Question

Seeds of parasitic plants like Orobanche germinate in the presence of

• A. Auxin produced by the roots of the host
• B. GA${}_3$ produced by the roots of the parasite
• C. Exudates of the host plant
• D. Exudates of the parasite

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Exudates of the host plant

Orobanche is a genus of herbaceous plants. It does not contain chlorophyll and is parasitic in nature. The seeds remain dormant in the soil and germinate in the presence of exudates of the host plant. Certain compounds in the exudate lead to the germination of seeds. The parasitic plant develops roots that penetrate the host root and derive nutrition from it. Thus, the correct answer is option C.