A computer simulation model was developed to investigate strategies for control of the parasitic weed species of Orobanche. The model makes use of data from published literature and predicts infestation levels in a dynamic and deterministic way. It is predicted that sustainable control of the parasite can only be achieved by reducing the soil seed bank to levels of 1000–2000 seeds m−2 and maintaining it at that level in subsequent years. When cultural control methods such as hand weeding, trap/catch cropping, delayed planting, resistant cultivars and solarization were considered individually, a relatively high level of effectiveness was required to contain the soil seed bank. An integrated approach with a selection of appropriate cultural methods is therefore recommended for further testing and validation in the field. The simulations demonstrate the importance of preventing new seeds entering the soil seed bank and that although reducing the soil seed bank may not increase yield for the first few years, it will ultimately increase production.