Broomrape (Orobanche spp.) control with ethylene dibromide and chloropicrin

Ethylene dibromide effectively controlled Orobanche crenata Forsk. and O. cernua Loefl. but was not effective against O. aegyptiaca Pers. and O. mutelii F. Schultz. Chloropicrin was considerably less effective than ethylene dibromide. Mixtures of both compounds did not result in improved broomrape control but nonetheless had a positive effect on crop yield. Destruction des Orobanches avec du dibromure d'ethylène et de la chloropicrine Le dibromure d'éthylène a été efficace contre Orobanche crenata Forsk et O. Cernua Loefl, mais non efficace contre O. aegyptiaca Pers, et O. mutelii F. Schultz. La chloropicrine est beaucoup moins efficace que le dibromure d'ethylène. Les mélanges des deux matières actives n'ont pas amélioré l'efficacité sur orobanches mais néanmoins ont eu un effet positif sur le rendement de la culture. Bekämpfung von Orobanche-Arten mit Ethylendi-bromid und Chlorpikrin Mit Ethylendibromid konnten Orobanche crenata Forsk. und O. cernua Loefl., aber nicht O. aegyptica Pers. und O. mutelii F. Schultz bekämpft werden. Chlorpikrin war beträchtlich weniger wirksam. Mischungen der beiden Wirkstoffe ergaben keine bessere Wirkung, beeinflussten aber den Ertrag der Kulturpflanzen positiv.     

A competition index for Orobanche crenata Forsk effects on broad bean (Vicia faba L.)

The influence of broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk) infection levels on commercial broad bean (Vicia faba L.) crops was investigated and an equation relating yield losses to O. crenata density was derived. O. crenata growth was weakly and negatively related to the final height or shoot number of the broad bean plant. O. crenata decreased seed yield mainly by reducing the number of pods. The number of seeds per pod was also decreased by O. crenata infection when competition occurred at late-crop growth stages when most of the pods had already developed. Bean unit seed weight was only weakly affected by infection. Correlation coefficients between O. crenata number and broad-bean seed yield per plant were significant at P=0·05 and greater than 0·70 in most locations. On average, about four O. crenata per broad-bean plant decreased seed yield by half. An estimation of the percentage of losses in any field can be calculated from the equation: %loss = 100 × 0·124 × OcN. where OcN is the average final number of emerged O. crenata per plant.     

Characterization of the Orobanche–Medicago truncatula association for studying early stages of the parasite–host interaction

There is an increasing interest in the legume species Medicago truncatula as a model plant for structural and functional genomic studies that can be used to identify agronomically important genes in legumes. Field screening has shown very high levels of resistance to Orobanche crenata in M. truncatula. However, in vitro studies with O. crenata, Orobanche foetida, Orobanche ramosa and Orobanche minor showed useful variation among accessions at early stages of the parasite–host interaction. Significant differences were observed in the levels of germination of O. crenata and O. foetida seeds induced by different accessions of M. truncatula. Only limited germination was observed on accession SA‐4327. All accessions induced little O. ramosa and O. minor germination. Accessions also varied in the number of O. crenata and O. foetida attachments supported, with few developing on accession SA‐27774. The variation observed for induction of germination and of subsequent attachment will be useful to isolating and characterizing genes involved in the early stages of Orobanche–host plant interaction and for the study of the biosynthetic pathways of production for germination stimulants.     

Fenugreek root exudates show species-specific stimulation of Orobanche seed germination

Various Orobanche species are weedy and cause severe reduction in the yields of many important crops. The seeds of these parasitic weeds may remain dormant in the soil for many years until germination is stimulated by the release of a chemical signal from a host plant. In order to determine the effects of fenugreek root exudate on the induction of Orobanche crenata, Orobanche ramosa and Orobanche foetida seed germination, root exudate was collected from hydroponically grown fenugreek seedlings. Fractionation patterns obtained from column and thin layer chromatography of the fenugreek root exudate showed a set of metabolites differing in their polarity with stimulatory activity on Orobanche seed germination. The crude root exudate stimulated both O. ramosa and O. crenata seed germination to the same level caused by the synthetic germination stimulant GR24 at 10 mg L^?1. It also stimulated O. foetida seed germination which did not respond to GR24. Active fractions of root exudate stimulated the germination of Orobanche species differentially.     

Prediction of yield loss caused by Orobanche spp. in carrot and pea crops based on the soil seedbank

Root parasites of the genus Orobanche cause serious losses in many subtropical crops. Direct control options are very limited and crop yield loss can reach 100%. Prediction of potential damage in a crop before sowing or planting would support farmers in their choice of crop. This paper discusses the relationship between the number of Orobanche spp. seeds in the field and yield loss in peas (Pisum sativum L.) and carrots (Daucus carota L.) in Israel. Yield loss due to Orobanche crenata Forsk. in peas was 100% at high infestations, whereas in carrots when O. crenata and O. aegyptiaca were present it stabilized at about 50% for moderate infestations of 200 seeds per kg of soil. Statistical analyses related the yield loss from parasitism in peas and carrots to the numbers of Orobanche seeds remaining in the soil. A rectangular hyperbolic model, previously applied to competition data, fitted the data well. Confidence intervals for per cent yield loss were calculated using the bootstrap method. The practical applications of these models in predicting yield loss are discussed.     

Germination of Orobanche crenata Forsk. seeds in vitro

The effects of calcium hypochlorite [Ca(OCl)₂] and gibberellic acid (GA), both in combination and separately, were studied on the germination of Orobanche crenata seeds. Hypochlorite was applied either before or after the conditioning phase for periods up to 150 min. The seeds were exposed to GA during the conditioning phase. After conditioning the seeds were exposed to either the synthetic germination stimulant GR 7, flax root exudate (FRE) or distilled water. GR 7 exploited the germination potential of O. crenata better than FRE and this in turn better than water. In the presence of GR 7 or FRE the number of germinating seeds generally increased when the seeds were briefly (5–20 min) exposed to hypochlorite. In the absence of GR 7 and FRE, hypochlorite only increased germination if the seeds were treated during medium-long periods (20–60 min) after conditioning. If GR 7 or FRE were not applied the germination percentage was usually significantly higher when conditioning was done in the presence of GA.     

Phenology and growth of Orobanche crenata Forsk (broomrape) in four legume crops

Studies were conducted in the field in 2 years comparing the phenology and growth of Orobanche crenata (Forsk) (crenate broomrape) in lentils (Lens esculenta L.) cv. Castellana, peas (Pisum sativum L.) cv. Orix, vetch (Vicia sativa L.) cv. comun and broadbean (Vicia faba L. cv. Alameda. First attachment of O. crenata to these crops took place 9–14 weeks after mid-November planting and earlier after later plantings, Differences in the first O. crenata attachment dates and in the duration of the underground growth period of O. crenata were much greater between years for any given crop than between crops in a given year: both attributes were apparently affected more by seasonal climatic conditions than by crop species, Furthermore, there was no consistent relationship found between crop growth stages and time after first attachment of the parante. This occurred in lentils and vetch while they were vegetative, in peas at late vegetative-early flowering stages, and at widely varying growth stages in broadbean, depending on planting dates and years. The maximum number of O. crenata plants successfully attached to each individual crop plant decreased in the order: peas > broadbean > lentil > vetch, with 21, 14, 10 and 8 per plant, respectively, averaged over the two seasons. Similarly, plant parasites: host dry weight ratio were 1.0, 0.7, 0.3 and 0.2 For each of these crops, respectively.     

Influence of Root Exudates on Orobanche Seed Germination*

Broomrape (Orobanche ramosa L.) is a common root parasite of solanaceous, leguminous and other crops grown in the semi-arid regions of the world. The seeds germinate when root exudates from host plants are released in their immediate vicinity (Lindley, 1853; Koch, 1887; Chabrolin, 1934). Brown et al. (1951a) reported that non-host plants, such as flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) may stimulate Orobanche seed germination without being parasitized. The stimulating properties of flax exudate were studied by Brown et al. (1951b). They reported that the stimulant was unstable in alkaline solutions, but moderately stable in weakly acidic media, which may indicate the presence of an acidic (lactone) grouping. Nash & Wilhelm (1960) reported that gibberellic acid in agar media stimulated O. ramosa seed germination. Abu- Shakra, Miah & Saghir (1970) found that pre-treatment of 0. ramosa seeds with 100 ppm of gibberellic acid followed by incubation on a flax-root diffusate agar medium gave a high (81·7%) germination. The purpose of this study was to collect root exudates from three species of plants cultured under three experimental systems, namely (a) germ-free, (b) glasshouse (non-sterile), and (c) growth chamber (hydroponic, initially aseptic), and to evaluate their biological activity as germination stimulants for O. ramosa seeds. The plants used were tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), sorghum (Sorghum vulgare Pers.) and flax. Exudate from marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) also was collected from germ-free culture.     

Locating quantitative trait loci associated with Orobanche crenata resistance in pea

Orobanche crenata (broomrape) is a root parasite that represents the major constraint for pea (Pisum sativum) cultivation in the Mediterranean area and the Middle East. The efficacy of available control methods is minimal and breeding for O. crenata resistance is considered the most promising strategy of control. Only moderate levels of incomplete resistance are available in pea germplasm. In order to identify and map the quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling the trait, 115 F₂ plants derived from the cross between a susceptible and a resistant parent were analysed using isozymes, random amplified polymorphic DNA and sequence tagged site markers. F₂‐derived F₃ lines were studied for O. crenata resistance under field conditions. The linkage map was constructed with MAPMAKER V2.0. Of 217 markers, 120 could be mapped into 21 linkage groups. Linkage groups consisted of 13 to two marker loci covering 1770 cM. The mean inter‐marker distance was 17.64 cM. Simple interval mapping (SIM) and composite interval mapping (CIM) were performed using QTL Cartographer. The CIM approach using five cofactors was clearly the most efficient way to locate putative QTL. Two QTL for O. crenata resistance (Ocp1 and Ocp2), explaining only a moderate portion of the observed variation (9.6% and 11.4% respectively), were detected.     

Effect of sowing date and host resistance on the establishment and development of Orobanche crenata in faba bean and common vetch

The effect of early and late sowing dates on the establishment of Orobanche crenata Forsk. (crenate broomrape) in resistant and susceptible cultivars of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and vetch (Vicia sativa L.) were studied over four seasons in southern Spain. Differences in establishment, development and shoot emergence of the parasite were compared. With resistant faba bean and vetch cultivars, there was reduced attachment and shoot emergence of O. crenata with all sowing dates. Susceptible cultivars were more severely affected by the parasite with early sowing. Orobanche crenata development was also delayed in resistant cultivars. Crop yield, estimated by the number of pods per plant, decreased with late sowings. The combined use of resistant cultivars and early sowing is a useful tool as part of an integrated control strategy. Resistant cultivars allow early sowing (with low O. crenata attack), thus avoiding yield losses due to the short crop cycle with late sowing.     

Variation in resistance to Orobanche crenata in species of Cicer

Crenate broomrape (Orobanche crenata) is a major constraint for legume cultivation in Mediterranean agriculture. Field trials, pot and in vitro experiments demonstrated that resistance to O. crenata is present in chickpea and wild species of Cicer. The resistance is the result of the combination of several mechanisms, including low induction of parasite seed germination and in some accessions, either a darkening at the infection site on the host root that prevents establishment, or a reduced development of established parasite tubercles.     

Broomrape control in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) with glyphosate and imazaquin

Field studies were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of imazaquin and glyphosate in controlling broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk. and O. aegyptiaca Pers.) in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in Northern Syria. Several rates and times of application of the herbicides were tested. Nearly complete control of broomrape was achieved with both the herbicides when they were sprayed twice (when the broomrape attachments to the faba bean roots were at tubercle stage of develoment and 15 days later) at a rate of application of 80 g a.i. ha^?1 for glyphosate and 10 g a.i. ha^?1 for imazaquin. However, the yield of faba bean did not increase with these treatments, suggesting that the herbicides at these rates were still causing some physiological disorder in the plant that counteracted the beneficial effect of broomrape control on the performance of faba bean plants.     

Use of ITS nuclear sequences from Phelipanche aegyptiaca as a direct tool to detect single seeds of broomrape species in the soil

Broomrape (Phelipanche and Orobanche spp.) are obligate holoparasites that attack roots of almost all economically-important crops in semiarid regions of the world. Broomrape seeds are extremely small (dust-like seeds), averaging 200 to 300?μm in size and because of the miniscule seed size it is difficult to detect and confirm via conventional methods. In this study our aim was to develop a PCR-based assay specific for broomrape soil-borne seeds and sensitive enough to detect a single or few broomrape seeds in a soil sample. For this purpose, we used complementary polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers based upon unique sequences in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the nuclear ribosomal DNA of Phelipanche aegyptiaca. Genomic DNA was extracted from soil samples artificially infested with broomrape seeds or tissue of Phelipanche aegyptiaca Pers., Orobanche cumana Wallr. and Phelipanche crenata Forsk. and subjected to PCR analysis. Using ITS-350 primers, a specific PCR product (350?bp) was amplified and detected in all samples containing broomrape species, but was not detected in soil sample free of broomrape seeds or tissues. Additionally, the PCR-based assay was sensitive enough to detect even a single broomrape seed in the soil. As expected the universal internal control primers amplified a PCR product (555?bp) of genomic DNA extracted from soil samples with or without broomrape tissues or seeds. This diagnostic method is simple, reliable and rapid and could help for assessment of broomrape seed contamination in a crop field.     

Seed bank and other demographic parameters of broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk.) populations in faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

A study on the population dynamics of broom-rape (Orobanche crenata Forskal) in faba bean (Viciafaba L.) was conducted in two locations for 8 years. The O. crenata seed bank increased every year in the 20-cm depth arable layer until it reached approximately 4 million (M) seeds m^?2. Seed viability ranged between 53% and 68%, approximately half of the seeds remaining dormant. About 3 × 10^?3% of the seed bank became attached to the root system of the faba beans. Only 9% of the attached broomrapes developed and emerged from the soil, possibly reflecting high levels of intraspecific competition. Maximum broomrape seed production for a population of 53 emerged broomrapes per m² was approximately 4 M seeds m^?2. About 43% of the seeds produced were not incorporated into the soil, most probably as a result of their degradation, decomposition or dispersion. Stock semencier et autres paramètres démographiques de I'orobanche crénelée (Orobanche crenata Forsk.) dans des cultures de féverolle (Vicia faba L.) Une étude de la dynamique de populations d'orobanche crénelée (Orobanche crenata Forsk.) dans des cultures de féverolle (Viciafaba L.) a été menée pendant 8 années sur deux sites. Le stock semencier de O. crenata a augmenteéchaque année dans la couche (20 cm) arable du sol jusqu'à atteindre 4 millions (M) de graines m^?2. La viabilité des graines était comprise entre 53 et 68%, approximativement la moitié d'entre elles présentaient une dormance. Environ 3 × 10^?3% du stock semencier adhérait au système racinaire de la féverolle. Seulement 9% des orobanches adhérantes se développaient et levaient, ce qui pourrait refléter une compétition intraspécifique importante. La production maxi-male de graines par une population de 53 orobanches levées au m²était d'environ 4 M graines m^?2. Environ 43% des graines produites n'étaient pas incorporées au sol, très prob-ablement en raison de leur dégradation, de leur décomposition ou de leur dispersion. Bodensamenbank und andere populationsde-mographische Parameter der Sommerwurz Orobanche crenata Forsk. in Bestanden der Acker-Bohne (Vicia faba L.) Bei einer Untersuchung der Populationsdy-namik der Sommerwurz Orobanche crenata Forsk. in Beständen der Acker-Bohne (Vicia faba L.) an 2 Orten über 8 Jahre hin nahm die Bodensamenbank in der Pflugzone von 20 cm Tiefe jedes Jahr zu, bis sie rund 4 Millionen Samen m^?2 erreichte. Die Lebensfähigkeit der Samen lag bei 53 bis 68%, etwa die Hälfte war dormant. Ungefähr 3 × 10^?3% kamen mit den Bohnenwurzeln in Berührung. Nur 9% davon entwickelten sich und wuchsen heran, worin vielleicht der hohe Grad intraspezifischer Konkurrenz zum Ausdruck kommt. Die höchste Zahl gebildeter Samen eines Sommer-wurzbestands von 53 Pflanzen m^?2 war rund 4 Millionen. Etwa 43% der gebildeten Samen gelangten nicht in den Boden, wahrscheinlich weil sie zerstört oder verweht wurden.     

The effects of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) and other crops as trap and catch crops for control of Egyptian broomrape (Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers.)*

Growing trap and catch crops to decrease infestation of Egyptian broomrape (Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers.) was tested in a 2-year field experiment supported by two pot experiments. Growing flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) in two successive winter seasons or one summer cropping with mung beans (Phaseolus aureus Roxbg.) reduced early infestation of the parasite and significantly increased tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) vigour and production. However, the efficacy of using trap and catch crops for broomrape control in a heavily infested field was limited. Orobanche aegyptiaca attacked clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), flax and mung bean and developed inflorescences. Various sources of the parasite showed different degrees of virulence to flax, from heavy attack and severe damage, to sparse attachment with no production of flowering shoots. The virulent subspecies attacked flax all year round, causing severe damage. Vetch (Vicia saliva L.) var. Sadot was not parasitized by O. aegyptiaca. Effets du lin (Linum usitatissimum L.)et d'autres plantes cultivées comme plantes pièges et hôtes pour lutter contre l'orobanche égyptienne (Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers.) L'utilisation de plantes cultivées comme pièges et hôtes pour diminuer l'infestation par l'orobanche égyptienne (Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers.) a fait l'objet d'une expérimentation au champ sur deux ans ainsi que de deux expériences en pots. Si du lin (Linum usitatissimum L.) était cultivé sur deux saisons hivernales successives ou lors d'une saison estivale avec de l'ambérique (Phaseolus aureus Roxbg.), l'infestation précoce de la tomate (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) par le parasite était réduite, et sa vigueur ainsi que sa production étaient significativement augmentées. Cependant, l'efficacité des plantes cultivées pièges et hôtes pour lutter contre l'orobanche égyptienne dans des champs fortement infestés était limitée. Orobanche aegyptiaca attaquait le trèfle (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), le lin et l'ambérique, et développait des inflorescences. Différentes sources du parasite montraient des degrés variés de virulence à l'égard du lin, allant d'attaques importantes qui occasionnaient de sévères dommages, jusqu'à des infestations éparses qui ne produisaient pas de tiges florales. Les espèces virulentes attaquaient le lin tout au long de l'année et causaient des dommages importants. La vesce (Vicia sauva L.) variété Sadot n'était pas parasitée par O. aegyptiaca. Saat-Lein (Linum usitatissimum L.) und andere Kulturen als Fangpflanzen und Zwischenfrüchte zur Bekämpfung von Orobanche aegyptica Pers. In einem 2 ährigen Freiland- und 2 Gefäßversuchen wurden Fangpflanzen und Zwischenfrüchte zur Minderung der Verunkrautung mit Orobanche aegyptica untersucht. Nach dem Anbau von Saat-Lein (Linum usitatissimum L.) in 2 aufeinanderfolgenden Wintern oder einer Sommerkultur der Mungo-Bohne (Phaseolus aureus Roxbg.) war bei der Tomate (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) der frühe Befall durch den Parasiten herabgesetzt und Wachstum und Ertrag signifikant erhöht. Die Wirksamkeit des Anbaus von Fangpflanzen und Zwischenfrüchten zur Bekämpfung der Sommerwurz war jedoch auf stark verseuchten Feldern begrenzt. Orobanche aegyptica befiel Trifolium alexandrinum L., Saat-Lein und Mungo-Bohne und entwickelte Blüten. Die Virulenz verschiedener Herkünfte des Parasiten variierte von schwerem Befall und starkem Schaden bis schwachem Befall ohne Blütenbildung. Die virulente Unterart befiel den Lein das ganze Jahr über und führte zu schwerem Schaden. Die Sorte ‘Sadot’ der Saat-Wicke (Vicia sativa L.) wurde von O. aegyptica nicht befallen.     

Seasonal changes in germination response of buried seeds of Orobanche crenata Forsk.

Orobanche crenata seeds, collected in Syria, Egypt and Spain, were buried in the field in Syria (all three seed lots) and Spain (only Spanish seeds) and at regular intervals exhumed and tested for germination, to investigate whether the seeds exhibit an annual dormancy/non-dor- mancy cycle. When exposed directly to the synthetic germination stimulant GR24 for 7 days at 20°C, seeds only germinated in autumn after the first rains and to a limited extent in winter. When the seeds were conditioned for 11 days at 20°C prior to exposure to GR24, germination occurred during summer and autumn, but seeds were dormant in winter and early spring. The observed seasonal pattern in germinability, in relation to rainfall and soil temperature, was largely consistent with the results of an in vitro experiment by Van Hezewijk et al. (1993), investigating the effect of conditioning temperature and conditioning period on germination capacity and the development of secondary dormancy. Moisture and temperature can therefore be considered the major factors regulating induction and alleviation of dormancy in buried O. crenata seeds. There were no basic differences in response owing to site of collection of O. crenata seeds, nor to the location where they were buried. Variations saisonnières des exigences de germination de graines enfouies d'Orobanche crenata Forsk. Des graines d'Orobanche crenata récoltées en Syrie, en Égypte et en Espagne ont été enfouies au champ en Syrie (les 3 lots) et en Espagne (seules les graines d'Espagne) puis ont été exhumées a intervalles régulier pour que leur aptitude à la germination soil évaluée. Le but était de déterminer si les graines possédaient un cycle annuel dormance/non dormance. Quand elles étaient directement exposées au stimulant de germination synthétique GR24 pendant 7 jours à 20°C, les graines ne germaient qu'à l'automne après les premières pluies et peu en hiver. Quand les graines restaient pendant 11 jours à 20°C avant leur exposition au GR24, la germination seproduisait en été et à l'automne mais les graines restaient dormantes en hiver et au début du prin-temps. Les variations saisonnières d'aptitude à la germination, liées aux précipitations et à la temperature du sol, étaient en accord avec les résultats d'une expérience in vitro de Van Hezewijk et al. (1993) concernant l'effet de la température et de la durée pendant laquelle elle est appliquée, sur l'aptitude à la germination et le développement de la dormance secondaire. L'humidité du sol et sa température peuvent ainsi être considérées comme les principaux facteurs qui induisent et lèvent la dormance de graines de O. crenata enfouies. On n'observait pas de différences importantes dues au lieu de récolte ou à l'endroit oü elles étaient enfouies. Jahreszeitliche Änderungen der Keimung von vergrabenen Samen von Orobanche crenata Forsk. Proben von in Syrien, Ägypten und Spanien gesammelten Orobanche-crenata-Samen wurden in Syrien und Proben nur spanischer Herkunft in Spanien im Freiland im Boden ausgelegt und in regelmäßigen Zeitabständen ausgegraben und auf ihre Keimfähigkeit getestet, um zu untersuchen, ob die Samen einen jährlichen Dormanz-Zyklus haben. Beim direktem Auslegen in dem synthetischen Keimungsmittel GR24 öber 7 d bei 20°C keimten die Samen nur im Herbst nach den ersten Regenfällen und in beschränktem Umfang im Winter. Wenn die Samen för 11 d bei 20°C vor dem Auslegen in GR24 vorbehandelt worden waren, keimten sie im Sommer und Herbst, aber im Winter und fröhen Fröhjahr waren sie dormant. Das jahreszeitliche Verhalten der Keimfähigkeit in Abhängigkeit von Niederschlag und Bodentemperatur stimmte weitgehend mit den Ergebnissen eines In-vitro-Versuches von Van Hezewijk et al. (1993) öber die Wirkung einer Wärmevorbehandlung und Vorbehandlungszeit auf die Keimfähigkeit und die Ausprägung sekundärer Dormanz öberein. Bodenfeuchte und -temperatur können deshalb als die wichtigsten Faktoren för die Induktion und Aufhebung der Dormanz von Orobanche-crenata-Samen im Boden angesehen werden. Herkunft und Versuchsort hatten keinen erheblichen Einfluß auf die Ergebnisse.     

Dissipation of metham-sodium from soil and its effect on the control of Orobanche aegyptiaca

The effect of metham-sodium on Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers. was tested in the laboratory and in soil columns. The laboratory experiment was carried out on O. aegyptiaca seeds placed in Petri dishes and germinated with GR₂₄, a synthetic strigol analogue. In soil columns, metham-sodium was applied by application of the chemical through the irrigation water to three different soils and its dissipation determined in three soil layers by gas chromatography, by a lettuce bio-assay to check the herbicide's phytotoxicity, and with a flax bioassay to check its effect on O. aegyptiaca. Results of the germination experiments showed an exponential decrease in O. aegyptiaca germination, parallel with the increase of metham-sodium concentration, with an average effective concentration (EC₅₀) of 18 mg L^?1. In a soil column, methylisothiocyanate (MIT, the metham active product) rapidly disappeared from the upper soil level (0–10 cm) within 24 h. Seven days after application only traces of MIT remained in all soil layers in all soils, except for the sandy Rehovot soil that contained low concentrations in the lower soil layer (20–30 cm). Flax bioassay confirmed the chemical analysis, showing that O. aegyptiaca tubercles developed only on plants grown in the upper soil layer of all three soils.     

The effect of nitrogenous compounds on in vitro germination of Orobanche crenata Forsk.

The effect of nitrogen (ammonium, urea and nitrate), applied during a conditioning or germination phase, on germination of Orobanche crenata Forsk, seeds was investigated in vitro. Ammonium sulphate (8 mM) applied during conditioning in combination with the nitrification inhibitor nitrapyrin, reduced germination of seeds from 46% to 26%. A lower concentration of 4 mM ammonium sulphate or supplying nitrogen as 8 mM urea or 16 mM nitrate did not inhibit germination. Applied after conditioning during the germination phase, 4 mM ammonium sulphate strongly inhibited germination, especially in combination with a nitrification inhibitor: germination was reduced to less than 5%. Urea (8 mM) reduced germination to only a limited extent (from 58% to 40%). When a urease inhibitor (carbon disulfide) was additionally applied, germination percentage was not affected. Nitrate had no effect. It is hypothesized that the inhibition by ammonium of O. crenata germination is connected with a reduced ability to detoxify ammonium, owing to the reduced activities of the enzymes GS and GOGAT. The inhibitory effect of urea may be indirect, occurring through conversion to ammonium. The effect of a short-term exposure to ammonium was largely reversible and no increase in mortality could be detected. The presence of 6 mM phosphate, Hepes or Mops buffer was found to intervene with the inhibition by ammonium.     

Orobanche crenata (Forsk) control in Vicia faba (L.) with glyphosate as affected by herbicide rates and parasite growth stages

The broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk) susceptibility to glyphosate applied on faba-bean (Vicia faba L.) as affected by the parasite growth stages at the time of application was studied under field conditions. Glyphosate treatments delayed O. crenata emergence. Single glyphosate application to faba-bean infected with O. crenata predominantly at the stage (a) (small nodule) and (b) (nodules with initial vestigial roots) resulted in a moderate to low control. When the stages (c) (shoot bud already visible) or (d) (shoot and vestigial roots well developed) were the predominant stages, an excellent control was achieved with a single glyphosate application at 60 g ha^?1. Increased development stages, with the shoot emerged from the shoot bud, decreased its susceptibility to glyphosate. La lutte contre Orobanche crenata en culture de férerole avec le glyphosate; influence des doses d'herbicide et du stade de développement du parasite     

A study on seed population dynamics of three weedy species of Eupatorium

The data on seed population dynamics of three weedy species of Eupatorium, viz. E. adenophwrum Spreng., E. riparium Regel and E. odoratum L. have been presented and discussed in the paper. The seed production and seed populations in soil seed bank were estimated, and the fate of buried seeds in soil was followed over a 2-year period. All the three species of Eupatorium produced a large number of seeds. The seed production of E. riparium per unit area was higher than that of the other two species because of its high population density. In all the three species most of the seeds were found to be present in the top 2 cm of the soil. The viable seed population of the three species of Eupatorium declined exponentially alter their burial in soil showing almost similar mortality patterns. A large proportion of seeds of all the Eupatorium spp. remained under enforced dormancy during their burial in soil with only a small fraction exhibiting induced dormancy. The longevity of the buried seeds increased on account of the dormancy imposed on them. The loss of seeds through degeneration and/or decomposition was rather low.