Prevalence and socio-economic impact of Striga (Striga hermonthica) in sorghum producing areas of east and west Hararghe zones, Ethiopia

The field survey focused on potential sorghum-producing east and west Hararghe zones in six districts comprising 18 villages in the 2019 cropping season. Overall, 720 growers were nominated for considering the socio-economic impact. The representative growers were purposively selected. Data collected were Striga counts per m2 and per plant, time of Striga introduction, awareness and impression of farmers, prevalence, management used, severity, and collective actions to manage Striga. Both genders were included. Data were collected from interviews and analyzed. Statistical software (SPSS) summarizes the information. Results showed two Striga species, Striga hermonthica and Striga asiatica were observed and recorded. Striga hermonthica is more distributed than Striga asiatica in all the study locations and its occurrence diverse between locations. The maximum levels of Striga occurrence was perceived at Kile-besidimo (92%), Edobaso (85%), Kufakas (82%), Kotora (80%), Homacho Riana(78%), Bal'ina arba (74%), Dire gudina (72%), Bishan babile,(66%), Qufa (65%), Oda Anesso (48%), Ijakechu (45%), Umer kulle (40%), Homacho Eba (38%) and Tofik (35%). In contradict less number of Striga prevalence was perceived at Bareda (29%), Haro Adii (27%), Jiru gemachu (25%), and Homacho dayo (23%) striga per m2 in assessed fields. The striga count per plant was also recorded from each site. Sorghum yield loss due to Striga across surveyed villages was estimated to range between 0% and 80%. The management practices focused on improving the shortages suggested for controlling Striga in the districts.