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 Striga (witchweed) is a parasitic weed that attaches to roots of the host plant, in this case maize, and parasitizes photosynthates, nutrients and water out of the maize plant causing yield losses ranging 20% to 80%. Due to ineffective control measures, striga has infested large areas in Africa affecting livelihood of about 100 million people. It has been estimated that roughly 40 million hectares of maize, the single most important food crop of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are infested by striga resulting in estimated losses worth US $1.0 billion annually.
Agriculture is the foundation of most African countries supporting over 70% of the population and contributing over 30% to African GDP. As a result, food security is a critical concern for many African resource poor, smallholder farmers. Increasing agricultural productivity is critical to decreasing the level of poverty and increasing food security.
 What is the StrigAway Production System?
The StrigAway Production System is novel technology that combines a non-GMO herbicide tolerant (CLEARFIELD®), maize seed and an innovative herbicide seed treatment. The maize seed is treated (seed-coated) with the herbicide StrigAway (imazapyr) to provide effective protection against Striga. These seeds and seed treatment work together to give farmers effective weed control, a better quality crop and the opportunity to realize consistent yield improvements which in turn breaks a link in the recurring cycle of poverty and malnutrition in Africa.
How was the StrigAway production system developed?
This innovative technology was developed by a public-private partnership between BASF, CIMMYT, AATF (African Agricultural Technology Foundation), local public research systems and seed companies to provide CLEARFIELD maize genetics to African farmers.
CIMMYT is an internationally funded, not-for-profit organization that conducts research and training related to maize and wheat through out the developing world. CIMMYT works with national and international partners to create, share, and use knowledge and technologies that increase food security, improve the productivity and profitability of farming systems, and sustain natural resources.
 AATF is a private not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing the productivity of resource-poor farmers in sub-Saharan Africa by providing them with greater access to proprietary farming technologies and know-how. The Foundation is registered as a charity under the laws of England and Wales. It was incorporated in the UK in January 2003 and registered in Kenya, its host country, in April 2003. AATF is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.
How does the StrigAway production system work?
As the maize germinates, it absorbs some of the herbicide used in coating it. The germinating maize stimulates Striga to germinate and as it attaches to the maize root, it is killed before it can cause any damage. Any herbicide that is not absorbed by the maize plant diffuses into the soil and kills Striga seeds that have not germinated. The StrigAway Production System therefore decreases the level of Striga in the farm through direct attacks on the Striga plants and seeds.
What are the Key Benefits to African Farmers?
- Easy to access and use, no additional spray equipment or personal protection equipment required as the seeds are treated with StrigAway®
- Increased yield potential through effective weed control
- Increased productivity and food security
- Fits into current farming practices, intercropping can be done
- Improved quality of crop at harvest
- Increased profitability - feed family and sell excess crop
- Increases pride and self-worth and helps their community
Visit http://www.aatf-africa.org and http://www.cimmyt.org/ for additional information about Striga and Striga control.
Relevant documents
StrigAway Q&A [PDF]
News Release - CIMMYT enters into new CLEARFIELD® agreement with BASF [DOC]
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