Scientists identify gene for resistance to parasitic 'witchweed'

Friday, August 28, 2009 - 23:48 in Biology & Nature

The parasitic flowering plant Striga, or 'witchweed,' attacks the roots of host plants, draining needed water and nutrients and leaving them unable to grow and produce any grains. Witchweed is endemic throughout sub-Saharan Africa, causing crop losses that surpass hundreds of millions of dollars annually and exacerbating food shortages in the region...

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