VARIOUS METHODS OF MANAGING STRIGA (STRIGA HERMONTHICA) IN COWPEA (VIGNA UNGUICULATA) AT MAIDUGURI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Striga hermonthica, a parasitic weed native to sub-Saharan Africa, significantly hinders cowpea
(Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp)) production by draining water and nutrients from host plants,
leading to considerable reductions in yield. This research evaluated and compared the
effectiveness of several Striga control strategies which include hand weeding, application of the
pre-emergence herbicide imazapyr, and intercropping with maize on Striga infestation rates,
cowpea growth, and grain yield at the Maiduguri International Airport farm during the
2022/2023 cropping season. Results indicated that plots treated with imazapyr and those
intercropped with maize exhibited significantly lower Striga densities and enhanced cowpea
growth and yield compared to hand weeding and untreated controls. These results advocate for
the incorporation of chemical and cultural methods for effective Striga management to enhance
cowpea production in the Sahel Savannah agro ecological region