Effect of dicamba on the control of striga hermonthica in maize in western kenya

By: G.D. ODHIAMBO and J.K. RANSOMi

Dicamba(2-methoxy-3,6-dirchlorobenzoic acid)has been shown to be ettective in controlling Striga asiatica in maize in the USA. Experiments were therefore conducted from 1990 t0 1992 to evaluate lts effectiveness against S.hermonthica in Western Kenya. Dlcamba was more effective when applied at the rate of 0.75 kg a.i.ha-1 compared to 0.50 kg a.i.ha-l. AppIying dicamba over the top of maize plants or post-directing it to the lower plant part did not significantly affect its effectiveness．Application at 30 days after planting was not as effective as delaying the application to 45 days after planting. Crop injury was observed early in a few cases, though the affected plants later recovered and yield was not affected.Dicamba was not persistent as Striga energed later in the season. Although dicamba can
provide some control early in the season, its low persistence implies that other control measures need to
be integrated with it to avoid subsequent seed roduction by the Striga plants that germinate later in the season.

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