Assessment of Striga hermonthica infestation and effectiveness of current management strategies in maize-based cropping systems in eastern Uganda
| Autor: | J. Bisikwa, P. Nampala, D.L. Nsibo, N. Kwikiriza, C. Bukenya, M.H. Otim, I. Kapting, F.M. Kabuye, J. Felix |
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| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 2022 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | African Crop Science Journal; Vol. 30 No. 4 (2022); 525-538 |
| ISSN: | 1021-9730 2072-6589 |
| Popis: | Striga is a major constraint to cereal production in the tropics, particularly on soils of low fertility. Striga causes 30 to 80% cereal crop losses in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to assess farmers’ perception of level of infestation and efficacy of current management options of Striga (Striga hermonthica (Delile) Benth) in maize-based cropping systems in eastern Uganda. A survey was conducted in Iganga district in eastern Uganda, involving 360 households. On the basis of the survey outputs, on-farm trials were conducted to assess the efficacy of a herbicide seed-coating technology, imazapyr herbicide resistant maize (IR-maize) variety, either as a sole crop or intercropped with soybean (Glycine max) or common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L). The study revealed that S. hermonthica caused more than 50% maize (Zea mays) yield loss and farmers were dissatisfied with the existing control practices. Farmers’ knowledge about Striga was mainly sourced from agricultural extension service providers. The on-farm trials revealed that IR-maize provided effective protection against S. hermonthica infestation. Also, intercropping Longe 6H maize variety with either soybean or common beans significantly reduced Striga infestation in farmers’ fields. Longe 6H-soybean intercropping reduced Striga infestation by 32%; while Longe 6H-common bean intercropping reduced Striga infestation by 14%. Intercropping either IR-maize or Longe 6H hybrid (farmer-preferred) with the aforementioned legumes, reduced S. hermonthica infestation (30–50%) and improved maize yield parameters (20-30%). For effective management of S. hermonthica in the maize-based cropping systems in eastern Uganda, farmers should be encouraged to adopt the improved IR-maize and intercrop farmer-preferred maize varieties with legumes in order to improve maize yields. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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