We sequenced the genomes of three Orobanche species with different host ranges: O. minor (generalist), O. gracilis (Fabaceae-specific), and O. hederae (ivy-specific with some flexibility within Araliaceae). O. gracilis showed expanded protein-degrading and carbohydrate-active enzyme families, while putative strigolactone receptor (KAI2d) numbers varied from five in specialists to eleven in the generalist O. minor. https://doi.org/10.1093/pcp/pcaf047 […]

A recent study highlights the surprising role of a native Chilean mistletoe, Tristerix corymbosus, in combating invasive tree species in urban environments. This parasitic plant, known for its vibrant red flowers, typically infests native trees but has shifted to fast-growing non-native hosts, such as Populus and Acacia species. We found that T. corymbosus thrives on these invaders, growing larger and more abundant […]

Branched broomrape (Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel), an obligate parasitic weed with a wide host range, is known for its devasting effects on many crops worldwide. Soil fungi, notably Fusarium sp., are described as pathogenic to broomrape, while the hypothesis of the phytotoxicity of fusaric acid produced by F. verticillioides for parasitic weeds of the genus Orobanche has been proposed. Using image analysis […]

SURVEY 📝 Weeds are high on the list of production-limiting factors in arable farming, fruit and vegetable cultivation. Changing social perceptions and stricter requirements regarding the use of pesticides are putting pressure on effective management of weeds. In a more general sense, the transition to more sustainable agriculture, as well as climate change, may cause […]

I am happy with this product of longterm collaboration with Pooja Bhatnagar. Here we used gene editing to reduce germination stimulant production in sorghum, which enhanced resistance to Striga infection. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is a primary food staple grain for millions in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It is mainly constrained by the parasitic weed Striga, […]

A new Special Issue of Weed Research, dedicated to parasitic weeds, is now completed. Submissions focusing on all aspects -from biology, physiology and ecology to management- with relevance to weedy species of parasitic plants were welcomed. The call for this Special Issue resulted in seven papers. Five papers presented studies on Striga hermonthica, probably the […]