Description of Orobanche cannabis Vaucher ex Duby
Orobanche cannabis Vaucher ex Duby, also known as hemp broomrape, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. This plant is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, and it thrives in areas with calcareous soils.
Common names
The plant is commonly known as hemp broomrape due to its parasitic nature on the hemp plant. Other names for the plant include red broomrape, common broomrape, and cannabis broomrape.
Uses
Although Orobanche cannabis is considered a parasitic weed that can cause significant damage to the hemp plant, it also has some medicinal properties. Traditional herbal medicine practitioners used the plant to treat various ailments, including respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal problems, and skin infections.
Furthermore, the plant contains a range of compounds that have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant effects. Researchers are exploring the potential of these compounds in the development of new drugs and cosmetics.
General appearance
Orobanche cannabis has a fleshy stem that is usually reddish-brown or yellowish-brown in color. The stem can grow up to one meter in length and is covered by small, scale-like leaves. The plant produces numerous flowering spikes that are dense and cylindrical in shape. The flowers are pink or purple in color and have a tubular shape.
The plant has no leaves, as it is parasitic and obtains its nutrients from the roots of the hemp plant. As a result, it does not undergo photosynthesis and has no need for chlorophyll.
Light Requirements
The Orobanche cannabis Vaucher ex Duby grows best in full sunlight. Therefore, it requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. However, it can also grow in partial shade. When placed in partial shade, it is important to ensure that the plant receives enough light to carry out important photosynthesis processes.
Temperature Requirements
The Orobanche cannabis Vaucher ex Duby requires moderate temperatures to grow. The optimum temperature range for growth is between 15°C and 27°C. At temperatures above 30°C, the plant may experience heat stress leading to wilting and death. Similarly, temperatures below 7°C may lead to frost damage and hinder its growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, including sand, loam, and clay. However, it thrives best in well-drained soil with organic matter. Soil that is too wet and poorly drained can lead to root rot and other diseases that affect plant growth. Additionally, the soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It is also important to note that the plant relies on a host plant to obtain nutrients. Therefore, taking care of the host plant is also important to ensure the growth of Orobanche cannabis Vaucher ex Duby.
Cultivation Methods
The Orobanche cannabis Vaucher ex Duby is a parasitic plant that grows attached to the roots of other plants, mainly from the family Fabaceae and Asteraceae. As a result, it is not cultivated conventionally and does not require soil or nutrients through its roots. Instead, growers can purchase seeds and prepare the host plants before planting them.
In preparation for planting Orobanche cannabis Vaucher ex Duby, it is necessary to choose the host plants carefully. The host plant should be of the same genus with the parasitic plant and should be resistant to the Orbanche infestation. The grower should then plant the host in a weed-free field to prevent the growth of more harmful plants on the field that can cause competition for nutrients from the host plant.
Watering Needs
Watering a parasitic plant such as Orobanche cannabis Vaucher ex Duby is different from watering a conventional plant. Since it draws water and nutrients from the host plant, it does not require regular watering directly. However, the host plant requires a constant supply of water and adequate moisture levels.
It is necessary to irrigate the host plant regularly and with an adequate amount of water. Irrigation should be in moderation, avoiding overwatering that can lead to soil saturation and waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to the growth of harmful fungi and bacteria that can damage both the host and parasitic plant.
Fertilization
The parasitic plant does not require fertilization since it obtains all its nutrients from the host plant; however, adequate fertilization of the host plant is necessary to ensure maximum growth of both the host and parasitic plants.
The grower should apply fertilizers to the host plants regularly, following the recommended dosage instructions. The type of fertilizer should be balanced and rich in nitrogen and potassium, which are essential for the growth of the host plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the parasitic plant Orobanche cannabis Vaucher ex Duby. However, pruning the host plant is essential to prevent overgrowth that can result in competition for nutrients between the host and parasitic plants. Pruning also helps to shape the host plant and allow free air circulation to avoid conditions like fungal infections.
The grower should prune the host plants routinely, cutting all the parts that show signs of damage or infections. Pruning should be done cautiously to ensure that the host plant is not damaged or killed in the process.
Propagation of Orobanche Cannabis Vaucher ex Duby
Orobanche cannabis Vaucher ex Duby, commonly known as hemp broomrape, is a parasitic plant that infests the roots of crops, including hemp, tobacco, tomato, and potato. Propagation of this plant is primarily through seeds, with a few unconventional methods also available.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used for Orobanche cannabis Vaucher ex Duby. The seeds from the plant are small, light brown, and have a rough texture. The seeds should be collected from a healthy, mature plant. The best time to collect seeds is when the seed pods have turned brown and are drying on the stem. The seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until spring, when they can be planted.
The seeds should be sown in a greenhouse or outdoors after the last frost has passed. The soil should be well-drained, and the pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5. The seeds should be sown 0.5 to 1 inch deep and covered with a light layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge.
Root Cuttings Propagation
Root cuttings propagation is a less common method used for Orobanche cannabis Vaucher ex Duby. The roots of the plant can be dug up and cut into 2 to 3-inch sections. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained, moist soil, and kept moist until new growth appears.
Other Propagation Methods
Orobanche cannabis Vaucher ex Duby can also propagate through a process called haustoria. Haustoria is a specialized organ that penetrates the host's root and absorbs nutrients from it. This process can spread the plant to other hosts, making it difficult to eradicate. Another method of propagation is through soil-borne seeds. The seeds remain dormant in the soil until a host plant germinates, and then they attach to the host root.
It is important to note that propagation methods for Orobanche cannabis Vaucher ex Duby should be avoided as the plant is considered a noxious weed and infests crops, leading to substantial economic losses.
Disease and Pest Management for Orobanche Cannabis Vaucher ex Duby
Orobanche cannabis Vaucher ex Duby, commonly known as hemp broomrape, is a parasitic plant that attaches itself to the root of host plants and feeds off their nutrients. It is a serious threat to the growth and yield of cannabis and other related crops. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Orobanche cannabis and suggested ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fungal infections: Orobanche cannabis is vulnerable to various fungal infections such as powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. Fungal infections can cause significant damage to the plant and reduce the yield. To manage fungal infections, avoid excessive watering, ensure proper drainage, and use fungicides when necessary.
Viral infections: Orobanche cannabis is susceptible to several viruses, including tomato spotted wilt virus and cucumber mosaic virus. Viral infections can cause stunting, yellowing, and necrosis of leaves, and yield loss. To manage viral infections, control insect vectors, and use certified disease-free seeds.
Common Pests
Nematodes: Orobanche cannabis is susceptible to root-knot nematodes, which can cause significant damage to the root system and impair the plant's ability to absorb nutrients. To manage nematodes, use resistant cultivars, crop rotation, and soil solarization where applicable.
Root weevils: Root weevils are known to feed on the roots of Orobanche cannabis, causing wilting of the plant, stunted growth, and reduced yield. To manage root weevils, use insecticides, traps, and biological control agents such as nematodes.
Aphids: Aphids are common pests that can cause vector viral diseases, stunt growth, and distort leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticides, insecticidal soap, and encourage the presence of natural predators such as ladybugs.
In conclusion, the management of diseases and pests for Orobanche cannabis requires a proactive approach. Application of integrated pest management strategies such as crop rotation, use of resistant cultivars, and biological control agents alongside the use of pesticides, and proper farming practices is important to maintain healthy plants and minimize yield losses.
