Effects of Seed Treatments With Parkia biglobosa Products and Post-Emergence Herbicides On The Control of Striga hermonthica In Maize

Two field trials were conducted in 2008 and 2009 cropping seasons to assess the effects of soaking maize seeds in Parkia products (pre-sowed treatment) and post-emergence application of herbicides in the control of Striga hermonthica. The experiments were laid out in a split plot design with three replications in the two locations. Three Striga control methods consisting of post-emergence application of Triclopyr, 2, 4-D and a hoe-weeded check (at 3 and 6 weeks after sowing) formed the main plot treatment, while the soaking of maize seeds in Parkia fruit powder suspension, Parkia seed powder suspension and distilled water (as control) were the sub-plot treatments, respectively.Soaking of maize seeds in Parkia based products delayed the emergence of Striga up 50 and 45 days after sowing (DAS), respectively when compared to the use of distilled water. Generally, the number of maize plants infested with Striga was higher in 2008 and at Makurdi when compared to 2008 at Lafia location. Maize seeds soaked for 20 minutes before planting in Parkia based products suspension resulted in significantly fewer number of maize plants infected with Striga/shoot count as compared to those soaked in distilled water. In the Striga control methods, the highest and lowest maize grain yields were obtained in plots treated with POE application of Triclopyr at the rate of 0.36kga.i/ha and the hoe-weeded check, respectively.