Use of Olive-Mill Wastewater for the Containment of Phelipanche ramosa in Open Field of Processing Tomato Crop

Abstract

Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel is a root holoparasitic weed that infested many crops, particularly the processing tomato. In semi-arid regions of the world, this problem is increasing, both in intensity and in acreages. In the last few years, researches for the control of this parasite has increased its effort to use suitable methods, as well as the utilization of natural compounds. In this regard, four experimental trials were carried out over three growing seasons (2014, 2016 and 2017), at Foggia (Apulia Region, Southern Italy), in the open field, on processing tomato (cv. “Dres”) crop, infested by P. ramosa, where the olive-mill wastewater (OMW) was incorporated into the soil at the dose of 80 m3 ha-1 40 days prior to tomato seedling transplant in comparison with the untreated control. The numbers of P. ramosa emerged shoots (branched plants) were significantly lower in the OMW treatment than in the untreated control. The tomato marketable yield showed a significantly higher value in the OMW treatment than the untreated control. No significant differences for the fruit qualitative characteristics were observed.

Management of Branched Broomrape in Field Processing Tomato Crop

“…Recently, in the olive production and/or processing areas, as those of southern Italy, the use of oil mill wastewater (OMW) has been proposed as a suitable method for the containment of P. ramosa. In this regard, several trials dealing with the OMW distributed on the heavy infested soils at the dose of 80 m 3 ha −1 , 40 days prior to tomato seedling transplant (Figure 6), and incorporated into the soil later, revealed a significant reduction (between 34 and 76%) of emerged P. ramosa plants with respect to the untreated control (Figure 7), limiting the additional seed production of this parasite [35]. This could be due to the organic and mineral compounds, as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contained in the OMW, which could improve the nutrient status of the tomato plants in addition to the effects of phenols present in the OMW that could produce a reduction of P. ramosa seed germination [36][37][38].…”

“…Therefore, the tomato marketable yield showed a significantly higher value in the OMW treatment than the untreated control. No significant differences for the fruit qualitative characteristics were observed [35]. Furthermore, in recent years, the use of organic fertilizers or "plant biostimulant" compounds has encountered increasing interest in agriculture because they play roles in various soil and plant functions [39].…”

“…The trap crops are species (e.g., Medicago sativa, Vigna unguiculata, Pisum sativum, and Linum usitatissimum) whose root exudates induce broomrape seed germination, Average number per m −2 of P. ramosa for OMW and control at the time of the tomato harvest in the different trials. Different letters indicate significant differences at P < 0.05 according to Tukey's test [35]. but these species do not allow attachment or support broomrape seedling growth and survival [47].…”

“…Figure 7.Average number per m −2 of P. ramosa for OMW and control at the time of the tomato harvest in the different trials. Different letters indicate significant differences at P < 0.05 according to Tukey's test[35].…”

Physiological Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPRs), and Trichoderma harzianum on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Infected with Branched Broomrape [Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel]

“…The proliferation of the broomrape can be attributed to its high seed production, extensive spread, and rapid expansion of cultivation areas for its host crops in recent years (Demirkan, 1992). Exudates released by host plant roots, particularly during early growth stages such as germination and tubercle formation, play crucial roles in the development of this parasitic plant (Vurro et al 2006;Lops et al 2017).…”