ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF DODDER (CUSCUTA SPP.) INFESTATION AND GAMMA RADIATION ON THE FAHL ECOTYPE OF EGYPTIAN CLOVE
This study investigates the impact of dodder (Cuscuta spp.) infestation and gamma radiation on the Fahl ecotype of Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum). Dodder is a parasitic plant that can significantly affect the growth, development, and productivity of its host plants. Gamma radiation, on the other hand, is a widely used technique for plant mutation breeding and pest control. The objective of this research is to assess the individual and combined effects of dodder infestation and gamma radiation on the physiological, morphological, and biochemical characteristics of the Fahl ecotype of Egyptian clover. The study includes controlled experiments with different treatments, including dodder infestation alone, gamma radiation alone, and combined dodder infestation with gamma radiation. Parameters such as plant height, biomass accumulation, chlorophyll content, enzymatic activities, and seed yield are measured and compared across the different treatments. The results provide valuable insights into the susceptibility of the Fahl ecotype of Egyptian clover to dodder infestation and the potential mitigating effects of gamma radiation. Understanding the interaction between dodder infestation and gamma radiation can contribute to the development of effective management strategies for maintaining the productivity and resilience of Egyptian clover in the presence of this parasitic weed.