International Parasitic Plant Society
Welcome to the homepage of the International Parasitic Plant Society (IPPS). The IPPS is dedicated to advancing scientific research on parasitic plants. Our goals include increasing the understanding of these amazing plants, providing a platform for exchange among and beyond the scientific community as well as helping to decrease the crop damage inflicted by weedy parasitic plants.
Latest News
- PCP Special Issue on Parasitic Plants
- *Haustorium (86) Is Now Available for Download!*
- Assessing the mutagenic potential of methyl phenlactonoate 3 and Nijmegen-1 in bacterial reverse mutation assays
- Nutrient mediation of sink strength in the Orobanche minor – Red clover association
- Hemiparasite Phtheirospermum japonicum growth benefits from a second host and inflicts greater host damage with exogenous N supply
- New U.S. Botanic Garden Exhibit Spotlights “Fierce Flora” | United States Botanic Garden
Upcoming: The 18th World Congress On Parasitic Plants (WCPP): 2026, Ilha Bela, Brasil.
For more information see the website and Society news
Member benefits
Discount
Get a member discount for our biennial congress
Meet
Entry in and access to the member’s directory
Inform & get informed
Have access to IPPS seminars; post news on parasitic plants
Meet our talent
Post vacancies for jobs in parasitic plant research
A picture tells
Non-commercial usage rights of the photo gallery
Most recent ‘Parasitic Plant’ publications
on the Web
Гибрид подсолнечника Сурус ОР с устойчивостью к сульфонилмочевиновым гербицидам и заразихе
Wednesday 04 December 2024
The hybrid has high potential of productivity and resistance to a broomrape
race G. The sunflower hybrid Surus OR belongs to the middle maturity group, is characterized
domain : cyberleninka.ru
Ethanolic extract of Viscum album and its homeopathic potencies: a new therapeutic potential
Tuesday 03 December 2024
Viscum album, commonly known as mistletoe or European mistletoe, is a semi-parasitic
plant that grows on leafy and coniferous trees. Mistletoe was used medicinally in
domain : www.highdilution.org
Гибрид подсолнечника Лаврус с устойчивостью к сульфонилмочевиновым гербицидам и заразихе
Monday 02 December 2024
The hybrid Lavrus belongs to the middle-early maturity group, is characterized
with high yields, resistance to a broomrape race G and downy mildew pathogen (races 330,
domain : cyberleninka.ru
ocus on root development
Sunday 01 December 2024
Including crops, trees, and even parasitic plants. Most plant species have
organized and It also describes developmental programs explaining how parasitic plants convert
domain : academic.oup.com
Получение материнских линий подсолнечника, устойчивых к наиболее вирулентным расам заразихи F и G
Saturday 30 November 2024
Broomrape races F and G The aim of the research is to obtain maternal lines
resistant to broomrape (Orobanche fields, on a plot infected with broomrape seeds, and in the
domain : cyberleninka.ru
roomrape–host interaction: host morphology and physiology as metrics for infestation
Saturday 30 November 2024
Parasitic plants, particularly those in the their physiological status, parasitic
plants development is linked to early developmental stages of parasitic plants, spanning from
domain : link.springer.com
ne organ to infect them all: the Cuscuta haustorium
Friday 29 November 2024
Background Research on the parasitic plant genus Cuscuta has flourished
since the genomes of several of its species were published. Most of the research revolves
domain : academic.oup.com
ong-Distance Transport of Mrna via Parenchyma Cells and Phloem across the Host–Parasite Junction in Cuscuta
Friday 29 November 2024
It has been shown that the parasitic plant dodder (Cuscuta pentagona) establishes
a continuous vascular system through which water and nutrients are drawn. Along with
domain : ir-library.ku.ac.ke
Strigolactones Initiate the Formation of Haustorium-like Structures in Castilleja
Friday 29 November 2024
Strigolactones serve as germination signals for several root-parasitic plant
species within the Orobanchaceae family. Yet, their role in the life cycle of the facultatively
domain : www.sciencedirect.com
he First Macrofossil Record of Parasitic Plant Flowers from an Eocene Baltic Amber
Thursday 28 November 2024
Parasitic plants left little trace in the macrofossil record, making their evolutionary
history mysterious. Baltic amber and other fossil lagersttts have provided plenty of
domain : www.cell.com
versions : 2
Parasitism Affects Entomofauna Dynamics in Infected and Uninfected Plants: A Case Study of Orobanche anatolica Parasitizing Salvia absconditiflora
Thursday 28 November 2024
This study examines the relationship between a parasitic plant and its host,
focusing The findings indicate that while some parasitic plants do not rely on pollinators, they
domain : www.mdpi.com
ivergent receptors shape strigolactone perception in a facultative parasitic plant
Wednesday 27 November 2024
Parasitic plants in the Orobanchaceae parasitic plants like Striga spp., SL
perception via KAI2d receptors trigger seed germination. In contrast, facultative parasitic plants,
domain : academic.oup.com
versions : 2
erformance Prediction and Stability of Hybrid Maize in Contrasting Striga Environments
Wednesday 27 November 2024
Striga-free conditions could predict their performance in Striga-infested environment;
(ii) identify Striga yield and tolerance/resistance to Striga stress. To achieve the above,
domain : papers.ssrn.com
apping an avirulence gene in the sunflower parasitic weed Orobanche cumana and characterization of host selection based on virulence alleles
Tuesday 26 November 2024
Sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) is a an avirulence gene
in parasitic plants using a classical the structure of broomrape populations subjected to
domain : link.springer.com
versions : 4
RNA interference as a resistance mechanism against parasitic weeds
Monday 25 November 2024
Parasitic plants by transforming the host with RNA interference (RNAi) vectors
that target the parasite's essential genes. RNAi plants against Striga against Striga, maize is
domain : ir-library.ku.ac.ke
Most recent 'Parasitic Plant' publications
in Scopus
- Occurrence and effect of dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium globosum and A. vaginatum) in high-elevation forests in México Trees, Forests and People, volume 18 Friday 06 December 2024 Climate change has very important effects on high mountain forests (>3500 masl), which face various ecological problems associated with global change including the proliferation of pests and parasitic plants. These sensitive ecological systems cover approximately 39,000 ha of Mexican territory and occur around some of the highest volcanoes in the c... Climate change has very important effects on high mountain forests (>3500 masl), which face various ecological problems associated with global change including the proliferation of pests and parasitic plants. These sensitive ecological systems cover approximately 39,000 ha of Mexican territory and occur around some of the highest volcanoes in the country. The objective of this research was to determine the spatial distribution and infestation levels of dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium spp.) in the main populations of Pinus hartwegii in five mountains of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic System (Pico de Orizaba, Nevado de Toluca, Cofre de Perote, Nevado de Colima and Monte Tláloc) and identify infestation patterns in relation to the structure of the forest. In the study, 2658 sampling sites (1000 m² each) were installed using the contour lines as access transects to the forest, distributed at every 100 of altitude, between 3500 and 4000 masl. Approximately 32 % of the sampled area had some level of attack by dwarf mistletoe, distributed across all diameter categories of the trees. The infestations affected the establishment of natural regeneration and rates of tree mortality.
- New Mistletoe host for the butterfly herbivory in an island ecosystem Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity, volume 17, pages 663-677 Friday 06 December 2024 Hemi parasitic Loranths viz. Dendrophthoe curvata (Blume) Miq., D. glabrescens (Blakely) Barlow, D. longensis L.J. Singh and Macrosolen andamanensis L.J. Singh has been recorded here for the first time as new host plants for larvae of Delias hyparete indica (Wallace, 1867) of Pieridae and Tajuria cippus cippus (Fabricius, 1798) of Lycaenidae butter... Hemi parasitic Loranths viz. Dendrophthoe curvata (Blume) Miq., D. glabrescens (Blakely) Barlow, D. longensis L.J. Singh and Macrosolen andamanensis L.J. Singh has been recorded here for the first time as new host plants for larvae of Delias hyparete indica (Wallace, 1867) of Pieridae and Tajuria cippus cippus (Fabricius, 1798) of Lycaenidae butterfly in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Impact of herbivory of these butterflies on Loranths host plants is assessed along with its life history and conservation status of hosts is described in great detail. D. longensis and M. andamanensis are critically endangered and endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Optimization and pharmacological evaluation of phytochemical-rich Cuscuta reflexa seed extract for its efficacy against chlorpyrifos-induced hepatotoxicity in murine models Scientific Reports, volume 14 Thursday 05 December 2024 The popular organophosphorus (OP) compound chlorpyrifos (CP) has recently gained significant attention due to its health risks, particularly among farmers exposed to OP pesticides. This study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity of Cuscuta reflexa seed extract (CRSE) and its efficacy of mitigating the adverse effects of CP in albino male mice. For ... The popular organophosphorus (OP) compound chlorpyrifos (CP) has recently gained significant attention due to its health risks, particularly among farmers exposed to OP pesticides. This study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity of Cuscuta reflexa seed extract (CRSE) and its efficacy of mitigating the adverse effects of CP in albino male mice. For acute toxicity analysis, the first group was served as the control group, while the second group was received CRSE (200 mg/kg/bw) on the first day of the 14-day experiment. For hepatotoxicity analysis, the first group was the control group, the second group (vehicle control) received corn oil (CO) (2 mL/kg/bw), the third group was given CP (20 mg/kg/bw) dissolved in corn oil and the fourth group was given CP (20 mg/kg/bw) along-with CRSE (200 mg/kg/bw) orally via gavage once daily for 21 days. The acute toxicity examination revealed no statistically significant differences between the CRSE-treated and control groups in serum biochemical indicators and histopathological analyses of various organs, suggesting that CRSE as safe at a dosage of 200 mg/kg/bw, with an oral LD50 in mice higher than 200 mg/kg. The hepatotoxicity study demonstrated that the CP administration resulted in liver damage and oxidative stress, while CRSE acted as an antioxidant and attenuated the signs of oxidative stress in liver damage. Hence, a promising therapeutic approach for lowering CP hepatotoxicity is co-treatment with CRSE.
- Effect of soil factors on flavonoid metabolites in Striga asiatica using LC–MS based on untargeted metabolomics Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture, volume 11 Thursday 05 December 2024 Background: Striga asiatica (L.) O. Kuntze is a traditional medicinal plant rich in flavonoids, which has various pharmacological effects such as anti-hepatitis and antioxidant activities. However, there is a scarcity of resources, and artificial cultivation has not yet been achieved. This study explored the association between flavonoid metabolite... Background: Striga asiatica (L.) O. Kuntze is a traditional medicinal plant rich in flavonoids, which has various pharmacological effects such as anti-hepatitis and antioxidant activities. However, there is a scarcity of resources, and artificial cultivation has not yet been achieved. This study explored the association between flavonoid metabolites and soil physicochemical properties and trace elements in different habitats, with the aim of offering theoretical guidance for the high-quality artificial cultivation of S. asiatica. Results: The results showed that S. asiatica has low requirements for soil fertility and prefers to grow in acidic soil with high contents of potassium and available potassium, while low contents of phosphorus, nitrogen and alkali hydrolyzed nitrogen. Additionally, 1592 kinds of metabolites were identified from S. asiatica, including 78 flavonoids. Conclusions: The flavonoid metabolites were strongly related to soil factors. Reasonable application of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers as well as controlling the contents of sodium, manganese and boron in the soil, can promote the synthesis of flavonoid metabolites in the plant. Moreover, kaempferide, glycitein, luteolin, apigenin and genistein may be the metabolic markers for identifying different regions. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.)
- Potential Plant-To-Plant Transmission: Shared Endophytic Bacterial Community Between Ziziphus lotus and Its Parasite Cuscuta epithymum Microbial Ecology, volume 87 Wednesday 04 December 2024 Microbiota associated with host–parasite relationships offer an opportunity to explore interactions among plants, parasites, and microbes, thereby contributing to the overall complexity of community structures. The dynamics of ecological interactions between parasitic plants and their hosts in arid environments remain largely understudied, especi... Microbiota associated with host–parasite relationships offer an opportunity to explore interactions among plants, parasites, and microbes, thereby contributing to the overall complexity of community structures. The dynamics of ecological interactions between parasitic plants and their hosts in arid environments remain largely understudied, especially in Africa. This study aimed to examine the bacterial communities of Cuscuta epithymum L. (clover dodder), an epiphytic parasitic plant, and its host, Ziziphus lotus L. (jujuba), in an arid environment. Our goal was to uncover the ecological complexities of microbial communities within the framework of plant–plant interactions. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the bacterial composition and diversity within populations of the C. epithymum parasite, the infected- and non-infected jujuba host, and their interface at the shoots of the host. This involved amplicon sequencing, targeting the V5–V6 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. A total of 5680 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified, with Pseudomonadota, Bacillota, and Actinobacteriota being prevalent phyla. Among the bacterial communities, three genera were dominant: Cutibacterium, Staphylococcus, and Acinetobacter. Interestingly, analyses of alpha-diversity (p = 0.3 for Shannon index and p = 0.5 for Simplon index) and beta-diversity (PERMANOVA, with p-values of 0.6 and 0.3) revealed no significant differences between Cuscuta-infected and non-infected jujube shrubs, suggesting a shared shoot endophytic bacteriome. This finding advances our comprehension of microbial communities linked to plant–parasite interactions in the arid environments of Africa. Further research on various hosts is required to confirm plant-to-plant bacterial transmission through Cuscuta infection. Additionally, studies on functional diversity, cytology, ecophysiology and the mechanisms by which bacterial communities transferred between host and parasite are necessary.
- Egyptian broomrape (Phelipanche aegyptiaca): From foe to friend? Evidence of high nutritional value and potential suitability for food use Future Foods, volume 10 Wednesday 04 December 2024 This study investigates the potential of Egyptian broomrape (E.B.; Phelipanche aegyptiaca, Pers.), a parasitic plant, as a novel food source. This study aimed at (i) determining E.B.’s nutritional parameters, (ii) studying the effect of 10 different hosts on these values, and (iii) assessing its safety through a toxicological evaluation in mice. ... This study investigates the potential of Egyptian broomrape (E.B.; Phelipanche aegyptiaca, Pers.), a parasitic plant, as a novel food source. This study aimed at (i) determining E.B.’s nutritional parameters, (ii) studying the effect of 10 different hosts on these values, and (iii) assessing its safety through a toxicological evaluation in mice. The results showed that the host plant affects the parasite's nutritional composition. When developed on several hosts, E.B. has similar levels of proteins and total lipids as compared to quinoa seeds, as well as similar essential amino acids profile. However, the parasite shows substantially higher levels of dietary fibers than in quinoa (19.2–30.6 % DW, vs 7.1 % DW), total phenolic compounds (32.92–66.86 mg GAE/gr DW, vs 0.53 mg GAE/gr DW), ascorbic acid (3.1–6.0 mg/gr DW, vs 2.7 mg/gr DW), total ash (7.2–11.5 % DW, vs 2.6 % DW) and several minerals, but lower levels of reducing sugars (263–441 mg/gr DW, vs 479 mg/gr DW), indicating a potential for low glycemic index ingredients. The safety assessment in mice showed no significant toxic effects. These findings suggest that E.B. could be a valuable food source, warranting further investigation into its nutritional benefits and safety for human and animal consumption.
- Occurrence and life cycle of broomrape (Phelipanche aegyptiaca Pers.) on mustard (Brassica campestris L.) in Northeastern regions of Rajasthan Journal of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, volume 13, pages 169-176 Tuesday 03 December 2024 Broomrape (Phelipanche and Orobanche) weeds are parasitic on a variety of dicotyledonous plant species, severely harming important cash crops all over the world. The process of broomrape infestation in mustard fields (oilseed crop) is poorly understood in Rajasthan. Over the past few years, the number of broomrape-contaminated mustard fields has in... Broomrape (Phelipanche and Orobanche) weeds are parasitic on a variety of dicotyledonous plant species, severely harming important cash crops all over the world. The process of broomrape infestation in mustard fields (oilseed crop) is poorly understood in Rajasthan. Over the past few years, the number of broomrape-contaminated mustard fields has increased in many regions of Rajasthan. Field surveys were conducted to investigate the occurrence of broomrape in mustard-growing areas of northeastern Rajasthan. Field studies were also carried out in the extensively broomrape-infested mustard fields in the Nawalgarh region of Jhunjhunu (Rajasthan, India) (27°51'0.00" N 75°16'12.00" E) to evaluate the life stages and severity of broomrape infestation. Phelipanche aegyptiaca Pers. (Egyptian broomrape) was found infesting the fields of Brassica campestris L. Field experiments were conducted to record all the underground and aerial life stages of P. aegyptiaca. Among all the visited plots, the Mukandgarh region exhibited the highest incidence and severity of P. aegyptiaca during the emerging, flowering, and fructification stages, whereas the Nawalri region displayed the lowest incidence and severity at each stage. Mustard yield and quality were severely affected by the Phelipanche infestation. With an average of 50% disease incidence in most of the plots, flowering and fructification stages of broomrape are the most difficult to control and cause 100% infestation to the crop. The interrelationship of P. aegyptiaca and B. campestris is not studied extensively, especially in Rajasthan. To date successful control of this weed is not achieved. The present investigation will help understand the histological interactions of P. aegyptiaca on B. campestris about days of sowing (DAS). These interactions will certainly help to design cultural and biological control strategies by determining the most effective timing of control concerning the timeline of germination and infestation of P. aegyptiaca.
- The first macrofossil record of parasitic plant flowers from an Eocene Baltic amber Heliyon, volume 10 Tuesday 03 December 2024 Parasitic plants left little trace in the macrofossil record, making their evolutionary history mysterious. Baltic amber and other fossil lagerstätts have provided plenty of angiosperm fossils, there are only three reports of fossil leaves (cf. Schoepfia republicensis and Schoepfia sp. 1) related to Schoepfiaceae until now, making many hypotheses ... Parasitic plants left little trace in the macrofossil record, making their evolutionary history mysterious. Baltic amber and other fossil lagerstätts have provided plenty of angiosperm fossils, there are only three reports of fossil leaves (cf. Schoepfia republicensis and Schoepfia sp. 1) related to Schoepfiaceae until now, making many hypotheses related to its evolution untested. Here we report a fossil corolla and stamens of a probable schoepfiaceous flower (Schoepfiaceae, Santalales) from late Eocene (37.8–33.9 Ma ago) of Kaliningrad, Russia. Unlike previously reported flowers, the new fossil is characterized by its five fused petals bearing adnate stamens. This character assemblage points to an affinity of Schoepfiaceae. This is the debut of schoepfiaceous flower in the macrofossil record, shedding a new light on the evolution of this poorly understood family. Its unexpected occurrence in Russia adds information to the discussion on the history of Schoepfiaceae.
- The early dodder gets the host: decoding the coiling patterns of Cuscuta campestris with automated image processing Plant Cell Reports, volume 43 Tuesday 03 December 2024 Key message: We developed an in-house Python-based image analysis pipeline to investigate the movement patterns of Cuscuta. Our analysis unveiled that the coiling and circumnutation movements of Cuscuta are regulated by its intrinsic circadian rhythm. Abstract: Cuscuta spp., commonly known as dodders, are rootless and leafless stem parasitic plants... Key message: We developed an in-house Python-based image analysis pipeline to investigate the movement patterns of Cuscuta. Our analysis unveiled that the coiling and circumnutation movements of Cuscuta are regulated by its intrinsic circadian rhythm. Abstract: Cuscuta spp., commonly known as dodders, are rootless and leafless stem parasitic plants. Upon germination, Cuscuta starts rotating immediately in a counterclockwise direction (circumnutation) to locate a host plant, creating a seamless vascular connection to steal water and nutrients from its host. In this study, our aim was to elucidate the dynamics of the coiling patterns of Cuscuta, which is an essential step for successful parasitism. Using time-lapse photography, we recorded the circumnutation and coiling movements of C. campestris at different inoculation times on non-living hosts. Subsequent image analyses were facilitated through an in-house Python-based image processing pipeline to detect coiling locations, angles, initiation and completion times, and duration of coiling stages in between. The study revealed that the coiling efficacy of C. campestris varied with the inoculation time of day, showing higher success and faster initiation in morning than in evening. These observations suggest that Cuscuta, despite lacking leaves and a developed chloroplast, can discern photoperiod changes, significantly determining its parasitic efficiency. The automated image analysis results confirmed the reliability of our Python pipeline by aligning closely with manual annotations. This study provides significant insights into the parasitic strategies of C. campestris and demonstrates the potential of integrating computational image analysis in plant biology for exploring complex plant behaviors. Furthermore, this method provides an efficient tool for investigating plant movement dynamics, laying the foundation for future studies on mitigating the economic impacts of parasitic plants.
- Genome-wide association analysis of grain yield and Striga hermonthica and S. asiatica resistance in tropical and sub-tropical maize populations BMC Plant Biology, volume 24 Tuesday 03 December 2024 Background: Genetic improvement for Striga hermonthica (Sh) and S. asiatica (Sa) resistance is the most economical and effective control method to enhance the productivity of maize and other major cereal crops. Hence, identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with Striga resistance and economic traits will guide the pace and precis... Background: Genetic improvement for Striga hermonthica (Sh) and S. asiatica (Sa) resistance is the most economical and effective control method to enhance the productivity of maize and other major cereal crops. Hence, identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with Striga resistance and economic traits will guide the pace and precision of resistance breeding in maize. The objective of this study was to undertake a genome-wide association analysis of grain yield and Sh and Sa resistance among tropical and sub-tropical maize populations to identify putative genetic markers and genes for resistance breeding. 126 maize genotypes were evaluated under controlled environment conditions using artificial infestation of Sh and Sa. The test genotypes were profiled for grain yield (GY), Striga emergence counts at 8 (SEC8) and 10 (SEC10) weeks after planting, and Striga damage rate scores at 8 (SDR8) and 10 (SDR10) weeks after planting. Population structure analysis and genome-wide association mapping were undertaken based on 16,000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Results: A linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis in 798,675 marker pairs revealed that 21.52% of pairs were in significant linkage (P < 0.001). Across the chromosomes, the LD between SNPs decayed below a critical level (r2 = 0.1) at a map distance of 0.19 Mbp. The genome-wide association study identified 50 significant loci associated with Sh resistance and 22 significant loci linked to Sa resistance, corresponding to 39 and 19 candidate genes, respectively. Conclusion: The study found non-significant QTL associated with dual resistance to the two examined Striga species Some of the detected genes reportedly conditioned insect and pathogen resistance, plant cell development, variable senescence, and pollen fertility. The markers detected in the present study for Sa resistance were reported for the first time. The gene Zm00001eb219710 was pleiotropic, and conditioned GY and SEC10, while Zm00001eb165170 affected SDR8 and SDR10, and Zm00001eb112030 conditioned SDR8 and SDR10 associated with Sh resistance. The candidate genes may facilitate simultaneous selection for Sh and Sa resistance and grain yield in maize after further validation and introgression in breeding pipelines. Overall, we recommend breeding maize specifically for resistance to each Striga species using germplasm adapted to the endemic region of each parasite.
- Nutrient mediation of sink strength in the Orobanche minor – Red clover association Environmental and Experimental Botany, volume 228 Monday 02 December 2024 Holoparasites are non-photosynthetic plants which derive all their growth requirements from their host plant and are thought to act as a very strong sink for host resources. Here, we grew red clover plants in split-root boxes to explore the effect of nutrient supply to Orobanche minor parasitized or unparasitized host roots. Where nutrients were su... Holoparasites are non-photosynthetic plants which derive all their growth requirements from their host plant and are thought to act as a very strong sink for host resources. Here, we grew red clover plants in split-root boxes to explore the effect of nutrient supply to Orobanche minor parasitized or unparasitized host roots. Where nutrients were supplied to parasitized roots, parasite growth was strongly promoted at the expense of the host. Conversely, host growth did not differ significantly from unparasitized controls where nutrients were supplied to unparasitized roots. While 15N labelling suggested both strong parasitic ammonium abstraction and reduced nitrate uptake in parasitized roots, the total N content of systems where nutrients were fed to parasitized roots was approximately 26 % higher than control plants, suggesting that changes in host and parasite growth rates were due to changes in sink strength, rather than nutrient uptake. Parasitism and nutrient supply had strong effects on leaf carbohydrate metabolism but did not affect photosynthetic rates or leaf N concentration. In the second experiment, we investigated the importance of light level on the host – parasite relationship, concluding that parasitism had a diminished effect on host growth under low light conditions. Total system mass was unaffected by the apparent sink strength of the parasite. Our results suggest a dynamic relationship between host shoot and parasite sink strengths, mediated by changes in nutrient status.
- Chromosome-scale pearl millet genomes reveal CLAMT1b as key determinant of strigolactone pattern and Striga susceptibility Nature Communications, volume 15 Monday 02 December 2024 The yield of pearl millet, a resilient cereal crop crucial for African food security, is severely impacted by the root parasitic weed Striga hermonthica, which requires host-released hormones, called strigolactones (SLs), for seed germination. Herein, we identify four SLs present in the Striga-susceptible line SOSAT-C88-P10 (P10) but absent in the ... The yield of pearl millet, a resilient cereal crop crucial for African food security, is severely impacted by the root parasitic weed Striga hermonthica, which requires host-released hormones, called strigolactones (SLs), for seed germination. Herein, we identify four SLs present in the Striga-susceptible line SOSAT-C88-P10 (P10) but absent in the resistant 29Aw (Aw). We generate chromosome-scale genome assemblies, including four gapless chromosomes for each line. The Striga-resistant Aw lacks a 0.7 Mb genome segment containing two putative CARLACTONOIC ACID METHYLTRANSFERASE1 (CLAMT1) genes, which may contribute to SL biosynthesis. Functional assays show that P10CLAMT1b produces the SL-biosynthesis intermediate methyl carlactonoate (MeCLA) and that MeCLA is the precursor of P10-specific SLs. Screening a diverse pearl millet panel confirms the pivotal role of the CLAMT1 section for SL diversity and Striga susceptibility. Our results reveal a reason for Striga susceptibility in pearl millet and pave the way for generating resistant lines through marker-assisted breeding or direct genetic modification.
- Functional traits of Ziziphus mucronata below mistletoe-infected trees in a semi-arid African savanna South African Journal of Botany, volume 176, pages 241-247 Sunday 01 December 2024 Mistletoes are increasingly associated with elevated leaf litter, soil nutrients, and soil moisture, resources which influence variations in plant functional traits. Despite this recognition, variations in the functional traits of understorey plants with overstorey (host) tree mistletoe infection are yet to be examined. Here, we measured the differ... Mistletoes are increasingly associated with elevated leaf litter, soil nutrients, and soil moisture, resources which influence variations in plant functional traits. Despite this recognition, variations in the functional traits of understorey plants with overstorey (host) tree mistletoe infection are yet to be examined. Here, we measured the different functional traits (height, stem diameter, canopy area, leaf area, specific leaf area, whole-leaf thickness, leaf dry matter content, and chlorophyll content) of Ziziphus mucronata, a dominant woody plant beneath mistletoe-infected Vachellia karroo trees in semi-arid savanna. Two-sample t-tests were used to compare host size, mistletoe infection intensity, and trait variables between low and high mistletoe-infected trees. The relationships between Ziziphus mucronata functional traits vs. host tree diameter and the number of mistletoes per tree were explored using regression analysis and visualized using a regression biplot based on a redundancy analysis (RDA). Host tree height, canopy area, and canopy volume were strongly positively (r > 0.7, p < 0.05) related to mistletoe infection intensity. While most of the traits did not vary with mistletoe infection, the chlorophyll content and leaf area of understorey Z. mucronata increased with host tree size, being greater beneath high than low mistletoe-infected trees. These variations are linked to changes in limiting resources such as light, soil nutrients, and soil moisture due to accumulation of mistletoes and increase in size as the host tree ages. As a result, the understorey plants shifted from being resource conservative to being acquisitive as limiting resources increased. The general lack of trait plasticity in understorey Z. mucronata suggests that plastic allocation responses may not be a general consequence of mistletoe infection.
- Chromosome-level genome assembly of Korean holoparasitic plants, Orobanche coerulescens Scientific Data, volume 11 Sunday 01 December 2024 Orobanche coerulescens is a parasitic plant that cannot complete its life cycle without a host and is incapable of photosynthesis. The habitats of O. coerulescens span the coasts of Korea and its volcanic islands, Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Those on the volcanic islands exhibit morphological differences and have distinct hosts compared to those on the pe... Orobanche coerulescens is a parasitic plant that cannot complete its life cycle without a host and is incapable of photosynthesis. The habitats of O. coerulescens span the coasts of Korea and its volcanic islands, Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Those on the volcanic islands exhibit morphological differences and have distinct hosts compared to those on the peninsula. The family of Orobanchaceae, encompassing both autotrophic and parasitic species, serves as a model for evolutionary studies of parasitic states. However, there are limited genome assemblies for the Orobanche genus. In our study, we produced approximately 100x ONT long reads to construct a chromosome-level genome of O. coerulescens. The resulting assembly has a total size of 3,648 Mb with an N50 value of 195 Mb, and 82.0% of BUSCO genes were identified as complete. Results of the repeat annotation revealed that 86.3% of the genome consisted of repeat elements, and 29,395 protein-coding genes were annotated. This chromosome-level genome will be an important biological resource for conserving biodiversity and further understanding parasitic plants.
- Semen Cuscutae-Fructus Lycii attenuates tripterygium glycosides-induced spermatogenesis dysfunction by inhibiting oxidative stress-mediated ferroptosis via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway Phytomedicine, volume 135 Saturday 30 November 2024 Background: Semen Cuscutae and Fructus Lycii (SC-FL) is known for its potential therapeutic effects on spermatogenesis dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanisms of SC-FL in alleviating spermatogenesis dysfunction is still being elucidated. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the effects of SC-FL on spermatogenesis dysfunction and investigate... Background: Semen Cuscutae and Fructus Lycii (SC-FL) is known for its potential therapeutic effects on spermatogenesis dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanisms of SC-FL in alleviating spermatogenesis dysfunction is still being elucidated. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the effects of SC-FL on spermatogenesis dysfunction and investigate the involved mechanisms, specifically focusing on the modulation of oxidative stress and ferroptosis. Methods: A mouse model of spermatogenesis dysfunction was induced by tripterygium glycosides, followed by treatment with SC-FL. Assessment of testicular spermatogenic function in the mice was performed alongside lipidomics analysis to investigate the metabolic mechanisms of SC-FL. The effects on oxidative stress and ferroptosis-related markers were evaluated, the chemical constituents of SC-FL were identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and network pharmacology analysis was carried out. Additionally, an in vitro model of spermatogenesis dysfunction was established using triptolide-induced GC-1 cells, which were treated with Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) and flavonoids from Semen Cuscutae (FSC) to explore their impact on cell damage, oxidative stress-mediated damage, and ferroptosis. Results: SC-FL improved the mouse model of spermatogenesis dysfunction by inhibiting oxidative stress-mediated ferroptosis. In vitro experiments demonstrated that LBP and FSC relieved GC-1 cell damage, with their mechanisms also associated with the inhibition of oxidative stress-mediated ferroptosis. Conclusion: SC-FL alleviates spermatogenesis dysfunction in animal and cell models, potentially through the modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, which consequently inhibits oxidative stress-mediated ferroptosis in spermatogonial cells.
Parasitic Plants on X [fka Twitter]
;
© Copyright IPPS 2010-2024 • Disclaimer • Privacy • Terms and conditions • Contact