Evaluation of Formulated Strigolactone Analogs for Striga Management in Kenyan Agriculture
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Date
2025
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Elsevier B.V
Abstract
Striga hermonthica, an obligate root parasitic weed affecting cereal crops, poses a significant threat to global food
security in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Germination of Striga seed largely relies on signaling molecules released by
the host roots, mainly strigolactones (SLs). Suicidal germination is an effective strategy for reducing Striga seed
banks in infested soils by applying SL analogs in the absence of a host. However, the challenge remains in
developing suitably formulated SL analogs for field application. In this report, we assessed the activity of two SL
analogs, MP3 and Nijmegen-1, in both granular and liquid formulations in laboratory and greenhouse settings,
and conducted mini-field and field trials to evaluate their effectiveness under farmers’ conditions, using maize as
the host crop in Kenyan agriculture. We observed a significant induction of Striga seed germination reaching up
to 56 % in laboratory germination bioassays and a reduction in Striga emergence by up to 77 % in greenhouse
pot studies. In mini- and field trials in different infested fields, we recorded up to 80 % and 65 % reduction in
Striga emergence, respectively. In conclusion, the formulated SL analogs demonstrate significant potential to
reduce Striga infestation in maize fields in Kenya and are promising candidates for use by farmers due to their
simplicity, ease of handling, stability, and effectiveness
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Jamil, Muhammad, et al. "Evaluation of formulated strigolactone analogs for Striga management in Kenyan agriculture." Journal of Agriculture and Food Research (2025): 101921.