Abstract

HOSSEINI, Seyed M. et al. The European Mistletoe Effects on Leaves and Nutritional Elements of Two Host Species in Hyrcanian Forests. Silva Lus. [online]. 2008, vol.16, n.2, pp.229-237. ISSN 0870-6352.

For investigation of the mistletoe (Viscom album L.) effects on leaf area and weight of the host trees, a number of severely infected individuals and completely healthy trees (control trees) were studied. The area and weight of the eleven largest leaves of branches were collected and measured accurately. Moreover, for comparison of nutritional status, several healthy and infected Hornbeam Carpinus betulus and Ironwood Parrotia persica species individuals, with approximately similar conditions of DBH, height and other outward features were selected. Almost 100 leaves from parasitized and unparasitized branches of two host species were sampled in order to compare with control trees (uninfected trees near each host). Results showed, the area of leaves and weight of parasitized branches were less than unparasitized branches and control trees in 95% confidence level. Furthermore the amount of mineral nutrients of K, Mn and Zn showed the higher level in parasitized branches compared to control trees; in contrast, the quantity of nitrogen just in Iron wood host species was lower. This paper suggests, the V. album L. may have undesirable and displeasing effects on leaf structure, physiological and nutritional status of host trees in high intensity of infections.

Keywords : Mistletoe; ironwood species; host trees; nutritional status; leaf area.

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