Nitrogen effect on Striga asiatica emergence in maize (Planalto Central of Angola)

Abstract

Influence of different levels of nitrogen fertilizer on maize to control Striga asiatica in maize (Zea mays cv. SAM3) was studied in farmers fields, Chianga, Huambo, between 2008 to 2010. The experiment was laid out in complete randomized design with 4 repetitions. Nitrogen levels were: (0 (Nzero), 30 (N30), 60 (N60), 90 (N90), 120 (N 120) kg N/ha). Results showed that soil nitrogen addition had a significant and positive effect on maize height, earn number and yield. S. asiatica plants per m^-2 decreased with nitrogen increase dose and N(90) induced highest suicidal germination of Striga. A significant and negative correlation between the number of S. asiatica and the number of maize earns was observed Conclusion, increasing soil fertility, especially soils nitrogen content, give high crop yields and contribute to decreased S. asiatica emergence.