Integrated management of Striga Parasitic Weed in millet/cowpea association and adaptability of Striga-Tolerant Sorghum varieties under farmer conditions in Mali

Abstract

Cowpea resistant to the parasitic weed Striga spp. was grown with millet in two methods of association (alternate rows and alternate hills in the same row) and compared with the farmer practice with associating millet with local cowpea in low density, in on-farm trials in four villages in north central Mali. Counts of striga spp. at harvest were significantly reduced in alternating rows compared to farmer practice, but overall striga counts in farmers' plots were lower in 1997 (0.3-2.8 m^-2) than in 1996 (5-18m^-2). The effect of association method on Striga counts showed significant interactions with locations, with alternating rows reducing Striga counts in three or four villages, and alternating hills reducing counts in two of four villages. Millet yield was decreased 33% and 27% when it was grown in alternating rows and alternating hills, respectively. These results contrast with 1996, when yield was increased in alternating rows.