Fusarium oxysporumFoxy 2 shows potential to control bothStriga hermonthicaandS. asiatica

Summary Under glasshouse conditions, the ability ofFusarium oxysporumisolate Foxy 2, a fungal pathogen isolated fromStriga hermonthica, to controlS. asiaticaandS. gesnerioides, was investigated on potted plants. In the experiment, the target weed of the fungus,S. hermonthica, was included as a standard. In the present study,S. asiaticawas the only species that, besidesS. hermonthicashowed high susceptibility to Foxy 2. This susceptibility was demonstrated by almost complete prevention of emergence of the parasite. In contrast,S. gesnerioidesdid not show any susceptibility at all. The susceptibility of twoStrigaspecies to the fungus provides an opportunity for simultaneous control of both parasites in those regions where they are co‐existing (e.g. Tanzania and Kenya).