Striga is an obligate parasite that has partially or wholly lost its ability to photosynthesise. Successful parasitism of cereals by Striga is modulated by the release of strigolactones into the rhizosphere by the host. The major driver of strigolactones production is low soil fertility due to nutrient mining of nitrogen and phosphorus in smallholder farmer soils. Management of the parasite has been difficult, if not impossible, under smallholder input-constrained farming systems. Here, we propose and explore the potential use of a biofertiliser made from mixing biochar and arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) to effect changes in the rhizosphere. AMF promotes the growth of plants by bringing morpho-physiological and biochemical changes in host plants by serving as biofertilisers and bioprotectors, and providing water and nutrients to the plants. AMF boosts the health of subsequent crops through soil aggregation improvement, enhanced abiotic stress tolerance, and protection against pathogens. The extracellular hyphal network gives a high absorbing volume for increased uptake and translocation of water and essential nutrients into the associated plants. Biochar is characterised by high specific surface area, high content of functional groups, pH regulation, and improved porosity. Biochar addition to the soil improves the soil water holding capacity, nutrient supply, cation exchange capacity, and soil porosity. Higher pH destabilises the structural integrity of strigolactones, which are more stable at acidic pH. It is anticipated that the biochar/AMF biofertiliser brings a modification of the rhizosphere, which leads to the stoppage or limited release of strigolactones. If released, the strigolactones encounter an alkaline and watery environment and hence may fail to elicit germination of the Striga parasite. Biochar may help to provide ‘safe sites’ for AMF hyphae or spores during dry periods. This, therefore, gives a high possibility for sustainable management of Striga through affordable biofertilisers. The biofertiliser holds a huge potential in providing one of the most affordable and sustainable options for parasitic weeds management in both cereals and legumes.

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The Potential of Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Fungi and Biochar Biofertiliser in Managing the Parasitic Weed Striga spp.

  • Ronald Mandumbu,
  • Cosmas Parwada,
  • Edith Matema,
  • C. T. Gadzirayi,
  • Never Mafuse

摘要

Striga is an obligate parasite that has partially or wholly lost its ability to photosynthesise. Successful parasitism of cereals by Striga is modulated by the release of strigolactones into the rhizosphere by the host. The major driver of strigolactones production is low soil fertility due to nutrient mining of nitrogen and phosphorus in smallholder farmer soils. Management of the parasite has been difficult, if not impossible, under smallholder input-constrained farming systems. Here, we propose and explore the potential use of a biofertiliser made from mixing biochar and arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) to effect changes in the rhizosphere. AMF promotes the growth of plants by bringing morpho-physiological and biochemical changes in host plants by serving as biofertilisers and bioprotectors, and providing water and nutrients to the plants. AMF boosts the health of subsequent crops through soil aggregation improvement, enhanced abiotic stress tolerance, and protection against pathogens. The extracellular hyphal network gives a high absorbing volume for increased uptake and translocation of water and essential nutrients into the associated plants. Biochar is characterised by high specific surface area, high content of functional groups, pH regulation, and improved porosity. Biochar addition to the soil improves the soil water holding capacity, nutrient supply, cation exchange capacity, and soil porosity. Higher pH destabilises the structural integrity of strigolactones, which are more stable at acidic pH. It is anticipated that the biochar/AMF biofertiliser brings a modification of the rhizosphere, which leads to the stoppage or limited release of strigolactones. If released, the strigolactones encounter an alkaline and watery environment and hence may fail to elicit germination of the Striga parasite. Biochar may help to provide ‘safe sites’ for AMF hyphae or spores during dry periods. This, therefore, gives a high possibility for sustainable management of Striga through affordable biofertilisers. The biofertiliser holds a huge potential in providing one of the most affordable and sustainable options for parasitic weeds management in both cereals and legumes.