Isolation of Fusarium oxysporum with Potential for Biocontrol of the Witchweed (Striga hermonthica) in the Nigerian Savanna

Abstract
A fungus isolated from wilted Striga hermonthica plants was identified as Fusarium oxysporum. A comparison of this isolate (PSM-197) with four other Fusarium spp. for control of S. hermonthica using conidial foliar sprays, showed that it was the most pathogenic and virulent. The isolate, grown on sorghum grain and incorporated into soil, completely inhibited the emergence of S. hermonthica compared with other substrates.