ABSTRACT

In this research, 43 Sorghum genotypes were screened for resistance to Striga hermonthica (Del) Benthin the screen house and onStriga sick plot of Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Samaru in 2013. The genotypes screened included two ICRISAT resistant materials (ICSR94407 and ICSR94405),SRN 39, SAMSORG - 12 (KSV4) as the susceptible check and 32 locally collected germplasm.The objectives of the study were to determine genetic variability among the Sorghum genotypes, to suggest possible lines to be exploited in the development of resistant Sorghum genotypes and to elucidate the association, if any between Striga shoot counts with other important agronomic traits. All experiments were arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. In the screen house 129 plastic Buckets were used while the ridges on the Striga sick plot were 5m long with spacing of 75cm x 30 cm. Data was recorded on Striga shoot count(s), Plant height, number of Leaves, Panicle length, Panicle weight, Grain weight, 1000 Grain weight, 50% days to heading and Striga damage score using a scale of 0-9. The data was subjected to analysis of variance and the means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. Striga seeds inoculation was done by mixing 1kg of fine soil with 70g of Striga seeds. Although Striga plant emerged on all the roots of the genotypes used in this study indicating that none exhibited true resistance mechanism but ICSR94405 and ICSR94407 indicated the least damage score so they were regarded as resistant genotypes. Gizo 1, Gizo 2, Garau 2, Kastal, NRL 1,Kaura Maiguduna and Yandargako sustained lower Striga emergence and no significant decrease in host biomass so they were regarded as resistant genotypes. RIBX 98-78, IS17562, Fara Kano, Twin seeded, Macedakuya, Gwajamai, Kaura Borno and NRL 3 were found unstable being susceptible in the screen house and resistant on the field and SRN 39 was also found to be susceptible.