Maize Yield Loss Research Articles

Evaluation of Maize Germ Plasm for Resistance to Maize Rayado Fino Virus.

Maize rayado fino virus (MRFV) causes severe yield losses in maize (Zea mays) in Latin America with reductions of 40-50% on indigenous genotypes and 100% in some new cultivars. A collection of 20 different maize genotypes were obtained from the Center for the Improvement of Maize and Wheat (CIMMYT, México), Estación Experimental Fabio Baudrit (EEFB-Alajuela), and the Consejo Nacional de la Producción (CNP-Costa Rica). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and symptom severity were used to evaluate the responses of the maize genotypes to MRFV infection under screenhouse conditions. Two genotypes from the CIMMYT germ plasm collection (accession nos. 2980-93 and 3974) showed mild and delayed symptoms and low MRFV concentrations as determined by ELISA.

A systems approach to assess crop health and maize yield losses due to pests and diseases in Cameroon

Three surveys of maize fields were undertaken in 1993 in Cameroon, ranging from low to high altitudes, and from forests in the south with bimodal rainfall (two cropping seasons) to the northern savanna with monomodal rainfall distribution (one cropping season). Field conditions, insects and diseases, plant growth and yield variables were assessed in 164 fields. Increased soil fertility (expressed as plant vigour) favoured Bipolaris maydis, Physoderma maydis, and Busseola fusca. There was a positive relationship between soil organic matter and B. fusca, Eldana saccharina and B. maydis. As organic matter decreased, percentage leaf area lost to pathogens, particularly Puccinia sorghi, increased. There was an inverse relationship between wild grasses around a field and stem borers in the field. Stem diameter, cob fill and weight increased with altitude reflecting the change from early maturing lowland cultivars to very late maturing mid- to high-altitude cultivars. Across ecological zones and surveys, B. fusca accounted for 95% of all the species found on maize, followed by E. saccharina. In the first cropping season, the mean percent borer infestation was similar in lowland and highland with a mean of 43%. Borer incidence was higher during the second cropping season. In both low and mid-altitude fields, 52–56% of the plants were infested, resulting in a calculated cob weight loss of 9 g per plant. At that time, the average plant loss from dead hearts across zones was 11%. B. maydis, Puccinia polysora, and Physoderma maydis predominated in the lowlands, and E. turcicum, P. sorghi, and Phaeosphaeria maydis occurred mainly in mid- to high-altitudes. Maize streak virus, stem diseases, B. maydis, Rhizoctonia sheath blight, and P. sorghi consistently had significant negative impacts on cob weight. The aetiology of stem lesions was not determined, but they significantly affected cob weight in the humid lowlands. Average reduction in cob weight from foliar and stem diseases in the different ecological zones and seasons ranged between 10 and 12 g per plant.

Maize Response to Corn Leafhopper (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) Infestation and Achaparramiento Disease

To determine the effect that the timing of infestation of Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott), a vector of 3 maize pathogens, known collectively as “achaparramiento,” has on stunt symptoms and maize yield, we conducted a field trial in the Sebaco Valley of Central Nicaragua. Achaparramiento has caused severe yield losses in maize throughout Central America. Six periods of D. maidis infestation were created using exclusion cages of finemesh screening. The treatments were natural infestations of D. maidis during 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 0-40 d after plant emergence, and no D. maidis infestation. The treatments were repeated on 3 planting dates. During the season, population densities of D. maidis varied from 4 to 8 per plant for the 1st planting date, from 1 to 3 per plant in the 2nd planting date, and from 2 to 8 per plant in the 3rd date. Planting date had a significant effect on plant height, the number of ears, and the yield per plant, but not on disease symptoms or the length of the ears. The timing and duration of D. maidis infestation affected disease symptoms, plant height, and yield: earlier periods of D. maidis infestation produced more pronounced disease symptoms, shorter plants, and lower yields than treatments with late D. maidis infestation. Plant infested 10-20 d after plant emergence had significantly lower yields than plants infested 30-40 d after plant emergence, and plants infested 30-40 d after plant emergence did not have Significantly different yields from plants that were not infested. The yield reduction was caused by smaller ears, not a reduction in the number of ears. The results demonstrate that a management program for reducing the effects of maize stunting diseases caused by the 3 pathogens should be focused on tactics that reduce D. maidis levels from seedling through midwhorl stage of maize growth.

Effect of Manure on Maize Tolerance to Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

This study evaluated the potential of manure and maize tolerance to serve as alternative management strategies for reducing yield losses in maize, Zea mays (L.), by the western com rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (LeConte). The interactions between manure and 2 maize hybrids and their subsequent effects on the growth and development of maize infested with western com rootworm were investigated in 1992 and 1993. Treatment combinations included 2 maize hybrids (Pioneer hybrid 3733 and Cornell 281), 4 manure rates (0, 45, 90, and 135 MT/ha), and 3 western com rootworm egg densities (1992: 0, 500, 700 eggs per 30.5-cm row; 1993: 0, 400, 800 eggs per 30.5-cm row). All plots received adequate nutrients (supplied by manure, inorganic fertilizer, or both) to satisfy or exceed soil test recommendations. Manure increased plant height, root recovery, and overall silage and grain yields, and decreased early feeding injury and lodging in 1 or both years of the study. However, manure had no effect on final root injury or on silage quality. Effects of manure were seemingly more pronounced in a wetter than average year. Pioneer 3733 had lower root injury ratings at the low western com rootworm density in 1993, equal root recovery, less lodging, and higher silage and grain yields with less loss to western com rootworm than Cornell 281. In both hybrids, manure produced an environmentally induced tolerance by increasing root recovery and in some cases reducing yield losses.

La relation entre le Striga hermonthica et ses hôtes: une synthèse

The parasitic weed Striga hermonthica causes considerable yield losses in maize, pearl millet, and sorghum in Africa. The extent of the damage caused to crops is related to their close interaction with the parasite. The S. hermonthica seed germinates in response to germination stimulants exuded by cereal roots. The rootlet extremity then turns into a haustorium that attaches itself to the host root and penetrates its tissue. In this manner, a connection is established between the vascular systems of both plants, allowing absorption of water, minerals, and organic compounds that are essential for the parasite's development. S. hermonthica also affects the host's metabolism and photosynthesis. No effective control method against the parasite is available for the African peasants. The utilization of germination stimulants and herbicides, the rotation practice, and intercropping as well as biological control and varietal selection have given disappointing results so far. A better understanding of host resistance mechanisms is necessary to develop new methods for the control of the parasite. Keywords: Striga hermonthica, germination, haustorium, host–parasite interaction, control methods, resistance.

Maize Yield Losses Due to Farmers' Use of Own Seed Saved from Previous Maize Crop

(1995). Maize Yield Losses Due to Farmers' Use of Own Seed Saved from Previous Maize Crop. East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal: Vol. 61, No. 2, pp. 209-211.

Comparison of empirical models depicting density of Amaranthus retroflexus L. and relative leaf area as predictors of yield loss in maize (Zea mays L.)

SummaryThe outcome of crop‐weed competition should be predicted as early as possible in order to allow time for weed control measures. Maize grain yield losses caused by interference from Amaranthus retroflexus L. (redroot pigweed) were determined in 1991 and 1992. The performance of three empirical models of crop‐weed competition were evaluated. Damage functions were calculated based on the weed density or relative leaf area of the weed. In the yield loss‐weed density model, values of I (percentage yield loss at low weed density) were relatively stable for similar emergence dates of A. retroflexus across years and locations. Estimated maximum yield loss (A) was more variable between locations and may reflect environmental variation and its effect on crop‐weed competition, at least in 1991. The two‐parameter yield loss‐relative leaf area model, based on m (maximum yield loss caused by weeds) and q (the relative damage coefficient) gave a better fit than the single‐parameter version of the model (which includes only q). In both relative leaf area models, the values of q varied between years and locations. Attempts to stabilize the value of q by using the relative growth rate of the leaves of the crop and weed were successful; however, the practical application of such relative leaf area models may still be limited owing to the lack of a method to estimate leaf area index quickly and accurately.

Grain yield losses in maize ( Zea mays L.) genotypes in relation to their resistance against Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) infestation at anthesis

Resistance/susceptibility of 12 maize genotypes to stem borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) was measured under artificial infestation at the time of anthesis during the short rainy seasons of 1989/90 and 1990/91. The maize genotypes tested were Inbred A (Kenya), Pwani hybrid (Kenya), Hybrid 511 (Kenya), ICZ2-CM (CIMMYT), MBR-8637 (CIMMYT), MBR-8650 (CIMMYT), MBR-8668 (CIMMYT), Poza Rica 7832 (CIMMYT), Mp704 (USDA), Katumani Composite B (Kenya), Bulk CG 4141 (Zambia), and MMV 400 (Zambia). Under low infestation (50–60 eggs per plant), the differences between susceptible and resistant genotypes in terms of stalk damage or grain damage were not apparent, whereas under high infestation (90–100 eggs per plant) the susceptible genotype Inbred A and population Bulk CG 4141 were distinctly more damaged than the remaining genotypes. The genotypes MBR-8637 and Poza Rica 7832 were classed as resistant to C. partellus. A regression of grain yield on stem tunnelling revealed a negative relationship between these factors across maize genotypes, although it was significant only for the susceptible Inbred A and the population MBR-8650. Grain yield of various maize genotypes was also influenced negatively by the damage caused by C. partellus directly to the kernels. Losses suffered by various maize genotypes at low infestation were equal but, under high infestation, significantly more losses occurred on Inbred A than on the remaining genotypes. The maize genotypes MBR-8637 and Poza Rica 7832 were classified as resistant to the second-generation stem borer at anthesis and can be used in a programme for breeding maize resistant to C. partellus.

Limits of a simple model to predict yield losses in maize

Summary: Résumé: ZusammenfassungIn order to estimate yearly variations and accuracy of prediction of maize yield losses due to weeds, we used supplementary maize individuals that mimic weeds and reduce the experimental variability. Biomass decrease at various growth stages and grain yield losses of maize were interpreted through regression analyses in terms of density and biomass of supplementary individuals. Comparison of losses due to weeds and supplementary maize does not allow the calculation of equivalent weed‐maize density or biomass at the same competitive effect. In most cases regression curves obtained in maize‐maize experiments were different from one year to another. The use of results from several trials, previously published, on the effect of plant spacing on maize yield over a number of years also showed a large variation in predicted values, which confirmed the inaccuracy of an empirical predictive model using weed density and biomass. Limites d'un modèle simple de prédiction des pertes de rendement dans le maïs Afin d'évaluer les variations annuelles et l'incertitude liées à la prédiction des pertes de rendement dues aux mauvaises herbes chez le maäs, nous avons utilisé des pieds supplémentaires de maäs pour simuler les mauvaises herbes et réduire la variabilité expérimentale. Les pertes de biomasses à différents stades du développement et les pertes de rendement en grain ont été interprétées par des analyses de régression en fonction de eadensité et de la biomasse des plantes supplémentaires de maäs. La comparaison avec les pertes dues aux mauvaises herbes n'a pas permis d'aboutir à des fonctions de densité ou de biomasse équivalentes pour le même effet compétitif. Les régressions obtenues dans le système maäs‐maäs ont été le plus souvent différentes d'une année à l'autre. L'utilisation des résultats de nombreux essais pluriannuels déjà publiés sur l'effet de la densité de semis sur le rendement du maäs a montréégalement une forte incertitude sur les valeurs prédites, ce qui confirme l'imprécision d'un modèle empirique de prédiction de la compétition fondé sur la densité et la biomasse des mauvaises herbes. Grenzen eines einfachen Modells zur Vorhersage von Ertragsverlusten beim Mais Zur Abschätzung der jährlichen Schwankungen und der Genauigkeit der Vorhersage von Ertragsverlusten beim Mais infolge Unkrautkonkurrenz wurden zusätzliche Maispflanzen eingesetzt, um die Wirkung von Unkräutern zu simulieren und die Versuchsgenauigkeit zu erhöhen. Die Abnahme der Biomasse in verschiedenen Entwicklungsstadien und die Ertragsverluste des Maises wurden anhand der Dichte und der Biomasse der zusätzlichen Maispflanzen regressionsanalytisch untersucht. Durch Vergleich der Verluste durch Unkräuter und zusätzliche Maispflanzen kann eine äquivalente Unkraut‐Mais‐Dichte oder ‐Biomasse für die gleiche Konkurrenzwirkung nicht gefunden werden. Von Jahr zu Jahr waren die Regressionskurven der Mais‐Mais‐Versuche meistens verschieden. Bei der Verarbeitung von früher veröffentlichten Ergebnissen aus verschiedenen Versuchen in einer Reihe von Jahren zur Wirkung der Pflanzdichte auf den Ertrag beim Mais zeigte sich ebenso eine groβe Variation der vorhergesagten Werte, wodurch die Ungenauigkeit eines empirischen Prognose‐Modells auf der Grundlage von Unkrautdichte und ‐biomasse bestätigt wurde.

First-Generation European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Response to Three Conservation Tillage Systems in Minnesota

Plant injury and densities of mature larvae by first-generation Ostnnja nubilalis (Hubner), European corn borer, were examined in chisel-plow, ridge-tillage, and notillage maize, Zea mays (L.). in southeastern Minnesota during 1985-1987. Tillage plots were split with and without terbufos application and with and without Bacjllus thurjngjensjs permethrin application in all combinations. Chisel-plow suffered greater plant injury than ridge-tillage or no-tillage, probably because oviposition was greater in chisel-plow. Ovipositing females were not responding primarily to plant height or developmental stage. Soil surface temperatures were higher in chisel-plow during the early evening when oviposition occurred, and we suggest microclimate influenced female oviposition. Larval density was highest in chisel-plow maize that received terbufos. We concluded that the risk of yield loss to first-generation O. nubllaljs in ridge-tillage and no-tillage maize did not exceed the risk of yield loss in chisel-plow maize.

CJ89-52. Numerical analysis of sheet metal deep-drawing process : By Deng Zhi (Beijing University of Sci. and Tech., Beijing, China) and Chen Hezheng (Beijing Inst. of Aero. and Astro., Beijing, China). Chinese J. Mech. Engng25, No. 4 (Dec. 1989), pp. 33–40

In the context of global climate change, drought has become an important factor that affects the maize yield in China. To analyse the impact of drought on maize yield loss in Northeast China in current and future climate scenarios, the Composite Meteorological Drought Index (CI) is introduced to reconstruct the following drought indicators: drought accumulative days (DAD), drought accumulative intensity (DAI), and consecutive drought days (CDD). These three drought indicators are used to describe the three-dimensional characteristics of drought in this study. Sen’s slope method and three-dimensional copula functions are adopted to analyse the variety of drought features, and Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) is used to analyse the variations in maize yield. A temporal assessment of the standardized yield residuals series (SYRS) of maize from 1961 to 2014 is conducted. A panel regression model is applied to demonstrate the drought impact on maize yield at various growth stages under the RCP4.5 scenario. The results show that the drought risk level for midwest Jilin Province, western Liaoning, and eastern Heilongjiang increase with global warming in the current scenario. The shorter three-dimensional joint return periods, 44–80 yr, were mainly located in western Jilin Province, Liaodong Peninsula, and northwestern Liaoning. Eastern Heilongjiang has a slightly longer joint return period of 80–100 yr. The SYRS shows a strong statistical correlation with drought indicator variations; drought-prone regions exhibit strong positive correlations. In comparison, excess precipitation regions show strong negative correlations with drought indicators in most growth stages. Drought indicators have a relatively strong association with SYRS at the milky–mature maize growth stage, and the occurrence of drought during this period primarily determines the maize yield changes in the future. Maize yield changes are −2.04%, −2.65% and −1.57% for Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang Province under the RCP4.5 scenario. These results can be used as a tool for early warning of drought risk to maize, and will accelerate the progress of drought disaster risk management.

Mode of Gene Action for Resistance in Maize to Maize Streak Virus

Maize streak virus (MSV) transmitted by Cicadulina leafhoppers causes severe yield loss of maize (Zea mays L.) in Africa. This paper summarizes our studies on gene action for resistance to MSV using generation mean analysis. Crosses were made between a resistant inbred (IB32) and four susceptible inbreds (BI4, B68, B73, and Moi7). A total of II 255 plants from the four sets of biparentul crosses, their F2, backcross, and F3 progenies were grown in four experiments under severe artifically induced MSV epiphytotics at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria. Severity of streak symptoms on test plants was classified on a five‐point scale based on the amount of streaking of leaves. Under severe artificial infestation inside a screenhouse, average ratings of resistant and susceptible parents were 1.3 and 5.0, respectively. The average F1 rating was 3.13, which was close to the mean midparent value (3.15). The average F2 rating was 2.83, which was 0.3 units more resistant than the F1 value. The average rating of four F1 crosses in the field was 2.22, 0.81 units more resistant than the mean midparental value (3.03). Average rating of the F2 populations was 2.22, which was similar to that of the F1 (2.27). Backcross ratings were close to mean of the F1 and recurrent parent. Individual F3 plants derived from same rating of F2 plants showed considerable variation in ratings. Resistance to MSV from IB32 appeared to be inherited quantitatively with relatively small numbers of genes involved. The symptoms of MSV varied with the genetic background of the susceptible parent. Simple recurrent selection or modified backcross breeding methods could be used to breed for MSV resistance in Africa.

The agricultural importance of the wild boar(Sus scrofaL.) in Pakistan

Abstract We surveyed damage by the Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) to sugarcane, wheat, and maize in Faisalabad District and to groundnut in Rawalpindi, Attock, and Chakwal Districts in northern Punjab, Pakistan. In these areas, wild boars were the most important vertebrate pest in sugarcane, wheat, and maize, causing more damage than rats, porcupines, or rose‐ringed parakeets. They were lesser pests in groundnut. The estimated damage to sugarcane was 11.3%, wheat 3.0%, maize 6.7%, and groundnut 0.9%. Combined yield losses in sugarcane, wheat, and maize are estimated to be 130.9 million Pakistan Rupees (Rs.) (US $7.6 million)§1. The loss of groundnut equalled Rs. 6.4 million. Farmers spend up to 2 months guarding sugarcane and maize fields from wild boar attacks. Highly toxic poisons in baits are the only effective method of crop protection currently used in Pakistan. To minimize sugarcane damage, farmers are changing from growing soft‐rind, high sugar‐content varieties to hard‐rind, lower sugar‐conten...

Phosphorus Translocation Between Small, Non‐Reproductive Tillers and the Main Plant of Maize1

AbstractTiller growth and development are generally limited under high plant populations used in modern maize (Zea maysL.) production. The physiological relationship between the main plant and small, barren tillers has not been clarified. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the existence, direction, and relative magnitude of P translocation during different phenological intervals, and to observe the effect of tiller senescence on P translocation. A foliar application of 32P was made at each of three growth stages to the tiller or to the most recently expanded leaf on the main stalk of several maize plants grown hydroponically in the greenhouse. Plants were later separated into tiller, main plant, and roots and were assayed for radioactivity. In a field experiment, foliar applications of 32P were made to tillers of maize grown on a Sharpsburg silty clay loam (Typic Argiudoll, fine, montmorillonitic, mesic) when the main plants were in the 11‐ to 12‐ or 15‐ to 16‐ leaf stage. Aboveground tissue was removed 32 or 33 days after treatment and assayed for radioactivity. Apparent translocation of 32P from main plant to tiller was very small or nonexistent in plants grown in the glasshouse, whereas translocation from tillers to the main plant and roots was substantial. More than 24% of the radioactivity found in the whole plants at sampling had been translocated from the tiller, even though tillers accounted for <0.3% of the total dry weight at the 16‐leaf stage. In the field study, movement of isotope to developing grain from a tagged tiller depended directly on total grain weight and was greater when the tiller did not senesce before sampling. The presence of active, barren tillers may therefore be an important characteristic for reducing maize yield losses where environmental stress limits nutrient absorption and assimilation during late vegetative and early reproductive growth.

Maize/Weed Competition Experiments: Implications for Tropical Small-Farm Weed Control Research

SUMMARYTwo sets of experiments examined the effects of weeds on maize yields using weeding methods typical of small farms in Zambia where oxen are used for cultivation. Maize yield losses of 30% due to weeds were evident with common weeding practices. A critical period of competition, during which the crop should be kept clean, was demonstrated from 10 to 30 days after emergence. This is a period of peak labour demand and the prospect of using chemical weed control to ease the situation is considered. The value of weed competition data, given its variability between sites, is discussed.

Maize Yield Losses Caused by Southern Corn Rust1

Southern corn rust, caused by Pucclnia polysora Underw. causes severe yield losses on maize (Zea mays L.); especially on late planted maize in the South. Near‐isogemc crosses were used to determine the extent of yield losses caused by this disease. Susceptible hybrids, in three biweekly plantings (beginning about 25 May) in 1976 and 1978, showed average yield reductions of 4, 23, and 45%. Reduced kernel weight accounted for some but not all of the loss in yield.

Assessment of Yield Loss in Maize due to Attack by the Maize Borer, <i>Chilo partellus</i> (Swinhoe)

The maize borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe), is one of the major biotic constrains reducing maize productivity in Nepal. Summer maize is infested mainly by it rather than by other insect species in Nepal. National Maize Research Program (NMRP)-Rampur farm was considered as a potential spot for this study where summer maize is highly infested every year by this pest. This study was conducted during the summers of 2004 and 2005 with an objective of assessing the loss by it in maize. A maize variety, Arun-2, was used in this study. Yield loss by this pest was estimated by obtaining the yield difference between the chemically protected and unprotected maize plants. Number of plant stands, number of stem breakage, number of ears harvested, number of poor cobs, 1000 grain weight, and stem tunneling were also recorded as the yield affecting factors. The yield difference was significantly less (by 28%) in unprotected maize as compared to protected maize. Number of plant stands, number of ears harvested and 1000 grain weight were found less (by 8.5, 14, and 6%, respectively) whereas number of stem breakage, number of poor cobs, length of tunnels per plant and per tunnel length were found higher (by 16, 6, 30, and 24%, respectively) in unprotected maize. This study has suggested that application of plant protection measures against C. patellus can significantly increase maize productivity and hence can greatly contribute in poverty alleviation in Nepal. Key words: maize borer; Chilo partellus; yield loss assessment; maize DOI: 10.3126/njst.v11i0.4085Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 11 (2010) 25-30 The maize borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe), is one of the major biotic constrains reducing maize productivity in Nepal. Summer maize is infested mainly by it rather than by other insect species in Nepal. National Maize Research Program (NMRP)-Rampur farm was considered as a potential spot for this study where summer maize is highly infested every year by this pest. This study was conducted during the summers of 2004 and 2005 with an objective of assessing the loss by it in maize. A maize variety, Arun-2, was used in this study. Yield loss by this pest was estimated by obtaining the yield difference between the chemically protected and unprotected maize plants. Number of plant stands, number of stem breakage, number of ears harvested, number of poor cobs, 1000 grain weight, and stem tunneling were also recorded as the yield affecting factors. The yield difference was significantly less (by 28%) in unprotected maize as compared to protected maize. Number of plant stands, number of ears harvested and 1000 grain weight were found less (by 8.5, 14, and 6%, respectively) whereas number of stem breakage, number of poor cobs, length of tunnels per plant and per tunnel length were found higher (by 16, 6, 30, and 24%, respectively) in unprotected maize. This study has suggested that application of plant protection measures against C. patellus can significantly increase maize productivity and hence can greatly contribute in poverty alleviation in Nepal. Key words: maize borer, Chilo partellus, yield loss assessment, maize

Assessment of Striga hermonthica infestation and effectiveness of current management strategies in maize-based cropping systems in eastern Uganda

Striga is a major constraint to cereal production in the tropics, particularly on soils of low fertility. Striga causes 30 to 80% cereal crop losses in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to assess farmers’ perception of level of infestation and efficacy of current management options of Striga (Striga hermonthica (Delile) Benth) in maize-based cropping systems in eastern Uganda. A survey was conducted in Iganga district in eastern Uganda, involving 360 households. On the basis of the survey outputs, on-farm trials were conducted to assess the efficacy of a herbicide seed-coating technology, imazapyr herbicide resistant maize (IR-maize) variety, either as a sole crop or intercropped with soybean (Glycine max) or common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L). The study revealed that S. hermonthica caused more than 50% maize (Zea mays) yield loss and farmers were dissatisfied with the existing control practices. Farmers’ knowledge about Striga was mainly sourced from agricultural extension service providers. The on-farm trials revealed that IR-maize provided effective protection against S. hermonthica infestation. Also, intercropping Longe 6H maize variety with either soybean or common beans significantly reduced Striga infestation in farmers’ fields. Longe 6H-soybean intercropping reduced Striga infestation by 32%; while Longe 6H-common bean intercropping reduced Striga infestation by 14%. Intercropping either IR-maize or Longe 6H hybrid (farmer-preferred) with the aforementioned legumes, reduced S. hermonthica infestation (30–50%) and improved maize yield parameters (20-30%). For effective management of S. hermonthica in the maize-based cropping systems in eastern Uganda, farmers should be encouraged to adopt the improved IR-maize and intercrop farmer-preferred maize varieties with legumes in order to improve maize yields.