DISEASES AND PESTS OF THE MAIZE CROP 



423 



were too deep in the ground to grow, or it may cover some CHAP, 

 seeds which were lying upon or too close to the surface to x - 

 germinate, hence frequent cultivations for hoed crops are 

 needful " {King, 1). 



388. ls-ona, Witch-weed, or Rooibloem. — The is-ona, witch- 

 weed, or rooibloem, Striga lutea Lour. (Figs. 160 and 161"), 



Fig. 160. — Rooibloem, Striga lutea Lour. 



is one of the most troublesome pests with which the South 

 African maize-grower has to deal. It is a small, branching, 

 herbaceous plant, 6 to 9 inches high, bearing green leaves and 

 bright scarlet and yellow flowers, and is a parasite on the roots 

 of the maize plant, to which it is very destructive. It also 

 grows on the roots of kaffir corn, sorghum, and sugar-cane, and 

 has recently been found apparently attacking teff-grass and 

 the pea-nut plant. The seeds are extremely small and light, 



