A search to reducing Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth propagation using plant aqueous extracts with bio-herbicide properties on the seeds in vitro

Abstract Background The genus Striga includes 11 parasitic plants species of food crops in at least 50 African countries. Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. is a major biotic constraint to the cereal crops production in Africa. It is the most widespread species in fields in Burkina Faso and grows on all types of soil inducing losses estimated at 35–40% on sorghum and millet. The significant reductions in yields result in insufficient food for the populations. Methods This study aims to identify local plants with bio-herbicidal properties for the management of Striga hermonthica. The inhibiting and stimulating effect of aqueous extracts from 13 local plant species on the germination of Striga seeds was assessed in vitro. Results The aqueous extracts from the leaves of Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Jatropha curcas L., Jatropha gossypiifolia L., Lawsonia inermis L. and those from the leafy stems of Cassia obtusifolia L., Crotalaria retusa L., Phyllanthus amarus L. completely inhibited germination of Striga. However, those from five plants significantly stimulated germination of which the highest germination rate (60%) was recorded with the extract from Euphorbia hirta L. leafy stems. Conclusions The plant extracts thus constitute an ecological avenue for Striga. control. Further experiments could lead to the formulation of bio-herbicides against the parasitic plant to improve cereal production while limiting environmental pollution.