THE EFFECTS OF FLAX (LINUM-USITATISSIMUM L) AND OTHER CROPS AS TRAP AND CATCH CROPS FOR CONTROL OF EGYPTIAN BROOMRAPE (OROBANCHE-AEGYPTIACAPERS)

Growing trap and catch crops to decrease infestation of Egyptian broom rape (Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers.) was tested in a 2-year field experim ent supported by two pot experiments. Growing flax (Linum usitatissimu m L.) in two successive winter seasons or one summer cropping with mun g beans (Phaseolus aureus Roxbg.) reduced early infestation of the par asite and significantly increased tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill .) vigour and production. However, the efficacy of using trap and catc h crops for broomrape control in a heavily infested field was limited. Orobanche aegyptiaca attacked clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.),flax and mung bean and developed inflorescences. Various sources of the pa rasite showed different degrees of virulence to flax, from heavy attac k and severe damage, to sparse attachment with no production of flower ing shoots. The virulent subspecies attacked flax all year round, caus ing severe damage. Vetch (Vicia sativa L.) var. Sadot was not parasiti zed by O. aegyptiaca.