Management of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth in Nigerian savanna upland rice fields - current challenges and approaches

Striga hermonthica is fast spreading in the Nigerian savanna and is predicted to encroach into the rainforest part of the country soon. S. hermonthica seedbanks in savanna soils have continued to rise due to poor agronomic practices by smallholder farmers. Considering differences in soil, climate, and agronomic practices within the savanna endemic agroecology, the severity of the infestation of S. hermonthica has varied from one location to another. Hence, there is a need to model a site-specific management approach for S. hermonthica in Nigeria. This review aims to understand the state-of-the-art management of S. hermonthica in Nigeria's upland rice fields and further harmonize potential management approaches. Based on studies conducted in Nigeria, reducing S. hermonthica parasitism over a long-term period in the Savanna ecology of Nigeria implies the rotation of upland rice with trap crops, and enhancement of nitrogen fertility in farmers' fields, combined with the use of seed-treated resistant or tolerant cultivars. In practical terms, farmer's-research engagement in the long term is pertinent to reduce the severity of S. hermonthica in threatened areas.