The effectiveness of local strains of Fusarium oxysporium f. Sp. Strigae to control Striga hermonthica on local maize in western Kenya

Abstract

Striga hermonthica weed infestation continues to persist among smallholder poor farmers in Kenya who depend on traditional maize (Zea mays L.) seeds for their livelihood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of five local Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Strigae strains (FK1, FK2, FK3, FK4, and FK5) to control Striga on susceptible local maize cultivar “Rachar” in three farmer field sites in Siaya County, Kenya. A complete randomized block design was used in each site. Statistical analysis was done using SAS 9.1 software, and means for different strains were tested with Fisher's LSD. The strains differentially reduced the number of emerged Striga and infected most of the emerged Striga, which affected performance of the local maize. Striga emergence and infection rates were significantly different (p