WSDA Confirms First Case Of Sunflower Broomrape in Yakima

On Wednesday, the Washington State Department of Agriculture confirmed detection of Orobanche cumana, commonly known as sunflower broomrape, in Yakima.  WSDA said this marks the first known occurrence of this destructive and highly invasive parasitic weed in North America.

WSDA says Sunflower broomrape is a devastating root parasite of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and other members of Asteraceae (the sunflower family), leading to significant crop losses.

The plant is incapable of photosynthesis and relies entirely on the host plant for water and nutrients.  The Department of Ag says this detection is especially concerning due to the aggressive nature of this parasitic weed and its potential to spread rapidly if left unmanaged.

Sunflower broomrape poses a serious threat to commercial sunflower production and could cause significant impacts to growers, processors, exporters and the agricultural economy if not swiftly contained.

The WSDA Pest Program is working closely with USDA and local stakeholders to investigate the source, assess the extent of the infestation, and implement response measures to protect North American agriculture.

Reporting This Parasite

WSDA is asking for your help to identify the other possible introductions of this invasive pest  If you suspect you have seen sunflower broomrape, you are asked to not disturb it, as doing so may cause the seed to spread.  Instead, if you come across it, you are asked to take a picture and send it to the WSDA via E-mail.  Suspected sightings can also be phoned in by calling (800) 443-6684, pressing option 1.

WSDA asked that all reports include the reporting party’s name, location of the suspected weed, date encountered, and photos.

About Orobanche Cumana 

Native to Eurasia, Orobanche cumana is a quarantine pest in many countries due to its devastating impact on sunflower production. Although O. cumana attaches to the host plants’ roots, it does produce distinctive above-ground, leafless flower stalks. A single plant can produce hundreds of thousands of microscopic seeds that remain viable in the soil for decades, making eradication difficult once established.

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