DefinePK

Abstract

ABSTRACT Intro: The important parasitic weeds in Pakistan include Cusxwza spp. (Convolvulaceae); Loranthus spp. (Loranthaceae); Arceuthobium spp. and Viscuni spp. (Viscaceae); Striga spp. (Scrophulariaceae); and Orobanche spp. (Orobanchaceae). They affect a wide variety of plants, some economically important. Loranthus spp. infest about 274 hosts which include citrus, limes, tea. rubber, fruit, forage, park and many other broad-leaved trees (Mushtaque and Baloch, 1979). The dwarf mistletoes, Arceuthobium spp., attack coniferous forest trees (e.g., pines, fir, spruce, junipers, larch) while Viscuni spp. infest deciduous trees in parks, boulevard plantings, natural forests and orchards (e.g., olives, apples, almonds, cherries) (Gill and Hawksworth, 1961). Witchweeds, Striga spp., mostly damage graminaceous plants (e.g., sorghum, corn, sugarcane, pearl millet) (Greathead and Milner, 1971) while broomrapes, Orobanche spp, attack crucifers, eucurbits, potato, egg plant, tomato, sunflower, carrot, celery, lettuce and legumes (Kasaian, 1971). The dodders, Cuscuta spp., parasitise a large number of plants including trees, herbs, shrubs, cultivated crops (mostly legumes) and weeds (Baloch et al., 1967a).