First report of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) penetrates the roots of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants.

Abstract

Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L) is a root competitor weed that represents a major constraint for several crops production all over the world. Bindweed has adopted a parasitic lifestyle on pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L) in Egypt. Parasitic plants develop a multicellular infectious organ called a haustorium. In March 2017, 42 samples were collected from Minia and Beni Suef governorates, Egypt and evaluated for their virulence against pepper plants. Pathogenicity test was carried out in Sids Research Station. These populations tested were able to attack the pepper roots (Balady variety) appearing polar and dwarf leaves compared to leaves of uninfected control plants. The histological studies of Convolvulus arvensis and pepper roots revealed that the vascular xylem of the bindweed primary and secondary haustoria eventually connected with phloem conducting elements of the host root. By using the light microscope, boundary features of the penetration site and connection of the secondary to the primary root (in healthy pepper plants) were compared histologically with those of the haustoria and the host root cells (in infected pepper plants). These findings are important in assessing the potential of the parasite as an agronomically significant pest in Egypt.