Fusarium oxysporum Foxy 2 shows potential to control both Striga hermonthica and S. asiatica

Abstract

Under glasshouse conditions, the ability of Fusarium oxysporum isolate Foxy 2, a fungal pathogen isolated from Striga hermonthica, to control S. asiatica and S. gesnerioides, was investigated on potted plants. In the experiment, the target weed of the fungus, S. hermonthica, was included as a standard. In the present study, S. asiatica was the only species that, besides S. hermonthica showed high susceptibility to Foxy 2. This susceptibility was demonstrated by almost complete prevention of emergence of the parasite. In contrast, S. gesnerioides did not show any susceptibility at all. The susceptibility of two Striga species to the fungus provides an opportunity for simultaneous control of both parasites in those regions where they are co-existing (e.g. Tanzania and Kenya).