Broomrape (Orobanche spp.) problem in the eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey

Abstract

SUMMARY Broomrapes (Orobanche spp.) which belong to the family Orobanchaceae are obligate parasitic flowering plants. The main center of distribution is the Mediterranean basin, where large areas are heavily infested. Yield losses due to Orobanche range from 5 to 100% depending on the region and the crop. Orobanche species infesting crops in the eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey are: O. aegyptiaca, O. ramosa and O. crenata. O. aegyptiaca / O. ramosa were present in 27.72% of the tomato greenhouses and 80% of the tomato fields, O. crenata and O. aegyptiaca / O. ramosa were present in 57.89% of the faba bean fields and 75.51% of the lentil fields. Sunflower cultivation has gradually increased in the eastern Mediterranean region since 2004. In 2005, sunflower acreage and production in the region were tripled compared with 2004. There has not been any record on broomrapes in sunflower fields in eastern Mediterranean region yet, but broomrapes are considered a possible threat for sunflower fields in this area. Orobanche cernua Loef. causes considerable damage in sunflower fields in other regions of Turkey where sunflower has been sown for years and it may spread from those regions to the eastern Mediterranean region. In addition, sunflower is also a host plant of Orobanche ramosa L. and Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers. which were already found in some crops in the eastern Mediterrean region. Since the magnitude of the broomrape problem increases each year in Turkey, a “National Broomrape Project” has been organized in collaboration of some govermental institues and universities in 2006. The Project includes extension activities too. Because growers are not carefull about dispersal of broomrape, they should be trained how to apply preventive measures as soon as possible.