Economically Important Parasitic Weeds and Their Management Practices in Crops

Abstract

A review was made to highlight research conducted yet concerning to important parasitic weeds and their management practices in crops. Accordingly, parasitic plants attach themselves to another plant, their ‘host’, and draw nutrients from it. Of many species of parasitic plants, only a small percentage of them are found to infest agricultural crops and cause serious problems for farmers in many parts of the world. It has been reported that both root and shoot parasitic plants utilize chemical cues released by host plants a specialized haustorium to attack host-plants. Host-plant defenses against parasitic plants are mediated by hormones and plant trichomes. Loss in yield is a result of competition and extraction of water, nutrient and metabolites caused by the parasite. Moreover, the crop yield losses due parasitic weeds vary from area to area and species to species as well. Of parasitic weeds Striga, Orobanche and Cuscuta spp. are among important one and can severely affect crops yield. Although some anticipating management methods against these weeds have been developed, new strategies continue to be relevant in integrated fashions. Conventional methods applied individually have a limitation. Hence, sustainable management is mandatory. Likewise, continuous study of progress on host range, host-parasite interaction, distribution and managements should be done to have up to date information. Furthermore, there is a need to strength quarantines at all levels to avoid introduction of these weeds to new area and reduce crop losses.

Keywords: Crop losses, haustorium, parasitism, parasitic weeds, management options