Research article | Open Access
Helia 2025, Vol. 48(83) 84-93
Study of new hosts of sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.)
pp. 84 - 93 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.29329/helia.2025.1411.2
Publish Date: December 31, 2025 | Single/Total View: 0/0 | Single/Total Download: 0/0
Abstract
Weed flora serves as a persistent reservoir for phytopathogenic fungi and parasitic plants, sustaining their survival and spread even without cultivated hosts. Pathogens like Diaporthe helianthi and Plasmopara halstedii can infect both sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and diverse weedy species, maintaining continuous inoculum sources. Studies have shown that Phomopsis spp. colonize various non-cultivated plants, where they form necrotic lesions and viable conidia. Experimental inoculations confirmed cross-infectivity between sunflower and several weeds, indicating epidemiological links.
Regarding the obligate root holoparasite Orobanche cumana, natural infections appear mostly confined to Asteraceae, especially Artemisia spp. However, in controlled conditions, O. cumana shows strict specificity to H. annuus, with no successful parasitism of non-Helianthus species. Given its impact on sunflower production, identifying potential alternative hosts is vital for early detection and management.
This study evaluated 23 accessions from 9 Asteraceae species for O. cumana susceptibility. Plants were grown in soil infested with quantified broomrape seed loads, and root systems were assessed 45 days after sowing. High susceptibility was recorded in all Arctium lappa accessions, confirming its role as a potential alternative host under favorable conditions.
These findings highlight the importance of integrated disease management, including resistant hybrids, targeted fungicide use, and weed host control, to limit inoculum pressure and reduce disease outbreaks in sunflower crops.
Keywords: Sunflower, broomrape, alternative hosts, weeds, Arctium lappa
APA 7th edition
Petrova, M., & Stoyanov, H. (2025). Study of new hosts of sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.). Helia, 48(83), 84-93. https://doi.org/10.29329/helia.2025.1411.2
Harvard
Petrova, M. and Stoyanov, H. (2025). Study of new hosts of sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.). Helia, 48(83), pp. 84-93.
Chicago 16th edition
Petrova, Maria and Hristo Stoyanov (2025). "Study of new hosts of sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.)". Helia 48 (83):84-93. https://doi.org/10.29329/helia.2025.1411.2
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