Abstract:
Striga spp (witchweeds), are notorious root hemiparasites on cereal and legume crops grown in the
semi-arid tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, the southern Arabian Peninsula, India, and
parts of the eastern USA. These weed-parasites cause between 5 to 90% losses in yield; total croploss data have been reported. Immunity in hosts has not been found.
Past research activities and control methods for Striga are reviewed, with emphasis on the
socioeconomic significance of the species. Striga research involving biosystematics, physiological
biochemistry, cultural and chemical control methods, and host resistance are considered. We tried
to itemize research needs of priority and look into the future of Striga research and control In light
of existing information, some control strategies which particularly suit subsistence and emerging
farmers' farming systems with some minor adjustments are proposed. The authors believe that a good crop husbandry is the key to solving the Striga problem