Distribution and Severity of Crenate Broomrape (Orobanche crenata) on Faba Bean (Vicia faba) in Northern Highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract

A root holo-parasite, crenate broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forskal) becomes a
major threat for faba bean (Vicia faba L.) production in northern highlands of
Ethiopia. Information on distribution and problem of crenate broomrape can help
to design suitable management options to reduce its negative impact in already
infested areas and further spread to new areas. To determine the weed species
status in the crop fields, biophysical survey on the parasitic plants’ spatial
distribution and infection was conducted in small holder farmers’ faba bean fields
of Amhara and Tigray National Regional States in 2018 cropping season. The
crenate broomrape was found in all surveyed districts of the regions; Farta,
Fogera, Tach-Gaint, Dessie-Zuria, Kutaber, Mekdela, Tenta, Enda-Mahony and
Ofla district with varying density and infection levels. Maximum mean density of
60 and 44 crenate broomrape shoots per square meter, and infection of 1.35 and
1.15 shoots of the parasite per faba bean plant were recorded in Dessie-Zuria and
Tenta districts, respectively. Therefore, the crenate broomrape is a serious
problem for faba bean production and requires appropriate management strategy
for sustainable production and productivity of the crop in the area.