COMPARATIVE RESPONSE OF SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor L) VARIETIES TO Striga hermonthica INFESTATION IN SUDAN SAVANNAH OF NORTHERN NIGERIA.

Abstract

Witch weed (Striga spp.) particularly Striga hermonthica, is one of the most limiting biotic stress factors posing a significant threat, undermining sorghum yields and jeopardizing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. This research was design to study the response of sorghum (sorghum bicolor L) varieties to striga hermonthica infestation in Sudan savannah of northern Nigeria. The experiments were conducted under rain-fed conditions in Sudan savanna of the northern Nigeria during the 2019 and 2020 raining seasons. Twenty different varieties of sorghum were collected from International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Kano station. Data was collected on growth, physiological and yield. The results revealed significant varietal differences in Striga resistance and agronomic performance. Fara Kano and Deko showed superior growth (reaching 98cm and 90cm plant height, respectively) but were highly susceptible to Striga (6-14 attachments per plant). In contrast, ZSV 3, Yar washa, and KL-1 demonstrated complete resistance (0-2 Striga attachments) but had relatively lower yields. IS 23509 and Dalwanda produced the highest panicle weights (197.5g and 174.5g fresh weight, respectively) despite moderate Striga susceptibility. Physiological measurements indicated that Striga infestation reduced host chlorophyll content by 39-44% in susceptible varieties by maturity. The study identified promising resistant varieties (ZSV 3, Yar washa, KL-1) and high-yielding but susceptible varieties (Fara Kano and IS 23509) for potential use in breeding programs. Farmers in affected areas are encouraged to adopt resistant varieties such as IESV 92004 DL and Kari Mtama 1, as well as tolerant varieties like Kaura Maigunduma and Fara Kano, to sustain productivity despite Striga prevalence. Key words. Sorghum, Striga hermonthica, response, resistance.