Assessment of the diversity of aggressiveness of Striga hermonthica ecotypes: Reactions of pearl millet cultivars (Pennisetum glaucum) in Niger

Striga poses a serious threat to agricultural production in Niger. A mission of prospecting and collection of Striga ecotypes and millet varieties was carried out in the 5 regions of Niger in fields heavily infested with Striga. The infestation of striga has reached a very high level, and the parasitic situation is endemic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the aggressiveness of the five ecotypes of Striga in pots and identify pearl millet varieties tolerant to Striga. The test was carried out at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) research station in Niger. The experimental design is a complete randomized block with four replications and two factors. The appearance of Striga occurred on average between 30 and 45 days after sowing (DAS), and Striga numbers averaged between 3 and 56 Striga plants/pot. Considering yield as the main agronomic parameter, the VD01 varieties infested by ecotype ETI16, and VTA11 infested by ecotype EZ25, respectively, with 29 and 26 g obtained the largest seed weights. These varieties are precocious and tolerant to Striga attacks. The use of these tolerant varieties could be a component of the strategy to combat Striga. Key words: Pearl millet, Striga ecotypes, parasitic weed, Striga hermonthica, Striga severity.