ABSTRACTWheat (Triticum aestivum L. (2n = 6x = 42; AABBDD)) is a commodity crop serving diverse value chains worldwide. However, drought stress and poor soil health are major causes of a yield gap in wheat production. Silicon (Si) fertiliser application with drought‐adapted wheat cultivars may enhance wheat productivity. This study aimed to examine the impact of Si fertilisation on agronomic performance and trait associations in wheat under drought stress to identify selection criteria for improving drought tolerance and Si response. Twenty wheat genotypes were evaluated, involving two water regimes and two Si fertiliser formulations in three environments, using a factorial experiment laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replications. Both liquid and granular Si formulations enhanced the agronomic performance of wheat compared to the untreated control, under both drought‐stressed (DS) and nonstressed (NS) conditions. Variable degrees of correlations were recorded under different water regimes and fertiliser formulations. Si fertilisation improved favourable trait correlations compared to the untreated control under DS and NS conditions. Grain yield had positive associations with hundred seed weight (HSW), under NS conditions when using liquid Si (r = 0.74, p < 0.001) and granular Si (r = 0.69, p < 0.001). Strong trait correlations were detected between productive tiller number (TN) and productive spike number (PS) for granular Si (r = 0.99, p < 0.001), liquid Si (r = 1.00, p < 0.001) and the untreated control (r = 0.98, p < 0.001), under DS conditions. With both granular and liquid Si applications under DS conditions, there were high trait correlations between spike length (SL) and TN (r = 0.72, p < 0.001; r = 0.63, p < 0.001, respectively), and PS (r = 0.73, p < 0.001; r = 0.62, p < 0.001, respectively). Under DS, HSW (0.84) and PS (0.64) had higher direct effects on grain yield with granular Si application, while TN and PS (0.94) had higher indirect effects on grain yield under liquid Si application. Under NS, aboveground biomass (0.68) had the highest direct effects on grain yield with granular Si compared to the liquid Si formulation and the untreated control. The genotypes MC10, MC6, MC1, MC3 and MC11, with granular Si application, were high yielders in descending order and are recommended for breeding and variety release in South Africa. The correlation and path coefficient analyses distinguished TN, PS and HSW as principal traits contributing to enhanced grain yield under drought stress, making them vital parameters for selecting Si use‐efficient breeding lines.

The compatibility of adjuvants with entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) is a critical determinant of biopesticide efficacy. This study evaluated the effects of fifteen commercial adjuvants on the viability and virulence of Beauveria bassiana isolate Bb-41, as a potential biological control agent against the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus. Using three concentrations (0.025 %, 0.05 %, and 0.1 %), colony-forming unit (CFU) counts were used to assess conidial viability at two inoculum levels (10³ and 10⁴ conidia·mL⁻¹). In addition larval mortality was measured at 10⁶ conidia·mL⁻¹. The results demonstrated that adjuvant effects were both concentration- and dose-dependent. Adjuvants such as Designer®, Bond®, Summit Super®, Aquawet®, and Tronic® significantly inhibited fungal viability across all concentrations, likely due to the presence of fungitoxic components. In contrast, non-ionic surfactants like Tween® 80, Ballista®, Break-thru®, Silwet l-77®, and Tween® 20 maintained or enhanced conidial viability, particularly at 0.025 %. Virulence assays revealed that only a subset of adjuvants that promoted viability also enhanced pathogenicity. It was suggested that, Break-thru®, Tween® 20, and Ballista® enhanced conidial adhesion and penetration, as they improved larval mortality at 0.025 %. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive compatibility screening in EPFs formulation development and identify several promising adjuvants for field deployment against R. microplus.

Black wattle (Acacia mearnsii De Wild.) is a key tree crop in South Africa, valued for its bark and timber, both of which contribute significantly to export revenue. Wattle bark harvesting begins with the rainy season in September and extends to May. During this time, harvested bark is transported to three processing facilities. The journey, which includes stripping and transit and lasts for several days, exposes the bark to varying environmental conditions, such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, and light, all of which can influence the quality of the bark. The decrease in extractives, darkening of the bark, and loss of tannins are all examples of bark quality degradation. To replicate postharvest conditions, experiments were conducted using fresh bark samples collected bimonthly from September 2020 to July 2021. These samples were subjected to varying temperature, light, and moisture conditions to simulate real-life scenarios and quantify the extent of bark quality degradation. Quality parameters, including total extractives, tannin content, and Lovibond color were analyzed. Advanced statistical techniques, such as principal component analysis (PCA) and redundancy analysis (RDA), were used to identify patterns and relationships among variables. The findings revealed that seasonal changes and site-specific conditions influenced bark quality significantly, particularly affecting Lovibond color, a key quality indicator. This study underscores the impact of pre-extraction environmental conditions on the quality of bark extractives. It is essential to develop strategies to mitigate these effects in order to minimize variability and ensure consistent production of high-quality products. The study also highlights the need for more in-depth work in the future.

Low-temperature stress is an important limiting factor affecting citrus growth and fruit yields. Therefore, increasing citrus cold stress tolerance may enhance the growth, yield, and quality of citrus production in marginal areas. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of silicon (Si) fertilizer application on cold-tolerance enhancement in citrus. Two citrus cultivars (Delta and Nules) were subjected to Si fertilization (control, 1000 mg L−1) and cold-stress temperature treatments (control and 0 °C for 72 h) using a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial treatment structure with six replications. Leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, such as net photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (Tr), internal CO2 concentration (Ci), intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE), minimal fluorescence (Fo), maximum fluorescence (Fm), maximum quantum efficiency of PSII primary photochemistry of dark-adapted leaves (Fv/Fm), maximum quantum efficiency of PSII primary photochemistry of dark-/light-adapted leaves (F’v/F’m), electron transport rate (ETR), non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), and the relative measure of electron transport to oxygen molecules (ETR/A), were measured. The application of Si drenching to trees that were subsequently exposed to cold stress reduced gs, Tr, and Ci but improved iWUE and Fo in both cultivars compared to the Si-untreated trees. In addition, specific adaptation mechanisms were found in the two citrus species; NPQ and ETR were improved in Si-treated Valencia trees, while A, Fm, and ETR/A were improved in Clementine trees under chilling stress conditions. The current research findings indicate the potential of Si application to enhance cold stress tolerance in citrus, which can provide a strategy for growing citrus in arid and semi-arid regions that may experience cold stress. Overall, after the application of silicon drenching, the cold-sensitive citrus Valencia cultivar became as cold-tolerant as the cold-tolerant Clementine cultivar.

Identification of maize germplasm with dual resistance to Striga hermonthica (Sh) and S. asiatica (Sa), could lead to the development of cultivars with stable resistance. 130 tropical and sub-tropical maize germplasms, including checks, were evaluated in a controlled environment for their reaction to Sh and Sa infestations using a 13 × 10 alpha lattice design with two replications over two seasons. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were detected among the assessed genotypes for all the recorded traits in Sh and Sa-infested treatments. Under Sa-infested conditions, mean Striga emergence counts 8 weeks after planting (SEC8) and 10 weeks after planting (SEC10) were 5.00 and 45.50, respectively, while the mean Striga damage rate 8 weeks after planting (SDR8) and 10 weeks after planting (SDR10) were 3.35 and 3.07, respectively. Under Sh-infested conditions, SEC8 and SEC10 mean values were 3.66 and 3.77, respectively, while the SDR8 and SDR10 values were 5.25 and 2.75 respectively. Positive and significant (P < 0.05) correlations were found between anthesis-silking interval (ASI) and SDR8 (r = 0.18) and SDR10 (0.32) under Sa-infested conditions. Negative and significant correlations were recorded between ear per plant (EPP) and SEC8, SDR8, and SDR10, with r = − 0.18, r = − 0.27, and r = − 0.24, respectively. Under Sh-infested conditions, significant and negative correlations were recorded between SDR8 and EPP (r = − 0. 20), EHT and SEC8 (r = − 0.22), EHT and SDR8 (r = − 0.36), PLHT and SDR8 (− 0.48), and PLHT and SDR10 (− 0.22). The results suggest that dual resistance to the two Striga species exists in some tropical and sub-tropical maize lines. The following genotypes have dual resistance to Sa and Sh: CML440, CML566, CML540, CML539, CLHP0343, CLHP0326, TZISTR1248, TZSTRI115, TZISTR25, TZISTR1205, TZSTRI113, TZISTR1119, TZISTR1174 and the OPVs B.King/1421, Shesha/1421, ZM1421, DTSTR-W SYN13, DTSTR-Y SYN14, and 2*TZECOMP3DT/WhiteDTSTRSYN) C2. The identified genotypes are suitable for use as parents in developing high-performing maize varieties with Striga resistance and improved grain yield.

The breeding stages of a clonally propagated crop entails several steps and can take more than five years from hybridisation till cultivar release. The Accelerated Breeding Scheme (ABS) in sweetpotato relies on the use of multiple locations at the early breeding stages to reduce the years required for field evaluation. The aim of the study was to select the best progenies based on the ABS in sweetpotato towards the development of genotypes that combine high protein content with other important agronomic traits. Botanical seeds were generated from crosses between two diverse sets of parents, crossed using a North Carolina II design. F1-progenies (n = 363) were planted in a lattice design at three distinct locations during the 2017/18 planting season. Parameters recorded included pest and disease infestation, storage root traits and yield components, root protein content and nutrient related traits. Nutrient content was determined by near-infrared spectrometry. Analysis of variance and multiple t-distribution test and best test grouping were performed. There were significant differences ( p < 0.001) among the genotypes for total number of roots, total root yield, marketable number of roots and marketable yield. The severity of Alternaria blight was significantly higher at Jozini. Forty progenies were selected (12.8% selection pressure) based on agronomic performance. Using the nutrient content results, four promising orange-fleshed clones (NC12-9, NC53-11, NC55-8, NC55-2) and one cream-fleshed clone (NC51-1) were identified with high storage root protein, iron and zinc contents. NC51-1 and NC55-2 produce promising storage root yields. The ABS approach is resource-demanding in the first phase but advances progenies rapidly to the subsequent breeding phases for cultivar release.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations puts forward a transformational vision to cope with food security, nutrition, and health challenges, in which sweet potato can play an important role. Globally, sweet potato production is valued at $53.83 billion. The Agricultural Research Council of South Africa (ARC) sweet potato research and development (R&D) program over the past seven decades delivered 31 genetically improved cultivars via demand-led breeding, managed the collection and maintenance of 375 accessions, contributed toward the optimization of cultivation practices, developed crop protection and diagnostic services, and provided streamlined seed systems and technology transfer in processing and enterprise development. The ARC's work is part of a large number of interdependent global programs committed to improving livelihoods and nutrition through sweet potato. This review shares and analyses major achievements, highlights unique research contributions achieved through partnerships, and discusses bottlenecks on funding and uptake of technologies. New research imperatives will involve root phenotyping, employing marker-based technologies, and genome-wide association studies through new funding received recently. Exploration of the commercialization potential of processed products made from orange-fleshed sweet potato will be a major focus of the R&D program. Expansion of partnerships, marketing, and financing will be important for future contribution of sweet potato to the economy.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is one of the most important fibre cash crops grown for fibre in over 83 countries with tropical and subtropical climatic conditions. The incidence of cotton pests is a significant factor that affects cotton production. The production is severely affected by insect pests, resulting in poor yields despite the growing demand for the commodity. Pests and diseases are estimated to cause 60% losses in cotton production throughout the world [107]. A successful control strategy requires integrated pest management that prevents or suppresses damaging populations of insect pests by applying the comprehensive and coordinated integration of multiple and compatible control tactics, including chemical control, which involves the use of pesticides [21].

Parasitic Striga weeds severely damage cereal crops in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), leading to yield losses in susceptible varieties. A range of Striga control methods are commonly recommended, including cultural practices, chemical herbicides, biological control agents, and host resistance, either as solo treatments or in combinations of these approaches (i.e., integrated Striga management [ISM]). A limited number of studies compared the relative efficacy of the recommended Striga control methods, or their combinations for ISM, in cereal crop production in SSA. The objective of this paper was to undertake a meta-analysis and provide a detailed comparison of the Striga control methods in the production of maize, sorghum, and the major millets, as a guide to effective Striga management. The study was conducted as a meta-analysis of 66 research articles that reported on various control measures. The following agronomic data were collected: grain yield (GY) response of the assessed crops and Striga parameters such as damage rating score (SDR) and emergence count (SEC). Maize varieties possessing Striga-resistant genes displayed high mean yield values at 2053.00 kg ha(-1), varying from 281.00 to 6260.00 kg ha(-1), and a mean SDR of 4.70, ranging from 2.00 to 7.00. Likewise, sorghum varieties with Striga resistance genes achieved greater GY with a mean yield response of 1738.00 kg ha(-1), ranging from 850.00 to 2162.00 kg ha(-1). A relatively low GY was achieved in maize and sorghum production when deploying ISM (e.g., cultural control + host resistance and host resistance + chemical herbicides) and chemical Striga control. Effective ISM and pre- and post-emergent herbicides have not yet been identified for Striga control and yield gains. Striga damage negatively affected GY in maize, as revealed by the significant correlation (r = -0.36, P < 0.001) between GY and SDR. A relatively weak correlation was detected in maize between GY and SEC (r = 0.003, P = 0.96). Sorghum GY was negatively correlated with SEC, although nonsignificantly (r = -0.30, P = 0.36). Few studies have evaluated Striga control methods in pearl millet and finger millet, limiting the opportunity for an effective comparison. The study recommends SDR as the best selection criterion for improving GY performance in maize, while SEC and SDR are the parameters of choice in sorghum selection programs for better GY under Striga infestation. Overall, the meta-analysis indicates that host resistance is the most effective method for controlling Striga infestation and boosting GY in maize and sorghum. There is an ongoing need for research into the best combinations of the reported control methods as a sound basis for the recommendation of an ISM package across target production environments of common cereals in Africa.

The classical model only provides a correct analysis if all the effects are fixed. For experiments that include fixed and random effects, the general linear mixed model is appropriate for handling the non-normal distributed response variables. The aim of this study is to perform the genotype selection through a generalized linear mixed model and identify the impact of treatment and the related traits on grain yield. The data were collected using a lattice square design and measured the phenotype traits of sorghum. The result of PCA was used as an input variable for the general linear mixed model. The data analysis was performed using a general linear mixed model with maximum likelihood methods to estimate the parameters of the model. The result showed that the grain yield had a gamma distribution and a treatment effect on grain yield. The first principal component was significant for grain yield. The variability of grain yield due to the random effects of replication within treatment, genotype, and the interaction of genotype by treatment were significant. The best genotypes effective for the mass production of sorghum were G137, G66 and G156 under stress conditions and G55, G41 and G78 under irrigated conditions. Overall, genotype selection using a general linear mixed model for grain yield is recommended for genotype selection of plant breeding.

Cotton (Gossypium spp) remains a significant source of income in Africa. However, production is limited by high input costs that reduce profit margins. This study aimed to conduct cost analysis on field trials that were conducted to evaluate the effect of chemical insecticides, Chlorpyrifos® 480 EC, Karate® EC, and Bandit® 350 SC compared with biopesticides, Eco-Bb®, Bolldex®, Delfin®, NOMU-PROTEC® and Bb endophyte on the control of cotton insect pests. Delfin® (U

The present study is to investigate the level of pesticide residues in soil and water samples from the Gezira Scheme. The results revealed the presence of OCs (lindane, o-p’ DDT, endrin, aldrin, dieldrin, α-endosulfan), OPs (profenofos, malathion, chlorpyrifos), and the plant growth regulator (ethephon) in soil and water samples. Lindane, o-p’ DDT, and profenofos were detected in all soil samples, while the rest of the pesticides were in some samples. The pesticide residues detected were higher in north Gezira, except for α-endosulfan, which was detected highest in the south Gezira Scheme. The levels of endrin, malathion, and chlorpyrifos were relatively low in soil samples. Violative levels of lindane and o-p’ DDT were detected in all water samples (100

Drought is one of the major constraints of wheat production, especially in rainfed wheat production systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different silicon fertilizer formulations on the agronomic performance of diverse wheat genotypes under drought-stressed conditions. Twenty wheat genotypes were evaluated in field and greenhouse environments under non-stressed and drought-stressed and two silicon fertilizer formulations (granular and liquid potassium silicate) and untreated control. The four-way interaction involving genotype, environment, water regime and silicon formulation had a significant effect (p < .05) for aboveground biomass, productive spike number, hundred seed weight and grain yield. Granular silicon application was the most effective treatment both under non-stressed and drought-stressed conditions compared to the liquid and control treatments. Under field and drought conditions, the highest yielding genotype was MC18, which exhibited a mean grain yield of 4.17 t ha(-1) with granular silicon, 2.56 t ha(-1) with liquid silicon and 2.18 t ha(-1) without silicon. The yield of genotype MC18 improved by 91.3% using granular silicon under drought-stressed and by 44.6% under non-stressed conditions compared with the untreated control. Granular silicon positively affected the drought stress tolerance indices compared to the liquid silicon and untreated control. The principal component biplot analysis revealed that liquid and granular silicon positively impact yield response for all test genotypes under drought-stressed and non-stressed conditions compared with the control. Silicon application reduced genotype variation for agronomic traits and enhanced agronomic trait relationships under drought-stressed conditions. Drought stress tolerance indices are influenced by silicon application. The effect of silicon has a direct and indirect effect on yield and yield components. Silicon fertilization can be considered as a mitigation measure to cope with the adverse effect of drought stress on wheat.

The poor rooting of black wattle, Acacia mearnsii, has previously limited its commercial propagation, but research at the Institute of Commercial Forestry has enabled many commercial nurseries in South Africa to supply the industry with rooted cuttings. This paper provides an understanding of the management of A. mearnsii potted hedge plants with regards to productivity, rooting ability and profiling foliar nutrients. Hedge plants in two bag sizes (5 l and 40 l) of differing ages (8 months and 24 months) were investigated. No significant differences were noted in rooting between bag sizes. However, when coupled with productivity data, the 40 l hedge plants generated higher numbers of predicted rooted cuttings. Although the productivity in both bags increased over time, rooting ability declined, possibly because of observed increases in N and S and decreases in P, Mg, Fe, Zn and B, all of which are important for root growth and development. Productivity results indicate that hedges can be kept for at least 53 months before needing replacement. Rooting results showed no decrease in productivity or rooting from cascaded hedge plants. Results from the nutrient profiling of foliar data provide a unique benchmark for nurseries to successfully manage their hedge plants.

Maize cultivars with resistance to Striga spp. and compatible to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. strigae (FOS) are an economical, sustainable and environmentally Striga control option. This study's objective was to determine the type and magnitude of gene action controlling grain yield and yield-related components, Striga resistance, FOS compatibility and to select promising maize genotypes for an integrated Striga management approach. Ninety-nine experimental hybrids, generated by a North Carolina mating design II, were evaluated with and without FOS treatment at three Striga-infested sites in western Tanzania. The general (GCA), and specific combining ability (SCA) effects were significant (P < .05) for all the assessed traits with and without FOS except, Striga damage ratings eight (SDR8), and 10 (SDR10) weeks after planting with FOS treatment. FOS-treated progenies had fewer emerged Striga plants than untreated controls. Parental genotypes such as SITUKA M1, TZA4010, TZA4016, TZA4203, JL01, JL05, JL13 and JL17 showed negative GCA effects for all Striga parameters and positive GCA effects for grain yield. The new progenies and selected parents are recommended for Striga resistance breeding.

Stable and sustainable food systems are required to meet the increasing global food demands due to climate change, global population pressure, urbanization, and lifestyle changes. Underutilized legume crop species such as Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea [L.] Verdc.) have exceptional nutritional value and genetic plasticity for cultivation in marginal production environments for the benefit of farmers and the marketplace. Bambara groundnut is regarded as a “complete food” because its nutrient-dense grains have an ideal balance of carbohydrates, protein, oil, and essential and nonessential amino acids. Despite its potential benefits in the feed and food industry, Bambara groundnut has been neglected by research communities globally. There are no commercial crop varieties in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with farmers still cultivating low-yielding and unimproved landraces. However, a high level of genetic diversity in the crop exists in SSA, with distinct and diverse economic attributes. The available genetic diversity would assist in variety design, product development, and commercialization. This chapter presents past progress and future opportunities for Bambara groundnut genetic improvement and identifies key research gaps to guide its breeding for enhanced yield, quality, and sustainable production in SSA. The first section presents the economic benefits, current production status, germplasm collection, and nutritional composition and utilization of Bambara groundnut, followed by highlights on the agronomic responses of the crop to fertilizer and water use for yield gain. Next, the chapter features the need for a dedicated prebreeding program with a demand-led product profile, variety design, and commercialization pathway. Finally, the chapter discusses the need for a participatory rural appraisal to clarify farmers' preferred traits in an ideal variety and as an initial step in market research for demand-led breeding. The information presented in this chapter should aid Bambara groundnut breeders and agronomists to develop and deploy a new generation of varieties with farmer- and market-preferred attributes.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important root crop worldwide. It is adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions, exhibiting differential genotypic responses to varying environmental conditions. The objectives of this study were: (1) to examine the effect of genotype, environment and genotype × environment interaction (GEI) on fresh root yield (FRY) and dry matter content (DMC); and (2) to identify superior genotypes that exhibit high performance for the traits of interest using the genetic tools of additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and genotype stability index (GSI) analysis. Eleven cassava genotypes were evaluated in a randomized complete block design at six trial sites in South Africa. The combined analysis of variance based on AMMI revealed significant genotype, environment and GEI for the traits. The percentage variation due to GEI was higher than the percentage variation due to genotype for FRY, reflecting differential genotypic responses across the experimental sites. The proportion of variance due to genotype variation was larger for DMC. Genotype stability index (GSI) showed that UKF3 (G6), 98/0002 (G2) and P4/10 (G5) were the highest yielding and most stable genotypes for FRY, and 98/0002 (G1), UKF3 (G6) and UKF9 (G11) were the highest yielding and most stable genotypes for DMC. Cultivars 98/0002 and UKF3 were identified as providing high stability with superior fresh root yield and DMC. These genotypes could be recommended to farmers for food, feed and industrial applications without the need for further breeding. The AMMI-2 model clustered the testing environments into three mega-environments based on the winning genotypes for FRY and DMC. Mabuyeni (KwaZulu-Natal), Shatale (Mpumalanga) and Mandlakazi (Limpopo) would be the best testing sites in future cassava-genotype evaluation and breeding programs. This study provides a baseline for a future study on the GEI of cassava varieties, using a larger set of genotypes, factoring in seasonal variation.

Cotton is one of the essential cash crops; however, several factors, such as low yields and pest and disease infestations, affect the production. In South Africa, cotton production has increased among small-scale farmers since the late 1990s. Although the crop is not new to South African farmers, no recent information reflects the current status of cotton production practices. A study evaluated farmers' production practices, the incidence and management of pests and diseases, extension services, and factors limiting cotton production and quality in South Africa. One hundred and forty farmers, mainly smallholder farmers, were interviewed during the 2017/18 growing season. Most farmers planted genetically modified (GM) cotton on less than 5 ha of cotton, with 96% planting under dryland. Most farmers neither practised conservation agriculture (95%) nor conducted soil analyses (87%). A mean cottonseed yield of 700 kg ha-1 was reported on dryland cotton, and 5 000 kg ha-1 was obtained from irrigated cotton. Most of the farmers (99%) harvested their cotton by handpicking. Farmers' pest knowledge was higher than their knowledge of different diseases. Most participants were unaware of nematodes (88%) or disease-resistant cultivars (74%), while 91% were aware of insect-resistant cultivars. Extension officers only mentored and supported many respondents (82%). Most farmers (93%) relied on pesticides to control cotton pests, and the rest (7%) used biological control. Climatic conditions (98%), labour costs (88%), and insect infestations (42%) were identified as the main constraints in cotton production. Although this study had a limited number of surveyed farmers, it gives some insight into their knowledge and challenges.

The potential yield of maize (Zea mays L.) and other major crops is curtailed by several biotic, abiotic, and socio-economic constraints. Parasitic weeds, Striga spp., are major constraints to cereal and legume crop production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Yield losses reaching 100% are reported in maize under severe Striga infestation. Breeding for Striga resistance has been shown to be the most economical, feasible, and sustainable approach for resource-poor farmers and for being environmentally friendly. Knowledge of the genetic and genomic resources and components of Striga resistance is vital to guide genetic analysis and precision breeding of maize varieties with desirable product profiles under Striga infestation. This review aims to present the genetic and genomic resources, research progress, and opportunities in the genetic analysis of Striga resistance and yield components in maize for breeding. The paper outlines the vital genetic resources of maize for Striga resistance, including landraces, wild relatives, mutants, and synthetic varieties, followed by breeding technologies and genomic resources. Integrating conventional breeding, mutation breeding, and genomic-assisted breeding [i.e., marker-assisted selection, quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis, next-generation sequencing, and genome editing] will enhance genetic gains in Striga resistance breeding programs. This review may guide new variety designs for Striga-resistance and desirable product profiles in maize.