Host plant resistance against broomrapes (Orobanche spp.): defence reactions and mechanisms of resistance |
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Authors: | A Pérez-de-Luque MT Moreno & D Rubiales |
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Institution: | Área de Mejora y Biotecnología, IFAPA-CICE (Junta de Andalucía), Centro "Alameda del Obispo", Córdoba, Spain; Instituto de Agricultura Sostenible, CSIC, Córdoba, Spain |
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Abstract: | Over 4000 species of angiosperms are able to directly invade and parasitise other plants, but only very few are weedy and parasitise cultivated plants. Together with the witchweeds (Striga spp.) and dodders (Cuscuta spp.), the broomrapes (Orobanche spp.) affect important crops causing complete yield loses with severe infestations. Genetic resistance to parasitisation remains as one of the most desirable components in an integrated control strategy. However, breeding for resistance is a difficult task and many aspects of the host/parasite interaction remain unknown. In the present work, we review the cytological and cytochemical studies investigating the mechanisms of resistance involved in the process leading to an incompatible host–parasite interaction. We have attempted to identify the main gaps and problems related to such studies with parasitic plants and present an in‐depth review of histochemical techniques used to assess mechanisms of resistance against these parasitic plants. Furthermore, we discuss future research directions and novel techniques and finally, how such techniques can be applied and incorporated within a breeding programme. |
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Keywords: | Broomrape cytology histology mechanisms of resistance Orobanche parasitic plants |
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