Effect of Striga asiatica Kuntze on crop phenology of kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.)

Abstract

Phaneragamic partial root parasite, Striga asiatica is one of the key biotic stress in kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) grown in low fertile soils and considered as a major constraint in successful cultivation of kodo millet. In the present study, crop phenology of kodo millet was found adversely affected due to infestation of S. asiatica. Maximum average loss was recorded in grain yield per plant (41.9%) closely followed by plant height (39.6%), panicle weight (38.3%), leaf area index (37.3%), tillers pr plant (36.3%) and panicles per plant (34.3%). whereas minimum loss was noted in 1000 grain weight (10.9%) followed by panicle length (26.0%) and leaves per plant (29.9%). This shows the significance of S. asiatica in kodo millet field. Striga tolerance index (STI) ranging from 0.33 (RPS 687) to 0.74 (RPS 531) was estimated in 10 kodo millet cultivars. Three kodo millet cultivars namely RPS 531, RPS 683 and JK 13 exhibited tolerance index of above 0.70 with relative yield loss of 25.8, 30.1 and 29.3%, respectively along with low relative loss in yield traits and may be considered tolerant to S. asiatica. The results suggest for viable management programme to minimize the losses due to S. asiatica for livelihood of the kodo millet growers.