Rogueing and Disposal of Broomrape Plants

Purpose

This page explains why rogueing of broomrape plants still matters, how to do it, and how removed plant material should be handled to reduce further seed spread.

Required Under the Current Compliance Agreement

In high-risk fields, the scouting and rogueing plan must be developed using the Board-recommended growing degree day model. The worksheet or PDF generated from the model must be saved or printed and used as part of the field management plan. Scouting must be carried out according to the timing on that worksheet, and the actual completion dates for scouting and rogueing activities must be recorded. Rogueing must also follow the timing on the worksheet and continue as needed, up to three times if broomrape remains present in the field. Rogued broomrape plants must be bagged immediately and taken out of the field. After removal, the bagged material must be disposed of in the landfill.

UC Recommended Practices

Rogueing remains one of the most important tools for limiting broomrape seedbank buildup, especially when infestations are small or newly detected. UC guidance supports quick removal because early flowers can begin contributing viable seed soon after emergence. For that reason, scouting and rogueing need to happen on time, with follow-up passes if plants remain present.

Remove the entire broomrape plant and point of attachment where possible. Do not cut off visible stems and leave plant material in the field. Carry bags into the field before rogueing begins so removed plants can be bagged immediately. Record the date, field, and location of each rogueing event to support follow-up scouting and future management. Although recent UC field and lab work suggests that clear plastic bags may perform better than black bags for solar heating under field conditions, the main priority is prompt bagging, removal, and containment of suspect plant material.

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