Summary Germination of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Bentth seeds in response to the strigol analogue GR 24 was strongly influenced by soil moisture prior to, at, or after, stimulation. Exposure of seeds to excessive soil moisture contents (70% w/w) during conditioning resulted in a low response to GR 24. Transfer of Seeds from soil at 70% moisture to a lower moisture level (47%) for 2 days or more improved the response to GR 24 (37–58% germination), white air‐drying restored germination (88%). In Gezira soil the optimum soil moisture contents for maximum response to GR 24 were 44, 38 and 40% during conditioning, stimulation and germination, respectively. The corresponding figures for the sandy soil were 20, 22 and 22%, respectively. Persistence of GR 24 was similar in both soil types, but was strongly influenced by soil moisture content. The stimulant was stable in air‐dry soil, but a rapid loss was encountered in moist soil.

This paper presents a comparative analysis of current trends in financing of main food crops in the public irrigated schemes of the River Nile State (RNS) and analyzes various agricultural credit mechanisms that have been used in the State. It aims to explore the plausible framework in order to increase agricultural outputs and farmers returns in the area of study. It was on this basis the research undertook Elzeidab scheme of RNS as a case study. Primary data was collected by using structured questionnaires for (70) randomly selected respondents from Elzeidab scheme. Statistical analysis has been employed to assess current situation in financing of main food crops in the scheme. The paper unveiled that these crops are described as low value crops. Also, it revealed that the formal finance is characterized as inefficient to serve the target part of farmers while the informal one is limited to cover the farmer' expenditures. The paper concluded that, the credit market in RNS is not well developed and the majority of households (93%) have no access to formal financial institutions. This allows the recommendation to be drawn that improving finance institutions will enable the tenants to improve their farm resources use.

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PurposeThe paper aims to study the economics of marketing of food legume crops in the River Nile State of Sudan. MethodologyThe study depend mainly on primary data which was collected by using structured questionnaires for (70) randomly selected respondents through probability proportional method from Elzeidab public irrigated scheme of River Nile State as a case study. Descriptive statistical technique has been employed to achieve the objectives of the study. FindingsThe paper revealed that agricultural marketing system in the area of study suffered from numerous chronic constraints. ValueThe study concluded that stability and improvement of food legume crops marketing system contribute significantly to farm sustainability and alleviates malnutrition in the River Nile State. However, the actual marketing constraints restrict the sustainability of these important crops. So, the cooperation between international organizations and governmental institutions should tackle the hindrances of food legume crops marketing system in the River Nile State.

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