Orobanche is a parasitic plant that grows on other plants and uses their nutrients to grow. Its roots form a tight association with its host's root cells allowing it to intercept some of the sugars being passed from the leaves to the host's roo ts. The result of Orobanche parasitization is reduced host vigour and even death.
We are studying different Orobanche species to help provide information on how closely different species are related. This has been difficult in the past because morphological (physical appearance) characteristics have proven less than ideal to differentiate the Orobanche species. We have used polymorphic DNA markers in addition to morphological characters to help distinguish the different Orobanche species.
Common plants that are parasitized by Orobanche species are cauliflower, cabbage, tomato, green and red peppers, broad beans, and clover, along with many more. Annually this pest costs farmers millions of dollars.
Click here to return to the home page