In many parts of Zimbabwe striga is a growing threat to cereal production especially by small farmers. Eradication of striga may not be possible but the spread of the weed and its impact on crop losses can be minimized. The present document presents a study carried out to test the effects of mulch from some leguminous agroforestry species on the weed. The objectives of the study were: to investigate the effects of time and rate of application of mulches from Sesbania sesban, Leucaena leucocephala, Acacia angustissima and Calliandra calothyrsus on Striga asiatica emergence and maize growth and yield; to evaluate the efficacy of mulches from these trees in controlling the weed; and to investigate the effects of these multipurpose trees mulch aqueous extracts on germination, haustorial development, and attachment and penetration of S. asiatica using the agar gel technique. The experiments are described, the results discussed and recommendations presented.
Publication year
2000
Authors
Language
English
Keywords
acacia, application rates, calliandra calothyrsus, experiments, germination, leucaena leucocephala, mulches, multipurpose trees, sesbania sesban, striga asiatica
Geographic
Zimbabwe
