Has the Striga problem been solved? A field perspective critique of recent progress

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Pathology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Striga (witchweed) species cause significant crop losses in Africa, particularly for maize and legumes.
• Conventional breeding has yielded limited resistance, necessitating novel control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate recent advances in Striga biocontrol, suicidal germination stimulants, and gene-edited crops.
• To assess the efficacy and limitations of these innovative approaches.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of a commercial mycoherbicide derived from a hypervirulent fungus.
• Assessment of slow-release suicidal germination stimulants.
• Analysis of gene-edited crops engineered to reduce Striga germination stimulants.

Main Results:

• A mycoherbicide achieved commercial success through hypervirulence and effective formulation.
• Suicidal germination stimulants require impractically long crop delays.
• Gene-edited crops showed success against Striga asiatica under low infestation but may struggle with virulent Striga hermonthica.

Conclusions:

• Innovative strategies like biocontrol and gene editing offer potential for Striga management.
• Further research is needed to enhance gene editing for virulent Striga species and address broader agricultural constraints.