Screening of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Varieties for Resistance to Branched Broomrape (Orobanche ramosa L.)

Abstract

Thirty tomato varieties were evaluated for branched broomrape resistance in pot experiments under natural conditions in Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia. The susceptible variety of tomato Roma VFN was used as a control. Percent yield loss of tomato due to branched broomrape was used as a main parameter and number and dry weight of branched broomrape shoot per tomato plant, were used as support parameters. Results revealed that the highest levels of resistance were found in varieties, LE 244, LE 180 A, South Africa, CLN 2123 A, Florida MHI UCG, Riogrande, Melekashola and Seedathip, with yield losses of 32% to 43% and numbers of parasite per plant were 7.0 to 13.0. Caribe and Floradade varieties were found to be highly susceptible to branched broomrape with yield losses 74% and 75% respectively. Thirty one and thirty three branched broomrape shoots developed on their roots. The percent yield loss (37%) of South Africa variety seemed minimal compared to the varieties parasitized by lower and equal number of branched broomrape. This indicated that South Africa variety was less affected by the parasite.