Overview of Striga glandulifera Engl.
Striga glandulifera Engl. is a parasitic plant belonging to the family Orobanchaceae, commonly known as the Giant Witchweed. This plant was first described and published by eminent German botanist Adolf Engler in 1908. The plant has a parasitic nature, and it grows on the roots of other plants, mainly cereals, and causing severe damage to crops.
Appearance of Striga glandulifera Engl.
The Giant Witchweed is a slender plant that grows to a height of 30 to 180 cm. The stem is hairless and pubescent near the base. The plant has lanceolate leaves, and the tip of the leaves is pointed, and the margin is serrated. The flowers are spike-like and white or pale pink in color. The fruit of the plant is a capsule, and the seeds are light brown and small.
Origin of Striga glandulifera Engl.
Striga glandulifera Engl. is native to Africa but has now spread to other parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. It is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions and thrives in areas with high humidity and rainfall.
Common Names of Striga glandulifera Engl.
The Giant Witchweed is called by several names in different parts of the world. Some of the common names include:
- Giant Witchweed
- Large witchweed
- Nigeria witchweed
- Yellow witchweed
- Striga
- Striga weed
Uses of Striga glandulifera Engl.
While the Giant Witchweed is known for its parasitic nature and its ability to damage crops, it is also a useful medicinal plant. The plant is used in traditional medicine in Africa to treat various ailments, including malaria, jaundice, and stomach ache. The plant contains several bioactive compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-tumor properties. However, due to its parasitic nature, the plant is considered a significant threat to food security and is actively controlled and managed in many countries.
Growth Conditions for Striga glandulifera Engl.
Striga glandulifera Engl., also known as the glandular witchweed or purple witchweed, is a parasitic plant species native to Africa. It requires specific growth conditions for successful growth and development.
Light Requirements
Striga glandulifera Engl. requires ample sunlight for growth. It grows best in areas with full sun exposure as shaded areas can impact its growth and reproductive performance. The plant may fail to photosynthesize and establish itself properly in low light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires a warm temperature for its growth, and the optimal temperature range for Striga glandulifera Engl. is 25-35°C. If the temperature falls below 18°C or above 40°C, the plant may not survive, leading to stunted growth and decreased reproductive performance.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires specific types of soil for its growth and development. Striga glandulifera Engl. grows best in sandy soils that are low in organic matter content. These soils provide the plant with a good rooting environment, allowing proper anchoring to the host plant. Additionally, the soil should be well-draining to prevent standing water and root rot, which can adversely affect its growth.
In conclusion, Striga glandulifera Engl. requires ample sunlight, warm temperature, and well-draining sandy soils for its growth and development. Paying attention to these specific growth conditions can help in establishing a healthy and thriving Striga glandulifera Engl. plant.
Cultivation of Striga glandulifera Engl.
Striga glandulifera Engl., commonly known as the giant witchweed, is an invasive weed species found in many parts of Africa and Asia. Cultivating Striga glandulifera Engl. is not recommended as it is a parasitic weed that feeds on the nutrients of various crops, including maize, sorghum, millet, and sugarcane.
Watering Needs of Striga glandulifera Engl.
Since Striga glandulifera Engl. is a parasitic weed, it derives most of its water from the host plants. Therefore, watering of this weed is not necessary, and in fact, it is not recommended since it can lead to the growth and spread of the weed.
Fertilization of Striga glandulifera Engl.
Similarly, fertilization of Striga glandulifera Engl. is not necessary as it feeds on the nutrients of the host plants. Instead of fertilization, it is best to ensure that the crops on which the weed feeds are properly fertilized to reduce its impact and proliferation.
Pruning of Striga glandulifera Engl.
Pruning of Striga glandulifera Engl. is not recommended since it is a parasitic weed that attaches to the stems and roots of host plants and sucks their nutrients. In fact, removing and destroying any plants infected with this weed immediately is the best way to prevent its spread and minimize its impact on crops.
Propagation of Striga glandulifera Engl.
Striga glandulifera Engl. commonly known as the African witchweed is a parasitic plant that depends on host plants for its survival. Propagation in Striga glandulifera occurs by the production of numerous small-sized and lightweight seeds, which are known to disperse over long distances.
Seed production and collection
The production of seeds in Striga glandulifera depends on the availability of host plants. The flowers of Striga glandulifera are mostly self-pollinated, and the seeds produced are abundant. The seed capsules form after fertilization and ripen approximately 6-8 weeks post-fertilization. The seeds are lightweight and have a dark-brown color. Collecting the mature seed capsules from the host plants is a common propagation method for Striga glandulifera.
Seed dormancy
Striga glandulifera has been reported to exhibit hard seed dormancy, which is characterized by a water-impermeable seed coat. The hard seed coat condition may last for several years, allowing for viable seeds to remain dormant in the soil until favorable conditions for seed germination are available. This dormancy mechanism in Striga glandulifera seeds is crucial in fostering survival and dispersal in unfavorable environmental conditions.
Seed germination and establishment
Striga glandulifera seeds will only germinate when stimulated by specific chemical cues released by the host plant's roots. This feature of Striga glandulifera seeds makes it easy for the seeds to locate the host plant. Once the seeds germinate, they produce protrusions, which penetrate the root of the host plant and thereafter produce structures called haustoria. The haustoria act as a pathway for the Striga glandulifera to extract the host plant's nutrients, thereby establishing a parasitic relationship between the two plants.
Disease Management
Striga glandulifera Engl., commonly known as giant witchweed, is susceptible to various diseases, including fungal and viral infections. The following are some of the common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Fungal Diseases: Striga glandulifera can be attacked by several fungal pathogens, including Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. These diseases cause wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunting of the plant. To manage these diseases, farmers should avoid planting Striga glandulifera in areas with a history of fungal infections. Fungicides can be used to control the spread of these diseases, but farmers must follow the instructions on the label carefully.
- Viral Diseases: The most common viral disease that affects Striga glandulifera is the Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). This disease causes yellowing, mottling, and stunting of the plant. To minimize the risk of infection, farmers should plant resistant varieties of Striga glandulifera. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.
Pest Management
Striga glandulifera is also attacked by various pests that cause significant damage to the plant. The following are some of the common pests that might affect the plant:
- Root-Knot Nematodes: These pests cause galls to form on the roots of Striga glandulifera, resulting in reduced nutrient uptake, stunted growth, and death. Farmers can manage these pests by rotating crops and using resistant varieties of Striga glandulifera. Nematicides can also be used, but farmers must follow the instructions on the label carefully.
- Cutworms: These pests feed on the stem of Striga glandulifera, causing wilting and death of the plant. Farmers can manage these pests by applying insecticides to the affected areas.
- Leafhoppers: These pests suck sap from the leaves of Striga glandulifera, causing yellowing and wilting of the plant. Farmers can manage these pests by applying insecticides to the affected areas.
Overall, farmers must keep their fields clean and healthy to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. Implementing good agricultural practices such as crop rotation and proper soil management can significantly reduce the risk of infections and infestations. Farmers should also monitor their fields regularly for early detection of diseases and pests and take appropriate action when necessary.
