Inventory and Taxonomy of the Loranthaceae of Cocoa Agrosystems in the Peri-urban Areas of Daloa, Centre-West, Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Parasitic plants of the Loranthaceae family, hemiparasites living on the branches of many spontaneous or cultivated trees and shrubs, occur in clumps and are widespread in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in agrosystems. The aim of this study is to assess the diversity and systematics of parasitic species in agrosystems of cocoain the peri-urban areas of Daloa. Four species of Loranthaceae were identified during roving inventory surveys: Globimetula dinklagei, Phragmanthera capitata, Tapinanthus bangwensis and T. globiferus. Systematic analysis of the genera and species of these parasitic plants, based on morphological and taxonomic criteria, enabled them to be identified and classified within the Loranthaceae family. This study showed that the main parasitic species are P. capitata and T. bangwensis, with a high preponderance of T. bangwensis (2,634 clumps, or 48.87 %). Our results also showed that the attachment and development of these parasites in the canopy are influenced by light and shade. These results, discussed in relation to the biological diversity and systematics of Loranthaceae in agrosystems, suggest that surveys should be extended in order to improve taxonomic knowledge and strengthen control strategies.