Abstract

The One of the major constraints to maize production in most farmers’ fields in Tabora region are is nitrogen deficiency and Striga infestation. Trials to investigate the effect of Sesbania sesban improved fallows on Striga infestation and maize yield were conducted on farmer’s fields in Tabora and Nzega districts for a period of three years (2003 - 2005). Results showed that application of S. sesban green manure after a two year fallow led to a reduction of Strigainfestation from 10.8 counts/8 m² of unfertized plots to 0.8 counts/8 m² of S. sesban plots as well as increase maize yield from 418 kg ha^-1 in the unfertilized plots to 1366 kg ha^-1 for the S. sesban plots. The S. sesban fallow reduced Striga incidences by 88% after incorporation of the leafy biomass into plots in the third year of the trial. The study on the effect of the fallows on reduction of Striga incidences has clearly demonstrated that application of Sesbania manure can reduce Striga infestation on sandy soils of Tabora.

Key words: Maize, Sesbania sesban, Striga incidence, Tabora.