Potency of Some Synthetic Stimulants and Root Exudates on the Germination of Phelipanche spp.

Broomrapes (Orobanche/Phelipanche spp.) are considered as the most important problem of some cultivated plants, especially belonging to Solanaceae and Fabaceae families. Phelipanche ramosa L. and Phelipanche aegyptiaca (L.) Pers. cause serious problems especially in tomato grown areas in Turkey and the other Mediterranean countries. This study was conducted to determine the effect of some synthetic stimulant substances and root exudates on the germination rate of the broomrape species under controlled laboratory conditions. GR24 (0.1-1 ppm), GR7 (0.1-1 ppm) and GA3 (10 ppm) were used as synthetic germination stimulant substances; otherwise flax, cotton, soybean, bean, pea, cowpea, tomato, lentil, cucumber and tobacco seedlings were used for root exudates. According to average results of the trials; synthetic stimulants and root secretions increased the germination rate of P. ramosa at the range of 50-77% and 0-16% respectively, otherwise average data for P. aegyptiaca are 62-95% and 0-63%. As a result of the studies it was determined that synthetic stimulants were significantly increased the germination rate of Phelipanche species.