INTEGRATING CROP MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR STRIGA CONTROL

Abstract

Striga spp. are pernicious pests of food crops in Africa for which an integrated control program is needed. An effective integrated program must have components that are adaptable to the biophysical and socio-economic environment where implemented. It must be proactive and farmers should understand the response time of and the effect of environment on the proposed interventions. It should also combine tactics that protect or enhance yield, with those that reduce seed production and/or reduce seed banks. Research in sorghum and maize systems in eastern Africa demonstrates that integrated approaches can be effective in controlling Striga and improving farmer profitability. Significant resources are needed to implement an integrated Striga control program that requires improved understanding by farmers and extension educators of the Striga problem and the recommended interventions. Soil fertility enhancement should be a component of all integrated Striga control programs.