Effect of selected non-host crop plant for induction of Striga hermonthica seeds germination

Abstract

Striga (witchweed) is one of the most important pests that affect food production in the tropics. Striga prodigious seed production, prolonged viability of the seeds and the subterranean nature of the early stages of parasitism may result in complete crop loss under the worst of conditions.The parasite seeds are stimulated to germinate by root exudates from the host and non-host plants, however, legume cultivars vary in their ability to stimulate germination of S. hermonthica seed of same or different populations. A two year trial was conducted to evaluate the Striga hermonthica seeds germination stimulants from three non-host crop (soyabean, cowpea and groundnut) for control efficacy. Results in the 2013 and 2014 combined analysis interaction effect showed that Soyabean varieties TGX 1448-2E , Cowpea varieties IT04K-217- 55 and Groundnut variety RMP-91 gave the best performance , They supported fewer Striga count, produced taller sorghum plant height and higher grain yield compared to other varieties. It could be concluded that Striga control and higher grain yield could be achieve if the above trap crops are use in intercropping system.