Combining host plant defence with targeted nutrition: key to durable control of hemiparasitic Striga in cereals in sub‐Saharan Africa?

Abstract

Host plant defence mechanisms (resistance and tolerance) and plant nutrition are two of the most widely proposed components for the control of hemi-parasitic weeds of the Striga genus in tropical cereal production systems. Neither of the two components alone are effective enough to prevent parasitism and concomitant crop losses. This review explores the potential of improved Accepted Article This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved plant nutrition, being the chemical constituent of soil fertility, to fortify the expression of plant inherent resistance and tolerance against Striga. Beyond reviewing advances in parasitic plant research, we assess relevant insights from phytopathology and plant physiology in the broader sense to identify opportunities and knowledge gaps and to develop the way forward regarding research and development of combining genetics and plant nutrition for the durable control of Striga.

Genome Editing for Sustainable Agriculture in Africa

“…These methods are either ineffective or too expensive for smallholder farmers in Africa. Experts agree that effective control of parasitic plants can only be achieved through an integrated approach that highly exploits host-based resistance ( Mwangangi et al, 2021 ). Modern techniques make such an approach feasible because of the increasing knowledge of the genetic mechanisms that underpin Striga-host interactions.…”

Harnessing plant resistance against Striga spp. parasitism in major cereal crops for enhanced crop production and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review

“…In sorghum and millet, annual yield losses due to Striga parasitism were estimated to 8.6 million tons Mallu et al, 2021). In rice, 300 thousand to half a million tons of grain yield is lost due to Striga infestation which is equivalent to US$ 117-200 million annually (Gressel et al, 2004;Rodenburg et al, 2016;Mwangangi et al, 2021). In Eastern and Northern Zimbabwe, Striga spp.…”

Nitrates increase abscisic acid levels to regulate haustoria formation in the parasitic plant Phtheirospermum japonicum

“…Despite recent advances in our understanding of haustorium development, little is known about how environmental conditions affect plant parasitism. Nutrient availability is an important factor affecting plant parasitism, for example, infestations of the agriculturally devastating obligate parasite Striga are often associated with poor soil 4 fertility (Mwangangi et al, 2021). Low soil fertility is thought to impede host defences and exacerbate the damaging effects of infection (Mwangangi et al, 2021).…”

“…Nutrient availability is an important factor affecting plant parasitism, for example, infestations of the agriculturally devastating obligate parasite Striga are often associated with poor soil 4 fertility (Mwangangi et al, 2021). Low soil fertility is thought to impede host defences and exacerbate the damaging effects of infection (Mwangangi et al, 2021). In addition, low nutrient levels in the soil, particularly phosphate, promotes host secretion of strigolactones which enhances Striga germination and infections levels.…”

“…In addition, low nutrient levels in the soil, particularly phosphate, promotes host secretion of strigolactones which enhances Striga germination and infections levels. Improving soil fertility can reduce the production of germination stimulants while also improving host defences and host tolerance (Jamil et al, 2012; Yoneyama et al, 2007a, 2007b; Sun et al, 2014; Mwangangi et al, 2021). However, nutrients might also have effects on the parasite beyond germination.…”