Open AccessThe genus S triga : a witch profile
Author(s) -
Spallek Thomas,
Mutuku Musembi,
Shirasu Ken
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
molecular plant pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.945
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1364-3703
pISSN - 1464-6722
DOI - 10.1111/mpp.12058
Subject(s) - striga , biology , striga hermonthica , orobanchaceae , botany , scrophulariaceae , obligate parasite , pennisetum , obligate , agronomy , pennisetum purpureum , sorghum , host (biology) , ecology , dry matter
The genus Striga comprises about 30 obligate root-parasitic plants, commonly known as witchweeds. In particular, S. hermonthica, S. asiatica and S. gesnerioides cause immense losses to major stable crops in sub-Saharan Africa. Most Striga species parasitize grass species (Poaceae), but Striga gesnerioides has evolved to parasitize dicotyledonous plants. Aspects of phylogeny, economic impact, parasitic life style and molecular discoveries are briefly reviewed to profile one of the main biotic constraints to African agriculture.