A REVISION OF DISTRIBUTION AND THE ECOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF Orobanche picridis (Orobanchaceae) AT THE NE LIMIT OF ITS GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE FROM POLAND AND UKRAINE

INTRODUCTION Orobanche picridis F. W. Schultz is a root holoparasite, belonging to the parasitic family Orobanchaceae. It is a Submediterranean-Subatlantic species. Its continuous range mostly covers south-western Europe, stretching from Portugal, Spain, across the Mediterranean region, France, southern Germany and Austria, to the Balkans. Individual localities occur in southern England and from northern France across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, southern Poland and Romania, Ukraine, Russia. It has been sporadically reported from Asia Minor, the Transcaucasian region and northern Africa (B e c k , 1930; U h l i c h et al. 1995; T z v e l e v , 2006; P u s c h and G ü n t h e r , 2009). Localities in Poland and Ukraine are the north-eastern limit of its range. The north-easternmost isolated locality was reported from Bryansk village on the Desna in western Russia near the Ukraine/Belarus border (T z v e l e v , 2006). The range of the species, especially in the Mediterranean region, is likely to be inaccurate as the taxon was often included in O. loricata agg. there (e.g. D o m i n a and A r r i g o n i , 2007). The approach was similar in, e.g., Bulgaria (D e l i p a v l o v , 1995; S t o y a n o v , 2009). The species is threatened with extinction in Poland (Z a r z y c k i , 2001; P i w o w a r c z y k , 2012b) and in the neighbouring countries, i.e. Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia (K o r n e c k et al. 1996; F e r á k o v á et al. 2001; P r o c h á z k a , 2001). The aim of my study was to identify the distribution of Orobanche picridis in Poland and western Ukraine (Polish territories in the interwar period) based on my investigations and verified herbarium and literature data. The preferred habitats, communities, hosts and taxonomic problems are also discussed below. TAXONOMIC PROBLEMS Orobanche picridis F. W. Schultz Bot. Literatur-Blätter, Regensburg, 5: 504, 1830. Syn.: O. picris hieracioides Schultz, 1830; O. carotae Desmoulins, 1835; O. loricata var. picridis (F.W. Schultz) Beck in Halácsy et Braun Nachtr. Fl. Nieder-Österr. 135, 1882; O. artemisia-campestris subsp. picridis (F.W. Schultz) O. Bolòs et al. Fl. Manual Paisos Catalans 1214, 1990. Orobanche picridis belongs to the subsection Minores (Beck) Teryokhin. The species of this group require a taxonomic revision. O. picridis is not a highly variable taxon in comparison with other species of the genus. The height of the shoot and the number Renata Piwowarczyk 92 of flowers in individuals often vary within one population. Two varieties: var. typica (plant glandular hairy, inflorescence having many flowers, flowers 15-20 mm long, calyx segments mostly yellowish-white) and var. carotae (plant less glandular hairy, corolla later almost glabrous, violet-veined also in dry, calyx segments dark-coloured), and three forms: f. typica, f. albo-bracteata, f. parviflora (B e c k , 1930) have been described within the species. The typical variety var. typica dominates in Central Europe and is generally more common. The variety var. carotae has been observed in the Mediterranean region (Beck, 1930). Orobanche picridis is morphologically very similar to O. minor and to O. artemisiae-campestris. Calyx segments are usually divided up to 1⁄2 into two similarly sized parts in O. picridis, while they are divided up to the base in O. artemisiae-campestris. Other characters are similar. The species is also similar to the O. minor agg. species complex, especially when dry. Determining the herbarium material is often complicated and information on the host is of considerable use. The hosts of the species in Central Europe are as follows: O. picridis – Picris hieracioides, O. artemisiae-campestris – Artemisia campestris, O. minor – Trifolium pratense, T. repens. BIOLOGY AND PHYTOCOENOSES Flowering period. It flowers from mid-June to the end of July (August), from April in southern Europe. It may flower later (X-XI) in unfavourable climatic conditions but such plants are often sterile (Z á z v o r k a , 2000). Seed productivity. Orobanche picridis produces between 450 and 3 250 seeds, 1 780 seeds per fruit on average. From 8 900 to 150 000, over 55 000 seeds on average, is recorded per shoot (P i w o w a r c z y k , 2012c). Hosts. Numerous host species are reported in the literature: Picris sp., P. hieracioides, P. laciniata, P. vulgaris, Crepis diffusa, C. vesicaria, Tragopogon campestris, Cirsium sp., Inula graveolens, I. revoluta, Hypochoeris infesta, Centaurea sp., Daucus carota, Orlaya grandiflora, Salsola vermiculata, Ornithopus compressus (B e c k , 1930). Plants occurring closest to the parasite that may not have been its hosts were often noted, which may explain the number of erroneous host species belonging to several genera. Fully accurate data can only be collected after the plant has been dug up. Picris hieracioides is usually listed as its host in the majority of studies. Daucus carota reported considerably less frequently as its host is unclear and doubtful. D. carota and P. hieracioides often occur near each other in communities preferred by O. picridis (Dauco-Picridetum hieracioidis), which may cause mistakes. Morphologically similar O. minor subsp. maritima (O. maritima) also parasitizes Daucus carota subsp. gummifer (R u m s e y , 2007). Phytocoenoses and habitat conditions. Orobanche picridis has been noted in calcareous and gypsum wastelands in Dauco-Picridetum hieracioidis, Arrhenatherion elatioris, Sisymbrion, Dauco-carotae-Melilotion albi communities (O b e r d o r f e r , 1983; U h l i c h et al. 1995; H e s e l e r , 2006; R o t h m a l e r et al. 2002; P u s c h and G ü n t h e r , 2009). In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, it prefers young and slightly older fallows, fluvial terraces and margins of vineyards and gardens on acidic or neutral soils, limestone, marl, conglomerates, loess or basalt. It also occurs on permanently eroded open areas or on steep slopes with fresh landslides in the initial phase of Dauco-Melilotion and Dauco-Picridetum communities (H o l u b and Z á z v o r k a , 1999; Z á z v o r k a , 1997; Z á z v o r k a , 2000). In Germany plant communities with broomrape also include calcareous wastelands, orchards, fallows, semiruderal grasslands, roadsides, meadows in the Dauco-Picridetum hieracioidis community (H e s e l e r , 2006). In Eastern Europe it has been reported from unweeded meadows, forest glades, forest margins, steppe slopes, roadsides and field margins (K o t o v , 1999; T z v e l e v , 2006). MATERIALS AND METHODS I reviewed all the herbarium materials of Orobanche picridis available in Poland. The materials of O. picridis examined by me were deposited in the herbaria LOD, KTC, KRA, KRAM, OPOL. Herbarium acronyms are given after M i r e k et al. (1997). The nomenclature of vascular plants follows M i r e k et al. (2002). The nomenclature of syntaxa is based on M a t u s z k i e w i c z (2006). Field studies were conducted between 1999-2011 and intensified from 2005 to 2011. The localities are listed in ATPOL cartogram units, 10 x 10 km Z a j ą c (1978). Units are listed in alphabetical order. Only localities recorded in my observations and identified or confirmed, as well as verified herbarium data are listed below. Published data not confirmed by me in the field or undocumented by the herbarium material are not included due to frequent determination errors. The localities are described as follows: ATPOL grid unit, location, habitat description, abundance (in brackets). The following information is also given for most localities: geographic co-ordinates and altitude (above sea level), revised exsiccata: the collector and collection date, the herbarium acronym and exsiccata number. Names of the sites in Ukraine are given according to the A revision of distribution and the ecological description of Orobanche picridis (Orobanchaceae) at the NE limit... 93 herbarium label and the current English name is provided in brackets. RESULTS Distribution at NE limit In Poland Orobanche picridis has been reported from 34 localities. Nearly all of them have been discovered in the last ten years. In Poland it mostly occurs in the south, in the Wyżyna Śląsko-Krakowska and Wyżyna Małopolska uplands, and in the south-east, in the Wyżyna Lubelska upland, Middle Roztocze, Small Polesie, and the Pogórze Przemyskie foreland (K o t u l a , 1881; S z e l ą g , 1996; B r ó ż et al. 2001; K u c h a r c z y k , 2001; P i w o w a r c z y k , 2010, 2012a, b, c; P i w o w a r c z y k and P r z e m y s k i , 2009, 2010; P i w o w a r c z y k et al. 2011; Z a j ą c and Z a j ą c , 2001) (Figs. 1, 2). A few general reports on the occurrence in Ukraine are available: the area of Lviv (S z a f e r et al. 1924; T z v e l e v , 1981; K o t o v , 1999) and Pasieczna (S z a f e r et al. 1924), Roztocze, Miodobory, western and southern Podolia (M ą d a l s k i , 1967). The north-easternmost isolated locality has been reported from Bryansk village on the Desna river in western Russia near the Ukraine/Belarus border (T z v e l e v , 2006) (Fig. 2). Poland List of localities: CF: 27 – Leśnica, cfr., leg. Dziatzko, 28.06.1897 (OPOL, P/3465); DE: 69 – Murawy Dobromierskie reserve near Dobromierz, wasteland on the margin of a pine forest and xerothermic grassland (>1000), 5100’29,7”N, 1954’52,1”E, 303 m, leg. P. Niedźwiedzki, 09.07.2006 (LOD, 154348), leg. R. Piwowarczyk, 04.06.2008 (KTC), (P i w o w a r c z y k , 2012 a,b,c); 85 – Małusy Małe, xerothermic grassland in the SSW part of Wzgórze Bożykowskie hill (<200), 5047’41,6”N, 1918’28,5”E, 298 m, leg. J. Błaszczyk, 28.07.1948 (KRA, 900124), leg. prof. Pogan, 02.08.1948 (KRA, 0299230); Błaszczyk 1949, leg. J. Kołodziejek, 07.07.1982 (LOD, 084146), leg. R. Piwowarczyk, 04.06.2008 (KTC), (P i w o w a r c z y k , 2012 a,b,c); DF: 26 – Zawiercie-Bzów SE, hill 445 m, NW slopes, wastelands/initial xerothermic grassland (>250), 5028’08”N, 1931’32”E, 435 m, leg. Ł. Krajewski, 15.07.2010 (KTC); 34 – Będzin-


INTRODUCTION
Orobanche picridis F. W. Schultz is a root holoparasite, belonging to the parasitic family Orobanchaceae.It is a Submediterranean-Subatlantic species.Its continuous range mostly covers south-western Europe, stretching from Portugal, Spain, across the Mediterranean region, France, southern Germany and Austria, to the Balkans.Individual localities occur in southern England and from northern France across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, southern Poland and Romania, Ukraine, Russia.It has been sporadically reported from Asia Minor, the Transcaucasian region and northern Africa (B e c k , 1930; U h l i c h et al. 1995; T z v e l e v , 2006; P u s c h and G ü n t h e r , 2009).Localities in Poland and Ukraine are the north--eastern limit of its range.The north-easternmost isolated locality was reported from Bryansk village on the Desna in western Russia near the Ukraine/Belarus border (T z v e l e v , 2006).The range of the species, especially in the Mediterranean region, is likely to be inaccurate as the taxon was often included in O. loricata agg.there (e.g.D o m i n a and A r r i g o n i , 2007).The approach was similar in, e.g., Bulgaria (D e l ip a v l o v , 1995; S t o y a n o v , 2009).The species is threatened with extinction in Poland (Z a r z y c k i , 2001; P i w o w a r c z y k , 2012b) and in the neighbouring countries, i.e.Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia (K o r n e c k et al. 1996; F e r á k o v á et al. 2001; P r o c h á z k a , 2001).
The aim of my study was to identify the distribution of Orobanche picridis in Poland and western Ukraine (Polish territories in the interwar period) based on my investigations and verified herbarium and literature data.The preferred habitats, communities, hosts and taxonomic problems are also discussed below.
Orobanche picridis is morphologically very similar to O. minor and to O. artemisiae-campestris.Calyx segments are usually divided up to ½ into two similarly sized parts in O. picridis, while they are divided up to the base in O. artemisiae-campestris.Other characters are similar.The species is also similar to the O. minor agg.species complex, especially when dry. Determining the herbarium material is often complicated and information on the host is of considerable use.The hosts of the species in Central Europe are as follows: O. picridis -Picris hieracioides, O. artemisiae-campestris -Artemisia campestris, O. minor -Trifolium pratense, T. repens.

BIOLOGY AND PHYTOCOENOSES
Flowering period.It flowers from mid-June to the end of July (August), from April in southern Europe.It may flower later (X-XI) in unfavourable climatic conditions but such plants are often sterile (Z á z v o rk a , 2000).

Seed productivity.
Orobanche picridis produces between 450 and 3 250 seeds, 1 780 seeds per fruit on average.From 8 900 to 150 000, over 55 000 seeds on average, is recorded per shoot (P i w o w a r c z y k , 2012c).

Hosts.
Numerous host species are reported in the literature: Picris sp., P. hieracioides, P. laciniata, P. vulgaris, Crepis diffusa, C. vesicaria, Tragopogon campestris, Cirsium sp., Inula graveolens, I. revoluta, Hypochoeris infesta, Centaurea sp., Daucus carota, Orlaya grandiflora, Salsola vermiculata, Ornithopus compressus (B e c k , 1930).Plants occurring closest to the parasite that may not have been its hosts were often noted, which may explain the number of erroneous host species belonging to several genera.Fully accurate data can only be collected after the plant has been dug up.Picris hieracioides is usually listed as its host in the majority of studies.Daucus carota reported considerably less frequently as its host is unclear and doubtful.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
I reviewed all the herbarium materials of Orobanche picridis available in Poland.The materials of O. picridis examined by me were deposited in the herbaria LOD, KTC, KRA, KRAM, OPOL.Herbarium acronyms are given after M i r e k et al. (1997).The nomenclature of vascular plants follows M i r e k et al. (2002).The nomenclature of syntaxa is based on M a t u s z k i e w i c z (2006).Field studies were conducted between 1999-2011 and intensified from 2005 to 2011.The localities are listed in ATPOL cartogram units, 10 x 10 km Z a j ą c (1978).Units are listed in alphabetical order.Only localities recorded in my observations and identified or confirmed, as well as verified herbarium data are listed below.Published data not confirmed by me in the field or undocumented by the herbarium material are not included due to frequent determination errors.The localities are described as follows: ATPOL grid unit, location, habitat description, abundance (in brackets).The following information is also given for most localities: geographic co-ordinates and altitude (above sea level), revised exsiccata: the collector and collection date, the herbarium acronym and exsiccata number.Names of the sites in Ukraine are given according to the herbarium label and the current English name is provided in brackets.

Preferred habitats and phytocoenoses in Poland
In Poland Orobanche picridis prefers weakly established habitats, strongly sun-exposed, on heavy chalky rendzina, mostly S, SW and SE-facing.These are wastelands, mid-field fallows, field margins, abandoned fields, orchards (it often occurs in cherry orchards or on their margins at the localities in Wesołówka or Pęczelice) and pastures, xerothermic grasslands, located on flat or hilly terrains, hillsides and river valley slopes.These are usually transitional communities within semiruderal pioneer xerothermic communities of the class Artemisietea vulgaris (the optimum in Dauco-Picridetum hieracioidis) with an admixture of species belonging to Agropyretea intermedio-repentis or less frequently in xeric meadow communities (Arrhenatherion elatioris); with a high contribution of xerothermic species of the Festuco-Brometea and Trifolio-Geranietea sanguinei classes, as well as segetal species of the Stellarietea mediae class (Table 1).It is recorded less frequently in typical xerothermic grasslands, usually initial, low-cover or ecotone grassland/ wasteland systems, of the Cirsio-Brachypodion pinnati alliance (P i w o w a r c z y k , 2010, 2011, 2012 a,b; P i w o w a r c z y k et al. 2011) (Table 1).In Poland it is recorded between an altitude of 140 and 435 m.

Threats and conservation recommendations
Orobanche picridis is listed as an endangered species (EN)

I
Carex humilis

I I I
Galium verum

+ I I
Campanula rapunculoides

I I
Poa compressa

DISCUSSION
Orobanche picridis is strongly threatened in Central Europe.Many of its localities have not been confirmed, e.g. in Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia.The localities of O. picridis in Poland and Ukraine are the north-eastern limit of its range.In Poland it has been reported from 34 sites, nearly all of which have been recorded in the last ten years.In Poland it mostly occurs in the south and south-east, in the Wyżyna Śląsko-Krakowska, Wyżyna Małopolska and Wyżyna Lubelska uplands, Middle Roztocze, Small Polesie, and the Pogórze Przemyskie foreland.Four unknown localities were discovered in the collections in the KRAM herbarium, in the former Tarnopol province within Poland's interwar borders.They were recorded chiefly in Ukraine in the Lviv, Zolochiv, and Buczacz districts.These specimens were collected in the 1930s and their current status must be confirmed in field investigations.Soil test pits performed at over 20 sites of O. picridis in Poland have shown that it parasitizes only Picris hieracioides.
In Poland the optimum occurrence of Orobanche picridis is recorded in the community Dauco-Picridetum hieracioidis between an altitude of 140 and 435 m, usually over 200 m.The highest altitude reported from Central Europe, ca.400 m, is in Hüntwangen in Switzerland (P u s c h and G ü n t h e r , 2009).Similar phytocoenotic conditions are observed for the species in Central Europe.The number of individuals at the sites varies considerably and changes every year.They may not occur each year.A sudden and abundant occurrence with high host cover and its disappearance after a few years or its re-occurrence a few years later are characteristic of the species.O. picridis is very sensitive to an increase in grassland cover and succession changes.Its populations at the localities range from a few shoots to a few thousand shoots.The most abundant populations consisting of a few hundred to over a thousand shoots were recorded at the sites in Murawy Dobromierskie, Wesołówka, Góry Pińczowskie Mts or near Dąbrowa Górnicza, and in SE Poland: Nowy Dwór, Machnowska Góra Mt, Żurawnica.
Processes of secondary succession must be controlled and the initial type and weak cover of the localities occupied by Orobanche picridis must be preserved to protect the species.It is also recommended to control the localities and to monitor the abundance of the parasite and its host.
Phytocoenoses and habitat conditions.Orobanche picridis has been noted in calcareous and gypsum wastelands in Dauco-Picridetum hieracioidis, Arrhenatherion elatioris, Sisymbrion, Dauco-carotae--Melilotion albi communities (O b e r d o r f e r , 1983; U h l i c h et al. 1995; H e s e l e r , 2006; R o t h m al e r et al. 2002; P u s c h and G ü n t h e r , 2009).In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, it prefers young and slightly older fallows, fluvial terraces and margins of vineyards and gardens on acidic or neutral soils, limestone, marl, conglomerates, loess or basalt.It also occurs on permanently eroded open areas or on steep slopes with fresh landslides in the initial phase of Dauco-Melilotion and Dauco-Picridetum communities (H o l u b and Z á z v o r k a , 1999; Z á z v o r k a , 1997; Z á z v o r k a , 2000 2001; K u c h a r c z y k , 2001; P i w o w a r c z y k , 2010, 2012a, b, c; P i w o w a r c z y k and P r z e m y s k i , 2009, 2010; P i w o w a r c z y k et al. 2011; Z a j ą c and Z a j ą c , 2001) (Figs. 2007 (KTC); Nowy Folwark, a fallow in the NW part of a forest complex (>50), 50 o 30'04"N, 20 o 41'20,8"E, 250 m, vid.P. Cieślak, 2009, (P i w o w a r c z y k , 2012 a,b,c); 22 -Słaboszów (B i n k i e w i c z B. unpbl 2010); 23 -Wola Chroberska, E part, xerothermic grassland on a steep slope, E side of a dirt road (>10), 50 o 23'57,3"N, 20 o 31'16"E, 230 m, leg.R. P i w o w a r c z y k , A. P r z e m y s k i , 19.07.2006 (KTC), (P i w o w a r cz y k , 2012 a,b,c), (P i w o w a r c z y k , 2012 a,b,c); 25 -xerothermic grassland E of the dirt road to Żerniki Górne (>15), 50 o 27'29"N, 20 o 47'28"E, 260 m, leg.M. Nobis, 2009 (KRA), (N o b i s and N o b i s 2010); Ostra Góra ecological site, S of Pęczelice, S-facing wastelands and field margins (>100), 50 o 26'34"N, 20 o 47'05"E, 239 m, vid. A. Przemyski, 2010, leg.R. Piwowarczyk, 13.07.2010(KTC), (P i w o w a r cz y k , 2012a,b,c); Przęślin reserve near Chotel Czerwony, S-and SW-facing xerothermic grassland, partly grazed (>30), 50 o 22'40,6"N, 20 o 42'59"E, 197 m, leg.R. Piwowarczyk, A. Przemyski, 05.07.2006 (KTC), (P i w o w a r c z y k , 2012 a,b,c); 30 -Szczepanowice, S-facing xerothermic grassland on Kaczorowe Doły hills (2 shoots), 50 o 18'25,5"N, 20 o 03'28,4"E, 260 m, vid.R. Piwowarczyk, 2009, (P i w o w a r cz y k , 2012 a,b,c); 31 -vicinity of Miechów, NW part, warm hill, post-agricultural meadow, leg.M. Szewczyk, 09.
, (P i w o w a r cz y k et al. 2011, P i w o w a r c z y k , 2012 b); FF: 98 -Brzuska, formerly arable land, leg.M. Wolanin, 11.07.2008(KRA); GE: 91 -Żurawnica near Zwierzyniec -fallow fields and roadsides on hillsides, (>500), 50 o 38'27"N, 22 o 58'56"E, 215 m, leg.P. Chmielewski, R. Piwowarczyk, 25.06.2008(KTC), (P i w o w a r c z y k et al. 2011, P i w o w a r c z y k , 2012 b); 92 -Bliżów, fallow fields and fragments of mesoxerothermic grasslands, (>50), 50 o 36'23"N, 23 o 07'37"E, 215 m, leg.W. Michalczuk, R. Piwowarczyk, 16.07.2006(KTC), (P i w o w a r c z y k et al. 2011, P i w o w a r c z y k , 2012b); GF: 15 -initial xerothermic grasslands on the slope of the Sołokija valley in the "Żurawce" ecological site (>300), 50 o 23'37"N, 23 o 33'24"E, 228 m, leg.P. Chmielewski, R. Piwowarczyk, 09.06.2007 (KTC), (P i w o w a r cz y k et al. 2011, P i w o w a r c z y k , 2012 b); 25 -Machnów Stary, fallow fields and initial xerothermic grasslands in the "Machnowska Góra" reserve (>500), 50 o 22'23"N, 23 o 34'51"E, 230 m, leg.P. Chmielewski, R. Piwowarczyk, 09.06.2007 (KTC), (P i w o w a r c z y k et al. 2011, P i w o w a r c z y k , 2012 b); 80 -Winna Góra Mt near Przemyśl (K ot u l a , 1881).Remark: The herbarium material (KRAM) documenting the location in the vicinity of Jaksice near Miechów and Szczotkowice near Działoszyce (K o z ł o w s k a , 1923; T a c i k , 1959) concerns Orobanche lutea and O. kochii.Mądalski (1973) re-ports O. loricata based on the specimen collected by J. Krupa in Karniowice, Chrzanów district, 14.07.18.... Figures were also made based on this specimen.The note in the study on the presumptive host Artemisia campestris indicates that this information was not provided with the herbarium specimen.I could not verify the determination because the herbarium documentation is missing in the available Polish herbaria.It is possible it could have been O. picridis.
in the Red Book (Z a r z y c k i , 2001; P i w o w a r c z y k , 2012 b), as a rare and endangered species (R) on the Polish Red List (Z a r z y c k i and S z e l ą g , 2006), endangered (EN) in Silesian voivodeship (U r b i s z and P a r u s e l , 2012) and endangered (EN) in the Wyżyna Małopolska upland (B r ó ż and P r z e m y s k i , 2009).It is strictly protected.Secondary plant succession as well as unstable, pioneer and often synanthropic habitats it invades are the main threats to the species.Protection of O. picridis must aim to conserve its habitats.This is often difficult, as O. picridis frequently grows at privately-owned sites, in abandoned fields or in the ecotone between managed fields.Wastelands can be easily transformed or forested.Herbicides also pose an important threat.Its localities are rarely found in legally protected areas, and even in those active methods are not used to protect the species.As these sites are not extensively managed, the abundance of the herb layer increases, especially by expansive species, i.e.Arrhenatherum elatius and Solidago species, and thickets and the host, together with the broomrape, are displaced.Due to the small size of areas occupied by the species and necessary active protection, ecological sites where extensive management methods are used (controlling grassland cover increases due to mowing and periodical soil scarifying) should be established.Sowing the host and controlling the localities may be recommended.Periodic soil disturbance is especially useful in seed penetration near the host's roots.The abundance of O. picridis in Wesołówka gradually decreased in wastelands as the vegetation cover increased, whereas it occurred exceptionally numerously in sites rooted by boars.A similar effect were observed in Sławków-Kozioł (Ł .K r a j e w s k i , 2009, unpbl.).

Fig. 2 .
Fig. 2. The distribution of Orobanche picridis at the NE range limit, according to Pusch and Günther 2009 (modified and supplemented).
. In Germany plant communities with broomrape also include calcareous wastelands, orchards, fallows, semiruderal grasslands, roadsides, meadows in the Dauco-Picridetum hieracioidis community (H e s e l e r , 2006).In Eastern Europe it has been reported from unweeded meadows, forest glades, forest margins, steppe slopes, roadsides and field margins (K o t o v , 1999; T z v el e v , 2006).