Relative tolerance of rainy season crops to field dodder (Cuscuta campestris) and its management in niger (Guizotia abyssinica)

Field dodder (Cuscuta campestris) is an annual obligate stem parasite that attaches itself to a variety of host crops and causes severe damage to them. Studies were conducted in India to evaluate the relative tolerance of rainy season crops viz., rice (Oryza sativa L.), greengram (Phaseolus radiatus (L.) Wilczek.), blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper), soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass), and sesame (Sesamum indicum) to Cuscuta campestris and its integrated management in niger. Niger was the most susceptible crop (85.9% yield loss) followed by greengram (81.6%) sesame (66.8%), soybean (48%), blackgram (27%), pigeonpea (24.8%) and groundnut (17.8%) whereas the yields of rice and cowpea were not affected. Cuscuta campestris seedlings germinated in the absence of the host plant and survived up to 8 days after sowing without a host plant. The highest niger yields (2357 and 1347 kg/ha) were obtained with Cuscuta free treatment. Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 1000 g/ha effectively controlled Cuscuta campestris in niger leading to almost comparable yields of 2262 and 1297 kg/ha.