Disconnect Between Striga Suppression and Maize Yield Improvement by Local Fusarium oxysporum Strains in Western Kenya.

Author

Oula Dorah Auma, John Maina Nyongesa


Abstract

 Striga hermonthica is a devastating parasitic weed, causing significant yield losses in maize, the staple crop for millions in sub-Saharan Africa. Biological control using the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Strigae (FOS) has emerged as a promising, eco-friendly strategy. While the ability of local FOS strains to suppress Striga has been demonstrated, the resulting impact on the agronomic performance of the maize crop under varied field conditions is less understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of five Kenyan FOS strains on the growth and yield of a local maize cultivar ('Rachar') and to identify factors that may influence this relationship. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of infection by local F. oxysporum f. sp. Strigae strains on the growth parameters and yield components of maize grown in Striga-infested fields in Siaya County, Kenya. A field experiment was conducted during the long and short rain seasons of 2013 at three distinct sites (Bar Olengo, Bondo, and Sagam) in Siaya County. Five local FOS strains (FK1-FK5) were used as seed treatments on the susceptible maize variety 'Rachar', alongside an untreated control, in a complete randomized block design with three replications. Data were collected on maize height, leaf number, stover weight, cob weight, and grain yield. Soil properties and rainfall data were also recorded. All five FOS strains significantly reduced Striga emergence compared to the control, with FK3 and FK5 showing the highest efficacy. However, these reductions did not translate into consistent or statistically significant improvements in maize growth or yield in most cases. While FK3 and FK5 demonstrated a trend toward higher stover, cob, and grain weight, significant yield increases were only observed at the Sagam site during the short rain season. Grain yields across all sites remained low (mean: 1.1 – 1.74 t/ha). The lack of a consistent yield response was strongly associated with low soil pH (< 5.5) at Bar Olengo and Bondo, and erratic rainfall patterns during the study period, which likely limited nutrient availability and overall plant vigor. This sdtudy confirms that local FOS strains, particularly FK3 and FK5, are effective bio-control agents for Striga. However, their beneficial effect on parasite suppression is insufficient to overcome other major abiotic constraints to maize productivity in Siaya County. Soil acidity and poor water availability appear to be overriding factors limiting yield.  For successful integrated Striga management in the region, biological control must be combined with soil fertility management practices such as liming and fertilization to create conditions that allow maize to benefit from reduced parasitic pressure and achieve its yield potential.


Keywords

Biocontrol, Fusarium oxysporum, Striga hermonthica, Maize yield, Soil acidity, Kenya.



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References


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