Assessment of Management Options onStrigaInfestation and Maize Grain Yield in Kenya

Abstract

The parasitic purple witchweed [Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth.] is a serious constraint to maize production in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in poor soils. Various Striga spp. control measures have been developed, but these have not been assessed in an integrated system. This study was conducted to evaluate a set of promising technologies for S. hermonthica management in western Kenya. We evaluated three maize genotypes either intercropped with peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], or silverleaf desmodium [Desmodium uncinatum (Jacq.) DC] or as a sole crop at two locations under artificial S. hermonthica infestation and at three locations under natural S. hermonthica infestation between 2011 and 2013. Combined ANOVA showed significant (P < 0.05) cropping system and cropping system by environment interactions for most traits measured. Grain yield was highest for maize grown in soybean rotation (3,672 kg ha ) under natural infestation. Grain yield was highest for the Striga spp.-resistant hybrid under both methods of infestation. A lower number of emerged S. hermonthica plants per square meter were recorded at 10 and 12 wk after planting on maize grown under D. uncinatum in the artificial S. hermonthica infestation. A combination of herbicide-resistant maize varieties intercropped with legumes was a more effective method for S. hermonthica control than individualcomponent technologies. Herbicide-resistant and Striga spp.-resistant maize integrated with legumes would help reduce the Striga spp. seedbank in the soil. Farmers should be encouraged to adopt an integrated approach to control Striga spp. for better maize yields.

Identification and diversity of tropical maize inbred lines with resistance to common rust (Puccinia sorghi Schwein)

“…Maize is a source of both carbohydrates and protein for millions of people in ESA. Maize production in this region is affected by several biotic stresses including insect pests (Goergen, Kumar, Sankung, Togola, & Tamò, 2016; Kfir, Overholt, Khan, & Polaszek, 2002; Mugo et al., 2004), virus and foliar diseases (Kyetere et al., 1999; Mahuku et al., 2015; Marenya et al., 2018; Martin & Shepherd, 2009; Prasanna et al., 2020; Wangai et al., 2012), and parasitic weeds especially Striga hermonthica (Kanampiu et al., 2018). The major foliar diseases of economic importance in the mid‐altitude and highland ecologies of ESA are northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) caused by Exserohilum turcicum (Pass.)…”

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Maize Inbred Lines with Varying Levels of Resistance to Striga Hermonthica Using Agronomic Trait-Based and SNP Markers

“…Among the more than 40 known Striga species worldwide, Striga hermonthica [Del.] Benth is the most destructive, harmful, and widespread in SSA, causing significant yield loss in cereals [ 11 , 12 ]. S. hermonthica is a root hemiparasite plant that parasitizes its host and extracts water and essential nutrients from it, resulting in stunting, wilting, chlorosis, reduction in yield, and death of the host.…”

Enhancing maize production in a Striga infested environment through weed management practices, sowing date and improved crop varieties

“…It is thus suggested that the use of improved cultivars and appropriate sowing dates can help to control Striga infestation (Ekeleme et al, 2011). To reduce losses in maize yield due to Striga infestation, the use of tolerant or resistant varieties has been suggested (Kanampiu et al, 2018). Progress has been made by researchers in maize breeding in the area of identifying genotypes that are tolerant or resistant to Striga (Kanampiu et al, 2018;Adesina and Akinwale, 2014).…”

“…To reduce losses in maize yield due to Striga infestation, the use of tolerant or resistant varieties has been suggested (Kanampiu et al, 2018). Progress has been made by researchers in maize breeding in the area of identifying genotypes that are tolerant or resistant to Striga (Kanampiu et al, 2018;Adesina and Akinwale, 2014). It is practicable and compatible with the low-cost input technology of the resource-poor farmer (Kamara et al, 2014).…”