FIRST REPORT OF BRANCHED BROOMRAPE (PHELIPANCHE RAMOSA (L.) POMEL) IN RAPESEED (BRASSICA NAPUS L.) IN TURKEY

Abstract

Branched broomrape (Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel) is a non-photosynthetic weed that is harmful to many crops around the world and difficult to control. The species was found in some rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) fields in the Marmara region, Turkey. A survey was conducted, and branched broomrape was recorded on rapeseed roots at density from 5.4 to 28.9 weeds m(-2). The average frequency of branched broomrape was estimated up to 25.6% in the rapeseed fields. The invasion of branched broomrape puts a potential threat to many crops grown in the region, as broom rape causes significant losses in crops in Turkey and worldwide. Hence, control measures must be urgently taken in the study area to prevent the spread of branched broomrape.