Development and testing of a control package forStriga hermonthicaon small‐scale holdings in the Gambia

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Abstract
Studies were carried out on farms to evaluate potential control practices which could be constituted into a package of recommendations for the control of Striga hermonthica in the Gambia. ICSV 1002, a variety of sorghum, was identified as being relatively more tolerant to Striga and to the common insect pests of sorghum. Spot treatment of emerged Striga shoots with 2% solution of product paraquat using a pistol‐grip hand sprayer was found to control Striga without stimulating regrowth, improved yields and was more acceptable and cost‐effective than handpulling of the shoots in early millet and sorghum. Where there might be objections to the use of paraquat because of its toxicity hazards, a mixture of 2,4‐D (1 % soln.) plus glyphosate (1 % soln.) or 2,4‐D (2% soln.) was a useful substitute. A tentative control package consisting of ICSV 1002, spot spraying of Striga shoots with paraquat, and side dressing of urea fertilizer at 30 kg N/ha at 4 w.a.p. was tested at two sites against farmers’ practice on pilot scale. Infestation of Striga was reduced and yields were increased by 119% and 37% by the package at the two sites.

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