, termites are considered to be one of the main pests of cashew trees. The general objective of this study is to contribute to termite management through the use of bioinsecticides, an alternative to the use of chemicals in cashew orchards. Five (5) biological products were tested: Limocide, Carapa oil, Neem oil, Kitana and Kaskara. Among them, two products proved effective, with a mortality rate of over 50%. These were Limocide, whose LC50 was obtained in 24 h at a dose of 3.6 g/ml and 3.1 g/ml , giving a mortality rate of 57.66% ± 4.04% and 51.33 ± 2.08 respectively , and Carapa, at a dose of 4.5 g/ml, with an estimated mortality rate of 52.33% ± 1.52%. Such results have demonstrated the potential application of Limocide and Carapa biopesticides to sustainably control termites in cashew orchards of Côte d’Ivoire.

Fungal Flora on Weeds in the Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Orchard in Côte d’Ivoire

Since 2015, Côte d’Ivoire has been the world’s largest cashew producer. However, cashew orchards in Côte d’Ivoire are infected by fungal diseases that weaken production. And the contribution of weeds to the spread of these diseases is not yet understood. This study was initiated with the aim of establishing the role of weeds in the proliferation of pathogenic fungi in orchards. It consisted of a survey of weeds showing disease symptoms in cashew orchards in Côte d’Ivoire from February 2021 to July 2022. The itinerant method was used for the weed inventory. Symptomatic leaves were collected and sent to the laboratory for diagnosis on PDA (Potatoes Dextrose Agar) medium. In total, 50 species in 46 genera and 23 families were recorded. Laboratory diagnosis of the samples showed that 80% of the weeds identified harboured pathogenic fungi. The highest infection rates were obtained on Danielia oliveri R. (99.33% to 100%), Vitellaria paradoxa G. (100%), Pterocarpus erinaceus P. (83.91% to 99.33%), Micuna pruriens L. (98.33% to 100%) and Isoberlinia doka C. et S. (56.33% to 100%). The diagnosis revealed the presence of Lasiodiplodia sp, Colletotrichum sp, Pestalotia sp, Alternaria sp and Curvularia sp on weeds in the cashew orchard in Côte d’Ivoire.

Some Processing Steps and Uses of Cashew Apples: A Review

In addition to the cashew nut, which is the main product, the cashew tree also produces the cashew apple which is considered a by-product. The cashew apple has a high nutritional potential. Indeed, it is rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, dietary fibers, vitamins, sugars and mineral elements where are essential for human nutrition. In addition to its nutritional quality, the cashew apple has technological advantages: the edible part of the fruit is between 85% and 100% higher than that of other traditional tropical fruits, and its juicy and sweet flesh is free of seeds or pits. In addition, very large volumes are available. As a result, the development of this fruit represents a considerable economic challenge. This paper first presents the cultivation of cashew trees and the bibliography of the work done on cashew juice. The favorable conditions for cashew tree cultivation and the planting method were presented. Then, the study highlights the work done on the physicochemical characteristics of cashew apples, the effect of the growing area, the variety and the stage of maturity on its characteristics. It also shows the influence of the processing steps on the nutritional value and organoleptic quality of the cashew apple;as well as the methods of clarification, stabilization, concentration and dehydration. Some uses of cashew apple were reviewed: beverage, food, substrate, bioethanol, nutraceutical, food additive and agro materials.

Production of Cashew Apple Wine Enriched with Hibiscus sabdariffa Extracts

This study focuses on enhancing the value of agricultural products by developing a process to produce wine from cashew apples enriched with extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa. The formulation consisted of a blend of cashew apple juice and Hibiscus calyxes in a ratio of 90:10 (w/w). The Hibiscus calyxes were added at three different stages: before, during, and after fermentation. The physico-chemical analysis of the resulting wines revealed a pH range of 3.073 ± 0.005 to 3.583 ± 0.015 and acidity levels ranging from 4.018 ± 0.028 to 5.628 ± 0.059 g/L. The alcoholic strength ranged from 13.54% ± 0.036% to 13.86% ± 0.04%, with a soluble dry extract of 7.2 ± 0.25 to 8.1 ± 0.28 °B. Regardless of the stage of Hibiscus calyx addition, the fermentation kinetics and physico-chemical parameters met the standards set for wines.

Waste Cashew Apple (Anacardium occidentale) as Feedstock for Simultaneous Production of Two Main Ecofriendly Fuels

The present work investigated an effective low-cost production of bioethanol by the use of rejected cashew apples (CAs) in Ivorian plantations. Fresh CAs were cut into 8-10 mm slices and submitted to a drying cycle of two periods (for the sake of easing their rehydration) in an oven with forced air convection. Temperature was first set at 30˚C for 3 hours, and then raised at 50˚C until constant weight. Drying brought about 82% weight loss, and the dried slices were rehydrated in a ratio of 1:4 (w/v) in warm distilled water to reconstitute a 10 Brix degree (˚B) juice with 1.042 g/cm3 density. The sugar content of the juice was increased to 20˚B (syrup) by thermal evaporation. The process was optimized using a response surface methodology (RSM) by applying a central composite plan in order to minimize heat-sensitive compound degradation. The optimal operating conditions for temperature and time of heating were precisely 68,239˚C and 83,314 min, respectively. The commercial baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used to seed the 20˚B cashew apple syrup following a batch fermentation at 30˚C. The total alcohol content recorded after 24 hours was 8.24% ± 0.11% made up of almost 97% of ethanol and isobutanol (a higher alcohol). Analysis of alcoholic profiles by flam ionization detector-gas chromatography (GC-FID) showed an ethanol content of 3.92% and an almost similar but higher quantity of isobutanol (4.05%) with the latter being a by-product. As bio-based isobutanol attracts more and more attention due to its wide application and excellent fuel performance as compared to ethanol, it emerged from this study that neglected cashew apples can be successfully employed as valuable raw material for the simultaneous production of both biofuels currently used as sustainable sources of renewable energy.

Local Knowledge of Farmer Communities in the Use of Organic Fertilizers to Increase Cashew Production in Buton Utara Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Local knowledge has an important role in agricultural practices.This study aims to describe the local knowledge of farming communities about the use of organic fertilizers as a strategy to increase cashew production in Buton Utara Regency,Southeast Celebes,Indonesia.The research method used is a qualitative approach with data collection techniques using in-depth interviews and observation.The research results showed that the farming community in this area has in-depth local knowledge of how to make and apply effective organic fertilizers sourced from the surrounding natural environment.However,there are challenges in access to the organic materials needed and constraints in the widespread implementation of organic fertilizers.This study recommends strengthening education and training programs to increase farmers’awareness and skills in using organic fertilizers.

Collection and Preservation of Cashew Germplasms Resources Research Progress in China

The cashew tree is a typical tropical nut tree species in China, and the collection, identification and innovated utilization of excellent cashew germplasm resources are of great significance to increase the income of farmers and agricultural benefits in the tropical area of China. This study summarized the major advances on cashew germplasm resources in China, analyzed the major research progress and existing problems from the aspects of the collection and evaluation, resistances, genetic diversity of cashew germplasm resources, and put forward the work ideas to analyze the construction of core germplasm bank and the genetic stability of the major biological characteristics of cashew germplasm resources, which were of important significance for the improvement of the cultivar classification and resource evaluation system of cashew germplasm resources in China.

Distribution of Fe, Mn and Cu Contents in Cashew Leaves

[Objective] The aim was to find out the distribution of Fe, Mn and Cu contents in cashew leaves. [Method] Using the cashew orchard with stable yield in Hainan as the objects, the sampling sites were arranged systematically, and all leaf samples were collected during the annual growth period, so as to analyze the con- tents of trace elements of Fe, Mn and Cu in cashew leaves, as well as to clarify the distribution rules of Fe, Mn and Cu contents in cashew leaves. [Result] The contents of Fe, Mn and Cu in cashew leaves were related with the annual growing period that in October, when the growth of cashew tree became active to accumu- late nutrients for the following bud differentiation and fruit growth, the contents of trace elements in the leaves increased gradually, while in March of the next year, when the fruit-setting consumed a large amount of nutrients, the contents of trace elements in the leaves decreased gradually. [Conclusion] This study provided ideas for the management of nutrients in cashew.

Research on Crown Grafting of Seedling Cashew Trees

Objective] The study was aimed to improve the yield and quality of cashew. [Method] Through the comparative analysis, the survival rate, new germi-nation and yield characteristics of the cutting stems with different heights by stem grafting and bark grafting. [Result] The best cutting stem height of cashew should be in 100-150 cm, when the number of new germinated shoots was 85.5-87.7. Stem grafting could significantly improve the survival rate of the shooting branch （92.7%）, growth condition of which was better than that of bark grafting, and it also had no clip cortex. The yield of stem grafting was significantly higher than that of bark grafting, and it could reach up to 18.1 kg/plant in 4 years. The branches from stem grafting had significantly better ability in resisting the wind damage than those from bark grafting. [Conclusion] The study provided references for the crown grafting of cashew planting in China.

Improvement of Cashew Apple Juice (<i>Anacardium occidentale</i>L.) by Association with Passion Fruit Juice (<i>Passiflora edulis</i>)

Despite many advantages, the many technologies studied to eliminate astringency from cashew apple juice are not all accessible and not adopted by processors due to the lack of financial means to access these sophisticated technologies. Thus, the formulation of mixed juice based on cashew apple juice and passion fruit juice has proved to be a way of adding value to the cashew apple, a co-product of the production of the nut. After the formulation of the mixed juice in different proportions and the sensory evaluation, it appears that the juice of formulation E is more appreciated by the tasters. Indeed, this juice has preferred sensory characteristics in terms of color (6.90), flavor (5.47), odor (6.42), settling (6.28) and overall acceptance (6.53). These characteristics are similar to those of passion fruit juice in terms of color, odor, and overall acceptance, where the latter obtained scores of 6.94, 7.17 and 6.00 respectively;and also, to those of cashew apple juice in terms of flavor and decanting, where the latter obtained scores of 5.19 and 6.14 respectively. Therefore, the addition of passion fruit juice to cashew apple juice results in a new product that is more appreciated when mixed with proportions of 90 mL of passion fruit juice and 10 mL of cashew apple juice. For example, passion fruit juice, due to its color, flavor, and odor, has helped reduce the pronounced astringency of raw cashew apple juice. Ultimately, formulation E is recommended to improve the organoleptic value of cashew apple juice.

Potentials of NPK and Organic Fertilizers on Growth Performance of Cashew （Anacardium occidentale L,） Seedlings on Degraded Typic Alfisol Soils in Ibadan, Nigeria

Sequel to complaints by cashew farmers on poor establishment rate of cashew seedlings on rehabilitated moribund cashew plantations in south western Nigeria, a fertilizer trial involving the use of organic materials （cow-dung, poultry droppings, cocoa and kola pod husks） compared to NPK and control （no fertilizer） treatments was conducted on the growth performance of cashew seedlings at Ibadan, Nigeria. The fertilizers were applied to supply 15 g N seedlingl in 3 replications. Cashew seedling growth parameters and dry matter yield were determined. Fertilizers resulted to consistently general higher plant height, girth, number of leaves and leaf area compared to NPK and control. The differences in the mean values were however not significantly different for girth but it was significant （P 〈 0.5） for plant height, number of leaves and leaf area, while there was no particular regular trend for plant number of branches. Plant root lengths were significantly higher using the organic fertilizers than NPK and control. Similar trend was obtained in the dry weight values for plant leaf, stem, root and total dry matter yield. There was however no consistent significant effect on NPK usage over control for all the parameters. It was therefore deduced that optimal growth performance and better establishment of cashew seedlings could be obtained with the use of organic fertilizers rather than inorganic fertilizer. The use of cocoa pod husk followed by cow-dung and poultry droppings were outstanding in better growth and dry matter yield performance of cashew seedlings and were advised for this purpose.

Synthesis of Poly(APP-co-EGDMA) Particles Using Monomers Derived from Cashew Nut Shell Liquid for the Removal of Cr(III) from Aqueous Solutions

This work was aimed at synthesizing Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) based polymer particles for adsorption of Cr(III) ions from aqueous solutions. Natural CNSL was used as a starting material in synthesizing amino pentadecylphenols (APP). This was achieved through isolating anacardic acid from the CNSL via calcium anacardate procedure, followed by hydrogenation of the alkenyl side chains, and subsequently decarboxylating the product to form 3-pentadecylphenol, which was then nitrated and reduced to a mixture of APP. APP were co-polymerized with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) to form poly(APP-co-EGDMA) particles. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by Fourier Transform IR and 1H-NMR. The co-polymer particles were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to establish their morphological properties. The prepared co-polymer particles were found to have-NH loading of 46 mmol/g and a maximum adsorption capacity for Cr(III) ions of 16 mg per g of dry polymer particles. The spent polymer particles were recoverable and reusable.

Disparities in Agricultural Practices According to Cashew Nut Production Regions in Côte d’Ivoire and Probable Incidence on Nut Quality

Improving the quality of agricultural products depends largely on production process. In the absence of data on farmers’ practices and the average quality of cashew nuts in Côte d’Ivoire, the present study aimed to provide a detailed description of the cashew nut production process. Thus, a survey was carried out in the zones of Mankono, Dabakala and Bondoukou among 386 cashew producers selected at random and interviewed using the face-to-face technique. The results revealed that intercropping was practiced in cashew cultivation (42% - 62% of the producers), modern cultivation technique (72% - 98% of the producers) but with rare use of selected seeds (8% - 20% of the producers), labour/ha during nut harvesting (2.6 - 12 workers/ha). Concerning the harvesting process, the time taken to pick the nuts varies from 1 to 14 days;the use of pesticides during harvesting (14% to 97% of the producers) and the absence of sorting of the nuts in 42% of the Mankono producers justify the probable conservation of defective and immature nuts in their production. For drying, the main dryers were the slatted table, the cemented surface and the tarpaulin, but other dryers were found such as the mosquito net, the propylene rice bag, the fertiliser bag and the black bag. Generally, the drying time of cashew nuts was very short: 2 days (43% - 77% of the producers interviewed) but surprisingly 1 day (7% - 27% of the producers interviewed). For Mankono, the use of chemicals was permanent during all stages of the cashew production process. Overall, the results suggest the need to assess the real impact of farmers’ practices on the quality of cashew nuts from Côte d’Ivoire.

Influence of <i>Ocimum gratissium</i>Leaves Supplement on Growth Indices and Blood Constituents of Goats Fed Sweet Potato Peels with Cashew Nut Shell

The study was carried out to determine the influence of sweet potato peels and cashew nut shell supplemented with Ocimum gratissium leaves, using growth indices and blood constituents by goats. Eighteen goats with an average weight of 8.11 kg and aged between 8 and 9 months old were allotted to three dietary treatments with six animals per treatment in a complete randomized design. The compared diets which comprised combination of sweet potato peels and cashew nut shell with concentrate respectively were in different ratios which included diet I (30:25:45), diet II (25:30:45) and diet III (20:35:45). Each goat also received 8 grams of Ocimum gratissium leaves as supplement in the diet. The results showed that average feed intake (6.42 kg) and fed conversion ratio (2.15) were highest in diet I and significantly different from other diets. Diet II had the highest significant (P 3/L), lymphocytes (56.01%), monocytes (1.06%), total protein (7.65 g/dl), albumin (3.58 g/dl), globulin (4.07 g/dl) and triglyceride (2.29 mmol/L). White blood cell (7.01 × 103/L), neutrophils (49.82%), cholesterol (42.34 mmol/L), creatnine (1.59 mg/dl) and urea (18.29 mg/dl) were (P < 0.05) best in diet III, whereas initial bodyweight, average daily weight gain, eosinophils and basophils were not significantly different (P < 0.05). It is concluded that diet II has the potential to enhance growth rate and blood constituents of goats.

The Overview and Prospects for Production and Marketing of Cashew Nut in the World

In this article,we analyze the cultivation and production of cashew in the world during the period 2005-2010,and make a concrete analysis of the import and export trade of cashew nut in the world in recent years.In particular,we give an overview of the production and trade in major producing countries of cashew such as Vietnam and India.Finally,we analyze the nutritional value,pharmaceutical and industry role of cashew nut,and look into the future of development of the cashew nut industry in the world.

Effects of Cashew Seeds Storage Duration on Germination and Performance of Seedlings in Tanzania

A field trial was set in 2018/2019 season to investigate the capacity of cashew seeds to germinate and its vegetative performance with respect to the storage period at Agricultural Research Institute-(TARI-Naliendele), Mtwara-Tanzania. The variable investigated was the duration of the cashew seeds storage period. Cashew seeds were harvested at polyclonal seed gardens (PSG) for three harvesting seasons 2016, 2017 and 2018 consecutively;seeds were sorted, weighed and soaked before sowing to test viability in respective to storage time. Using a randomized complete block design obeying factorial approach the experiment was laid with three replications. The observed growth parameters were height (cm), number of leaves, leaf length (cm), leaf width (cm), leaf area (sq cm), leaf area index (LAI), canopy diameter (cm) and seedlings canopy ground area (sq cm). The analysis was done by using GenStat under Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) on seed germination. The findings indicated that cashew seeds harvested in 2018 were the superior in both germination and growth vigor differing significantly (p < 0.05) from other seeds harvested in the previous years. Cashew seeds harvested in 2017 were weak and those harvested in 2016 were the worse such that no seeds were able even to germinate. Thus, it is recommendable to sow cashew seeds harvested at the current season for sowing than those stored for more than a year.

Evaluation of Potential Cashew Clones for Utilization in Ghana

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L) is an important cash crop cultivated by about 3 million households in Africa and serves as the livelihood for many African farmers, especially Ghana. Despite the importance of cashew as a commodity crop with increasing cultivation in Northern Ghana, the crop is challenged with problems such as, low and variable nut yields, low kernel out turn percentage and susceptibility to insect pests as a result of establishing cashew farms with unselected seeds. In order to address the challenges, the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana established a clonal evaluation trial in Northern Ghana (dry savanna vegetation) to indentify promising clones for subsequent distribution to cashew farmers as an interim measure. The trials consisted of ten different clones planted in Randomised Completed Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. Parameters evaluated were yield, yield efficiency, nut weight, percentage out turn and canopy area. Data analysis was performed with Gen Stat version 11.0 and the results revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) in the performance of the clones in all the parameters considered. Such differences allowed the identification of promising clones over other clones tested. A few clones combined two or three traits (parameters) which were significantly different from the rest of the clones evaluated. No single clone was found to be significantly different from the rest in terms of all the parameters considered. However a greater proportion of the clones were found to produce yields far above average yields recorded by unselected cashew trees in farmers’ fields. Clones W266 and W278 seem outstanding for most of the parameters considered, though not exclusive.

The Influence of Organic Manure and Biochar on Cashew Seedling Performance, Soil Properties and Status

A nursery experiment was conducted at Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria to evaluate the impact of manure on cashew seedlings. Treatments consisted of biochar, compost, combination of biochar + compost and a control. Treatments were applied at rate of 0 g (control), 5 g compost, 5 g biochar and 2.5 g each of biochar and compost combination into 5 kg soil in pots, laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The experiment was monitored for four months in the greenhouse. Data were collected on number of leaves, plant height, stem girth, soil nutrient composition and nutrient uptake, all analyzed using analysis of variance. The treated soils were also assayed on Potato Dextrose Agar for associated mycoflora. The study showed that the soil PH, N, P, K, Ca and Mg were equally enhanced significantly relative to the control, while Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Beauverie, Penicillium, Lasiodiplodia and Rhizopus cultured treated soils shows that Trichoderma harzianum and Beauverie bassiana were significantly higher in combination of biochar and compost treated soil and posed that their bio-control potential is coupled with soil fertility enhancement characteristics. The results also indicate that stem girth and number of leaves were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) different with respect to applied treatment at the first month after treatments application. The leaf area was not enhances with the application of biochar. Combination of biochar + compost significantly enhanced number of leaves and stem girth at the 4th and 12th weeks after planting. Similarly leaf K and P uptake were significantly (<0.05) increased by the application of organic compost and biochar irrespective of whether combined or not compared to the control seedlings. The effect of biochar and compost on cashew leaf Ca and Mg uptake were not significantly different from the control but had a higher value relative to the control. It could therefore be recommended that addition of compost and biochar for sustainable production of cashew seedlings in the nursery be embraced by prospective cashew farmers and seedlings distribution in Nigeria.