Effect of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth on Yield and Yield Components of Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids in Western Kenya

Peter Okoth Mbogo,Barrack Owuor,Mathews Mito Dida

doi:10.5539/jas.v8n8p112

Peter Okoth Mbogo, Barrack Owuor + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5539/jas.v8n8p112

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Journal: Journal of Agricultural Science	Publication Date: Jul 17, 2016
Citations: 16	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Maseno University

Abstract

Striga hermonthica (Striga) weed is widespread in Kenya, where it causes significant cereal crop losses, particularly when susceptible varieties are grown. The use of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes that support reduced Striga hermonthica emergence can form an important basis for developing resistant cultivars. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of diverse maize hybrids to Striga weed infestation and to identify high yielding and stable hybrids. Six experimental maize hybrids and three commercial hybrid checks (DK8031, PhB3253 and H513) were evaluated under Striga and Striga free conditions at Nyahera and Maseno in western Kenya in 2011 and 2012 growing seasons. The data collected included grain yields and other yield components; emerged Striga counts and Striga damage rating (on a scale of 1-5) at 8 and 10 weeks after planting (WAP). Significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) were observed in grain yield and yield components; emerged Striga counts and Striga damage syndrome in both years. Negative correlation (r) was observed between emerged Striga and yield as well as between Striga damage ratings and yield. Maseno experimental hybrids produced much better grain yields and were more stable compared to commercial varieties under Striga infestation and in Striga free fields. Deployment of the tolerant/resistant high yielding well adapted hybrids coupled with other management options such as rotation with legumes and cultural practices could possibly help in depletion of Striga seed bank in the soils in western Kenya. EH12 and EH14 maize hybrids were formally released for commercialization in the Striga endemic areas of western Kenya.

Highlights

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important food crops in the world and, together with rice and wheat, provides at least 30% of the food calories to more than 4.5 billion people in 94 developing countries (Shiferaw et al, 2011)
Experimental maize hybrids, EH12 and EH14 were submitted for evaluation as candidates to Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS) in National Variety performance trials alongside three cultivars; Ua Kayongo, GFVC04 and PhB3253 at eight Striga infested locations in western Kenya
The study supported the hypothesis that different maize genotypes respond differently to Striga hermonthica infection

Summary

Introduction

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important food crops in the world and, together with rice and wheat, provides at least 30% of the food calories to more than 4.5 billion people in 94 developing countries (Shiferaw et al, 2011). Maize production in Kenya is a highly relevant activity because it is an important and a dominant food crop (Mantel & van Engelen, 1997). It is important in Kenya’s crop production patterns; accounting for roughly 20 percent of gross farm output from the small-scale farming sector (Jayne, et al, 2001). The low yields recorded in the country are attributed to abiotic and biotic constraints such as drought incidences, pests, diseases and most importantly the parasitic weed Striga which takes up water and nutrients from its host and causes toxicity effects (Pieterse & Pesch, 1983; Musselman, 1987; Stewart, 1990; Khan et al, 2006)

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