Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]
Volume 18: 983 - 991. Published June 8, 2009.
The use of Parkia biglobosa based products in the control of Striga hermonthica in maize (Zea mays. L.)
Magani I.E.*^, Ibrahim A.** and Avav. T.*
*Department of Crop and Environmental Protection, University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2373, Makurdi, Nigeria. **Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
^Corresponding author e–mail: m.enochistifanus@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the effect of two Parkia (Parkia biglobosa) based products for the control of Striga hermonthica in the Nigeria Savanna.
Methodology and results: Three weed control treatments (post emergence POE) Triclopyr, 2, 4 – D, each at the rate of 0.36kg a.i/ha and a hoe weeded check at 3 and 6 weeks after sowing [WAS]) and seed coating (soaking for 20 minutes in Parkia fruit powder, Parkia seed powder and distilled water as control) were laid out in a split – plot design with three (3) replications using farmers’ variety of maize (local); assigning weed control treatments and maize seed coating into main and sub – plots, respectively. The trials were carried out in two locations (Makurdi and Lafia). Generally, the number of maize plants infected with Striga was higher in Lafia than in Makurdi. Seed coating with Parkia based products resulted in significantly less plants infected with Striga when compared to soaking in distilled water. The POE of either Triclopyr or 2, 4 – D each at the rate of 0.36kg a.i/ha at 6 Weeks After Sowing delayed the emergence of Striga to 51 and 45 days after sowing (Days After Sowing), respectively. Treatments with Parkia based (fruit and seed powder) products significantly increased maize grain yield than the distilled water soaking; while the weed control treatments differed significantly in terms of maize grain yield, following the order: POE Triclopyr (2090kg/ha) > POE 2, 4 – D (1833 kg/ha) > hoe weeded check (1340kg/ha)
Conclusions and application of findings: The study results demonstrate the potentiality of using Parkia based products for the control of S. hermonthica followed by either Triclopyr or 2, 4 – D POE at 6 WAS. The Parkia trees are abundant within the savanna and thus their fruits can easily be procured. This implies that farmers could adopt this method and integrate it with other Striga management practices such as host plant resistance and cultural practices to enhance Striga control.
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