[Wikipedia] Middle East native: Orobanche aegyptiaca, the Egyptian broomrape, is a plant which is an obligate holoparasite from the family Orobanchaceae with a complex lifecycle. This parasite is most common in the Middle East and has a wide host range including many economically important crops. Selective control of Egyptian broomrape is extremely difficult because the close association between host crop and parasite limits the use of most mechanical and herbicidal approaches. (contributed by Mary Ann Machi)

[www.aphis.usda.gov] Federal Noxious Weed: Damage The genus Orobanche has approximately 150 species, all commonly called broomrape (Musselman, 1994). They cause reductions in crop yield, adversely affect crop quality, and result in loss of cultivated land due to reduced crop alternatives (Scher and Walters, 2010). Orobanche aegyptiaca infects roughly 30 broadleaf crops, including many economically important crops, such as bell pepper, cabbage, carrot, celery, eggplant, melons, potato, tomato, sunflower, and various legumes (CAB International, 2014). There are reports of 50% yield reduction of watermelon (Panchenko, 1974). The symptoms produced by O. aegyptiaca are comparable to those of other Orobanche species; symptoms are not very distinctive but there may be some yellowing and necrosis of the foliage, general weakening of the plant and reduced fruit production (CAB International, 2014). The presence of broomrape in a field may force farmers to plant a less economical, non-host crop or to leave the field fallow (Nandula, 1998). The presence of broomrape in a shipment or production area can be a trade issue as many countries list non-native Orobanche as a quarantine pest. (contributed by Mary Ann Machi)