Effect of time of transplanting maize, mulching and interplanting Aeschynomene histrix Poiret on Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth management and grain yield of maize.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of time of transplanting, mulching and interplanting Aeschynomene histrix on Striga control in maize under the moist savanna agroecological zone of Nigeria. Transplanting maize at 20 DAS and alternate interplanting of A. histrix resulted in lower Striga shoot density. Transplanting maize at 15 DAS and alternate method of interplanting A. histrix resulted in lowest Striga shoots flowering. Transplanting maize at 10 DAS, application of 6 t ha-1 melon mulch and alternate method of interplanting A. histrix reduced maize syndrome reaction score to Striga. Direct seeding (0 DAS) and application of melon shells at 2 t ha-1 increased plants height and produced longer cobs. Cob weight and grain yield were significantly increased by transplanting time and mulching. Transplanting maize seedlings at 20 DAS with application of 6 t ha-1 melon mulch and adoption of alternate method of interplanting A. histrix can be used for effective Striga control and improved maize production in this agro-ecology of Nigeria.