Project Objectives

1. To generate a striga-resistant maize host by use of sodium azide as a mutagen

2. To use two species of Labiatae plants, Hyptis and Ocimum as trap crops the way they are used by the Acholi people of Uganda and Southern Sudan to control striga

Project Outputs

• Seven mutants of maize plants that did not support the growth of striga were identified during the long rains of 2002. This was the M2 generation and whose seeds were again planted in striga-infested fields during the short rains of 2003. Only three of the seven mutants gave rise to viable plants.

• Three species of Labiatae species, viz: Hyptis Ocimum (Basil) and peppermint (mint) were planted in striga-infested plots. At maturity, the plants were ploughed back into the soil. In the following season, susceptible maize line H513 was planted in the plots on which the respective species of the Labiatae grew. Results obtained showed that the least number of striga emerged from the plots previously occupied by Hyptis

Characteristics of the resistant maize lines in two years of field tests