Field dodder - how to control it?

Abstract

SUMMARYBroad geographic distribution and spectrum of hosts make field dodder, Cuscuta campestris, one of the most widespread and most harmful pests among flowering parasitic plants. Field dodder may become a problem in vegetable nurseries (e.g. tomato, sweet pepper and cabbage) or in potato or some other crop grown in plastic greenhouses. However, the most devastating damage comes from field dodder outbreaks in newly-established perennial legume crops (alfalfa, clover, etc.), which are generally the preferred hosts of this parasitic flowering species. Apart from alfalfa and clover, an expansion of field dodder has been observed in recent years in sugar beet, too.Different measures are available for controlling field dodder, from preventive (pure seeding material, tolerant cultivars, etc.), to mechanical removal (mowing and hand weeding) to herbicide treatments. The most successful control of field dodder requires a systematic approach ensured through integrated protection, which contributes to a more effective control of parasitic flowering plants.

Current Status, Economic importance and Management of Dodders (Cuscuta Spp) of Important Crops

“…are also identified that they are effective in managing Cuscuta gronovii and Cuscuta pentagona [34]. Also conidia suspension of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides has provided selective control of C. chinensis and C. australis in soybeans [34]; [35].…”

The Effect of a Host on the Primary Metabolic Profiling of Cuscuta Campestris’ Main Organs, Haustoria, Stem and Flower

“…C. campestris is a stem holoparasitic plant, an extensive climber having filiform stems or vines with twining slender stems lacking true roots and leaves. It has a reduced or absent photosynthesis apparatus, therefore, its development and growth rely on autotropic host plants for at least carbohydrates [1][2][3]. After proper attachment to the host's vascular system (xylem and phloem) through the haustoria [2], the parasite functions as an active sink, redirecting solutes away from autotrophic sink tissues.…”

“…After proper attachment to the host's vascular system (xylem and phloem) through the haustoria [2], the parasite functions as an active sink, redirecting solutes away from autotrophic sink tissues. Due to this parasitism, C. campestris is considered to be among the most destructive agricultural weeds, significantly reducing the yield and quality of the crops' products [3][4][5][6]. It attacks many broad-leaf plants, the most sensitive of which include alfalfa, carrot, tomato, sugar beet, onion, potato and several ornamental plants [3].…”

“…Due to this parasitism, C. campestris is considered to be among the most destructive agricultural weeds, significantly reducing the yield and quality of the crops' products [3][4][5][6]. It attacks many broad-leaf plants, the most sensitive of which include alfalfa, carrot, tomato, sugar beet, onion, potato and several ornamental plants [3]. C. campestris is native to central North America, but in recent decades, it has spread around the world through seed imports, a process that is still ongoing, and thus has become one of the most problematic weeds worldwide [7].…”

Cuscuta Australis Au Burkina Faso : Potentiels Hotes Et Duree De Son Cycle Biologique en Conditions De Serre.

“…Le genre Cuscuta comprend environ 200 espèces de plantes sans racines et parasitant les tiges de certaines plantes (Saric-Krsmanovic et Vrbnicanin, 2015). Certaines publications plus récentes ont classé, Cuscuta dans sa propre famille appelée Cuscutaceae (Mishra, 2009).…”