Severe attack produces leaf wilting and chlorosis. Infected plants may be stunted and die prior to seed set.

Striga seeds are stimulated to germinate by root exudates
of the host. Plants emerge close to host plant 1 to 2 months after crop is planted, flowers 3 to 4 weeks after emergence and matures seed a month later. The species are similar in appearance, with square stems and small, bright green elongated leaves with red to pink flowers. Seed are minute, less than 0.25 mm long and borne in pods or capsules.

Host range:

Pearl millet, maize, sorghum, sugarcane, rice, Sudangrass, wheat, oats, barley.