The early stages of parasitic weed life, from seed germination
to parasitic radicle contact with the host, are major targets for
their control due to their complete dependence on the host for
both nutrient and water supply. The germination of
broomrapes is triggered upon recognition of host root exuded
metabolites.10 Once germination is initiated, they rapidly
develop a radicle of a few millimeters with a terminal
haustorium whose only purpose is to penetrate the host root
and feed on it