First Report of the Branched Broomrape (Phelipanche schultzii (Mutel) Pomel.) on Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) in Morocco

Holoparasitic broomrape weeds (Orobanche and Phelipanche spp.) are a major biotic constraint limiting the production of important food crops. Parasitism caused by spp. is considered to be serious threat, particularly in Mediterranean region. In this study, species collected from infested fennel fields Sid L’Mokhtar Central West Morocco was described identified morphologically molecularly. For molecular identification, 700 bp ITS regions were PCR-amplified two representative individuals, OA OY-4. The obtained sequences exhibited more than 99% similarity with P. schultzii sequence (MT026593). addition, maximum likelihood analysis placed our other referred same clade. Through analysis, attacking as schultzii. This first record parasitizing (Foeniculum vulgare syn. Foeniculum officinale) Morocco. Therefore, it should that parasite could spread cultivated causing severe yield losses, requiring urgent action through efficient control measures avoid further parasitic weed.