Seed dormancy release, host species preference, the effect of parasitisation on pods or burrs of host plant species, the effect of crop sowing time and control of red dodder ( Cuscuta planiflora) by selective herbicides were investigated in a series of experiments under laboratory and glasshouse conditions in 2005 at Northam, WA. About 88% of untreated seeds of red dodder were dormant but soaking seeds in concentrated sulphuric acid for 10 minutes improved seed germination from 12 to 45%. Treated seeds of red dodder germinated over a range of temperature regimes. This weed species successfully parasitised lupin, lentil, chickpea, field pea, faba bean, sub-clover and canola plants in order of decreasing preference. Parasitisation reduced pods or burrs per plant by 20% in lentil, 50% in faba bean, 60% in lupin, 75% in chickpea, and 100% in sub-clover. Pre-sowing herbicides such as trifluralin, simazine, Kerb®, diuron, Spinnaker® and Lexone® controlled 90 to 100% of red dodder plants. Post-emergent herbicides such as atrazine, Spray.Seed® (paraquat + diquat), Lexone® and Sniper® controlled 83 to 100% of red dodder plants. Delay in sowing time of crops by two to four weeks effectively reduced red dodder plants.
