Long-term approaches for the control of Striga in cereals: field management options

Farmers in Africa have limited resources to invest in Striga control practices and longer term, low-input approaches are needed. Long-term Striga control approaches focus on controlling the production of new Striga seeds and on reducing the number of seeds in the soil. Several seasons of hand weeding are required before the beneficial effect on the cereal crop can be observed. Rotations with trap crops can reduce Striga seed banks but selection of a rotation crop should be based on socio-economic factors such as market value in addition to whether or not it can stimulate Striga seeds to germinate. Striga seed banks can be readily reduced in suppressive soils. Organic matter and fertilizer additions may help induce suppressiveness. Extension of long-term Striga control approaches requires intensive interaction with farmers. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.