Effects of Patterns and Methods of Sowing on Sorghum/Striga Relations

Abstract

SUMMARYChanging the geometry of planting under irrigated conditions from the traditional pattern of regular rows (with plants equidistant from each other) into double rows (with plants arranged in row pairs) promoted plant competition. This resulted in a significant reduction in overall yield components of sorghum but a marked increase in shoot yields of striga. A better yield of sorghum was obtained in ridged plots than in flat plots, associated with less striga infestation and a slightly higher soil moisture content under the ridged plots.