Striga asiatica L. Moench Management in Sorghum bicolor L. Moench using Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources in Zimbabwe
Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: Background and Objective: Management of Striga asiatica is a challenge under Zimbabweʼs small holder sector.The aim was to determine the effects of quantities of diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer and cattle manure on Striga infestation of the two sorghum varieties: Tsweta and Macia common to Zimbabwe.Methodology: A 2×2×3 factorial experiment laid down as a completely randomized design was set up in a controlled environment at Henderson Research Station in Zimbabwe.The first factor was variety at two levels: Macia and Tsweta, fertiliser at two levels: Diammonium phosphate and cattle manure.Results: The results indicated that the rates of 320 and 160 kg haG 1 of diammonium phosphate reduced Striga asiatica emergence by 13 and 11 weeks, respectively.The application of DAP reduced Striga asiatica attachments and the reduction was higher in Tsweta than Macia cultivar.In contrast, the different rates of manure had no effect (p>0.05) on Striga attachments.Contrary to the stunted growth in control pots DAP increased growth of sorghum under infestations.There were varietal differences in the response of sorghum to manure application.Conclusion: The DAP offered protection to the sorghum cultivars from Striga asiatica during the early stages of growth.The DAP can thus protect sorghum from the Striga scourge even when applied at half the conventional rate.Infested sorghum gave higher yields when fertilized by both DAP and cattle manure although the increase was greater on DAP compared to manure.Manure also protects sorghum from Striga but to a lesser extent when compared to DAP.
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2968929596