Recent research progress in combatting root parasitic weeds

The obligate root parasitic Orobanchaceae plants Striga, Orobanche and Phelipanche spp. parasitize economically important crops, vegetables and oil plants. They are the most devastating agricultural weed pests worldwide. Based on an analysis of the climatic requirements of these parasites, very large areas of new territory are at risk of invasion if care is not taken. Recent research in combatting root parasitic weeds was reviewed based on scientific papers reported from 2010 and onwards. The countermeasures fell into eight kinds: resistant varieties, tolerant varieties, microbiological approach, cultural practices, chemical controls, host-induced gene silencing, integrated management and dissemination of technologies including the current situation survey. The development of practical, feasible and economical control technologies against root parasitic weeds would be expected by advancing and combining the countermeasures