Some new hosts of Cuscuta sp.

Abstract

During surveys conducted at Kalyani, West Bengal, in 1987-90, Cuscuta was found parasitizing several forest tree species: Acacia auriculiformis, A. arabica [Acacia nilotica], Inga dulcis, Tecoma stans, Millingtonia hortensis and Glycosmis pentaphylla (all new records) and Casuarina equisetifolia and Spathodea campanulata. The parasite was present throughout the year, but growth was more intense in the winter months. C.equisetifolia, M. hortensis, S. campanulata were most affected. Initial symptoms in M. hortensis were dieback, followed by drying of branches, and cracking of bark on large branches and on the stem. Large trees died within 4-6 yr. C. equisetifolia and S. campanulata did not die.