Effects of Striga lutea (Lour) infestation on tolerant maize hybrids (Zea mays L) in southern Guinea savanna
2003
Olakojo , S.A., Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, P. M B 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria; | Oaoye, G., Department of Crop Production, University of Ilorin , P. M. Bo 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
Twenty-four maize inbred lines were screened 'for tolerance to Striga /utea (Lour) in Temidire (a striga-endemic area of Eruwa in Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State) in 1995 and 1996 under artificial striga inoculation with about 44 000 striga seeds per hill. Ten of the maize inbred lines with varied levels of tolerance were used in diallel crosses 'to generate 45 F, hybrids. The resultant hybrids and two check entries ( resistant and susceptible varieties) were evaluated in Temidire, Eruwa Farm settlement, and Hora in 1998 cropping season under artificial striga infestation to ascertain the effects on grain production, striga tolerance, and maize agronomic characteristics. They were evaluated on four-row plots of three replicates, in a randomised complete block design. The results showed that three of the maize inbred lines were highly tolerant, four were moderately tolerant, one was moderately susceptible, while two were highly susceptible to striga infestation. Mean striga count and rating and days to anthesis (silking and tasselling) were significantly reduced in the hybrid maize compared to inbred parents. Plant and ear heights increased ignificantly in the hybrid maize. Kernel rows/cob and grain yield increased significantly by 25 and 124 per cent, respectively, over parent inbred. Striga rating, tolerance index, plant aspect, and grain yield differed significantly from one location to another. Similarly, plant and ear heights and husk tip cover differed significantly (P0.05) among locations. The results of this study suggest a promising future for breeding of striga-resistant hybrid maize with yield advantage of over 124 per cent.
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