Current status of broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr) in Serbia

Abstract

Broomrape is the parasitic plant that presents the major problem in sunflower production in Serbia. Since its first appearance in our country the species Orobanche cumana Wallr had been responsible for considerable yield loss in some sunflower growing areas. In Serbia broomrape is mostly present in Vojvodina province, where distribution and virulence groups of parasite are constantly monitored. Only two distinct broomrape populations currently exist in this part of country. According to previous research race B is dominant in south of the Vojvodina province and race E in the north. During 2008 set of 8 commercial hybrids with different broomrape resistance genes were sown in regions of Vojvodina and Central Serbia with sunflower production, on 34 different locations. Presence of broomrape was confirmed on 6 sites but occurrence of parasitic plants was not detected on hybrids resistant to race E. The survey of sunflower fields in regions where broomrape was not previously detected was also done. Survey revealed occurrence of broomrape in the new region. Infested areas are placed in Bor County near state border with Romania and Bulgaria