A bio-economic model of long-run Striga control with an application to subsistence farming in Mali

A bio-economic model of Striga control is developed and applied to Mali's Mourdiah Zone. Various constraints are added, and optimal production practices identified based on Striga infestation levels, rainfall levels, and economic parameters. Model optimization suggests efforts to suppress Striga with nitrogen applications are both expensive and risky. The efficacy of hand-pulling Striga in reducing the Striga seedbank depends on Striga infestation levels and climatic conditions, as does the profitability of hiring labour to expand cultivated acreage. Under all climatic conditions and infestation levels considered, millet in a pure stand generated greater expected net returns than a millet - groundnut or millet - cowpea association. Under conditions of low rainfall, the model suggests planting millet at a density of 0.5 hills m^?2. With average or higher rainfall, the model suggests planting millet at a density of 3.5 hills m^?2. Estimates of Striga-induced net revenue losses also vary with climatic conditions, ranging from 6% to 85%. Model results are encouraged to be used as a guide in the design and evaluation of research and extension programmes aimed at identifying long-run Striga control strategies and promoting their adoption.     

Striga seed avoidance by deep planting and no-tillage in sorghum and maize

The possibility of reducing Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. parasitism in severely infested fields, by means of deep planting - thereby reducing the root length in the upper layers of the soil where Striga seeds are predominantly found - was tested in field trials with maize and sorghum in western Kenya. Sorghum seeds were planted in Striga-infested fields approximately 2.5 cm deep in the soil or at the bottom of conically-shaped plant holes (15-20 cm deep). Depth of plant holes for maize varied from 0 to 30 cm, in un-tilled soil. Deep planting in un-tilled soil gave higher (up to double) grain yields, compared with standard planting in tilled soil. Parasite emergence was related negatively to planting depth of maize (p< 0.05). Deep planting in tilled soil gave 74% more sorghumgrain yield relative to standard planting. In this treatment Striga seed production was not reduced but in un-tilled fields with deeply planted sorghum Striga seed production was completely suppressed. Therefore, a combination of zero-tillage and deep planting seems to be the most effective treatment. The probable mechanism causing these results is avoidance of Striga seed by the host root system, resulting in a delay in the onset of Striga attachment and the formation of smaller numbers of attachments.     

Effects of host plant genotype and seedbank density on Striga reproduction

Prevention of seed input to the seedbank of Striga hermonthica‐infested fields is an important objective of Striga management. In three consecutive years of field experimentation in Mali, Striga reproduction was studied for 10 sorghum genotypes at infestation levels ranging from 30 000 to 200 000 seeds m^?2. Host resistance was identified as an important determinant of Striga reproduction, with the most resistant genotypes (N13, IS9830 and SRN39) reducing Striga reproduction by 70–93% compared with the most susceptible genotype (CK60‐B). Seedbank density had a significant effect on Striga seed production. Higher seedbank density resulted in more Striga plants, which led to increased intra‐specific competition and consequently a reduced level of reproduction per plant. For the most susceptible sorghum genotypes, density dependence also occurred in the earlier belowground stages. Striga reproduction continued beyond harvest. At the high infestation level just 8% of the total reproduction was realised after harvest, whereas at the low infestation level 39% was attained after harvest. Even though host‐plant genotype plays a significant role in Striga reproduction, calculations indicated that only at very low infestation levels the use of the most resistant genotype was able to lower the Striga seedbank.     

Nematodes

Abstract

Studies were carried out on farms to evaluate potential control practices which could be constituted into a package of recommendations for the control of Striga hermonthica in the Gambia. ICSV 1002, a variety of sorghum, was identified as being relatively more tolerant to Striga and to the common insect pests of sorghum. Spot treatment of emerged Striga shoots with 2% solution of product paraquat using a pistol‐grip hand sprayer was found to control Striga without stimulating regrowth, improved yields and was more acceptable and cost‐effective than handpulling of the shoots in early millet and sorghum. Where there might be objections to the use of paraquat because of its toxicity hazards, a mixture of 2,4‐D (1 % soln.) plus glyphosate (1 % soln.) or 2,4‐D (2% soln.) was a useful substitute. A tentative control package consisting of ICSV 1002, spot spraying of Striga shoots with paraquat, and side dressing of urea fertilizer at 30 kg N/ha at 4 w.a.p. was tested at two sites against farmers’ practice on pilot scale. Infestation of Striga was reduced and yields were increased by 119% and 37% by the package at the two sites.     

Farmers' perspectives on the biotic constraint of Striga hermonthica and its control in western Kenya

Witchweed, Striga hermonthica (hereafter, referred to as “Striga”), is a major biotic constraint to cereal production in sub‐Saharan Africa. The parasitic plant is a socioeconomic problem that has forced some resource‐poor farmers to abandon their farms due to high infestation. This study was designed in order to elucidate farmers' perceptions of Striga control measures and to determine their potential adoption in two villages in western Kenya. Participatory rural appraisals and individual interviews were conducted in 2009 and 2010 in a sample of 128 and 120 households in Kaura and Kogweno‐Oriang villages in Homabay and Rachuonyo districts, respectively. The results revealed that crop production was the main occupation in most households. The farmers identified Striga as one of the major constraints to maize, sorghum, and finger millet production. According to the farmers, the most popular control measures were hand‐pulling, crop rotation, and intercropping, even though rotational systems might need a longer timeframe to reduce the soil seed bank of Striga. Although the level of Striga infestation and damage were increasing in the farmers' fields, the adoption of the control options was limited. The reason for the low adoption level of the control methods by the farmers is because they are “too risky” as there is no guarantee of a direct pay‐off in increased crop yield. Farmer‐led evaluation and adaptation of the various Striga control technologies in real‐life situations will facilitate the choice of appropriate options and facilitate their uptake.     

Spatial modelling indicates Striga seedbank density dependence on rainfall and soil traits in the savannas of northern Nigeria

Striga is one of most notorious weeds devastating crop production in the dry savannas of northern Nigeria. The weed attacks most cultivated cereals and legumes with crop losses as high as 100% when no control measure is employed. Studies conducted in the dry savannas of Nigeria indicated that Striga seedbank is strongly related to soil and climate properties. This study was conducted to model Striga hermonthica seedbank zones in the dry savannas of Nigeria based on soil and climate properties of the areas. Using multi-stage spatial sampling, 169 soil samples were collected at the centroids of 25 × 25 km grids across the study area and analysed for physico-chemical properties. The number of Striga seeds were counted from the soil samples using water elutriator and potassium bicarbonate method. Daily temperature, relative humidity and rainfall for each point were downloaded from Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS). Minimum and maximum temperatures, and relative humidity were accessed from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA POWER). Thresholds of various soil and climate variables for optimum concentration of Striga seedbank were analysed using boundary line analysis (BLA). From the BLA, optimum amount of rainfall for high Striga seedbank was 549 mm per annum. While temperature has a wide suitability range for Striga seedbank development. Principal component analysis was used to reduce dimensionality of the dataset into principal components (PCs). Seven PCs which explained 75.6% variation in the data were retained and used in the weighed overlay modelling (WOM). The weighted overlay map produced five distinct Striga seedbank zones; very low, low, moderate, high and very high. More than 60% of the study area had moderate to high Striga seedbanks. The zones vary mostly based on soil, climate and Striga seed count. The establishment of the optimum levels of the environmental factors at which Striga seedbank is favoured will assist in designing a more site-specific Striga management. However, for scalability purpose, adoption of the Striga zoning approach can be useful.     

Effect of growth medium, Striga seed burial distance and depth on efficacy of Fusarium isolates to control Striga hermonthica in Burkina Faso

Striga hermonthica is a destructive parasite of cereal crops in the semi‐arid tropical zone. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted at Kamboinsé, Burkina Faso, to investigate the effect of inoculum substrate and location of Striga seeds on the ability of 14 indigenous Fusarium isolates to control the parasite. In Expt 1, Fusarium isolates reduced emerged Striga number, Striga vigour and dry biomass. As a result, sorghum dry biomass and grain yield were enhanced. Inoculum substrate did not influence the ability of Fusarium isolates to control Striga. In Expt 2, Fusarium isolates, substrate and their interaction significantly influenced germination of Striga seeds at both 35 and 50 days after sowing. Isolates grown on compost were more effective at reducing germination of Striga seeds than those grown on chopped sorghum straw. The per cent germination of seeds 50 days after sowing, buried at 5 cm depth, was significantly lower than that of seeds buried at 10 cm. At 10 cm depth, Fusarium isolates still reduced Striga seed germination with respect to the control; horizontal planting distance, 5 or 10 cm from sorghum hills, had no effect.     

Presowing Hardening of the Host with Phenolic Acids Reduces Induction of Seed Germination in the Root Parasite Striga asiatica

Abstract

Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze, a root parasite, causes severe loss of yield in sorghum and several other crops. The seeds of the parasite are induced to germinate by a stimulant in the host root exudate. Presowing hardening of the host with vanillic acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid (25 ppm) reduces the induction of seed germination in the parasite by the host root exudate. The treatment causes a slight improvement in the dry matter production in the host and in addition, increases the phenolics level in the host root exudate. The latter effect might be responsible for reducing germination in Striga. If the treatment remains effective under field conditions also, it reduces significantly the incidence of Striga in cultivated fields.     

Integrated management of Striga hermonthica in sorghum using a mycoherbicide and host plant resistance in the Nigerian Sudano‐Sahelian savanna

Striga hermonthica is a major biotic constraint to sorghum production in Nigeria, sometimes causing total yield loss. Recommendations for Striga management often include the use of cultural and agronomic practices, herbicides and host plant resistance when available. The use of biological control has not been commercialized. Fusarium oxysporum (isolate PSM 197)‐based mycoherbicide was used in combination with selected sorghums (the Striga‐resistant cultivar Samsorg 40, and the Striga tolerant landrace Yar'ruruka) as an Integrated Striga Management strategy (ISM) in on‐farm trials in the Sudano‐Sahelian savanna of Nigeria. Crop stands were significantly (P = 0.05) higher in ISM compared with non‐ISM plots on which the mycoherbicide was not applied. Similarly, ISM plots had significantly (P = 0.05) lower Striga counts than non‐ISM plots. Striga emergence was reduced by ISM by around 95%. Sorghum yields were 49.6% higher where integrated management was used. Cost benefit analysis of the ISM package shows that use of the mycoherbicide increased the profitability of sorghum production on Striga‐infested soils. Farmers’ preferences monitored during and after the trials highlighted the need for careful selection and integration of control components into an ISM package.     

Farmers’ perceptions of sorghum production constraints and Striga control practices in semi-arid areas of Tanzania

The objectives of this study were to investigate constraints affecting sorghum production and farmers' approaches of Striga management in the semi-arid regions of Tanzania. Focus group discussions based on a semi-structured questionnaire and observations following transect walks were used for data collection. Only 35%, 15%, and 10% of the farmers from Igunga, Kishapu, and Meatu districts, respectively, reported growing newly released varieties. The major constraints affecting sorghum production in the study areas included Striga infestation, drought, storage pests, damage by birds, a lack of access to improved varieties, and a lack of access to production inputs, such as fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides and herbicides. Hand weeding, crop rotation, fallowing, intercropping, and organic manure application were the most common practices of farmers for reducing Striga infestations, but most farmers (79.7%) had little knowledge of the best recommended Striga management practices. About 65% of the farmers did not use fertilizers and herbicides for soil fertility improvement and weed management, respectively, creating favourable conditions for Striga infestation. A systematic breeding programme aiming at improving sorghum varieties for Striga resistance, including farmers' preferred traits, should be designed and implemented to increase the adoption of these new varieties by the farmers.     

Social science input into IPM

Abstract

Metsulfuron methyl (Ally‐Dupont), a sulphonylurea herbicide, was tested at rates of 0.5–2.0 g a.i./ha for the control of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. in two cultivars of sorghum in pot experiments. There was good to excellent Striga control at 1.0–2.0 g a.i./ha applied either pre‐emergence or post‐emergence to CSH‐1 or N‐13 sorghum. The herbicide was unacceptably toxic to the Striga‐susceptible CSH‐1 cultivar when applied pre‐emergence, thus eroding any benefits of Striga control. In the Striga‐tolerant N‐13 cultivar there were considerable increases in the growth of infected plants. The herbicide was better tolerated from post‐emergence applications by both cultivars, and CSH‐1 plants recovered enough growth from Striga infection to produce grain yields at 1–5 and 2.0 g a.i./ha. Herbicide application at 4 weeks after planting sorghum was less damaging than at 2 weeks. Herbicide safening with 1,8‐naphthalic anhydride did not provide any additional benefits with post‐emergence application. The efficacy of the pre‐emergence herbicide was similar with surface or incorporated application.     

Persistence of GR7 and Striga germination stimulant(s) from Euphorbia aegyptiaca Boiss. in soils and in solutions

The activity of GR7 and Striga germination stimulant(s) from Euphorbia aegyptiaca Boiss. showed adequate persistence (6–8 days) in acidic soils (pH 5·0–6·3), but residual activity was short (1–3 days) in alkaline soils. The compounds tended to lose activity at a faster rate in the alkaline clay Gezira soil (pH 7·8), than in its sandy equivalent (pH 8·1). In solution, pH had no influence on initial activity, but residual action was reduced more rapidly by alkalinity and high temperature. However, the rate of loss of activity in solution was slower than in soils.     

The role of infection time in the differential response of sorghum cultivars to Striga hermonthica infection

Striga hermonthica is an important parasitic weed that severely reduces yields of sorghum in sub‐Saharan Africa. Pot experiments with the sensitive sorghum cultivar CK60‐B and the tolerant Tiémarifing were conducted in 1999 and 2000 to investigate the role of infection time on the interaction between sorghum and Striga hermonthica. Timing of Striga inoculation was used to establish delays of one and two weeks in first attachment of the parasite. In 1999, early Striga inoculation resulted in a relatively early first Striga attachment on CK60‐B. Although first infection of Tiémarifing occurred one week later, an identical final number of emerged Striga plants was observed. Plants of CK60‐B were more severely affected and supported a higher total Striga biomass. Only with this cultivar the interaction between host and parasite was significantly affected by delayed infection. Parasite biomass was most sensitive and already significantly reduced following a 1‐week delay in infection time. With a further 1‐week delay, an additional reduction in parasite biomass was accompanied by a strong and significant increase in total and panicle dry weight of the host plant. In 2000, first infection of CK60‐B was relatively late and occurred simultaneously with first infection of Tiémarifing and no significant effect of delayed infection on Striga biomass or host‐plant performance was observed. The results indicate that the influence of delayed infection strongly depends on actual infection time and confirm that earlier observed differences in time of first infection between the two cultivars do contribute to the more tolerant response of Tiémarifing to Striga infection.     

The effect of nitrogen on the growth and development of giant witchweed,Striga hermonthica Benth.: effect on cultured germinated seedlings in host absence

For the first time in sterile nutrient media in the absence of the host plant, different forms and rates of nitrogen compounds were screened for their effect onS. hermonthica Benth. shoot development beyond seed germination. There was no shoot formation beyond the inoculation stages whenS. hermonthica germlings were grown in media devoid of nitrogen source. In culture media containing some nitrogen sources, healthy shoots were formed. Increasing concentrations of KNO₃, NaNO₃, Ca(NO₃)₂, Mg(NO₃)₂ and asparagine resulted in a significant increase inS. hermonthica shoot development. Inversely, increasing concentrations of (NH₄)₂SO₄, NH₄H₂PO₄, NH₄Cl and urea led to increasing significant reduction ofS. hermonthica shoot development. The amino acids, glycine and asparagine supported reduced shoot development ofS. hermonthica, indicating that organic nitrogen cannot replace inorganic nitrogen forStriga growth. The ammonium nitrogen compounds, (NH₄)₂SO₄ and NH₄H₂PO₄, suppressed further shoot elongation and total dry weight of 20 and 40 days oldStriga hermonthica plants, in sterile culture media. The organic compounds urea, allylthiourea and thiourea had an effect similar to ammonium compounds. Arginine and glycine on the other hand did not suppress the further development of the parasite. The suppressive effect of nitrogen however, was greater when the parasite was 20 days old than when it was 40 days old. This work provides data to show that some nitrogen compounds reduce the severity ofS. hermonthica attack by direct suppression ofStriga growth and development at the post-germination stage and after shoots have been formed.     

Estimation of the seedbank of Striga spp. (Scrophulariaceae) in Malian fields and the implications for a model of biocontrol of Striga hermonthica

Striga seeds were extracted from soils collecled in Mali and the viahility of these seeds was estimated. Striga seeds were found in 45 of 46 samples taken from 23 fields. Siriga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. growmg on the host crop millet, was present at all 46 sites sampled. The a size uf the Striga seedbaiik measured lo a depth of 15 cm was estimated to be 38 800 m ^-2 of surface area (geometnc mean 11 500). The average number of S. hermonthica plants observed per millei hill was 8.83 (geometric mean 3.89) or 13.98 m^-2 (gcometrie mean 5.69 m^-2). Higher crop hill densities tended to result in higher densities of emerged S. hermonthica per hill. The relationship between seeds m^-2 and S. her-monhica plants m^-2 was fitied to a reetungular hyperbola and used to reassess an existing model of S. herniouhica control.     

Insect pests

Abstract

Investigation on seed production potentialities of weeds of Dharwar was carried out at the Agricultural College Farm, during January 1969. Both the parasitic weeds Striga and Orobanche showed high seed production, Striga producing as many as 380,000 seeds per plant followed by Orobanche with 230,000 seeds per plant. Among the weeds studied, Desmodium diffusum produced the least (425) seeds per plant.     

Ecological determinants and risk areas of Striga hermonthica infestation in western Kenya under changing climate

Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth is a parasitic weed that is damaging major cereal crops in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Although Striga is recognised as an agricultural scourge, there is limited information available indicating the extent of its growth and spread as impacted by the changing climate in Kenya. This study investigated the impact of current climate conditions and projected future (2050) climate change on the infestation of Striga hermonthica in the western Kenya region. Specifically, the study aimed to predict Striga hermonthica habitat suitability in five counties in the western Kenya region through using the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model and bioclimatic, soil, topographic and land use, and land cover (LULC) variables. Striga hermonthica geolocations were collected and collated and ecological niche models were developed to determine the habitat suitability. The results showed that approximately 1767 km² (10% of the total study area) is currently highly suitable for Striga hermonthica occurrence. The future projections showed a range between 2106 km² (19% of the total study area) and 2712 km² (53% of the total study area) at the minimum carbon (RCP 2.6) and the maximum carbon emission scenarios (RCP 8.5) respectively. Elevation, annual precipitation, LULC, temperature seasonality and soil type were determined to be the most influential ecological predictor variables for Striga hermonthica establishment. The study revealed the importance of using climate, soil, topographic and LULC variables when evaluating agricultural production constraints such as Striga's prevalence. The methodology used in this study should be tested in other Striga affected areas.     

Effects of N, P and K on Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze seed germination and infestation of sorghum

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) plants were grown in pots with 12.5 and 50 mg applied N kg^?1 soil. With an increase of soil N, the Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze infestation, as well as the sorghum shoot dry matter losses due to infestation, decreased. The relative differences in stimulant capacity to induce Striga seed germination among the four sorghum genotypes were not consistent over the 0 to 150 mg N 1^?1 range. The sorghum root exudate was considerably more active at 0 mg N 1^?1, than at 30 mg N 1^?1, and the stimulant produced at 150 mg N 1^?1 failed to induce Striga seed germination. Presence of N in the growth medium considerably reduced the effectiveness of the stimulating substance produced by sorghum roots, whereas K promoted stimulant activity only in the absence of N. The presence or absence of P in the growth medium did not affect Striga seed germinability, probably due to the inability of this element to interfere with the production or activity of the stimulating substance from the host plants. It can be concluded, therefore, that sorghum plants seem to produce active root exudate only in conditions of N deficiency.     

Nature of resistance to Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. parasitism in some Sorghum vulgare (Pers.) cultivars

Ten Sorghum vulgare (Pers.) cultivars varying in tolerance to Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. parasitism were grown with or without Striga infection. Endodermal thickening, pericycle lignification and silica crystal deposition were studied microscopically and measured for infected and non-infected sorghum cultivars. Although differences in the root character measurements were statistically significant they were not closely related to the response of the plant to infection. Low stimulant producing cultivars showed low or medium root cell thickening. The cv. Framida had both low stimulant production and high root cell thickening and was the best of the tolerant cultivars. High stimulant producing, tolerant cultivars generally showed heavy or intermediate cell thickening. The high stimulant producing, susceptible cultivar Debaikri also showed intermediate root cell thickening.‘Antibiosis', measured by the content of phenolic compounds in the plant, was then studied. Varietal differences in quality and quantity of phenolic substances in the roots and shoots of sorghum cultivars infected or non-infected with Striga were observed. Infection increased total phenolic contents in both shoot and root extracts. Differences in the total phenolic content in the shoot of non-infected cultivars did not reflect tolerance to Striga infection. The total phenolic acid content of the root extracts was closely related to the response of the host plant to Striga infection, tolerant cultivars having greater total phenolic acid content than susceptible ones.     

新型含苯并咪唑的(S,S)-2,8-二氮杂双环[4.3.0]壬烷类衍生物的合成及生物活性

通过N-烷基化反应合成了一系列新型含苯并咪唑的(S,S)-2,8-二氮杂双环[4.3.0]壬烷类衍生物,中间体化合物通过环化反应和酰化反应合成得到。所有新型化合物的结构均通过熔点测定、核磁共振氢谱和高分辨质谱确认。生物活性测试结果显示,目标化合物拥有中等的抗植物真菌活性,对东方粘虫Mythimna separata Walker和蚊幼虫Culex pipiens pallens具有中等到良好的杀虫活性。其中化合物6e和6f对油菜菌核Sclerotinia sclerotiorum、马铃薯晚疫Phytophthora infestans、小麦赤霉Fusarium graminearum等真菌具有良好的抗菌活性。化合物6e和6k在200mg/L下对东方粘虫的致死率为100%,化合物6h和6k在2mg/L下对蚊幼虫的致死率为75%。