Characterization of Maize Genotypes (Zea mays L.) for Resistance to Striga asiatica and S. hermonthica and Compatibility with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. strigae (FOS) in Tanzania

John Lobulu,Admire Isaac Tichafa Shayanowako,Hussein Shimelis,Arnold Angelo Mushongi,Mark D Laing

doi:10.3390/agronomy11051004

John Lobulu, Admire Isaac Tichafa Shayanowako + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11051004

Copy DOI

Journal: Agronomy	Publication Date: May 18, 2021
Citations: 5	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Striga species cause significant yield loss in maize varying from 20 to 100%. The aim of the present study was to screen and identify maize genotypes with partial resistance to S. hermonthica (Sh) and S. asiatica (Sa) and compatible with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. strigae (FOS), a biocontrol agent. Fifty-six maize genotypes were evaluated for resistance to Sh and Sa, and FOS compatibility. Results showed that FOS treatment significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced Striga management compared to the untreated control under both Sh and Sa infestations. The mean grain yield was reduced by 19.13% in FOS-untreated genotypes compared with a loss of 13.94% in the same genotypes treated with FOS under Sh infestation. Likewise, under Sa infestation, FOS-treated genotypes had a mean grain yield reduction of 18% while untreated genotypes had a mean loss of 21.4% compared to the control treatment. Overall, based on Striga emergence count, Striga host damage rating, grain yield and FOS compatibility, under Sh and Sa infestations, 23 maize genotypes carrying farmer preferred traits were identified. The genotypes are useful genetic materials in the development of Striga-resistant cultivars in Tanzania and related agro-ecologies.

Highlights

Witchweeds (Striga species), belonging to the family Orobanchaceae, are persistent weeds of grain crops in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and parts of Asia [1]
*** Significant at p < 0.001 probability level, CV%—Coefficient of variation, least significant difference (LSD)—Least significant difference, 50% AD—Number of days from sowing to when 50% of the plants in a plot shed pollen, 50% SD—Number of days from sowing to when 50% of the plants in a plot produce silk, ASI—Anthesis-silking interval, PH—Plant height, EH—Ear height, GYD—Grain yield/plant (g), HKWT—
*** Significant at p < 0.001 probability level, CV%—Coefficient of variation, LSD—Least significant difference, 50% AD—Number of days from sowing to when 50% of the plants in a plot shed pollen, 50% SD—Number of days from sowing to when 50% of the plants in a plot produce silk, ASI—Anthesis-silking interval, PH—Plant height, EH—Ear height, days to 75% maturity (DM)—Days to maturity, GYD—Grain yield/plant (g), HKWT—Weight of 100 kernel/seed (g), above-ground biomass (AGB)—Above-ground biomass recorded as the weight (g) of above-ground plant parts

Summary

Introduction

Witchweeds (Striga species (spp.)), belonging to the family Orobanchaceae, are persistent weeds of grain crops in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and parts of Asia [1]. The genus comprises of more than 40 species worldwide, of which 11 species are considered parasitic on agricultural crops [5]. Of these Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze, S. hermonthica (Del.) Benth, S. gesnerioides (Willd.) Vatke, S. forbesii (Benth.) and S. aspera cause devastating yield and quality losses to staple food crops in SSA [6,7]. S. hermonthica, S. forbesii and S. aspera parasitize cereal crops, while S. gesnerioides parasitize legumes, including wild and cultivated species [6,8].

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion