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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Etude de l’infection la plante parasite Rhamphicarpa fistulosa en riziculture au Togo

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Rhamphicarpa fistulosa (Hochst.) Benth. is an annual facultative root-parasitic weed found in lowlands and floodplains in tropical Africa. It has been reported as the major constraint to rice cultivation in the savannah region of Togo. A survey was conducted in 2012 to access its distribution and to collect information on farmers' knowledge of its control. Rhamphicarpa fistulosa was found in 80% of the 33 visited lowlands. The period of abundance is in August-September when the highest infection (90%) was found on sandy and clay soils. When the parasite was present, 94 other weeds belonging to 24 botanical families were recorded. As management method, farmers use weeding and chemical fertilizers application but always at lower input rates than national standards. The abandonment of plots is mainly due to a heavy infection, other reported damages are the reduction of rice plants growth and plant yellowing.