Abstract:
Striga species (Striga spp.), obligate parasitic weeds belong to the family Orobanchaceae, are the major and most persistent biotic constrain to production of the cereal and legume crops mostly grown in the sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East and Asia. The objective of this article was to review and evaluate the past and current status of knowledge of the biology and physiology of the witchweed (Striga spp.) and to identifying gaps in this knowledge. Available literature on Striga life cycle was carefully reviewed in details. The result of this reviewing showed that the basis and background studies on Striga spp life cycle made some significant advances in the understanding of the biology and physiology of Striga spp. such as after- ripening, germination, haustorial initiation, attachment, penetration and establishment of parasite. However, continued effort is needed in the laboratory and in the field researches to gain a better understanding of factors influencing the different stages of the parasite life cycle so as to develop integrated Striga management strategies that will lead to effective, economically feasible and environmentally sound management of the parasite.
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