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- Title
Knowing the Parasite: Biology and Genetics of Orobanche.
- Authors
Delavault, Philippe
- Abstract
Due to their forms and colors, parasitic plants are most often considered to be botanical curiosities. However, in some cases, these are proved to be also deadly pests with the capacity to exploit other plants. Among the obligate root parasitic weeds, the holoparasites that are devoid of chlorophyll and thus unable to carry out photosynthesis totally rely on their hosts for their water, mineral, and carbohydrate supplies. Members of the genus Orobanche and Phelipanche, belonging to the Orobanchaceae family (the broomrape family), are thus the final result of this evolutionary transition from autotrophism to heterotrophism. The underlying process of this trophic exploitation, governed by a fine-tuned molecular dialogue between both partners, is an extraordinary example of adaptive plant biology operated by these parasitic organisms in the course of evolution. This transition is associated with remarkable morphological and physiological adaptations, such as the requirement for the seeds to germinate to perceive molecules produced by host roots, the development of a novel organ, the haustorium, which invades host tissues and establishes a physiological continuum between the parasite and the host, the establishment of a sink strength required for translocation of host resources, the loss of photosynthesis, and a reduced leaf and root architecture.
- Subjects
PLANT parasites; PLANT genetics; COLOR of plants; BROOMRAPES; PHOTOSYNTHESIS; HAUSTORIA
- Publication
Helia, 2015, Vol 38, Issue 62, p15
- ISSN
1018-1806
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1515/helia-2014-0030