Gas exchange characteristics are reported for both members of the sorghum-Striga host-parasite association. Both Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth and Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze had transpiration rates considerably in excess of those of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, cv CSH1). Stomatal conductance in both Striga spp. showed little response to periods of darkness and moderate water stress....

The Striga species are obligate root parasitic plants. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria could enhance Striga suicidal germination. In screen-house studies we quantified the effect of bacterial inoculation with increasing maize plant density on the parasitic weed Striga hermonthica. The design used was a randomized complete block with a factorial design (4 plant density levels, 2 S. hermonth...

Lotus japonicus genes responsive to parasitism by the compatible species Orobanche aegyptiaca and the incompatible species Striga hermonthica were isolated by using the suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) strategy. O. aegyptiaca and S. hermonthica parasitism specifically induced the expression of genes involved in jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis and phytoalexin biosynthesis, respectivel...

The parasitic weeds Striga asiatica and Striga hermonthica cause devastating yield losses to upland rice in Africa. Little is known about genetic variation in host resistance and tolerance across rice genotypes, in relation to virulence differences across Striga species and ecotypes. Diverse rice genotypes were phenotyped for the above traits in S. asiatica- (Tanzania) and S. hermonthica-infest...

Rice has become a major staple cereal in sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, upland rice cultivation is expanding particularly in rainfed areas where the root parasitic weed Striga hermonthica, a major constraint to cereal production, is endemic. Laboratory, pot, and semi-controlled open air experiments were performed to evaluate resistance of selected rice varieties in Sudan to a resident S. hermon...

Striga hermonthica is a widely spread root parasitic weed on cereals in Sub Saharan Africa including Sudan. The most important hosts comprise sorghum, millet and sugar cane. Host specificity and existence of two distinct strains on sorghum and millet were previously reported. Reports on a third strain specific to maize are controversial. The present study was undertaken to investigate anatomica...

We studied the effects of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. strigae (Fos), a soil-borne biocontrol agent (BCA) against Striga hermonthica, on total fungal and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) taxa in rhizospheres of maize in both clayey and sandy soil. Effects of Fos-BCA 'Foxy-2' were evaluated against (1) S. hermonthica presence, and (2) organic fertilization with Tithonia diversifolia residues at 1...

The root hemiparasite witchweed (Striga spp.) is a devastating agricultural pest that causes losses of up to $1 billion US annually in sub-Saharan Africa. Development of resistant crops is one of the cost-effective ways to address this problem. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance are not well understood. To understand molecular events upon Striga spp. infection, we conducted...

Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth is an obligate root hemi-parasite of several cereals. Its effect on cereal crops is the main constraint for food production in sub-Saharan Africa. Various control methods have been already proposed, but the infestation by these parasitic plants persists. An appropriated method for Striga management adapted for the African farmer is very much needed. In this study...

ABSTRACT Resistance to Striga hermonthica in 274 wild Pennisetum glaucum subsp. monodii and stenostachyum accessions was evaluated at Samanko, Mali in 1997 and 1998, and at Cinzana, Mali and Sadoré, Niger in 1998. Data recorded included number of striga plants per plot at least three times during the season, date of striga emergence, number of Pennisetum plants, Pennisetum anthesis date, and do...