[Sammy Omingo, Standard]Kenya has become the first country in the world to commercialise a weed technology, kichawi kill, to combat the Striga weed, alo referred to as kayongo or witchweed. Striga is a destructive parasitic weed that can cause up to 100% yield loss. Chemical coated hybrid maize seeds have not been proven safe and effective on striga control at the farm level. The trials showed 42-56% increase in crop yield, with similar results showing in the regulatory trials. While there have been other attempts at biological control of weeds, this is the first bio-herbicide to control striga in the world to be commercialized.

Source: Standard Digital March 12, 2021 15:56 UTC