Broomrape management in faba bean

Broomrapes (Orobanche spp. and Phelipanche spp.) are weedy root parasites that represent a major constraint for faba bean (Vicia faba) cultivation in the Mediterranean area. Control methods are being developed that comprise techniques ranging from agronomical practices to precision farming, including chemical and biological control, genetic and induced resistance, modelling, and probably nanotechnotogy in a nearby future. However, the main concern is that to date, no single method of control provides complete protection against these parasites. For that reason, an integrated approach is needed in which a variety of such techniques are combined, in order to maintain parasite Populations below threshold levels of damage. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.