Field experiments were conducted at Gore near Zebila in Bawku West District of the Upper East Region of Ghana during the 2015 and 2016 cropping season on four Striga tolerant maize varieties in maize/soybean integration alongside maize monocrop as a means of managing the devastating effects of Striga . The study determined the relative Striga tolerance of the maize varieties in terms of yield and yield components, as well as the most effective intercrop for the reduction of Striga seed bank. The treatment differences were not significant (p < 0.05) in affecting plant height, plant population, leaf area index (LAI), Striga count and Striga biomass. Similarly, yield components of maize such as height of cob attachment, cob length, cob weight, 100 seed weight, grain yield, as well as straw weight were not significantly affected by the treatments. There was no relativity of Striga stress tolerance in terms of yield and yield components of the four maize varieties. All the entries efficiently tolerated the biotic stress of Striga and further supported growth and grain yield equally. There was reduced S . hermonthica seed bank production in the soil in both cropping systems. The four maize varieties are proven tolerant materials to Striga infestation and are therefore recommended for long-term Striga seed bank depletion in the study area.
Hussan, W.U., Haqqani, A.M. and Shafeeq, S. (2003) Knocking the Doors of Balochistan for Fodder Crops Production. Agridigest—An In House Journal, 23, 24-30.
Gasura, E., Setimela, P., Mabasa, S., Rwafa, R., Kageler, S. and Nyakurwa, C. (2019) Response of IITA Maize Inbred Lines Bred for Striga hermonthica Resistance to Striga asiatica and Associated Resistance Mechanisms in Southern Africa. Euphytica, 215, Article No. 151. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-019-2467-5
Stanley, A.E., Menkir, A., Ifie, B., Paterne, A.A., Unachukwu, N.N., Meseka, S., Mengesha, W.A., Bossey, B., Kwadwo, O., Tongoona, P.B., Oladejo, O., Sneller, C. and Gedil, M. (2021) Association Analysis for Resistance to Striga hermonthica in Diverse Tropical Maize Inbred Lines. Scientific Reports, 11, Article No. 24193. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-03566-4
Akramov, K. and Malek, M. (2012) Analyzing Profitability of Maize, Rice, and Soybean Production in Ghana: Results of PAM and DEA Analysis. International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington DC, Ghana Strategy Support Program (GSSP) GSSP Working Paper No. 0028.
IITA (1979) Selected Methods for Soil and Plant Analysis. Manual Series No. 1. IITA, Ibadan.
GSS (Ghana Statistical Services) (2018) Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS7): Poverty Trends in Ghana; 2005-2017. GSS, Accra.
Gage, D., Bangnikon, J., Abeka-Afari, H., Hanif, C., Addaquay, J., Antwi, V. and Hale, A. (2012) The Market for Maize, Rice, Soy, and Warehousing in Northern Ghana. This Report Was Produced by USAID’s Enabling Agricultural Trade (EAT) Project, January, 2012.
Pauw, K. (2021) A Review of the Ghana Planting for Food and Jobs Program: 2017-2020: Implementation, Impact, and Further Analysis. https://doi.org/10.2499/p15738coll2.134353
Dafaallah, A.B., Babiker, A.G.T and Zain El Abdeen, M.H. (2016) Assessment of the Damage Caused by Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth: On the Performance of Cereals Hosts in Gadarif State, Eastern Sudan, University of Khartoum Agriculture. Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 24, 99-121.
Oula, D.A., Nyongesah, J.M., Odhiambo, G. and Wagai, S. (2020) The Effectiveness of Local Strains of Fusarium oxysporium f. Sp. Strigae to Control Striga hermonthica on Local Maize in Western Kenya. Food Science & Nutrition, 8, 4352-4360. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.1732
Olmstead, R.G., DePamphilis, C.W., Wolf, A.D., Yound, N.D., Elisons, W.J. and Reeves, P.A. (2001) Disintegration of the Scrophulariaceae. American Journal of Botany, 88, 348-361. https://doi.org/10.2307/2657024
Gressel, J., Hanafi, A. and Head, G. (2004) Major Heretofore Intractable Biotic Constraints to African Food Security That May Be Amenable to Novel Biotechnological Solutions. Crop Protection, 23, 661-689. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2003.11.014
Akaogu, I.C., Badu-Apraku, B., Tongoona, P., Ceballos, H., Gracen, V., Offei, S.K. and Dzidzienyo, D. (2019) Inheritance of Striga hermonthica Adaptive Traits in an Early-Maturing White Maize Inbred Line Containing Resistance Genes from Zea diploperennis. Plant Breeding, 138, 546-552. https://doi.org/10.1111/pbr.12707
Kamara, A.Y., Menkir, A., Chikoye, D., Tofa, A.I., Fagge, A.A., Dahiru, R., Solomon, R., Ademulegun, T., Omoigui, L., Aliyu, K.T. and Kamai, N. (2020) Mitigating Striga hermonthica Parasitism and Damage in Maize Using Soybean Rotation, Nitrogen Application, and Striga-Resistant Varieties in the Nigerian Savannas. Experimental Agriculture, 56, 620-632. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0014479720000198
Gowda, M., Makumbi, D., Das, B., Nyaga, C., Kosgei, T., Crossa, J., Beyene, Y., Montesinos-López, O.A., Olsen, M.S. and Prasanna, B.M. (2021) Genetic Dissection of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. Resistance via Genome-Wide Association and Genomic Prediction in Tropical Maize Germplasm. Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 134, 941-958. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-020-03744-4
Mudereri, B.T., Dube, T., Niassy, S., Kimathi, E., Landmann, T., Khan, Z. and Abdel-Rahman, E.M. (2020) Is It Possible to Discern Striga Weed (Striga hermonthica) Infestation Levels in Maize Agro-Ecological Systems Using In-Situ Spectroscopy? The International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 85, Article ID: 102008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2019.102008
Mbuvi, D., Masiga, C., Kuria, E., Masanga, J., Wamalwa, M., Mohamed, A., Odeny, D., Hamza, N., Timko, M. and Runo, S. (2017) Novel Sources of Witchweed (Striga) Resistance from Wild Sorghum Accessions. Frontiers in Plant Science, 8, Article No. 116. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2017.00116
Menkir, A., Crossa, J., Meseka, S., Bossey, B., Muhyideen, O., Riberio, P.F., Coulibaly, M., Yacoubou, A.M., Olaoye, G. and Haruna, A. (2020) Stacking Tolerance to Drought and Resistance to a Parasitic Weed in Tropical Hybrid Maize for Enhancing Resilience to Stress Combinations. Frontiers in Plant Science, 11, Article No. 166. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.00166
Parker, C. and Riches, C.R. (1993) Parasitic Weeds of the World: Biology and Control.
Aly, R. (2007) Conventional and Biotechnological Approaches for Control of Parasitic Weeds. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology. Plant, 43, 304-317. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11627-007-9054-5
Naoura, G., Amos, D.N., Reoungal, D. and Alfred, D. (2021) Assessment of Traditional Methods of Controlling Striga on Cultivated Crops in Sudanian Agricultural Zone of Chad. International Journal of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, 9, 242-249. https://doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v9i4.41889
Magallon-Servín, P., Antoun, H., Taktek, S., Bashan, Y. and De-Bashan, L. (2020) The Maize Mycorrhizosphere as a Source for Isolation of Arbuscular mycorrhizae-Compatible Phosphate Rock-Solubilizing Bacteria. Plant and Soil, 451, 169-186. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-019-04226-3
Denwar, N.N. (1999) Identification of Soyabean Genotypes with Superior Trap-Cropping Capacity for the Control of Striga hermonthica in Ghana. Mphil. Thesis, University of Ghana, Accra.
Labrada, R. (2008) Farmer Training on Parasitic Weed Management. In: Labrada, R., Ed., Progress on Farmer Training in Parasitic Weed Management, FAO, Rome, 1-5.
MOFA (2015) Agriculture in Ghana Facts and Figures. Accra.
Weil, R., Islam, K.R., Stine, M.A., Gruver, J.B. and Samson-Liebig, S.E. (2003) Estimating Active Carbon for Soil Quality Assessment: A Simplified Method for Laboratory and Field Use. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture, 18, 3-17.
Mclean, E.O. (1982) Soil pH and Lime Requirement. In: Page, A.L., Miller, R.H. and Keaney, D.R., Eds., Methods of Soil Analysis (Number 9 Part 2), American Society of Agronomy, Madison, 199-224.
Walkley, A. and Black, A. (1934) An Examination of the Method for Determining Soil Organic Matter and Proposed Modification of the Chronic Acid Titration Method. Soil Sciences, 37, 29-38. https://doi.org/10.1097/00010694-193401000-00003
Bray, R.H. and Kurtz, L.T. (1945) Determination of Total, Organic, and Available Forms of Phosphorus in Soils. Soil Science, 59, 39-46. https://doi.org/10.1097/00010694-194501000-00006
Twala, M.G. and Ossom, E.M. (2004) Legume-Maize Association Influences Crops Characteristics and Yields. 4th International Crop Science Congress, Brisbane, 26 September-1 October 2004.
Khan, Z.R., Picket, J.A., Wadhams, L. and Muyekho, F. (2001) Habitat Management Strategies for the Control of Cereal Stem Borers and Striga in Maize in Kenya. Insect Science and Its Application, 21, 375-380. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742758400008481
Khan, Z.R., Hassanali, A., Overholt, W., Khamis, T.M., Hooper, A.M., Pickett, J.A., Wadhams, L.J. and Woodcock, C.M. (2002) Control of Witchweed Striga hermonthica by Intercropping with Desmodium spp., and the Mechanism Defined as Allelopathic. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 28, 1871-1885. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020525521180
Khan, Z.R., Pickett, J.A., Wadhams, L.J., Hassanali, A. and Midega, C.A.O. (2006) Combined Control of Striga hermonthica and Stemborers by Maize Desmodium spp. Intercrops. Crop Protection, 25, 989-995. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2006.01.008
Ahmed, S. and Rao, M.R. (2002) Performance of Maize-Soybean Intercrop Combination in the Tropics: Results of a Multilocation Study. Field Crop Research, 5, 147-161. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-4290(82)90015-6
Filho, J.M.L. (2000) Physiological Responses of Maize and Cowpea to Intercropping. Plant Physiology, 35, 915-921. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-204X2000000500008
Kvet, J., Ondok, J.P., Necas, J. and Jarvis, P.G. (1971) Methods of Growth Analysis. In: Sestak, Z., Catsky, J. and Jarvis, P.G., Eds., Plant Photosynthetic Production: A Manual of Methods, Dr. W. Junk N.V., The Hague, 343-391.
Adu, G.B., Badu-Apraku, B. and Akromah, R. (2021) Strategies for Selecting Early Maturing Maize Inbred Lines for Hybrid Production under Low Soil Nitrogen and Striga Infestation. Agronomy, 11, Article No. 1309. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11071309
Cardoso, C., Ruyter-Spira, C. and Bouwmeester, H.J. (2010) Strigolactones and Root Infestation by Plant-Parasitic Striga, Orobanche and Phelipanches pp. Plant Science, 180, 414-420. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plantsci.2010.11.007
Hesse, D.E., Ejeta, G. and Butler, L.G. (1992) Selecting Sorghum Genotypes Expressing a Quantitative Biosynthetic Trait That Confers Resistance to Striga. Phytochemistry, 31, 494-497. https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)90023-J
Ndwiga, J., Pittchar, J., Musyoka, P., Nyagol, D., Marechera, G., Omanya, G. and Oluoch, M. (2013) Integrated Striga Management in Africa Project. Constraints and Opportunities of Maize Production in Western Kenya: A Baseline Assessment of Striga Extent, Severity and Control Technologies. Integrated Striga Management in Africa (ISMA). 34 p.
Abdulai, M.S., Denwar, N.N. and Haruna, M. (2006) Combating the Menace of Striga hermonthica Infestation: An Integrated Approach Adopted in North-Eastern Ghana. Journal of Agronomy, 5, 617-620. https://doi.org/10.3923/ja.2006.617.620
Lagoke, S.T.O., Parkinson, V. and Agunbiade, R.M. (1991) Parasitic Weeds and Control Methods in Africa. In: Kim, S.K., et al., Eds., Combating Striga in Africa: Proceedings of an International Workshop on Striga, IITA, Ibadan, 3-14.
Ejeta, G. (2007) The Striga Scourge in Africa: A Growing Pandemic. In: Ejeta, G. and Gressel, J., Eds., Integrating New Technologies for Striga Control: Towards Ending the Witch-Hunt, World Scientific, Singapore, 3-16. https://doi.org/10.1142/9789812771506_0001
Doggett, H. (1988) Sorghum. 2nd Edition, Longmans, London.
Gurney, A.L., Press, M.C. and Scholes, J.D. (1999) Infection Time and Density Influence the Response of Sorghum to the Parasitic Angiosperm Striga hermonthica. New Phytologist, 143, 573-580. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1469-8137.1999.00467.x
Kureh, I., Kamara, A.Y. and Tarfa, B.D. (2006) Influence of Cereal-Legume Rotation on Striga Control and Maize Grain Yield in Farmers’ Fields in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics, 107, 41-54
Odhiambo, J.A., Vanlauwe, B., Tabu, I.M., Kanampiu, F. and Khan, Z. (2011) Effect of Intercropping Maize and Soybeans on Striga hermonthica Parasitism and Yield of Maize. Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection, 44, 158-167. https://doi.org/10.1080/03235400902952194
Ejeta, G. and Gressel, J. (2007) Integrating New Technologies for Striga Control: Towards Ending the Witch-Hunt. World Scientific, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1142/6470
De Groote, H., Rutto, E., Odhiambo, G., Kanampiu, F., Khan, Z., Coe, R. and Vanlauwe, B. (2010) Participatory Evaluation of Integrated Pest and Soil Fertility Management Options Using Ordered Categorical Data Analysis. Agricultural Systems, 103, 233-244.
Raju, P.S., Osman, M.A., Soman, J.P. and Peackock, J.M. (2000) Effects of N, P and K on Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze Seed Germination and Infestation of Sorghum. Weed Research, 30, 139-144. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3180.1990.tb01697.x
Pieterse, A.H. and Verkleij, J.A.A.C. (2001) Effect of Soil Conditions on Striga Development—A Review. In: Ransom, J.K. Musselman, L.J., Worsham, A.D. and Parker, C., Eds., Proceedings of the 5th International Symposium on Parasitic Weeds, CIMMYT, Nairobi, 329-339.