Sunflower broomrape – update on virulence in Serbia

Abstract

Broomrape Orobanche cumana, widespread achlorophyllous plant parasite, is considered as major constraint in sunflower production. Presently, research of parasite virulence indicating new and continuously changing patterns in most areas of its distribution. This is commonly noticed as occurrence of isolated parts of field with parasite presence. In sunflower production regions in Serbia race E dominates although race F was reported. The aim of this research was to further improve knowledge of O. cumana virulence in Serbia. Sunflower broomrape for this research was sampled on six locations for virulence determination. Universally susceptible inbred line, four inbred lines with resistance to race E and a line resistant to race F were used. Results of interaction were obtained after growing sunflower in pots with broomrape seed for seven weeks. Broomrape from each sample was successful in attaching to roots of line AD66 and line LC-1003. Inbred line P96 was completely resistant to all broomrape populations.