Abstract

Three field experiments were carried out as on-farm research in the cultivators field to control the broomrape (Orabanche cernual..) in tobacco (Nicotiana tobacum L.) by growing the trap crops of broomrape as intercrop, by swabbing broomrape shoots with oils and application of herbicides. The trap crops grown as intercrop with tobacco did not prove useful in reducing the broomrape infestation. Swabbing the broomrape shoots before flowering with organic and mineral oils caused around 70 per cent reduction in broomrape shoots. The herbicides did not affect the broomrape germination and shoot growth appreciably. Plant hole application of either coppersulphate 5 per cent solution or powdered neem cake at 100 or 200 kg/ha considerably reduced broomrape infestation.

Keywords: Tobacco, Broomrape, Control methods