Striga hermonthica is a major constraint to cereal production in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly under low-fertility conditions. In this study, we evaluated biological and nutrient-based approaches to suppress Striga and improve sorghum growth.

The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus mosseae significantly reduced Striga emergence (up to 100%) and biomass, while greatly enhancing sorghum growth. The phosphorus-solubilizing bacterium Bacillus megaterium also contributed to Striga suppression and improved plant performance.

The combination of Glomus mosseae, Bacillus megaterium, and phosphorus resulted in the greatest improvements, highlighting the value of integrated management strategies. These findings demonstrate the potential of biological approaches for sustainable Striga control in low-input farming systems.

Author: Suha Elhag
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pei3.70112