Overview of Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata (Ledeb.) Graham
Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata (Ledeb.) Graham, commonly known as the branched broomrape, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. This plant is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, and has been introduced to North America and Australia.
General Appearance
Branched broomrape is a herbaceous, parasitic plant that grows from 10-50 cm in height. The plant has a hard, brownish stem and produces sessile, opposite, lanceolate, and pointed leaves that are reduced to small scales. The plant is devoid of chlorophyll which means that it cannot produce its own food and derives its nutrition from the roots of the host plant.
The flowers of branched broomrape are pinkish-purple in color, with a tubular corolla that is about 12-17 mm long. The plant blooms from June to September, and the fruits produced are small capsules that contain numerous seeds.
Common Names
Branched broomrape is widely known by different names across the globe. Some of the common names include Hemp Broomrape, Clover Broomrape, Branched Broomrape, Rapistrum Broomrape, and Broomrape.
Uses
Branched broomrape has no known medicinal uses, but in some cultures, the plant is used in the treatment of some ailments. The plant contains certain compounds that are toxic to some cereal crops and may cause significant damage to agriculture in areas where it is found. Therefore, it is essential to control the spread of this parasitic plant and limit its damage to vegetation.
Light requirements
Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. It is a parasitic plant that relies on the host plant for nutrients and therefore, requires access to ample sunlight for its own metabolic activities. In situations where Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata is grown without a host plant, it requires artificial light sources mimicking natural sunlight exposure.
Temperature requirements
Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata prefers warm temperatures ranging from 18 to 25°C. It thrives in temperate regions where the summer temperatures are not too high. Temperatures below 15°C limit its growth, while temperatures above 30°C cause damage to the plant.
Soil requirements
Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata grows optimally in sandy loam soil with good drainage. The pH of the soil should be between 6.5 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. It is a parasitic plant that requires a host plant to obtain nutrients, and this can limit the options for soil type. If grown without a host plant, Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata requires a nutrient-rich growth medium.
Cultivation methods
Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata (Ledeb.) Graham, commonly known as branched broomrape, is a parasitic plant that mainly depends on host plants for its survival. Therefore, cultivation methods that promote the growth of host plants are essential for the growth of Orobanche ramosa.
To cultivate Orobanche ramosa, it is recommended to grow its host plants such as chickpea, tomato, tobacco, and potato. These plants should be grown in fertile soils that are well-drained and moderately acidic. Crop rotation and intercropping practices can also help to suppress the growth of Orobanche ramosa.
Watering needs
The water requirements of Orobanche ramosa are similar to those of its host plants. The parasitic plant does not have its own roots and mostly relies on host plants for water and nutrients. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain adequate soil moisture levels to support the growth of host plants.
Watering Orobanche ramosa directly is not necessary, as the plant can absorb water and nutrients from its host plants. However, it is crucial to avoid overwatering, and it is recommended to use drip irrigation to prevent waterlogging and reduce the risk of infection by soil-borne diseases.
Fertilization
The amount of fertilizer required for Orobanche ramosa cultivation mainly depends on the fertility of the soil and the nutrient requirements of its host plants. It is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained, and the pH is between 5.5 and 7.5.
Applying organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, and green manure can help improve soil fertility and provide essential nutrients to host plants. It is also crucial to avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these can stimulate Orobanche ramosa germination and growth.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Orobanche ramosa, as it is a parasitic plant that does not have any shoots or leaves of its own. However, proper pruning of host plants is crucial to prevent the spread of the parasitic plant.
To prevent the germination and growth of Orobanche ramosa, it is recommended to remove any infected plants or parts of the plants as soon as they are detected. It is also crucial to rotate crops and implement other control measures such as intercropping and using resistant varieties of host plants.
Propagation of Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata (Ledeb.) Graham
Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata (Ledeb.) Graham, commonly known as the branched broomrape, is a parasitic plant that primarily grows in saline and alkaline soils. The plant is native to Europe and Asia and can be propagated through several methods which are:
Seeds propagation
The most effective means of propagating Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata (Ledeb.) Graham is via seeds. The seeds of the plant are tiny, measuring about 0.5 mm, and possess an embryo that is physiologically dormant. Prior to planting, it is imperative to break seed dormancy otherwise, the seed will not germinate. This can be achieved by soaking the seed in warm water for several hours (8-24 hours) or scarification (scratching the seed gently with a file). The seeds should be sown in a well-drained sandy loam soil and kept moist through regular watering. Germination typically occurs within 7-10 days of planting.
Root cuttings propagation
Another practical method of propagating Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata (Ledeb.) Graham is through root cuttings. Healthy and disease-free root cuttings are cut into small pieces (2-3 inches) and planted in moist, sterile soil. The cuttings should be covered with approximately 1 inch of soil and kept moist through regular watering. With favorable conditions, the cuttings usually take root within 2-3 weeks of planting.
Tissue culture propagation
Tissue culture propagation is a relatively complex and expensive method of propagating Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata (Ledeb.) Graham. In this method, plant cells are grown in vitro under sterile conditions and supplied with the necessary nutrients and hormones for growth and development. This technique is used mainly for the production of disease-free and genetically identical plants.
In conclusion, selecting a propagule method for Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata (Ledeb.) Graham depends on the intended usage and required number of plants. By following the proper guidelines and conditions, successful propagation of this parasitic plant can be achieved via seed sowing, root cuttings, and tissue culture propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata
Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata, commonly known as branched broomrape, is a parasitic plant that attacks the roots of host plants. As such, it is not subjected to the same diseases and pests as typical plants. However, management practices for this plant still involve certain precautions to be taken to prevent disease infestations and pest attacks.
Prevention
One of the main methods to control the disease and pest management in Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata is prevention. To prevent the spread of the plant to other areas, it is essential to avoid planting contaminated host plants in the soil. It's also necessary to keep the surroundings of the crops clear of weeds.Using healthy host plants to grow crops is essential for disease prevention, and for Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata, the most important aspect is choosing host plants that are resistant to parasitism.
Disease management
Since Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata is a parasitic plant, it doesn't experience many diseases that are common to traditional crops. Although, heavy infestations may lead to plant stunting, decreased yield, and eventual death. Early detection and removal of any infested plants are critical in preventing the spread of the parasitic Orobanche plant to the surrounding fields. Crop rotation is also effective in reducing the likelihood of Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata in infesting previous host crops. If not controlled, branched broomrape can result in hay fever and asthma.
Pest management
Pest management for Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata involves limiting the spread of the plant to other areas. The best way to do this is by taking preventative measures and avoiding planting contaminated host plants. A pheromone trap can be used to draw in infected broomrape during germination, which will also make manual removal more effective. Additionally, the use of selective herbicides can be an effective approach in controlling the spread of the parasite. Mechanical removal of the plant from the host plant's roots also aids in managing the disease and pests.
