Desert Broomrape
Also known as: Desert Broomrape, Branched Broomrape, Egyptian Broomrape, Orobanche crenata, Phelipanche ramosa, Orobanche spp.
Overview
Desert Broomrape refers to parasitic plant species within the genus *Orobanche* or *Phelipanche*, belonging to the family Orobanchaceae. These plants are obligate root parasites, meaning they lack chlorophyll and rely entirely on host plants for survival, extracting water and nutrients. Commonly studied species include *Orobanche crenata* and *Phelipanche ramosa*. They are found in arid and semi-arid regions, attaching to the roots of crops like tomatoes and legumes. Research primarily focuses on their agricultural impact, species identification, and control strategies due to their detrimental effects on crop yields. Desert Broomrape seeds germinate in response to chemical signals from host plant roots, attaching via a specialized structure to extract nutrients. There is no established use of Desert Broomrape as a dietary supplement ingredient.
Benefits
No peer-reviewed evidence supports any health benefits or supplement use of Desert Broomrape. Research focuses on its role as a parasitic weed detrimental to crops. Studies highlight its negative impact on plant fitness and interaction outcomes in desert environments. Current research indicates no human health benefits; it is primarily a parasitic plant harmful to crops.
How it works
Desert Broomrape seeds germinate in response to chemical signals (strigolactones) released by host plant roots. Upon germination, the broomrape attaches to the host root system via a specialized structure called a haustorium. This haustorium penetrates the host's vascular system, allowing the broomrape to extract water, nutrients, and other essential resources directly from the host plant. Molecular studies focus on plastid gene sequences for species identification and understanding parasitism mechanisms.
Side effects
Desert Broomrape is considered an agricultural pest, and there is no known safety profile for its use as a supplement ingredient. Therefore, information regarding side effects, drug interactions, contraindications, and special population considerations is not applicable. It is not used in human or animal consumption.
Dosage
Not applicable; Desert Broomrape is not used as a supplement. There are no established dosage guidelines for human consumption.
FAQs
Is Desert Broomrape used as a dietary supplement?
No, there is no evidence supporting its use as a dietary or health supplement. It is primarily studied as an agricultural pest.
Can Desert Broomrape be beneficial to humans?
Current research does not indicate any human health benefits. It is primarily a parasitic plant harmful to crops.
How to manage Desert Broomrape in agriculture?
Nutrient management, especially increasing soil nitrogen in ammonium form, can inhibit broomrape seed germination and radicle elongation, reducing infestation rates.
Research Sources
- https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/full/10.1086/684261 – This review highlights the ecological role of plant interactions in desert environments, noting that parasitic plants like broomrape significantly impact host plants. It emphasizes that the broader ecological effects of broomrape are understudied and calls for more research on plant fitness impacts and interaction outcomes.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2016.01838/full – This study developed a high-resolution melting assay for identifying eight common broomrape species based on plastid and nuclear gene sequences. This assay facilitates accurate species identification, which is critical for managing infestations in agricultural settings.
- https://ucanr.edu/blog/uc-weed-science/article/nutrient-strategies-combat-branched-broomrape – This research demonstrates that increasing soil nitrogen, particularly in ammonium form, inhibits broomrape seed germination and radicle elongation. The study confirms that ammonium salts reduce broomrape parasitism more effectively than nitrate forms, providing a practical agricultural control method.
- https://sandovalmastergardeners.org/tomatoplantparasite/ – This resource provides information on Desert Broomrape as a tomato plant parasite, detailing its parasitic nature and impact on agricultural crops. It highlights the importance of managing this parasitic plant to protect crop yields.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plant – This Wikipedia article provides general information about plants, including their classification and characteristics. It serves as a basic reference for understanding the broader context of plant biology and ecology.