Functional genetics and evolution of Phelipanche ramosa. Phelipanche ramosa cultivar:WOSR

Phelipanche ramosa (Branched rape) is a non-photosynthetic, holoparasitic plant of the Broomrape family (Orobanchaceae). The parasite attaches to another plant via a specialized attachment organ called the haustorium. P. ramosa attacks a wide range of plant species, including many agriculturally important plants from a number of plant families including Apiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, and Solanaceae. Weedy populations of P. ramosa can cause up to 100% of crop losses in vegetable crops in western and Mediterranean regions of Europe and North Africa, among others. The aims of this project are to (i) provide a genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic characterization of the parasite, (ii) assess the genetic diversity of the parasite and (iii) clarify its evolutionary origin, (iv) investigate the function of selected genes, and (v) study the molecular interaction of the parasite with its host. These data and the conclusions drawn from them may contribute to the development of integrated methods for a sustainable management of weedy populations and the conservation of wild (natural) parasite:host communities.