Broomrape Infection Research Articles

The role of small RNAs in resistant melon cultivar against Phelipanche aegyptiaca parasitization.

Bidirectional trans-kingdom RNA silencing, a pivotal factor in plant-pathogen interactions, remains less explored in plant host-parasite dynamics. Here, using small RNA sequencing in melon root systems, we investigated microRNA (miRNA) expression variation in resistant and susceptible cultivars pre-and post-infection by the parasitic plant, broomrape. This approach revealed 979 known miRNAs and 110 novel miRNAs across 110 families. When comparing susceptible (F0) and resistant (R0) melon lines with broomrape infection (F25 and R25), 39 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs were observed in F25 vs. F0, 35 in R25 vs. R0, and 5 in R25 vs. F25. Notably, two miRNAs consistently exhibited differential expression across all comparisons, targeting genes linked to plant disease resistance. This suggests their pivotal role in melon's defense against broomrape. The target genes of these miRNAs were confirmed via degradome sequencing and validated by qRT-PCR, ensuring reliable sequencing outcomes. GO and KEGG analyses shed light on the molecular functions and pathways of these differential miRNAs. Furthermore, our study unveiled four trans-kingdom miRNAs, forming a foundation for exploring melon's resistance to broomrape.

Inhibition of broomrape germination by 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol produced by environmental Pseudomonas.

Parasitic weeds such as broomrapes (Phelipanche ramosa and Orobanche cumana) cause severe damage to crops and their development must be controlled. Given that phloroglucinol compounds (PGCs) produced by environmental Pseudomonas could be toxic towards certain plants, we assessed the potential herbicidal effect of the bacterial model Pseudomonas ogarae F113, a PGCs-producing bacterium, on parasitic weed. By combining the use of a mutagenesis approach and of pure PGCs, we evaluated the in vitro effect of PGC-produced by P. ogarae F113 on broomrape germination and assessed the protective activity of a PGC-producing bacteria on oilseed rape (Brassica napus) against P. ramosa in non-sterile soils. We showed that the inhibition of the germination depends on the PGCs molecular structure and their concentrations as well as the broomrape species and pathovars. This inhibition caused by the PGCs is irreversible, causing a brown coloration of the broomrape seeds. The inoculation of PGCs-producing bacteria limited the broomrape infection of P. ramosa, without affecting the host growth. Moreover, elemental profiling analysis of oilseed rape revealed that neither F113 nor applied PGCs affected the nutrition capacity of the oilseed rape host. Our study expands the knowledge on plant-beneficial Pseudomonas as weed biocontrol agents and opens new avenues for the development of natural bioherbicides to enhance crop yield.

Проучване ефекта на заразата със синя китка и на микоризни инокуланти върху минералния състав на ориенталски тютюн

The influence of broomrape infection and microbial inoculants (Rhizo-Vam Basic®, Mycoplant® and Funky Fungi®) on the mineral composition of oriental tobacco was studied in a pot experiment. Eight treatments were tested, distributed in the following four groups: (1) control; (2) treatment with broomrape infection; (3) treatments with mycorrhizal inoculants and (4) treatments with broomrape+mycorrhizal inoculants. Broomrape infection reduced the dry weight of tobacco leaves by 31.4% compared to the control. A tendency towards a decrease in the concentrations of the essential nutritional elements – P, K, Zn and Cu, and a more pronounced increase in the concentrations of Ca and Mg in the leaves of tobacco infected with broomrape was found. Nutrient removal by infected tobacco leaves was also reduced, especially by removing phosphorus, zinc and copper. Microbial inoculants containing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increased the content of mineral nitrogen, available phosphorus and potassium in the soil. Application of mycorrhizal inoculants, in most cases, increased the phosphorus concentration in tobacco leaves - by 18.2%-22.7% compared to the control. This was associated with an improvement in N concentrations (+1.1%-13.5%), K concentrations (+4.3%-32.2%), and Zn concentrations (+9.8%-21.1%) in leaves of inoculated plants. Mycorrhizal inoculants did not prevent biomass reduction of broomrape-infected plants, but partially reduced weight losses. The application of a mycorrhizal inoculant did not completely prevent the decrease in the essential nutrient concentration in the plants infected with broomrape, but it improved the mineral balance and had a positive effect on nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition.

Characterization of Conyza bonariensis Allelochemicals against Broomrape Weeds.

The study of allelopathic activity of plants and the isolation and characterization of the responsible allelochemicals can lead to the development of environment friendly alternative approaches to weed control. Conyza species are invasive weeds that use allelopathic activity as part of a successful strategy to outcompete neighboring plants. Broomrape weeds are parasitic plants that use host-induced germination and the formation of a haustorium as strategies to infect host plants. The control of broomrape infection in most affected crops is limited or non-existing. In the current study, we investigated the allelopathic activity of Conyza bonariensis organic extracts in suicidal germination and radicle growth of four broomrape species (Orobanche crenata, Orobanche cumana, Orobanche minor and Phelipanche ramosa). A bioactivity-driven fractionation of Conyza bonariensis extracts led to the identification of two germination-inducing molecules and two growth-inhibitory compounds. The germination-inducing metabolites had species-specific activity being hispidulin active on seeds of O. cumana and methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate active in P. ramosa. The growth-inhibitory metabolites (4Z)-lachnophyllum lactone and (4Z,8Z)-matricaria lactone strongly inhibited the radicle growth of all parasitic weed species studied. Some structure-activity relationships were found as result of the study herein presented.

Agronomic Performance of Broomrape Resistant and Susceptible Faba Bean Accession

The faba bean (Vicia faba) is a temperate grain legume, that is regaining interest due to the high demand for food and feed uses and the environmental services provided. The parasitic weed broomrape (Orobanche crenata) appears as the major constraint to agricultural production in the Mediterranean Basin. The yield stability can be managed by adjusting agronomic practices and breeding for adaptation. In this study, we compared the performance of three susceptible faba bean accessions with that of eight lines previously selected for their broomrape resistance, in multi-environment field trials. Results confirmed that the grain yield in the region was negatively affected, mainly by broomrape infection, followed at a distance by ascochyta blight (Ascochyta fabae), whereas the grain yield was little affected by the low occurring levels of chocolate spot infection (Botrytis fabae). The yield was favored by rain at flowering and was reduced by low temperatures at pre-flowering and flowering, and by high temperatures at flowering and grain-filling. The combined ANOVA showed significant effects of the genotype, environment, and genotypex environment interaction. The weighted average of the absolute scores biplot (WAASB), a heat map with 21 scenarios based on the WAASB ratio and the multi-trait stability index (MTSI) were utilized to determine the mean performance and stability of the faba bean genotypes. Quijote, Navio6, Baraca and FaraonSC are proposed as ideal lines for cultivation in the region and to be further used in future breeding programs.

Heat Waves and Broomrape Are the Major Constraints for Lentil Cultivation in Southern Spain

There is potential for expanding lentil cultivation to dry and warm Mediterranean rain-fed environments at low altitudes, where early sowings are recommended to profit from winter rains and escape drought and excessive heat at the grain filling stage. In cooler areas, frost might be a problem in the early sowings, however, in warmer areas such as our low altitude warm southern Spanish environments the most detrimental factor on lentil seed yield appeared to be high temperatures at grain-filling stage, particularly heat waves of more than 5 days with Tmax > 30 °C. This was followed by broomrape infection, the combination of both being dramatic. We detected variation for stress tolerance, with S17 and R7 accessions outstanding for all stress indexes used, followed by S23, Nsir, S6, and S12. Broomrape infection ranked second risk in the area. No complete resistance to broomrape was identified, but there was a significant variation in the level of infection, with accessions S14 and R17 being the more resistant across environments. This offers prospects for combining heat tolerance and broomrape resistance by breeding.

How to pit weeds against parasitic plants. A simulation study with Phelipanche ramosa in arable cropping systems

Branched broomrape (Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel) is a parasitic plant, which causes severe yield losses in major crops worldwide. Due to its broad host range, including numerous non-parasitic weed species, the persistence of its seeds in the soil, and the poor efficiency of available management techniques, broomrape management is complex. In a previous paper, we developed a broomrape-dynamics model called PheraSys to support the design of management strategies combining multiple techniques aiming at long-term control of broomrape. Here, the objective is to use this simulation model to (1) check the consistency of simulations vs. literature data, (2) evaluate the potential of cropping systems to manage the combination of branched broomrape and weeds, (3) investigate whether weeds can biologically regulate parasitic plants in agroecosystems. Five contrasting cropping systems including different levers known to influence broomrape dynamics were simulated with different weather series. Four simulation series were run, with or without broomrape as well as with or without weeds, to discriminate the individual effects of weeds and broomrape on crop production as well as the effect of weeds on broomrape dynamics. Simulations with PheraSys showed that delayed sowing in combination with the use of trap and catch crops are promising for reducing broomrape infestation and yield losses in the long term. Tolerating a temporary and/or low-density weed flora in such cropping systems could improve broomrape management because spring/summer weeds could reduce broomrape seed bank by triggering broomrape germinations that would not reproduce. During cash-crop growth, weed contribution to broomrape infection would be negligible. However, these conclusions are only valid if broomrape-attaching weeds reproduce before broomrape has time to do so, which needs to be checked with field experiments for most weed species.

Pea Breeding Lines Adapted to Autumn Sowings in Broomrape Prone Mediterranean Environments

In Mediterranean environments, with mild winters and dry summers, peas are planted in autumn or early winter to profit from winter rain and to avoid terminal drought and high summer temperatures. The root parasitic weed broomrape (Orobanche crenata) appears as a major limiting factor under these conditions. To address such specific growing conditions and associated constraints, targeted breeding is needed. We present here recent achievements in the development of pea lines arising from a wide hybridization program incorporating resistance to broomrape and to powdery mildew (Erysiphe pisi) from landraces and wild relatives. Their adaption to autumn sowings under Mediterranean rain fed conditions, and their agronomic performance and resistance to prevailing diseases is compared with those of check cultivars in a multi-environment field test with nine trials performed over three seasons. HA-GGE biplots were a powerful tool for comparison among accessions in terms of performance and stability for each trait assessed. Like this, breeding lines NS22, NS34, NS8, NS39, NS35, NS21 and NS83 over-yielded all check cultivars. Grain yield was strongly affected by broomrape infection, with little influence of powdery mildew and ascochyta blight. All breeding lines studied showed high to moderate resistance to broomrape, whereas all check cultivars were severely infected. Broomrape infection was not correlated with days to flowering, whereas powdery mildew infection was favored by long cycles. Broomrape infection was enhanced by mild winter temperatures before flowering and spring rain, whereas high spring temperatures hampered broomrape development.

Silicon dioxide nanoparticles orchestrate carbon and nitrogen metabolism in pea seedlings to cope with broomrape infection

SiNPs orchestrate carbon and nitrogen metabolism and cell fortification in pea seedlings to cope withPhelipancheinfection.

Broomrape as a Major Constraint for Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus) Production in Mediterranean Rain-Fed Environments

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) is an annual legume crop that is currently underutilized but has the potential for reintroduction into Mediterranean rain-fed farming systems. In this study, we compared the adaptation of breeding lines in multi-environment field testing, which had wide variation for precocity, grain yield and broomrape infection. Heritability-adjusted genotype plus genotype-by-environment interaction (HA-GGE) biplot and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) were performed to determine the effect on genotype (G), environment (E) and G × E interaction on grain yield, precocity and broomrape infection. Precocity was associated with reduced broomrape infection, and this with increased grain yield. Step-wise regression analysis revealed that the broomrape infection had the highest influence on grain yield, whereas precocity had a lower effect. Rain and humidity and mild temperatures before and during flowering were the climatic factors most influential on broomrape. Accessions with a shorter growth cycle suffered lower broomrape infection and were more productive in the environments with a high broomrape incidence. Accessions with longer growth cycle suffered overall higher broomrape infection and were therefore more productive in the environments with low or moderate broomrape incidence.

Adaptation of Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus) to Mediterranean Environments

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) is an annual legume crop widely cultivated in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, but in regression in Mediterranean region. Its rusticity and nutritious value is calling back attention for its reintroduction into Mediterranean rain-fed farming systems. We studied the adaptation of a range of breeding lines in multi-environment field testing in Spain and Egypt, showing wide variation for grain yield. Broomrape (Orobanche crenata) infection appeared as the major limiting factor in both countries. Level of broomrape infection was highly influenced by environmental conditions, being favored by moderate temperatures at crop flowering and rain and humidity after flowering. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis was applied to understand the interaction between genotype (G) and environment (E) on grain yield and on broomrape infection. AMMI analyses revealed significant G and E effects as well as G*E interaction with respect to both traits. The AMMI analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that both, yield and broomrape infection were dominated by the environment main effect. AMMI1 biplot for grain yield revealed Ls10 and Ls11 as the accession with highest yields, closely followed by Ls16, Ls18 and Ls19. However, these accessions showed also lower stability, being particularly adapted to Delta Nile conditions. On the contrary, accessions Ls12 and Ls14 were more adapted to rain fed Spanish conditions. Accessions Ls7, Ls1 and Ls3 were the most stable over environments for grain yield.

English

Broomrapes (Orobanche spp.) are the serious roots parasitic weed to legumes crop production in many countries. In Ethiopia, Orobanche crenata is a dominant parasite and a major constraint to faba bean (Vicia faba L.) cultivation, especially in the Northern parts of the country. Presently, it reduces crop production and has forced farmers to stop growing faba bean crop. Thus, it is necessary to find new sources of resistance, understand means of resistance mechanisms to facilitate faba bean resistance breeding, and identify the best performed with high yielding variety to sustain their production and productivity. Thus, to evaluate the performance and their degree of resistance, twenty faba bean varieties were tested under the area affected by Orobanche infestation, at Korem experimental site of Alamata Agricultural Research Center, Tigray, Ethiopia during 2017 cropping season by using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). All difference among faba bean varieties was analyzed using Tukey’s Standardized Range (P ≤ 5%) Test. Higher level of broomrape infection was observed during host-pod setting stage. During evaluation, 13 out of 20 tested faba bean varieties were the superior yielding varieties (312.5 - 3129.17 kg ha-1), whereas the remaining seven varieties completely lost yield due to 100% Orobanche infestation. Cluster analysis was then carried out and the varieties were grouped into different clusters with different sizes based on their level of resistance or susceptibility. Three varieties ‘Ashenge, Dedia and Obse’ were selected for their best performance. Accordingly, Ashenge variety was selected as partially resistant with highest yield provided due to lowest occurrence of Orobanche infestation within variety. Future breeding program therefore, should mainly focus on these three selected varieties to improve the problem of faba bean production by using conventional and molecular breeding methods. Key words: Orobanche spp., Vicia faba, resistance/tolerance.

Hormonal seed-priming improves tomato resistance against broomrape infection

Although it is well known that parasitic weeds such as Orobanche (broomrape) significantly reduce the yield of economically important crops, their infection-induced oxidative changes need more exploration in their host plants. Moreover, applying an eco-friendly approach to minimize the infection is not yet available. This study was conducted to understand the effect of Orobanche ramosa infection on oxidative and redox status of tomato plants and the impact of hormonal (indole acetic acid (IAA); 0.09 mM and salicylic acid (SA); 1.0 mM) seed-priming upon mitigating the infection threats. Although Orobanche invades tomato roots, its inhibitory effects on shoot biomass were also indicted. Orobanche infection usually induces oxidative damage i.e., high lipid peroxidation, lipoxygenase activity and H2O2 levels, particularly for roots. Interestingly, hormonal seed-priming significantly enhanced tomato shoots and roots growth under both healthy and infected conditions. Also, IAA and SA treatment significantly reduced Orobanche infection-induced oxidative damage. The protective effect of seed-priming was explained by increasing the antioxidant defense markers including the antioxidant metabolites (i.e., total antioxidant capacity, carotenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, ASC, GSH, tocopherols) and enzymes (CAT, POX, GPX, SOD, GR, APX, MDHAR, DHAR), particularly in infected tomato seedlings. Additionally, cluster analysis indicated the differential impact of IAA- and SA-seed-priming, whereas lower oxidative damage and higher antioxidant enzymes’ activities in tomato root were particularly reported for IAA treatment. The principal component analysis (PCA) also proclaimed an organ specificity depending on their response to Orobanche infection. Collectively, here and for the first time, we shed the light on the potential of seed-priming with either IAA or SA to mitigate the adverse effect of O. ramosa stress in tomato plants, especially at oxidative stress levels.

Assessing the Performance of Maize (Zea mays L.) as Trap Crops for the Management of Sunflower Broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.)

Sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) is a weedy root parasite that causes huge damage to sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Trap crop can stimulate parasitic seed germination without attachment in trap crop, and it was considered as economic methods for controlling the parasite. In this study, co-culture and pot experiments were conducted to assess the allelopathic activity of maize (Zea mays L.) to stimulate broomrape seeds germination and to evaluate the performance of maize rotation for reducing sunflower broomrape infection. All the tested maize cultivars could induce sunflower broomrape germination, and the most active maize cultivar was N314, which induced approximately 40% broomrape seeds germination. Rotation of maize significantly reduced broomrape infection on subsequent sunflower and increased sunflower biomass. After cultivated N314 for 3 years, broomrape attachment on sunflower was the lowest (0.8 attachment plant−1), and the dry mass of sunflower shoot (28.7 g plant−1) was approximately twice higher than the sunflower without previous crop. The effectiveness of broomrape management was significantly different among various maize cultivars. Meanwhile, the differences among cultivars were decreased with the years of maize cultivated prolonged. Our results confirmed that maize was significantly effective in reducing the sunflower damage caused by sunflower broomrape and suggested that maize rotation could be included in the integrated management of sunflower broomrape.

Silicon dioxide nanoparticles alleviate the threats of broomrape infection in tomato by inducing cell wall fortification and modulating ROS homeostasis

An infographic diagram that summarizes the influence of SiNP-seed priming upon tomato plants underOrobancheinfection conditions. GRW: growth, PHO: photosynthesis, NEAO: non-enzymatic antioxidants, ASE: antioxidant-scavenging enzymes.

Salicylic acid confers resistance against broomrape in tomato through modulation of C and N metabolism

It is well known that parasitic weeds such as Orobanche (broomrape) significantly decrease crop growth and yield. Although hormonal priming is a well-known inducer of plant resistance against broomrapes (Orobanche spp.), the metabolic events associated with such resistance are poorly understood. Therefore, the current work was undertaken to elucidate the role of SA in inducing tomato resistance against Orobanche, considering its impact on carbon and nitrogen metabolism of the host. Total carbon and nitrogen and levels of carbon (sugars, organic acids and fatty acids) and nitrogen (amino acids and polyamines)-containing metabolites as well as the activities of some key enzymes involved in their metabolic pathways were evaluated. Broomrape infection significantly disrupted C/N ratio in the host roots. On contrary, SA treatment markedly induced accumulation of sugars, organic acids, fatty acids, amino acids as well as polyamines in healthy plants. Under broomrape challenge, SA mitigated the infection-induced growth inhibition by improving the level of nitrogen-containing osmoprotectants (proline, arginine and some polyamines). However, a decrease was observed in some C and N assimilates which are well known to be potentially transferred to the parasite, such as sucrose, asparagine, alanine, serine and glutamate. Interestingly, SA treatment induced the catapolism of polyamines and fatty acids in the host root. Accordingly, our study suggests that SA-induced resistance against broomrape relies on the rational utilization of C and N assimilates in a manner that disturbs the sink strength of the parasite and/or activates the defense pool of the host.

Influence of environmental conditions on the virulence and distribution of Orobanche cumana Wallr. in the Republic of Moldova

The parasitic angiosperm Orobanche cumana is present in the main sunflower-producing countries around the world. In recent years, more aggressive races of broomrape have evolved and the parasite has rapidly spread to new areas. A similar trend has been observed in the Republic of Moldova. At the beginning of 1950s, broomrape was detected in Moldova, especially in the southern areas. Currently, all the known races of Orobanche are present in the country and the parasite has expanded considerably on new areas in the center and north. Based on these results and the data reported by other authors, related to influence of climate change on the phytosanitary situation, we studied the interdependence between the climate and the distribution of Orobanche cumana Wallr. over different parts of the Republic of Moldova. Prevalence of broomrape infection mainly in the southern and central part of the Republic of Moldova and its sporadic presence in the northern part can be influenced, not only by short rotations, type of sunflower hybrids grown and soil parameters, but also by the weather conditions such as higher temperatures and lower humidity in the south and center. Based on multiannual data and trends observed in recent years, characterized by an increase in temperature and decrease of relative humidity, we conclude that climate change will create favorable conditions for infecting sunflower plants in all the areas where sunflowers are grown, including the expansion of broomrape to the north of Moldova.

Morphometric parameters and and the phenolic compounds content in sunflower lines and hybrids under broomrape infection

The aim and tasks of the study.This paper describes the studies results of the broomrape impact on growth processes and the phenolic compounds content in sunflower lines and hybrids during infection.Materials and methods. Lines and hybrids of YurievPlant Production Institute of NAAS were used as material for investigation. The foreign hybrid PR64A71 was used as a resistant standard sample, line Cx 908 A – as a susceptible one.Results and discussion. It was determinated, that morphometric parameters of sunflower plants with broomrape inoculation were lower than in control samples. It was found that the phenolic compounds content increased in broomrape resistant genotypes, whereas in susceptible ones it decreasedunder broomrape inoculation of studied sunflower lines and hybrids.Generalphenolic content in leaves of line-standard resistant to parasite, as well as in the studied lines and hybrids generally hardly changes in comparison with the control plants, or slightly increases during broomrape infection. Whereas general phenolic content in the roots increases in several times afterbroomrape inoculation. At the same time the phenolic compounds level in the roots and the leaves ofsusceptible line-standard plantsdecreased after broomrape inoculationConclusions. Research results allow to conclude that broomrape significantly affect growth processes sunflower inhibiting them. The findings also show an important role of phenols in the sunflower resistance formation to broomrape

Characterization of Resistance Mechanisms in Faba Bean (Vicia faba) against Broomrape Species (Orobanche and Phelipanche spp.).

Faba bean (Vicia faba) production in Mediterranean and Near East agriculture is severely constrained by broomrape infection. The most widely distributed broomrape species affecting faba bean is Orobanche crenata, although O. foetida and Phelipanche aegyptiaca are of local importance. Only moderately resistant cultivars are available to farmers. Rizotrons studies allowed the dissection of resistance components in faba bean accessions against the very infective species O. crenata, O. foetida var. broteri and P. aegyptiaca, and to the inappropriate P. ramosa and O. foetida var. foetida. Results confirm that some levels of incomplete resistance are available, resulting in a reduced number of broomrape tubercles successfully formed per faba bean plant. Interestingly, the intermediate levels of resistance of cv. Baraca were operative against all broomrape populations and species studied, confirming previous reports on the stability of resistance of Baraca in field trials in different countries. Low induction of seed germination played a major role in the resistance against the inappropriate O. foetida var. foetida but not against the also inappropriate P. ramosa, neither to the infective species O. crenata, O. foetida var. broteri, or P. aegyptiaca. Negative tropism of germinated seeds with radicles growing away from faba bean roots was marked for both inappropriate species but was not observed in any of the infective species. Also, a proportion of radicles that had successfully contacted faba bean roots became necrotic, failing in starting tubercle development, particularly frequent for the two inappropriate species. Such necrosis was significant also on radicles contacting resistant faba bean accessions, being particularly relevant for Spanish O. crenata population, and lower although still significant in some accessions against Syrian O. crenata and P. aegyptiaca, suggesting that this might also be an operative mechanism to be selected and further exploited in faba bean resistance breeding. Even formed broomrape tubercles might later become necrotic, particularly in the case of some of the resistant faba bean accessions to the Spanish O. crenata and to P. aegyptiaca but not to the very infective Syrian O. crenata or O. foetida var. broteri.

The potential of foxtail millet as a trap crop for sunflower broomrape

Heavy infestation of large areas in China by the root parasitic sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) constitutes a major threat to sunflower production. This study was conducted to investigate the potential of foxtail millet as a trap crop for the management of sunflower broomrape (SB). To assay the ability of foxtail millet to stimulate germination of SB seeds, the rhizosphere soil of six foxtail millet cultivars cultured in various sand/soil ratios and fertilizer levels were employed to directly induce SB germination. Among all sand/soil treatments, Hong Guzi grown in a 1:1 sand/soil ratio induced the highest germination of SB (30.1%). Phosphorus resulted in a small but significantly higher germination of SB compared with the control without any fertilizer, while in contrast, nitrogen greatly suppressed the germination inducing capacity of foxtail millet even at concentrations as low as 28 mg kg−1 soil (based on N). Cropping rotation experiment was undertaken to quantify the effect of foxtail millet on SB infection in a subsequent sunflower crop. All foxtail millet rotation treatments reduced broomrape infection and gave higher shoot and flower disk dry mass of sunflowers than the control grown without a fore-rotating crop. These results suggest that efficacious cultivars of foxtail millet reduce SB parasitism and increase sunflower yields and that using foxtail millet as trap crop is probably an effective way to reduce the broomrape weed problem in China, especially in the dry, infertile, and sandy soils of the Loess Plateau.