noun
- parasitic plants of the genus Striga that attach to the roots of crops and other plants, causing significant agricultural damage
Usage: botanical; agricultural
Examples
- Witchweeds are a major threat to corn and sorghum crops in Africa.
- Farmers struggle to control witchweeds because they spread rapidly through seeds.
- The parasitic witchweeds can destroy entire harvests if left untreated.
- Scientists are developing resistant crop varieties to combat witchweeds.
- Witchweeds remain dormant in soil until they detect host plant roots.
- Agricultural extension services teach farmers how to identify witchweeds early.