A holoparasitic plant severely reduces the vegetative and reproductive performance of its host plant in the Caatinga, a Brazilian seasonally dry forest

Abstract

Host-parasite interactions between plants may reduce the vegetative and reproductive performance of the host plant. Although it is well established that parasitic plants may negatively aff ect the metabolism and the number of vegetative/reproductive structures of their hosts, the eff ects of this interaction on the reproductive characteristics of the host plant are poorly understood. Here we document the interaction between Cuscuta partita (Convolvulaceae) and its main host, Zornia diphylla (Fabaceae), in the Caatinga of northeastern Brazil. We measured diverse reproductive/ vegetative attributes of Z. diphylla in 60 plots randomly distributed in patches that were parasitized and not parasitized by C. partita. Both vegetative and reproductive attributes, such as the number of branches, leaves and fl owers, and the individual biomass of Z. diphylla were signifi cantly reduced by the parasitism. Th e number of pollen grains and ovules per fl ower were not aff ected by the parasitism, but since the parasitism reduced fl ower production, the total number of pollen and ovules per individual and population may also be reduced. Additionally, pollen viability was signifi cantly reduced in the fl owers of parasitized individuals. We conclude that C. partita may negatively impact the vegetative and reproductive performance of its main host, Z. diphylla in distinct ways in the Caatinga.

Phytochemical Investigation of Cuscuta campestris Yunck. Stem Extract and Evaluation of Its Bioherbicidal Effect on Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Portulaca oleracea L

“…as a generalist type of holoparasitic plant interacts with various host plants in a variety of ways, and all Cuscuta species depend on host plants to complete their life cycle [17–19] . Dodders are the most prominent group of parasitic weeds around the world, which grow on virtually all inhabited continents and cause sweeping damage to both crops and wild‐growing species [20–22] . Cuscuta spp.…”

“…[17][18][19] Dodders are the most prominent group of parasitic weeds around the world, which grow on virtually all inhabited continents and cause sweeping damage to both crops and wild-growing species. [20][21][22] Cuscuta spp. has attracted research interest for its various medicinal properties such as anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiproliferative, antioxidant, hepato-protective activity, etc.…”