EFFECT OF FIVE STRIGA HERMONTHICA CONTROL METHODS ONINPUT USE, STRIGA COUNTS AND MAIZE YIELD IN THE NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA OF NIGERIA

The study compared input usage, effectiveness (Striga counts) and grain yields of five Striga control methods. The results revealed that the continuous cultivation of Striga tolerant maize variety (T1) and soybean variety followed by a Striga tolerant maize variety in the second year (T2) had a lower level of seed usage. The treatment involving a high level of N-Fertilizer (T4) however required the highest fertilizer level. Striga control was significantly higher (p<0.01) i.e lower Striga counts in T2 followed by T1. The maize grain yields were also significantly higher (p<0.01) in T1 and T2 plots. It was concluded that Higher maize grain yields and lower Striga counts can be obtained with the rotation of ACR 97 TZL Composite 1-W with a legume trap crop such as soyabean TGX 1448-2E or the same ACR 97 TZL Composite 1-W.