Striga control—technologies and their dissemination

Abstract Striga spp. are endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa and pose one of the most severe biological constraints to cereal production in low-potential areas. Although the level of Striga infestation and damage is increasing, farmers rarely adopt Striga control methods. The paper discusses various Striga control methods for their effectiveness and adoption potential by small-scale farmers. It further addresses the specific constraints to the adoption of improved farming techniques in low-potential areas. A Striga control program in western Kenya is presented, which tackled various aspects of the development of a Striga control strategy, including adapted control methods, training materials and concepts for farmers and extension agents, the implementation of technology diffusion approaches and the implementation of stakeholder fora to raise awareness.

[1]  J. Sauerborn,et al.  Transplanting maize and sorghum reduces Striga hermonthica damage , 2001, Weed Science.

[2]  A. Oswald,et al.  Response of maize varieties to transplanting in Striga-infested fields , 2002, Weed Science.

[3]  A. Carson.  Effect of intercropping sorghum and groundnuts on density of Striga hermonthica in The Gambia , 1989 .

[4]  M. Schiavon,et al.  Influence du degré de décomposition de produits organiques surla germination de graines de Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth , 1990 .

[5]  J. Sauerborn,et al.  Intercropping controls Striga in maize based farming systems , 2002 .

[6]  F. F. Bebawi.  Intraspecific Physiological Variants of Striga hermonthica , 1981, Experimental Agriculture.

[7]  E. Ayensu.  Striga: Biology and Control , 1985 .

[8]  J. Ransom.  Long-term approaches for the control of Striga in cereals: field management options , 2000 .

[9]  J. Ransom,et al.  Genetic Variability For Resistance to Striga asiatica in Maize , 1990 .

[10]  F. Below,et al.  Role of Nitrogen in Resistance to Striga Parasitism of Maize , 1993 .

[11]  S. K. Kim,et al.  Breeding maize for Striga resistance. , 1992 .

[12]  S. K. Kim.  Combating striga in Africa , 1991 .

[13]  H. Doggett.  Striga : its biology and control; an overview , 1983 .

[14]  F. W. Andrews.  The parasitism of Striga hermonthica Benth on leguminous plants. , 1947, The Annals of applied biology.

[15]  J. Sauerborn,et al.  Microorganisms of Striga hermonthica in Northern Ghana with Potential as Biocontrol Agents , 1995 .

[16]  C. Parker.  Protection of crops against parasitic weeds , 1991 .

[17]  H. Doggett.  Striga hermonthica on sorghum in East Africa , 1965, The Journal of Agricultural Science.

[18]  J. Ransom,et al.  Stimulation of Striga hermonthica germination by plant species indigenous to Eastern Africa , 1997 .

[19]  A. Oswald,et al.  Striga control and improved farm productivity using crop rotation , 2001 .

[20]  R. Carsky,et al.  Suppression of Striga hermonthica on Sorghum Using a Cowpea Intercrop , 1994, Experimental Agriculture.

[21]  R. Eplee,et al.  Chemical control of Striga. , 1987 .

[22]  W. L. Watt.  Control of Striga Weed in Nyanza Province, Kenya , 1936 .

[23]  J. Sauerborn.  Parasitic flowering plants: ecology and management. , 1991 .

[24]  C. R. Riches,et al.  Parasitic Weeds of the World: Biology and Control , 1993 .

[25]  S. Kim,et al.  Responses of maize inbreds during development of Striga hermonthica infestation1 , 1999 .

[26]  D. Berner,et al.  Striga research and control: a perspective from Africa , 1995 .

[27]  L. Musselman,et al.  Striga control under peasant farming conditions. , 1987 .

[28]  J. Sauerborn,et al.  Studies on the potential for improved fallow using trees and shrubs to reduce Striga infestations in Kenya , 1996 .

[29]  J. Ransom,et al.  Effect of Dicamba on the control of Striga hermonthica in maize in Western Kenya , 1993 .

[30]  F. Kanampiu,et al.  Imazapyr and pyrithiobac movement in soil and from maize seed coats to control Striga in legume intercropping , 2002 .