Management of Egyptian broomrape [Phelipanche aegyptiaca (Pers.) Pomel] using biofungicide (Trichoderma spp.) in tomato

Phelipanche aegyptiaca (Pers.) Pomel, commonly known as Egyptian broomrape, is a root parasitic plant that causes significant yield losses in tomato production. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a commercial bioproduct containing Trichoderma asperellum strain ICC012 and Trichoderma gamsii strain ICC080, against P. aegyptiaca in tomato. The experiment was conducted under controlled greenhouse conditions using three concentrations of the bioproduct (N: recommended dose, N/2, and 3N/2) in a randomized block design with four replications. Applications were made in two programs: Program A (one week before and one day after planting) and Program B (an additional application 15 days after planting). Results showed that the biological control agent (BCA) applications significantly increased disease severity in P. aegyptiaca shoots, with the values ranging from 69.5% to 79.6%, compared to 40% in the control. The number of shoots exhibiting the highest scale value on necrotic area increased significantly from three in the control to 17-19.5 in BCA-treated pots. Additionally, the average number of dead tubercles on tomato roots was 32 in BCA-treated pots, compared to 16 in untreated controls. The fresh weight of BCA-treated broomrape shoots was significantly different from the control, while there was no significant difference in the dry weight of the shoots among treatments. BCA did not significantly alter the weights of aerial parts and the roots of tomato compared to the control. These results suggest that Trichoderma species can control broomrape through multiple mechanisms. Further field trials are recommended to validate these findings under natural conditions.