Phelipanche

Description

Phelipanche is a genus of parasitic plants that belong to the family Orobanchaceae. These plants are found throughout the world and they can infest a variety of crops, including vegetables, cereals, and legumes. Phelipanche plants are holoparasites, meaning they completely rely on their host plants for their nutrition.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Phelipanche plants are leafless and have a fleshy stem that can reach up to 60 cm in height. The stem is usually pale yellow, pink, or reddish in color. The flowers of Phelipanche are tubular and can be white, yellow, pink, or purple. They grow in clusters at the top of the stem.

Care Guide

Phelipanche plants do not require any care as they are parasitic and completely rely on their hosts for their nutrition.

Water

Phelipanche plants do not need to be watered as they obtain all the water they need from their host plants.

Fertilization

Phelipanche plants do not need to be fertilized as they obtain all their nutrients from their host plants.

Soil

Phelipanche plants do not require any soil as they attach themselves to the roots of their host plants.

Sunlight

Phelipanche plants do not require any sunlight as they do not photosynthesize.

Hardiness Zones

Phelipanche plants can grow in a wide range of hardiness zones, depending on the hardiness of their host plants.

Common Pests & Diseases

Phelipanche plants are not known to be affected by any pests or diseases.

Habitat

Phelipanche plants can be found in a variety of habitats, including agricultural fields, meadows, and forests. They are most commonly found in areas where their host plants grow.

Question and Answer

Q: What crops are most susceptible to Phelipanche infestation?

A: Phelipanche can infest a variety of crops, including vegetables, cereals, and legumes.

Q: Can Phelipanche plants survive without a host plant?

A: No, Phelipanche plants cannot survive without a host plant as they are completely dependent on their hosts for their nutrition.

Q: Are Phelipanche plants harmful to humans or animals?

A: No, Phelipanche plants are not harmful to humans or animals as they do not produce any toxic substances.

Q: Can Phelipanche plants be controlled using herbicides?

A: Yes, herbicides can be used to control Phelipanche plants, but they may also harm the host plants.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants in the family Orobanchaceae:

• Orobanche
• Striga
• Aeginetia
• Boschniakia
• Conopholis

References

• Chand, R., & Singh, R. (2012). Biology and management of Phelipanche aegyptiaca. Journal of Plant Protection Research, 52(2), 127-133.
• Joel, D. M., & Gressel, J. (1997). Parasitic Orobanchaceae: Parasitic mechanisms and control strategies. Springer Science & Business Media.
• Parker, C. (2012). Observations on the current status of Orobanche and Striga problems worldwide. Pest Management Science, 68(7), 893-897.