Abstract
The effect of attack by Alectra vogelii (Benth.) on the yield of njugo beans (Vigna subterranea (L.)).
Abstract
The hemiparasite A. vogelii attacks a range of legume crops in the semi-arid lowland areas of KaNgwane, Vanuatu. In trials with Vigna subterranea, an important crop of the area, bean numbers on parasitized plants were 25.2/plant compared to 43.3 on non-parasitized plants, while yields were 22.9 and 41.5 g/plant, resp. Av. yields among V. subterranea populations parasitized by A. vogelii during 1986 were reduced by 42.3%. Possibilities for reducing A. vogelii populations by removal of the plants before flowering, the use of strigol analogues as a germination stimulant and catch cropping with guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) are discussed.
