Investigation for potential trap

Abstract

Broomrapes (Orobanche) are holoparasites devoid of chlorophyll and entirely depend upon the host plant for water and mineral nutrients requirements and can only germinate in response to germination stimulants produced from the root exudates of host plants in the warm and dry environment. Broomrape is becoming major and serious threats in the vegetable crops in the warm and dry region. Seed recovery was done from the soil with following method of sieving and differential floatation technique of Ashworth (1976) with some modification (Acharya et al., 2003) was used for the Orobanche. The standardization of seed was done in four different types of soil namely, sandy, sandy loam, loam and clay soil. The pre-sowing and post-harvest soil sampling were collected by composite sampling method. The recovery percentage of Orobanche seeds from different types of soil showed that their recovery varies according to soil types. Highest percentage of Orobanche seeds recovery was obtained in sandy soils (69.8±7.26) followed by sandy loam, loam, and clay soil i.e. 64.4±10.74, 64.2±10.89, and 56.8±12.99 respectively. The significant reduction of Orobanche seed bank in soil was found in faba bean (Vicia faba) and chilli (Capsicum frutescens) compared to control field experiment. The highest Orobanche seed reduction was found in faba bean (70.29±7.85). From this experimental study for potential trap crops in polyethylene bag and field clearly showed that crops like faba bean, Chilli ranked highest among the tested crops which reduce Orobanche seed bank significantly. On the basis of results obtained from experimental study in both polyethylene bag and field, the crops investigated could be listed in the following categories: Highly potential trap crops: Vicia faba and Capsicum frutescens. Moderately potential trap crops: Trigonella foenum graecum, Foeniculum vulgare, Linum usittatisimum, Glycine max and Pisum sativum. Non potential trap crop: Allium sativum, Allium cepa, Raphanus sativus, and Solanum tuberosu