Clover broomrape
Invasive Species Information

Why Is Clover broomrape A Problem?
In Ireland, Clover Broomrape is considered a native species and is relatively common in grasslands, pastures, and agricultural areas where clover is present. While not considered invasive, it can impact the growth of host plants, especially in areas where clover is used for forage or as a cover crop.

 

While Clover Broomrape does not typically pose a significant threat to ecosystems, it can have some impacts, especially where it is abundant:

• Parasitism on Host Plants: It can reduce the growth and vitality of host plants, particularly legumes such as clover, affecting pasture quality and forage availability.

• Impact on Agricultural Production: In agricultural settings, it may reduce crop yields where clover or other legumes are grown for forage, cover cropping, or green manure.
   

Persistence in the Soil: The long-lived seed bank can make it difficult to eradicate once established, requiring long-term management.

 

Managing Clover Broomrape can be challenging due to its parasitic nature and long-lived seed bank. Control strategies include:

• Cultural Control: Crop rotation with non-leguminous plants can help reduce the incidence of Clover Broomrape by depriving it of suitable host plants. Maintaining healthy, competitive vegetation can also limit its establishment.

• Mechanical Control: Hand-pulling or digging up flowering spikes before they set seed can help reduce the seed bank in the soil. This method is labour-intensive and may not be practical for large infestations.

• Chemical Control: There are no selective herbicides available that target parasitic plants without harming the host. Herbicides may be used to manage host plants in severely infested areas, though this approach can affect non-target species.

• Preventative Measures: Avoid moving soil from infested areas to uninfested sites, and monitor fields and grasslands for signs of infestation.