Assessment of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes resistant to Striga asiatica in Mozambique

Abstract Many African countries are experiencing hunger and poverty due to the Striga spp. problem. This study was conducted to evaluate the agronomic performance of sixteen (17) resistant genotypes and one (1) susceptible commercial hybrid of maize (Zea mays L.) to Striga ssp. from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and PANNAR SEED (PYT), respectively. The trial was conducted in a farmer’s field with the highest incidence of natural infestation of Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze. The experiment was carried out in the 2018/2019 rainfed season. The following agronomic parameters were observed: plant height (AP), first ear insertion height (AE), plant aspect (PASP), ear aspect (EASP), number of plants per treatment (PLST), harvested plants (PHARV), harvested ears (EHARV), ear weight (FWT), thousand grain weight (P1000G), average grain yield (RMG) in ton.ha− 1, and the number of Striga plants/m2 (NPS). The experimental design used was an α-lattice 3 × 6 casualized incomplete block design, with three replications and nine blocks, with a total of 54 plots. Genotype M1512-8 showed promise, with the highest average grain yield (3.539 ton.ha− 1), and genotypes M1512-17 and M1512-15 had the lowest yields (0.726 and 0.676 ton.ha− 1). The relationship between Striga plants/m2 and average grain yield was moderately negative, and 40.76% of this variation in yield was explained by the number of Striga plants/m2 and the remaining 59.24% by other factors.