Effect of intercropping and fluazifop herbicide on broomrape (Orobanche sp.) in tomato fields

Document Type : Research and Review Papers

Authors

1 Plant protection Department Faculty of Agriculture Sohag University Sohag Egypt

2 Economic Entomology and pesticides Department Faculty of Agriculture Cairo University Cairo Egypt

3 Plant Protection Dept. Faculty of Agric. Sohag Univ. Egypt

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of intercropping and fluazifop herbicide on controlling broomrape (Orobanche sp.) in tomato fields. Two consecutive field experiments were conducted in fall-winter seasons (2022-2023 and 2023-2024) in Sohag governorate, Egypt. Treatments included intercropping of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and garlic (Allium sativum) with tomato, application of fluazifop, and the untreated control. The study evaluated control efficiency, broomrape emergence, spike number, dry weight, as well as tomato yield. Results showed that intercropping with fenugreek was most effective in delaying broomrape emergence, reducing spike numbers and dry weight, and increasing control efficiency. Fenugreek intercropping exhibited the highest broomrape control efficiency (66.67% and 73.62% in both seasons, respectively), with an increase in yield reached 31.85% and 27.68% compared to the untreated control in both seasons, respectively. While intercropping garlic with tomato exhibited lower levels of broomrape control efficiency (52.74 and 41.78% in both seasons, respectively). Fluazifop treatment showed limited efficacy in controlling broomrape (21.89 and 28.84% in both seasons, respectively). The study concluded that intercropping fenugreek with tomato could be an effective, environmentally friendly alternative to herbicides for broomrape control in tomato that may be included in the integrated weed management programs.

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