First Report of Dendrophthoe falcata (l. F.) Ettingsh on Important Tree Species: Populus deltoides and Melia dubia

Abstract

This study reports the first documented instance of Dendrophthoe falcata (L. f.) Ettingsh., a parasitic plant, infecting Populus deltoides and Melia dubia, two economically valuable timber and pulpwood tree species which have been extensively employed in agroforestry in India. Infected trees in both species exhibited a reduction in the size and growth of secondary branches, culminating in top drying and mortality due to gall formation on primary branches. The incidence of infection was higher in Melia (45 %) than in Poplar (20%). However, it was more severe in Poplar, with more than twice the number of gall formations compared to Melia, and a 10% tree mortality rate in the plantation. It seems that M. dubia is more resistant to D. falcata infestations compared to P. deltoides. Consequently, D. falcata emergence poses a severe threat to Poplar cultivars. Further research is essential to understand Dendrophthoe's distribution, host specificity, and dispersal mechanisms to protect valuable species like Poplar and Melia from its detrimental effects.