Integrated management of Striga hermonthica in sorghum using a mycoherbicide and host plant resistance in the Nigerian Sudano‐Sahelian savanna
Year: 2004
Type: article
Abstract: Summary Striga hermonthica is a major biotic constraint to sorghum production in Nigeria, sometimes causing total yield loss. Recommendations for Striga management often include the use of cultural and agronomic practices, herbicides and host plant resistance when available. The use of biological control has not been commercialized. Fusarium oxysporum (isolate PSM 197)‐based mycoherbicide was used in combination with selected sorghums (the Striga‐resistant cultivar Samsorg 40, and the Striga tolerant landrace Yar'ruruka) as an Integrated Striga Management strategy (ISM) in on‐farm trials in the Sudano‐Sahelian savanna of Nigeria. Crop stands were significantly (P = 0.05) higher in ISM compared with non‐ISM plots on which the mycoherbicide was not applied. Similarly, ISM plots had significantly (P = 0.05) lower Striga counts than non‐ISM plots. Striga emergence was reduced by ISM by around 95%. Sorghum yields were 49.6% higher where integrated management was used. Cost benefit analysis of the ISM package shows that use of the mycoherbicide increased the profitability of sorghum production on Striga‐infested soils. Farmers’ preferences monitored during and after the trials highlighted the need for careful selection and integration of control components into an ISM package.
Source: Weed Research
Authors: P S Marley, D A Aba, J A Y Shebayan, R Musa, A Sanni
Institutions: Ahmadu Bello University, Institute for Agricultural Research
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W1987968166