[img_assist|nid=181|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=100|height=43]In issue No. 41, the Biotechnology and Development Monitor published an article by Verkleij & Kuiper about various approaches to controlling Striga (witchweed) and Orobranche (broomrape). The root parasites are a major biotic constraint to food production particularly in Africa. The authors showed that conventional methods of controlling these weeds have only a limited impact and that transgenic plants do not offer a workable solution either.