Evaluation of the Impact of Control Methods Based on Local Products Against the infestation of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. on Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] in a farming Environment in the North Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the impact of local product-based control methods against Striga hermonthica infestation. Study Design: A randomized complete block design was set up with four replications and five treatments (T0=control, T1=compost, T2=millet seeds coated with Parkia biglobosa powder, T3=millet seeds coated with Parkia biglobosa powder combined with compost and T4= peanut+millet combination. Location and Duration of Studies: the study was carried out in Tiaplé, in the sub-prefecture of Diawala, during the years 2022 and 2023. Methodology: Observations and measurements focused on the emergence time and morphological development of Striga hermonthica plants, the degree of infestation of millet plants and their yield. Results: In year 1, T2 treatment delayed the emergence of Striga hermonthica plants compared with the control (T0 = 53.00 jas and T2 = 56.75 jas) and reduced the infestation rate of millet plants (T0 = 44.52% and T2 = 28.03%). In year 2, the same results were obtained with treatments T2 and T4 for Striga hermonthica plant emergence (T0 = 51.75 jas; T2 = 56.25 jas and T4 = 57.25 jas) and millet plant infestation rate (T0 = 64.80% ; T2 = 62.30% and T4 = 64.00%). The best yields were obtained in year 1 with treatment T3 (T0 = 378.94 kg/ha and T3 = 683.53 kg/ha) and in year 2 with treatment T4 (T0 = 446.07 kg/ha and T4 = 938.86 kg/ha). Conclusion: Parkia biglobosa powder and legumes, taken together or separately, could provide a solution for controlling Striga hermonthica in millet.