Parasitic Orobanchaceae

This book was written in response to significant recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of parasitism in the Orobanchaceae, and breakthroughs in the control of the parasitic weeds Striga and Orobanche. It consists of 26 contributions by internationally recognized leading scientists. The main book chapters are grouped into two parts:·       Part I – The Orobanchaceae and Their Parasitic Mechanisms·       Part II – The Weedy Orobanchaceae and Their ControlThe first part provides cutting-edge information on all key aspects of plant parasitism, such as the structure, development and function of the haustorium; nutrient transfer and the physiology of the parasite-host association; host reaction to parasitic plants; seed production and germination; the strigolactones and host-parasite signaling mechanisms; the parasite genome, phylogenetics, evolution and epigenetics; and ecology. Topics of the second part include: the problem posed by the weedy parasites; population diversity and dynamics; molecular diagnosis of seed banks; and detailed discussion of the various management strategies, including agronomic, chemical and biotechnological approaches, as well as host breeding for resistance, allelopathy and biological control.  This book is intended for plant scientists, university lecturers and students, agronomists and weed specialists, breeders and farmers, extension personnel and experts in tropical and subtropical agriculture.

"This is the most comprehensive book about the biology of, and control strategies for, the parasitic plants in the family Orobanchaceae. ... All authors are to be congratulated for their contributions to this valuable book. This book is a 'must have' for scientists, students, and breeders who are interested in, or affected by, parasitic plants. This book will contribute to numerous future studies on the elucidation of plant parasitism and ultimately to eliminate these devastating weeds." (Satoko Yoshida, Haustorium, Issue 68, December, 2015)