Mineral Nutrition and the Parasite-Host Relationship of Witchweed

Abstract

The influence of mineral nutrition on the parasite-host relationship of witchweed (Striga luteaLour.) and sorghum (Sorghum vulgarePers. ‘Texas Bighead’) was investigated in greenhouse and growth chamber studies. Sorghum was grown in Eustis loamy sand, either infested or not infested with witchweed, and treated with one of three levels of mineral nutrients. Witchweed reduced host-shoot yields by about 70% at the low nutrient levels and by about 45% at the highest nutrient level. Witchweed produced seed at all nutrient levels, whereas the host produced seed at the highest level only. Increased nutrition also increased witchweed yields. Regardless of nutrient level, an early attack by witchweed was more destructive to the host than a late attack. Growth of witchweed in soil also was studied after the parasite was detached from the host or the host shoot was removed. When only the host shoot was removed, (a) witchweed growth was inhibited; (b) feeding of sucrose to witchweed did not restore parasite growth; (c) mineral nutrients were toxic to the parasite; and (d) high relative humidity around witchweed protected it from the nutrient toxicity. High relative humidity enhanced survival of the detached parasite but markedly inhibited growth of witchweed in the intact parasite-host relationship.