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..

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Cistanche tubulosa

Cuscuta reflexa

Cynomorium coccineum

Cytinus hypocistis

Viscum album

Phoradendron sp.

Orobanche hederae

Orobanche kochii

Conopholis americana

Pholisma arenarium

Lathraea clandestina (Purple toothwort)

Aphyllon californica

Arceuthobium oxicedrii

Buchnera americana

Striga hermonthica

Orobanche crenata

Pedicularis resupinata

Phelipanche aegyptiaca

Agalinis sp.

Castilleja sp.

Scybalium fungiforme (Balanophoraceae, Santalales)

Cuscuta campestris

Cuscuta monogyna

Phelipanche ramosa

Orobanche crenata

Cuscuta monogyna on Ziziphus spina-christi

Orobanche teucrii

Orobanche gracilis

Cuscuta gronovii

Euphrasia cf. salisburgensis

Castilleja cf. chromosa

Lindenbergia muraria

Rhinanthus cf. serotinus

Viscum cruciatum

Striga hermonthica on sorghum in a rhizotron

Boulardia macrolepis

Dasistoma macrophylla

Aeginetia indica on Setaria

Striga gesnerioides Indigo (Florida) strain

Lathraea squamaria

Cistanche phelypaea

Cistanche violacea

Orobanche minor on clover in Japan

Orobanche cumana on sunflower in Israel

Phelipanche nana on Oxalis pes-caprae

Orobanche crenata on pea near Gesher Haziv (ISR)

Orobanche pallidiflora

Orobanche bartlingii

Orobanche lutea

Orobanche alba

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Most recent ‘Parasitic Plant’ publications

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Most recent 'Parasitic Plant' publications

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Differential effects of precipitation pulses on two mistletoe species and their associated fauna in a semi-arid environment Valentina Vilches-Gómez, José I. Orellana, Francisco E. Fontúrbel Journal of Arid Environments, volume 232 Thursday 26 February 2026 Semi-arid ecosystems are highly limited by water availability; thus, precipitation pulses can generate significant impacts on plant populations. We evaluated the effects of rainfall pulses on the phenologies of two mistletoe species (Tristerix aphyllus and T. verticillatus) and their associated fauna in Las Chinchillas National Reserve, Chile. Base... Semi-arid ecosystems are highly limited by water availability; thus, precipitation pulses can generate significant impacts on plant populations. We evaluated the effects of rainfall pulses on the phenologies of two mistletoe species (Tristerix aphyllus and T. verticillatus) and their associated fauna in Las Chinchillas National Reserve, Chile. Based on a two-year camera trap survey (2021–2023), we recorded a total of 21,083 visits. Although 2022 began following a 2021 hydric deficit, a large rainfall pulse during the austral winter altered conditions, influencing the patterns observed in 2023. Tristerix aphyllus (a holoparasite specialized on cacti) showed a decrease in flowering after the rainfall pulse, whereas T. verticillatus (a generalist hemiparasite) showed an increase in flowering and fruiting. Associated fauna showed a significant variation between years: both species experienced greater visitor abundance after the pulse, but only T. verticillatus showed increased species richness (from 3.71 to 7.30 species in average). Beta diversity values indicated greater species turnover in T. aphyllus (57.14 %) than in T. verticillatus (17.39 %); small mammals became more dominant than birds after the rainfall pulse. These results show differential effects of rainfall pulses between mistletoe species, shedding light on the complex ecological dynamics underlying Mediterranean semi-arid environments.
Ethyl acetate fraction of Striga hermonthica (Delile) Benth. inhibits AGEs-mediated inflammatory markers in THP-1 monocytes Abdoulaye Segda, Priya Tufail, Roland Nâg Tiéro Méda, Aneela Fayaz, Benjamin Kouliga Koama, Georges Anicet Ouédraogo, Humera Jahan, M. Iqbal Choudhary Fitoterapia, volume 189 Wednesday 25 February 2026 The present study investigated the antiglycation activities of extracts and fractions of Phyllanthus amarus , Chrysanthellum americanum , Striga hermonthica and, based on cytotoxicity results, evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of the ethyl acetate fraction of Striga hermonthica ( EtOAc-Sh ) in AGE-challenged THP-1 monocytes. The in vitro me... The present study investigated the antiglycation activities of extracts and fractions of Phyllanthus amarus , Chrysanthellum americanum , Striga hermonthica and, based on cytotoxicity results, evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of the ethyl acetate fraction of Striga hermonthica ( EtOAc-Sh ) in AGE-challenged THP-1 monocytes. The in vitro methylglyoxal (MGO)-bovine serum albumin (BSA) assay revealed notable inhibition of AGE formation by EtOAc-Sh (IC<inf>50</inf> = 100.1 ± 0.001 μg/mL; quercetin 1.23 μM, gallic acid 0.131 μM, rutin 0.0021 μM), with rutin used as the standard (IC<inf>50</inf> = 402 ± 0.30 μM). Cell metabolic assay showed EtOAc-Sh was non-cytotoxic to HepG2 hepatocytes (∼ 94 % cell viability at 250 μg/mL), and THP-1 monocytes (≥ 90 % cell viability at 500 μg/mL). Moreover, EtOAc-Sh significantly ( p < 0.001) reduced the AGE-mediated ROS production (83 % at 100 μg/mL), as compared to apocynin (69 % at 100 μM). Furthermore, EtOAc-Sh suppressed the NF-κB (p<sup>65</sup>) (RFU: 9.18 at 100 μg/mL) activation, as compared to PDTC (RFU: 6.97) at 100 μM. EtOAc-Sh also significantly ( p < 0.001) reduced the COX-2 levels (1.52-fold decrease at 100 μg/mL; PDTC, 1.68-fold decrease) in THP-1 monocytes, while significantly ( p < 0.001) reversing the AGE-induced suppression of COX-1 levels (1.89-fold increase at 100 μg/mL; PDTC, 1.88-fold increase) at 100 μM. HPLC-UV analysis identified quercetin, gallic acid, and rutin, as the active constituents of the EtOAc-Sh fraction. These findings suggest that EtOAc-Sh fraction as a potential antiglycation, and anti-inflammatory agent, which supporting the traditional use of Striga hermonthica in diabetes management in Burkina Faso.
Unveiling the absorbed bioactive constituents of Cuscuta seeds: A systematic strategy integrating automated MS annotation, in vivo chemometric screening and bioactivity evaluation Xi yang Tang, Ming jia Ma, Meng le Du, Lv qi Xie, Jia jia Chen, Ze xi Tan, Zhi jian Su, Zi qin Dai, Lei Huang, Yi Dai Food Chemistry X, volume 34 Wednesday 25 February 2026 The strategy integrated MATLAB automated MS annotation, in vivo chemometric screening, and progesterone assessment under oxidative stress was established for the identification of absorbed bioactive constituents of Cuscuta seed (CS). MATLAB platform characterized 203 components (flavonols, alkaloids, phenolic acids, etc) in CS extract, outperformin... The strategy integrated MATLAB automated MS annotation, in vivo chemometric screening, and progesterone assessment under oxidative stress was established for the identification of absorbed bioactive constituents of Cuscuta seed (CS). MATLAB platform characterized 203 components (flavonols, alkaloids, phenolic acids, etc) in CS extract, outperforming commercial software through its combinatorial “parent molecules + group fragments” database and automated neutral loss/diagnostic ion matching. This approach was designed to effectively minimize in-source fragmentation false positives, while its dual-dimension similarity algorithm refined molecular networking. Furthermore, 20 prototypes and 46 metabolites were discovered and identified in plasma and urine after oral administration of CS by OPLS-DA and MATLAB analysis platform. Cuscutamine and p-coumaric acid exhibited high systemic exposure. Based on in vivo metabolic analysis, 9 major absorbed constituents were revealed. Hyperoside, ferulic acid, cuscutamine, kaempferol, and quercetin demonstrated significant bioactivity by attenuating H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage in R2C Leydig cells and restoring progesterone levels.
Horizontal gene transfer of the Pytheas sequence from Cuscuta to Orobanche via a host-mediated pathway Magdalena Denysenko-Bennett, Dagmara Kwolek, Grzegorz Góralski, Marek Szklarczyk, Renata Piwowarczyk, Saša Stefanović, Adam C. Schneider, Andrzej J. Joachimiak Scientific Reports, volume 16 Tuesday 24 February 2026 Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) is a phenomenon of DNA transfer between organisms that does not involve a parent-offspring relationship. HGT is believed to play an important role in all groups of organisms, including plants, and especially in parasites. Here we describe a chain of transfers from Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae) to Orobanche rigens (Orobanch... Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) is a phenomenon of DNA transfer between organisms that does not involve a parent-offspring relationship. HGT is believed to play an important role in all groups of organisms, including plants, and especially in parasites. Here we describe a chain of transfers from Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae) to Orobanche rigens (Orobanchaceae)—both parasitic plants—via a host belonging to tribe Genisteae (Fabaceae). During its “journey” between genomes, the transferred sequence, which we named Pytheas, was altered by deletions, additions of new segments from the current genome, substitutions, and rearrangements. This is the first robustly documented case of a multi-step transfer pathway—involving one IGT and two HGTs—connecting three plant species. Specifically, this system involves a host plant mediated gene flow between two distinct parasites without involvement of transposable elements, the cox1 intron, or other vectors. This case also demonstrates how host-parasite interactions can facilitate the spread of genetic material between evolutionarily distant lineages.
Beyond Viscum album: Mistletoe physiology and the pharmacological potential of the extensive Loranthaceae family Pablo Sepúlveda-Orellana, Carlos I. Cataldo, Valentina Nunez-Pascual, Adrián Moreno, Felipe Gordillo-Fuenzalida, María Carolina Otero Journal of Ethnopharmacology, volume 357 Tuesday 24 February 2026 Ethnopharmacological relevance: Mistletoe extracts from the genus Viscum are widely recognized for their complementary use in cancer therapies. However, many other mistletoe species are employed in ethnopharmacology around the world. The Loranthaceae family is broadly distributed and closely linked to local populations due to its medicinal uses. Ai... Ethnopharmacological relevance: Mistletoe extracts from the genus Viscum are widely recognized for their complementary use in cancer therapies. However, many other mistletoe species are employed in ethnopharmacology around the world. The Loranthaceae family is broadly distributed and closely linked to local populations due to its medicinal uses. Aim of the study: This review integrates biological and pharmacological perspectives to highlight the Loranthaceae family as a biodiverse resource of emerging pharmacological importance, considering its distribution, phytochemical diversity, and therapeutic potential. Materials and methods: A bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies on biogeography, ecology, plant physiology, phytochemistry, bioactivity, and pharmacology of Viscaceae and Loranthaceae were included. Both qualitative and quantitative syntheses of the available information were carried out. Results: Loranthaceae species are predominantly distributed in the Southern Hemisphere. Their broad biogeographic history has favored considerable evolutionary diversification. The physiology of mistletoes responds to seasonal variations and to biotic and abiotic stresses that influence the accumulation of bioactive compounds. Evidence is presented for 38 Loranthaceae species, showing strong consistency between their traditional uses and the bioactivities investigated. Among these, antioxidant and antitumoral effects, protection of organs and tissues, immunomodulatory properties, antimicrobial and antiviral activity, antidiabetic potential, cardiovascular regulation, neuroactive effects, and cholesterol-lowering activity stand out. A great diversity of secondary metabolites is evident across all species reviewed, including twelve compounds described for the first time through the study of these parasitic plants, such as phenolic glycosides, cyanogenic glycosides, and lupeol-based triterpenoid esters. Future perspectives in biomedicine and biotechnology emphasize the need to continue investigating these plants. Conclusions: Mistletoes of the Loranthaceae family represent a valuable source of chemical and genetic resources with significant pharmacological potential. Their wide distribution and diversity of bioactive compounds position them as promising candidates for drug discovery. Nevertheless, further research is required to elucidate specific mechanisms and to evaluate their effects at subclinical and clinical levels.
Assisting species differentiation and taxonomic classification by hyperspectral imaging: an example from the parasitic plant realm Vasili A. Balios, Samuel Ortega, Karsten Heia, Anna Avetisyan, Kirsten Krause Plant Methods, volume 22 Monday 23 February 2026 Background: Cuscuta, a genus of parasitic plants, poses a threat to global agriculture by infesting a wide variety of economically important crops and facilitating the transmission of plant viruses. Accurate species identification is crucial for management but is traditionally based on morphological traits that require expert knowledge, limiting ac... Background: Cuscuta, a genus of parasitic plants, poses a threat to global agriculture by infesting a wide variety of economically important crops and facilitating the transmission of plant viruses. Accurate species identification is crucial for management but is traditionally based on morphological traits that require expert knowledge, limiting accessibility and early detection. Hyperspectral imaging, a technique that captures detailed reflectance information across hundreds of narrow and contiguous wavelength bands, offers the potential to non-invasively monitor plant health with high precision. This study aimed to explore whether hyperspectral imaging, combined with machine learning algorithms, can accurately differentiate between host plant tissue and parasitic Cuscuta species and further distinguish among different species within the genus. Results: Hyperspectral images were collected in both the visible-near infrared and short-wave infrared ranges, followed by preprocessing and segmentation of plant material from the background. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index method yielded the most consistent segmentation performance. Random Forest and Neural Network models trained on segmented pixels achieved high classification accuracy and balanced F1 scores of approximately 0.97 in both binary (host versus parasite) and multiclass (species-level) classification. Feature selection using a genetic algorithm and an iterative elbow method successfully reduced the number of spectral bands needed for accurate predictions, identifying key wavelengths associated with chlorophyll content and other biochemical markers. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of hyperspectral imaging combined with machine learning for identifying and classifying parasitic Cuscuta species. The findings highlight the potential of this approach for rapid, non-destructive field diagnostics and precision agriculture applications. As imaging hardware continues to improve and become more affordable, such integrated systems could be deployed in real-world crop monitoring and management to mitigate the impact of parasitic plants on global food production.
Genome-wide association analysis reveals genetic markers linked to Striga hermonthica resistance in Ethiopian sorghum [Sorghum bicolor L. Moench] landraces Abiy Legesse, Hewan Demissie, Habte Nida, Alemu Tirfessa, Taye Tesema Euphytica, volume 222 Monday 23 February 2026 Sorghum is an economically important food security crop primarily cultivated by small-scale farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, sorghum production is severely constrained by Striga hermonthica, a root-parasitic weed. In Ethiopia, yield losses in heavily infested fields can reach 100%. Therefore, the continuous identification and pyramiding of b... Sorghum is an economically important food security crop primarily cultivated by small-scale farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, sorghum production is severely constrained by Striga hermonthica, a root-parasitic weed. In Ethiopia, yield losses in heavily infested fields can reach 100%. Therefore, the continuous identification and pyramiding of beneficial genes for Striga resistance is a widely recognized and effective strategy to mitigate this problem. We analyzed 318 Ethiopian sorghum landraces to identify quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) significantly associated with Striga resistance indices and subsequently discovered potential candidate genes. Based on three Striga resistance indices, 25 landraces exhibited greater resistance than the resistant check variety, Berhan. The most resistant landraces included ETSL_100874, ETSL_101451, ETSL_101210, ETSL_100275, ETSL_100494, IS_38279, and ETSL_101258. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified 36 significant QTNs associated with the three Striga resistance indices. In the sorghum genome, 33 potential candidate genes are located near 17 strongly associated and reliable QTNs. The candidate genes are likely involved in various resistance mechanisms, including the production of low-germination stimulants, initiation of a hypersensitive response, antibiosis, formation of physical barriers, immunity, root system architecture, photosynthetic efficiency of the host plant, and activation of defense-related genes. These findings provide evidence of existing Striga resistance sources within the local collection. Overall, this study advances our understanding of the genetic architecture of Striga resistance and can facilitate marker-assisted selection to enhance the efficiency of Striga resistance breeding programs in sorghum, thereby accelerating the development of durable Striga-resistant sorghum varieties for small-scale farmers.
Occurrence of common mistletoe (Viscum album subsp. album) on alien tree species in the urban green areas of Wrocław (Poland) Robert Krzysztof Sobolewski, Elżbieta Małgorzata Szopińska, Justyna Jaworek-Jakubska, Piotr Łakomy Urban Ecosystems, volume 29 Monday 23 February 2026 Common mistletoe (Viscum album) is an evergreen hemiparasitic plant that parasitizes around 200 taxa of trees and shrubs in Poland, including both native and alien species. Most reports from Poland regarding alien host species of mistletoe consist of historical records, mainly from arboreta. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence and de... Common mistletoe (Viscum album) is an evergreen hemiparasitic plant that parasitizes around 200 taxa of trees and shrubs in Poland, including both native and alien species. Most reports from Poland regarding alien host species of mistletoe consist of historical records, mainly from arboreta. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence and degree of infestation by common mistletoe of alien tree species considered rare in the historic urban green areas of Wrocław. The research encompassed all green areas where the occurrence of these rare species was recorded, noting the number of sites in which infested specimens were found. The study also included an analysis of the frequency of infestation for each tree species. The presence of common mistletoe was found on 19 out of 57 examined taxa. The infested species belonged to 8 genera and 7 families. The results indicate that Quercus palustris, Celtis occidentalis, Carya ovata, Juglans nigra, Aesculus glabra, and Acer tataricum were the species most frequently colonised by Viscum album under urban conditions in Wrocław. In contrast, unlike on other taxa of the Tilia L. genus, no mistletoe was found on Tilia ×euchlora nor on species in the Fabaceae family, even though a member of that family – Robinia pseudoacacia – is a common host in Poland. This work can serve as valuable baseline data on the dynamics of mistletoe spread on selected alien tree species not only in Wrocław and western Poland, but also in Central and Eastern Europe.
Genetic characterization of Orobanche crenata populations parasitizing faba bean, chickpea, and carrot in Morocco reveals host-driven differentiation Toufik Chedadi, Youssef Khachtib, Youssef Ait Bella, Atman Adiba, Said Bouda, Abdelmajid Haddioui, Mohammed El Hansali, Omar Idrissi Phytoparasitica, volume 54 Sunday 22 February 2026 Orobanche crenata (crenate broomrape) is a devastating parasitic weed that severely constrains legume and vegetable production in the Mediterranean region. In Morocco, where it is particularly destructive to faba bean, chickpea, and more recently carrot, little is known about its genetic structure and host adaptation. To investigate its genetic str... Orobanche crenata (crenate broomrape) is a devastating parasitic weed that severely constrains legume and vegetable production in the Mediterranean region. In Morocco, where it is particularly destructive to faba bean, chickpea, and more recently carrot, little is known about its genetic structure and host adaptation. To investigate its genetic structure and host-associated differentiation, we characterized 45 populations of O. crenata collected from these three hosts using 11 ISSR primers. A total of 217 scorable bands were obtained, with a high level of polymorphism (99.07%). Marker informativeness was supported by high polymorphism information content (mean = 0.34) and resolving power (mean = 6.85). Genetic diversity indices revealed moderate variation within populations (I = 0.32; Ht = 0.19), while AMOVA indicated that 23.2% of the total variance was attributable to differences among populations. Pairwise comparisons showed the strongest differentiation between carrot and legume-associated populations (FST = 0.12; Nei’s distance = 0.029), whereas faba bean and chickpea populations were more closely related (FST = 0.075; Nei’s distance = 0.020). These findings, further supported by NJ clustering and PCoA, demonstrate that host identity plays a central role in structuring O. crenata populations in Morocco. This study provides the first molecular evidence of host-driven genetic divergence in carrot-derived O. crenata and highlights the importance of considering host specialization in breeding programs and management strategies.
Spatial determinants of mistletoe dispersal in Scots pine dominated forests: Are more complex forest stands less prone to invasion? Leszek Bolibok, Wojciech Kędziora, Michał Brach, Roman Wójcik Forest Ecology and Management, volume 603 Sunday 22 February 2026 Mistletoe (Viscum album ssp. austriacum) is an increasingly prevalent parasitic plant in European pine forests. It raises concerns among forest managers due to its negative impacts on tree health and timber production. This study investigates the spatial and structural determinants of mistletoe infestation in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) stands wi... Mistletoe (Viscum album ssp. austriacum) is an increasingly prevalent parasitic plant in European pine forests. It raises concerns among forest managers due to its negative impacts on tree health and timber production. This study investigates the spatial and structural determinants of mistletoe infestation in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) stands within the Kozienicka Forest in Central Poland, using a combination of intensive spatial sampling in field surveys, LiDAR data, and satellite imagery. We analyzed 423 plots using generalized additive models to identify key variables influencing mistletoe presence. Our results show that older and larger trees were most likely to be infested, and these were associated with increased defoliation, while dense, young, even-aged pine stands offer some resistance. Increased shrub cover in the understory and proximity to the forest complex edge significantly elevated infestation likelihood, suggesting bird-mediated seed dispersal is critical. The presence of old-style orchards in the forest's complex surroundings and the proximity to the Vistula River, an important bird migration corridor, may also enhance mistletoe spread. These findings highlight the complex interactions between forest structure, birds' behavior, and mistletoe dynamics, offering valuable insights for forest management strategies to mitigate mistletoe invasion.
Corrigendum to “Anti-osteoporosis effect of Semen Cuscutae in ovariectomized mice through inhibition of bone resorption by osteoclasts” [J. Ethnopharmacol. 285 (2022) 114834] Yun Yang, Qiu Wei, Ran An, Hua Mei Zhang, Jia Yuan Shen, Xiao Yan Qin, Xiao Ling Han, Jie Li, Xiao Wei Li, Xiu Mei Gao, Jun He, Hao Ping Mao Journal of Ethnopharmacology, volume 356 Sunday 22 February 2026 The authors regret an error was identified in Fig. 3A. This occurred during preparation of the figure when the DXA scan images for the 4 g/kg CSE group were mistakenly reused. This resulted in identical images for the 4 g/kg CSE group and the sham surgery group. The error occurred because the DXA scan images from different groups were accidently mi... The authors regret an error was identified in Fig. 3A. This occurred during preparation of the figure when the DXA scan images for the 4 g/kg CSE group were mistakenly reused. This resulted in identical images for the 4 g/kg CSE group and the sham surgery group. The error occurred because the DXA scan images from different groups were accidently mixed up in the final preparation of the figures. Following a thorough review, it was concluded that this error would not affect the study’s main conclusions. However, it has been confirmed that the error corrected a detail. To rectify this error, we kindly request the publication of a Corrigendum. We provide the following corrections: Corrected Fig. 3A: (To avoid errors, we no longer split different groups of images, but directly mark the grouping information on the original images.)
Host-dependent variations in antioxidant activity, metabolic profile, and phenolic content of the parasitic plant Phoradendron nervosum Oliv. Raluca A. Mihai, Ramiro F. Vivanco Gonzaga, Fabián A. Silva Ayo, Romina A. López Mendoza, Mishell A. Nicolalde Padilla, Jeimy E. Calahorrano Cabrera, Alvarez R. Chuma, Rodica D. Catana Scientific Reports, volume 16 Saturday 21 February 2026 Phoradendron nervosum (hemiparasitic plant) exhibits remarkable metabolic plasticity, with significant variations in bioactive compound content, metabolite profiles, and antioxidant capacity depending on the host species (Laurus nobilis L., Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L., Populus alba L.) and organ type (leaves vs. fruits). A multi-method approach combi... Phoradendron nervosum (hemiparasitic plant) exhibits remarkable metabolic plasticity, with significant variations in bioactive compound content, metabolite profiles, and antioxidant capacity depending on the host species (Laurus nobilis L., Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L., Populus alba L.) and organ type (leaves vs. fruits). A multi-method approach combining spectrophotometry, complementary antioxidant assays (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP), and complete metabolomic profiling by LC–MS was used to elucidate the biochemical interactions between P. nervosum and its hosts. The results obtained showed a differential distribution of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds, with leaves characterized by higher flavonoid concentrations (e.g., up to 0.286 mg QE/g DW). At the same time, fruits exhibited host-mediated modulations, especially in the species L. nobilis (e.g., the highest TPC at 2.723 mg GAE/g DW). Antioxidant activity was consistently higher in leaves (e.g., up to 41.26 µmol Trolox/g DW in DPPH assay), correlating with their enriched presence of phenolic acids and glycosylated flavonoids. The host species played a determining role in antioxidant capacity, as H. rosa-sinensis-associated plants exhibited the highest levels (e.g., 14.53 µmol Trolox/g DW in ABTS, 24.06 µmol Fe<sup>2+</sup>/g DW in FRAP). Correlation analysis suggested complex biochemical trade-offs influencing metabolic allocations. A diversity of bioactive compounds was identified by LC–MS, highlighting the synergistic interaction between metabolites in defining the physiological response of P. nervosum. Our results highlight its adaptive versatility and ecological significance, but also potential pharmacological applications, given that related mistletoe species from Europe are already used in antitumor treatments.
Diversity and functional traits of the flower stigma microbiome in heterotrophic and autotrophic plants: Phelipanche ramosa vs. its host Nicotiana tabacum Karolina Wiśniewska, Sebastian Wojciech Przemieniecki, Krzysztof Krawczyk, Renata Piwowarczyk Scientific Reports, volume 16 Friday 20 February 2026 Phelipanche ramosa is a widespread parasitic weed of significant economic importance, particularly affecting tomatoes and tobacco. Despite its well-documented impact on agriculture, its microbial associations remain poorly understood. For the first time, we used Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to determine the composition of microorganisms (bacter... Phelipanche ramosa is a widespread parasitic weed of significant economic importance, particularly affecting tomatoes and tobacco. Despite its well-documented impact on agriculture, its microbial associations remain poorly understood. For the first time, we used Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to determine the composition of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) on the flower stigma of P. ramosa and its host, Nicotiana tabacum, as well as to explore their potential functions. The stigma is a nutrient-rich environment that fosters a varied microbial community, encompassing both beneficial and pathogenic organisms affecting plant health and reproductive success. Unique bacterial populations were identified in P. ramosa stigmas, which were absent or less abundant in N. tabacum stigmas. We identified 49 bacterial OTUs in P. ramosa stigmas, primarily Proteobacteria (87.5%) with dominant genera like Pantoea and Pseudomonas. In contrast, N. tabacum stigmas (18 OTUs) were also rich in Proteobacteria (69.6%) but showed higher levels of Leuconostoc and Enterobacteriaceae. Phelipanche ramosa stigmas exhibited a higher abundance of Actinobacteria, while N. tabacum stigmas had a greater proportion of Firmicutes. Fungal communities differed significantly: P. ramosa stigmas (109 OTUs) were dominated by Basidiomycota, while N. tabacum (69 OTUs) was primarily colonised by Ascomycota, with the genus Candida common in the host but absent in the parasite. Specific genera such as Chalastospora, Ustilaginaceae, and Bensingtonia were more abundant or exclusive to P. ramosa stigmas. Nicotiana tabacum stigmas hosted a potentially functionally rich bacterial microbiome, while P. ramosa harbored a more limited one. In contrast, both the structural diversity and functional (metabolic) potential of the fungal communities were higher in P. ramosa compared to N. tabacum. Microbiome network analysis highlighted distinct physiological functions associated with autotrophic and heterotrophic lifestyles. Some identified microorganisms may play key roles in nutrient availability and pathogenicity, including potentially beneficial ones that could provide new opportunities for biological control. This study highlights the significant relationships between microbial diversity and functional traits, underscoring the importance of these dynamics in the structure and functioning of the stigma microbiome.
Discovery of ent-kaurane diterpenoid glucosides from Cuscuta japonica seeds and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity Bo Yi Fan, Cui Su, Xin Lan, Su Peng Guo, Tian Zi Qi, Jin Ping Gu, Xin Yu Wang, Bin Lin, Min Yang, Guang Tong Chen, Jia Lie Luo, Jian Zhong Yu, Wen Li Wang Journal of Molecular Structure, volume 1358 Friday 20 February 2026 To explore the potential active components from the seeds of Cuscuta japonica, a well-known herb in traditional Chinese medicine, two novel 6,7-seco‑ent-kaurane-type diterpenoid glucosides bearing a rare 6,19-lactone framework, designated cusjaponoids A (1) and B (2), along with four previously reported fatty acids (3–6), were characterized. St... To explore the potential active components from the seeds of Cuscuta japonica, a well-known herb in traditional Chinese medicine, two novel 6,7-seco‑ent-kaurane-type diterpenoid glucosides bearing a rare 6,19-lactone framework, designated cusjaponoids A (1) and B (2), along with four previously reported fatty acids (3–6), were characterized. Structural elucidation of all isolates was accomplished through an integrated analysis of spectroscopic and chemical data, including HRESIMS, NMR, ECD, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and alkaline hydrolysis. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited moderate inhibitory potency against α-glucosidase, with IC<inf>50</inf> values of 48.09 and 33.36 μM, respectively. Kinetic assays revealed that compound 1 acted as a mixed-type inhibitor with K<inf>i</inf> and K<inf>is</inf> values of 56.26 and 6.26 μM, respectively, indicating higher affinity for the enzyme-substrate complex, whereas compound 2 functioned as an uncompetitive inhibitor, binding exclusively with the enzyme-substrate complex and showing a K<inf>is</inf> value of 3.41 μM. Given the structural similarity and preferential binding to the enzyme-substrate complex of both compounds, compound 2 with stronger activity was selected for the molecular docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulations, which formed a stable complex with α-glucosidase–pNPG through strong binding affinity and favorable conformational stability. In silico ADMET prediction suggested promising pharmacokinetic and safety profiles, indicating potential drug-like properties of compounds 1 and 2. Overall, this study advanced the chemical and pharmacological understanding of the bioactive constituents in C. japonica seeds, providing valuable insights for the future exploitation of this traditional medicinal resource.
Genetic analysis of drought and heat tolerance combined with Striga hermonthica resistance in tropical maize (Zea mays) Melkamu Elmyhun, Ermias Abate, Alemu Abate, Adefris Teklewold, Silvestro Meseka, Abebe Menkir Plos One, volume 21 Thursday 19 February 2026 The occurrence of combined biotic and abiotic stresses with more damaging effect is worsening in maize production fields in SSA due to climate change. The development of multiple stress tolerant maize hybrids is thus critical to assure food security. This study was conducted to (i) examine the mode of inheritance of combined tolerance to drought an... The occurrence of combined biotic and abiotic stresses with more damaging effect is worsening in maize production fields in SSA due to climate change. The development of multiple stress tolerant maize hybrids is thus critical to assure food security. This study was conducted to (i) examine the mode of inheritance of combined tolerance to drought and heat stress (CDHS) with resistance to Striga in tropical maize and (ii) assess the feasibility of selecting hybrids with combined tolerance to drought and heat stress and resistance to Striga infection. Single cross hybrids formed from Striga resistant lines with contrasting resistance reactions to tassel blasting were then evaluated under combined drought and heat stress as well as under Striga infested (STIN) and non-infested (STNO) conditions. The observed high GCA/SCA ratio and narrow sense heritability estimates indicated that additive gene action had a major effect on the inheritance of most traits under all testing conditions. Seven parental lines had positive GCA effects for grain yield under CDHS and STIN conditions when they were used as both male and female parents. We also found single crosses with positive specific combining ability (SCA) for grain yield. Grain yield under STIN had positive and significant genotypic and phenotypic correlations with yield recorded under CDHS and STNO conditions. It thus appears that grain yield may be regulated by common alleles across the three growing conditions. Selected parental lines are potential parents for developing source populations of new inbred lines and superior hybrids with combined CDHS tolerance and Striga resistance. Promising single crosses could be used as female parents to develop multiple stress tolerant 3-way cross hybrids.

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