Challenges, Achievements and Prospects of Research on Broomrape (Orobanche spp.) in Iran and in the World

In order to investigate the status of Iran's research on broomrape in comparison with the global research, information relating to the 1398 weed reports, published in Farsi during the last 40 years, and 1477 English articles (2004-2011) related to the world’s weed research, was analyzed in a database. The proportion of parasitic plants, broomrape and dodder (Cuscuta spp.) articles, among with the total weed articles in Iran, were, six, four and two percent respectively and Striga sp was observed in only one article. World studies in the broomrape were about four percent of the total while the share of the broomrape was about 50% of total parasitic plant’s research. Results also revealed that 75% of the Iranian broomrape studies are sponsored by research centers who are affiliated to the Ministry of Jehad-Agriculture. The check cleared that the broomrape research share to total weed research in Iran and the world is declining, probably due to the increasing diversity of scientific disciplines in the field of weed science. However, globally the broomrape research growth is more than any other parasitic plant, where it should be for the specific properties of the parasite, its worldwide extension and its damaging potential compared with other parasitic plants. Studies in Iran gradually have been focused on identification, management and biological issues respectively while in the world, issues like biology and physiology studies of the parasites have been replaced by genomic studies, Strigolactones, induced host resistance, host-parasite interaction and studies of integrated management packages. Broomrape is one of the most important parasitic plants in Iran and the world, and its long history of research showed the fact that it still has not led to a comprehensive management solution. Despite the relatively long history of research on broomrape in Iran, these investigations are still young and not offer enough information about the weed species of broomrape in Iran. Evaluation of new management methods, in light of world's recent advances in molecular and genetic modification of crops, consistent with the framework conditions of the country, could be a wise strategy for future studies is this field.