First Report of <i>Phelipanche nana</i> on Tobacco in Morocco

During a survey of parasitic plants occurring in Morocco, a Phelipanche species was observed on roots of field-grown tobacco plants (35°6′49″N, 4°14′34″W) in northern Morocco in the summer of 2021. The observed morphological traits coupled with molecular evidence, as well as phylogenetic analysis, indicate the parasitic plant as Phelipanche nana. To our knowledge, this is the first record of P. nana occurrence in tobacco fields in Morocco. Hence, it is imperative to recognize the threat posed by this parasitic weed spreading to other cultivated fields, which results in significant reductions in crop yield. Consequently, urgent and effective control measures are necessary to prevent the further propagation of this parasite.