Influence Of Parasitic Flowering Plant (Orobanche ramosa L. ) In Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum) & Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) In Khartoum State.

Abstract

Experiments were conducted during winter season of 2004-2005 at shambat research station. The objectives of the work is study the effects of Orobanche ramosa on quality and yield on tomato Lycopersicon esculentum and potato Solanum tuberosum. The yield of tomato was 0.45 tons/feddan and on potato was 4.3 tons/feddan. The percentage of losses was 60.2% on tomato and 43% on potato. Both the fresh weight of Orobanche ramosa was 41.7 grams on tomato and 48.3 grams on potato. Dry weight of Orobanche ramosa on tomato was 13.2 grams and 15.7grams on potato. Infection of both tomato Lycopersico esculentum & potato Solanum tuberosum with halouk (Orobanche ramosa) reduced the yield significantly compared to control plots (uninfected sites) 7 tons/feddan. The effect of the parasite on tomato was higher than potato. The effects of high infestation of Orobanche ramosa on both plants resulted in reduction of yield compared with slight infections . The effect of the parasite on yield was clearly observed on both number and size of fruits as well as the weak growth of the host in both tomato and potato crops.