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Incidence and Distribution of Loranthus Spp. in Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Mst. Ferdoushi Mahal
Department of Botany, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Sankar Narayan Sinha
Department of Botany, University of Kalyani, West Bengal, India

Farzana Ashrafi Neela
Department of Botany, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Loranthus spp., commonly known as mistletoes, are the predominant groups of angiospermic shoot parasites, and are found in a wide range of vegetative zone. They cause more economic loss than members of any other parasitic family of angiosperm. The effects of parasites on hosts are manifolds like reduction of vigour and growth rate, poor fruit and seed production; drying of tops; predisposition to other pests and diseases, and ultimately causing premature death. The motivation of such studies in urban environment is the perception of the need to understand the possible impacts that Loranthus spp. could cause on native and mostly on alien species. Therefore, in the present investigation the incidence and intensity of mistletoe infestation on host tree species and their distribution on Rajshahi Metropolitan City, Bangladesh was described.

Keywords: Loranthus spp., Mistletoe infestation, Rajshahi

Location: Rajshahi University Campus and Rajshahi Metropolitan City.

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Risk Management in Agriculture

Commodity: Parasite

Objectives:

The motivation of such studies in urban environment is the perception of the need to understand the possible impacts that Loranthus spp. could cause on native and mostly on alien species. Therefore, in this study we describe the incidence and intensity of mistletoe infestation on host tree species and their distribution on Rajshahi Metropolitan City, Bangladesh.

Methodology:

Survey Area The survey of Loranthus spp. on infected host plants were conducted in selected locations of Rajshahi University Campus and Rajshahi Metropolitan City. The locations of Rajshahi University Campus were in and around both Faculty of Science and Arts building, bas stand, Shahid miner, auditorium, around both boys and girls hostels, teacher’s quarters, botanical garden, Fine Arts department and Institute of Bangladesh Studies. The locations of Rajshahi Metropolitan City were road side tree of Shaheb bazaar, Lakkhipur and Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital.

Geographical Position Rajshahi Metropolitan City is located at 24.40ºN 88.50ºE. Rajshahi University is situated at 24.370 ºN 88º637 ºE. The campus lies about for 5-6 km east of the Rajshahi city. It is situated in the north side of Dhaka-Rajshahi road, south of Mehercandi Mouza, east of RUET and west of Fruit Research Institute.

Soil Type The soil all around of Rajshahi University is alluvium. The soil pH of Rajshahi is 7.5.

Climate Rajshahi's climate is classified as tropical. The summers are much rainier than the winters in Rajshahi. This climate is considered to be Aw according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. The annual average temperature in Rajshahi is 25.8 °C. About 1419 mm of precipitation falls annually. Precipitation is minimum in December, with an average of 2 mm. The greatest amount of precipitation occurs in July, with an average of 301 mm. At an average temperature of 29.4 °C, June is the hottest month of the year. The lowest average temperature in the year was recorded in January, when it was around 18.5 °C. The method of simple random sampling was carried out to study and collect the parasite–host association from the field. Species identification was done by Taxonomist Dr. A. H. M. Mahbubur Rahman, Associate Professor, Department of Botany, Rajshahi University. Infestation intensity (%) was calculated following Ram et al. [9]. as the number of infested branches on a tree/total number of branches on a tree ×100.

Source of Information: International Journal of Botany Studies Volume 3; Issue 2; March 2018; Page No. 146-148 ISSN: 2455-541X

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The plant ecosystem has encountered severe damages due to the distribution of semi -parasite Loranthus spp. A survey of some fruit orchards in the Central Region of the Sudan revealed severe infestation of citrus and guava trees by mistletoe. Observations indicated that these obligate parasites are causing severe damage to fruit tree crops, which include growth loss, mortality and reduced yields. Alternate hosts, dispersal, nature of damage and methods of control practised by the farmers together with those practised internationally has been discussed in this repor.

In conclusion, the severity rates of infection could vary from region to region, host to host and mistletoe density to density.

Knowledge Management: Journal