Screening of Striga hermonthica seed germination stimulants from non-host crops (Soyabean, Cowpea and Groundnuts) for control efficacy

Abstract

Striga hermonthica (Del.) benth is a severe parasite on sorghum and a limiting factor in achieving optimum sorghum yields in infected areas in Africa. The parasite seeds are stimulated to germinate by root exudates from the host and non-host plants. This screen house study evaluated 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 showed that soyabean variety TGX1019-2EB, cowpea varieties IT04K-217-5 and IT04K-333-2 and groundnut variety Chico significantly (P ≤ 0.05) delayed Striga emergence than other varieties. Fewer Striga shoots was observed in soyabean variety TGX1448-2E and cowpea variety IT04K-217-5 at 8 WAS. But groundnut variety RMP-91 at 6 WAS rather showed fewer Striga count than other varieties. Sorghum grain yield was significantly (p ≥ 0.05) higher in soyabean variety TGX1448-2E, cowpea variety IT04K-339-1and groundnut variety RMP-91 compared to other varieties. It was concluded that Striga control and sorghum grain yield could be achieve if the above trap crops are use in intercropping system.