Abstract Parasitic weeds decrease severely the production
of major grain and forage legumes. The most economically
damaging weeds for temperate legumes are broomrapes, in
particular Orobanche crenata. Broomrape species such as
Orobanche foetida, Orobanche minor, and Phelipanche
aegyptiaca can also induce high local damage. Other
parasitic weeds such as Striga gesnerioides and Alectra
vogelii decrease yield of legume crops throughout semi-arid
areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Dodders such as Cuscuta
campestris can be damaging for some crops. Here, we
review methods to control parasitic weeds. Preventing the
movement of weed seeds into uninfested areas is a crucial
component of control. Once a field is infested with parasitic
weeds, controlling its seed production is very difficult. The
only effective way to cope with parasitic weeds is to apply
an integrated approach. Seedbank demise can be achieved
by fumigation and solarization. However, this method is not
economically feasible for low-value and low-input legume
crops. A number of cultural practices including delayed
sowing, hand weeding, no-tillage, nitrogen fertilization,
intercropping, or rotations can contribute to seed bank
demise. Other strategies such as suicidal germination,
activation of systemic acquired resistance, biocontrol or
target site herbicide resistance are promising solutions that are
being explored but are not yet ready for direct application. The