Effect of sorghum seed treatment in Burkina Faso varies with baseline crop performance and geographical location

Seed-priming of sorghum with antifungal extracts from Balanites aegyptiaca and Eclipta alba in different agro-ecological zones of Burkina Faso

“…In conclusion, when testing formally propagated seeds, a specific effect on yield relative to pure water was found for both plant extracts. The strongest effects were observed in Zone C, which is in agreement with previous findings comparing Kindi (Zone B) and Diapangou locations (Zone C), (Zida et al, 2016).…”

“…Altogether, our field data were strongly indicative of the existence of regional differences with regard to the seed treatment response and indicated functional biochemical or biological differences between the two plant extracts. Existence of regional/geographical differences for treatment with E. alba extract is in good agreement with our previous findings including a low level of emergence found in the zone showing the strongest response (Zida et al 2016). Interestingly, Zone C showed a low level of emergence and yield despite a relatively high level of rain fall, indicating that biotic factors could play a role (Tables 3 and 4).…”

“…Experimental plots were prepared and managed as previously described (Zida et al, 2016). Shortly, for each treatment an experimental plot of at least 25 rows (80 cm spacing, 5 m length) was prepared per field in a random block design.…”

“…A country-wide field trial showed a moderate ability of E. alba extract to increase yield of sorghum (Zida et al, 2012). However, the effect of E. alba extract is highly dependent on the field location with a significant tendency of a stronger effect found on fields showing a low emergence of sorghum (Zida et al, 2016). Thus, a strategy of using E. alba extract for seed treatment in Burkina Faso faces two major challenges: (1) the plant is not commonly found in the northern parts of the country and (2) the effect is highly variable between locations.…”

Toxic, but beneficial compounds from endophytic fungi of Carica papaya

“…Several other phytotoxins such as epoxydon, desoxyepoxydon, phyllostine, diphenyl ether, and 6-methyl salicyalate ether have been expressed by the fungus (66). In contrast to its pathogenic activity on sorghum grains, E. sorghinum is reported to be the most prevalent endophytic fungal species associated with the leaves of sorghum field plants (69,70). It has also been found as endophytes of Annona senegalensis (71), Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (61), and Tithonia diversifolia (66).…”