Department of Agriculture

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Browsing Department of Agriculture by Author "Acam, Patience Ruth"

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    Assessment of the impacts of witch weeds on cereal crops in kanyumu sub-county, Kumi district.
    (Busitema University, 2026) Acam, Patience Ruth
    This study assessed the effect of witch weed (Striga spp.) on cereal crops in Kanyumu Sub-county, Kumi District. The study was guided by four objectives, which were to assess the effects of witch weed infestation on the growth and yield of cereal crops, examine the parasitic and biochemical mechanisms through which witch weed affected cereal crops, evaluate the effectiveness of management strategies used by farmers, and develop recommendations for improved management. A descriptive study design was adopted, and data were obtained using questionnaires administered to cereal farmers in the study area. The generated findings indicated that witch weed infestation was widely experienced, with 87.0% of respondents reporting infestation. Maize was the most affected cereal crop, followed by sorghum and millet, while stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, wilting and poor grain formation were the major symptoms observed. Competition for water and nutrients was the most commonly perceived mechanism of damage. Hand weeding was the most commonly used management strategy, although farmers reported challenges including high input costs, repeated weed emergence and limited knowledge of effective control methods. The study concluded that witch weed negatively affected cereal growth and yield and recommended integrated management involving timely weed removal, crop rotation, improved soil fertility, resistant varieties, farmer training and strengthened Agricultural extension services.