Management of Branched Broomrape in Field Processing Tomato Crop

In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in land area used for tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) in many countries around the world. The essential role is played by Italy at a worldwide level as the country with the third biggest production of tomatoes for processing. Phelipanche ramosa (L) Pomel, commonly known as branched broomrape, is a root holoparasitic weed for many crops, particularly for the processing tomato. Due to its physical and metabolic overlap with the crop, its underground parasitism, and hardly destructible seed bank, the control of this parasite in the field is difficult. Results of research studies, many of them on environmental-friendly methods such as preventive, agronomic, and biological carried out in southern Italy, are discussed and summarized. The results can constitute a relevant basis for further experimental studies.