1. Introduction
Parasitic plants species account for approximately one % of angiosperm species and are present in 275 genera belonging to 28 botanical families (Heide-Jorgensen, 2013). Parasitic plants fuse to host vascular systems (xylem and phloem) via a specified organ present in all parasitic plants, the haustorium. This organ serves as the structural and physiological bridge for the parasites to withdraw water, minerals and organic molecules solutes from host plant conductive systems, leading to severe host growth and yield reduction (Heide-Jorgensen, 2013).