Phelipanche aegyptiaca (Pers.) Pomel: a new record as a parasitic weed on apricot root in Turkey.

Abstract

This study is the first report of Egyptian broomrape (Phelipanche aegyptiaca (Pers.) Pomel) parasitizing apricot (Prunus armeniaca L., Rosaceae) trees in Turkey, Malatya Province, constitutes 52% of world apricot production. Most of the apricot production areas of Turkey are in Malatya, with 14 districts, 9 of them possess intensive apricot plantings that were surveyed for the frequency and density of broomrape in 2010. A total of 5 districts were found to be infested with P. aegyptiaca at frequencies ranging between 11 to 50%. Additionally, total 1415 quadrats (counting frame measuring 1 m2) were used for the assessment of the broomrape and the percentage of quadrats infested with broomrape in Malatya was found to be 14%. The average frequency P. aegyptiaca was determined to be 14.8%, and its average density in all quadrats and in all infested quadrats (number/m2) were 14.8 and 57.2, respectively. Unfortunately, broomrapes were counted high infestation rates (more than 200/m2) in some of the infested apricot orchards. As a result of the study it is realised that, apricot production of Turkey and the world were under threat of broomrapes and urgent control measures must be taken in the region immediately. Key words: Apricot, Egyptian broomrape, Phelipanche aegyptiaca, Turkey