Evaluation of mistletoes (Tapinanthus sp) on the ornamental plants and trees in selected academic and research institutions in Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

The need for environmental protection of the natural and artificial vegetation as a means of biodiversity is of global interest. Therefore, a survey was conducted in some institutions in Zaria to identify common host species of mistletoes (Tapinanthus sp) and the level of damage induced by the parasite. Samples of the ornamental plants and trees were collected during the survey in 2001 and were identified in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria herbarium. The severity and incidence of the parasite were determined by differential host test and the number of infected stands, were expressed in percentage of total stands sampled respectively. Results showed that the parasite is important in the Zaria as 100% incidence and severity of 50% and above (++) was observed on Dalbergia sissoo, Gmelina aborea, Khaya senegalensis, Thevetia nerrifoliea, and Azadirachta indica. Generally, the incidence of susceptible species ranged between 20%-100%. Dalbergia sissoo gave the highest severity as some stands were completely killed by the parasite particularly in the Federal College of Education, Zaria environment.

Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences Vol. 3 (2) 2005: pp.86-91