This study indicates that induced disease resistance might be useful to control branched broomrape. Strains of the rhizosphere bacteria Pseudomonas spp. (Proradix®), salicylic acid derivates (Bion®), and extracts of the algae Ascophyllum nodosum L. (Goemar Fruton Spezial®) can decrease branched broomrape infection to 80%. Results suggest that agents working as elicitors for resistance in other plant–pathogen interactions by induced systemic resistance or by systemic acquired resistance also could reduce branched broomrape infestation. These findings suggest that activation of immune responses before infection of plants could be an innovative control method for parasitic weeds.
