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
