Bisikwa, J.Nampala, P.Nsibo, D.L.Kwikiriza, N.Bukenya, C.Otim, M.H.Kapting, I.Kabuye, F.M.Felix, J.2023-03-292023-03-292022Bisikwa, J., Nampala, P., Nsibo, D. L., Kwikiriza, N., Bukenya, C., Otim, M. H., ... & Felix, J. (2022). Assessment of Striga hermonthica infestation and effectiveness of current management strategies in maize-based cropping systems in eastern Uganda. African Crop Science Journal, 30(4), 525-538.https://doi.org/10.4314/acsj.v30i4.102072-6589https://nru.uncst.go.ug/handle/123456789/8325Striga is a major constraint to cereal production in the tropics, particularly on soils of low fertility. Striga causes 30 to 80% cereal crop losses in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to assess farmers’ perception of level of infestation and efficacy of current management options of Striga (Striga hermonthica (Delile) Benth) in maize-based cropping systems in eastern Uganda. A survey was conducted in Iganga district in eastern Uganda, involving 360 households. On the basis of the survey outputs, on-farm trials were conducted to assess the efficacy of a herbicide seed-coating technology, imazapyr herbicide resistant maize (IR-maize) variety, either as a sole crop or intercropped with soybean (Glycine max) or common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L). The study revealed that S. hermonthica caused more than 50% maize (Zea mays) yield loss and farmers were dissatisfied with the existing control practices. Farmers’ knowledge about Striga was mainly sourced from agricultural extension service providers. The on-farm trials revealed that IR-maize provided effective protection against S. hermonthica infestation. Also, intercropping Longe 6H maize variety with either soybean or common beans significantly reduced Striga infestation in farmers’ fields. Longe 6H-soybean intercropping reduced Striga infestation by 32%; while Longe 6H-common bean intercropping reduced Striga infestation by 14%. Intercropping either IR-maize or Longe 6H hybrid (farmer-preferred) with the aforementioned legumes, reduced S. hermonthica infestation (30–50%) and improved maize yield parameters (20-30%). For effective management of S. hermonthica in the maize-based cropping systems in eastern Uganda, farmers should be encouraged to adopt the improved IR-maize and intercrop farmer-preferred maize varieties with legumes in order to improve maize yields.enZea maysImazapyr herbicide resistant maizeArticle