The Role of Biological Control in Integrated Management of in Maize Striga Hermonthica (Zea Mays L.)

The two trials were conducted in 2008 and 2009 wet seasons to evaluate the efficient of a combination of granular mycoherbicide formulation applied pre-plant and post-emergence herbicides for the control of Striga hermonthica in maize. Four fungal treatments used were: Fusarium oxysporum followed by 2, 4-D, F. oxsyporum followed by supplementary hoe weeding, F. oxysporum followed by Triclopyr and a control (No. F. oxysporum but hoe- weeded). The two maize varieties (Across 97 TZL and farmer's local variety) formed the main plot treatments, while the Striga fungal treatments formed the sub- plot treatments. The experiments were laid out in the split-plot design with three replications in the two locations. Early emergence of Striga were recorded in 2008; Makurdi and with the farmer's local maize variety when compared to 2009; Lafia and cultivar Across 97 TZL in the different Striga control methods, the hoe weeded check resulted in early of Striga as compared to all plots that received F. oxysporum . Throughout the period of observation, the year 2008; Makurdi; farmer's local variety and the hoe-weeded check recorded the highest number of maize plants infected with Striga/ shoot count as compared to their corresponding treatments. Higher maize grain yields were obtained in 2009 and at Makurdi location. The variety Across 97 TZL produced higher grain than that of the farmers' local variety. In the Striga control methods, the hoe weeded check resulted in lower grain yield as compared to plots that received F. oxysporum followed by (fb) post -emergence (POE) Triclopyr 2,4 D each at the rate of 0.36 kg a.i/ha or supplementary hoe- weeding (SHW)