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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Integrated Management of Striga hermonthica in Sorghum Using Glomus mosseae, Bacillus megaterium, and Phosphorus Suha Hassan Ahmed Elhag, Migdam Elsheikh Abdelghani, Hanan Ibrahim Mudawi, Abdel Gabar E.Tayeb Babiker Plant Environment Interactions, volume 7 Sunday 11 January 2026 The root parasitic weed Striga hermonthica, a member of the Orobanchaceae family, is a major constraint to cereal production in sub-Saharan Africa. Its germination is triggered by host-derived stimulants, which are upregulated under phosphorus (P) and nitrogen deficiencies. This study evaluated the effects of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomu... The root parasitic weed Striga hermonthica, a member of the Orobanchaceae family, is a major constraint to cereal production in sub-Saharan Africa. Its germination is triggered by host-derived stimulants, which are upregulated under phosphorus (P) and nitrogen deficiencies. This study evaluated the effects of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus mosseae, the phosphorus-solubilizing bacterium Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum (BMP), and inorganic phosphorus (P<inf>2</inf>O<inf>5</inf>), applied individually and in combination, on S. hermonthica incidence and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) growth. Uncontrolled S. hermonthica parasitism reduced sorghum height by 48%–54% and shoot biomass by 71%. G. mosseae alone reduced S. hermonthica emergence and biomass by 87%–100% and 93%, respectively, while increasing sorghum height by 89%–115% and shoot biomass by 351%. The combination of G. mosseae with BMP increased sorghum height by 116%–139% and shoot biomass by 314%. BMP alone reduced S. hermonthica emergence and biomass by 57%–65% and 68%, respectively, and phosphorus alone reduced S. hermonthica emergence and biomass by 29%–42% and 51%, respectively. The combinations of G. mosseae with BMP, G. mosseae with phosphorus, and G. mosseae with BMP and phosphorus achieved reductions in S. hermonthica emergence of 93%–100%, 82%–100%, and 87%–100%, and reductions in biomass of 93%, 87%, and 65%, respectively. Phosphorus suppressed arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus colonization, while BMP had no significant effect. These findings highlight the potential of G. mosseae and Bacillus megaterium, individually and in combination, as biocontrol agents for reducing S. hermonthica and improving sorghum growth in low-fertility soils.

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 Tuesday 06 January 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.

Cuscuta chinensis Lam. extracts ameliorate type 2 diabetes by regulating metabolism and gut microbiota Lin Zhou, Rui Liu, Xinyue Wang, Wenjing Song, Xiaoxu Duan, Yu Yang, Guangyan Liu, Ronghua Fan Iscience, volume 29 Monday 05 January 2026 Cuscuta chinensis Lam. (TSZ), a medicinal and edible plant, contains bioactive constituents including flavonoids, phenolic acids, polysaccharides, and lignans. This study investigated the effects of TSZ extracts in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We employed UV and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS for compositional analysis, and integrated metabolomics ... Cuscuta chinensis Lam. (TSZ), a medicinal and edible plant, contains bioactive constituents including flavonoids, phenolic acids, polysaccharides, and lignans. This study investigated the effects of TSZ extracts in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We employed UV and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS for compositional analysis, and integrated metabolomics with 16S rDNA sequencing to explore systemic responses. The results showed that TSZ extracts are rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids. Treatment with TSZ significantly regulated blood glucose and body weight, ameliorated metabolic disturbances, and influenced key pathways, including the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids (e.g., oleic acid and α-linolenic acid). Further, TSZ reversed the gut microbiota dysbiosis in diabetic rats. Finally, Spearman correlation analysis indicated a close relationship between microbiota and metabolites. Collectively, the findings suggest that TSZ alleviates T2DM by modulating endogenous metabolic pathways and gut microbiota, which serve as potential targets for TSZ to enhance its glycemic effects in T2DM.

Selected microRNAs as biomarkers in sarcoid-affected horses under immunotherapy with a mistletoe extract Anke Beermann, Eman Hamza, Sonja Reinhard, Christoph Koch, Thomas Oberhänsli, Lucia Unger Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, volume 38, pages 33-40 Monday 29 December 2025 We investigated microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential prognostic biomarkers for equine sarcoid (ES) disease. In a breed-, age-, and sex-matched case-controlled study involving 45 ES-affected and 15 control horses, we assessed the diagnostic, prognostic, and theragnostic value of 3 miRNAs (eca-miR-127, eca-miR-379, eca-miR-432) in horses treated with Euro... We investigated microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential prognostic biomarkers for equine sarcoid (ES) disease. In a breed-, age-, and sex-matched case-controlled study involving 45 ES-affected and 15 control horses, we assessed the diagnostic, prognostic, and theragnostic value of 3 miRNAs (eca-miR-127, eca-miR-379, eca-miR-432) in horses treated with European mistletoe (Viscum album) extract versus placebo. Whole-blood miRNA concentrations were measured using reverse-transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) at 3 different times. We found that eca-miR-432 expression was lower in ES-affected (median = −1.93; 95% CI: −2.03 to −.86) compared to control (median = −1.71; 95% CI: −1.92 to −1.6) horses (p = 0.03, r = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.024–0.57) with a median difference of −1.93 versus −1.71, respectively. The ROC curve analysis indicated an area under the curve of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.51–0.84; p = 0.005) with a sensitivity of 74% (95% CI: 61–88%) and a specificity of 73% (95% CI: 39–94%) to diagnose ES. However, none of the miRNAs evaluated had prognostic potential or significant changes in expression following treatment. Additionally, miRNA expression was not influenced by breed, sex, or season. Although whole-blood eca-miR-432 had moderate diagnostic potential for ES, identifying prognostic miRNA biomarkers for ES remains a challenge.

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, pages 120914 Sunday 28 December 2025 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.

Corrigendum to "Semen Cuscutae-Fructus Lycii improves spermatogenic dysfunction by repairing the blood-testis barrier in rats according to in silico and in vitro methods" [J Ethnopharmacol. 274 (2021) 114022 Yutian Zhu, Lei Dong, Jingshang Wang, Qiuning Liu, Hongxuan Tong, Yanfeng Li, Siqi Guan Journal of Ethnopharmacology, volume 355, pages 120189 Sunday 28 December 2025 dc:description

New or little-known jewel beetles on mistletoe, Taxillus Tiegh. (Loranthaceae), in Japan: Unusual morphology and biology in Habroloma Thomson, 1864 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) YUTAKA TAMADERA Zootaxa, volume 5725, pages 55-88 Sunday 28 December 2025 Habroloma (Parahabroloma) tsutsumiuchii sp. nov., a new jewel beetle species associated with mistletoe, Taxillus yadoriki (Siebold ex Maxim.) Danser (Loranthaceae), is described from Honshu and Kyushu in Japan. Additionally, information on the morphology of H. (P.) taxillusi Kato & Kawakita, 2023, associated with T. yadoriki, is revised based on mo... Habroloma (Parahabroloma) tsutsumiuchii sp. nov., a new jewel beetle species associated with mistletoe, Taxillus yadoriki (Siebold ex Maxim.) Danser (Loranthaceae), is described from Honshu and Kyushu in Japan. Additionally, information on the morphology of H. (P.) taxillusi Kato & Kawakita, 2023, associated with T. yadoriki, is revised based on more than 50 specimens; a first description of the genitalia, new distributional records within Japan, and notes on mistakes in the labeling of the type specimens and in the clypeus description are given. Information on the biology of the two mistletoe-associated buprestid species, especially in the leaf-mining habit, is also reported in detail. This study reveals that the two species have peculiar morphological and biological characters that are unique or rare within Habroloma: 1) modified antennal scape with distinct sexual dimorphism; 2) prominently narrowed clypeus; 3) elytral round hole puncture; 4) pronotal and elytral setal tufts; 5) hypomeral apical excavation; 6) apical comb of female abdomen; 7) delta-like portion of leaf-mine; 8) frass pupal chamber; and 9) large clutch size. Moreover, distributional differences between the two species are discussed, and the association of jewel beetles with mistletoe is reviewed using a tentative species checklist.

Antidiabetic and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Cuscuta reflexa on High-fat Diet and Streptozotocin-Induced Type 2 Diabetic Rats Saroj Singhmura, Alindam Ghosh, Parthasarathi Panda, Souvik Basak, Nilanjan Ghosh Natural Products Journal, volume 16 Saturday 27 December 2025 Aims: Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. has been traditionally utilized as an ethnomedicinal agent for managing various ailments, including diabetes, jaundice, and rheumatic issues. This investigation aimed to evaluate the oral hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of the aerial parts of Cuscuta reflexa (HAECR) in rats with diabe... Aims: Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. has been traditionally utilized as an ethnomedicinal agent for managing various ailments, including diabetes, jaundice, and rheumatic issues. This investigation aimed to evaluate the oral hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of the aerial parts of Cuscuta reflexa (HAECR) in rats with diabetes induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ). Additionally, the study sought to identify the bioactive compounds responsible for these effects in Cuscuta reflexa. Background: To date, only a few attempts have been made to isolate the lead bioactive compound from Cuscuta reflexa, highlighting the need for further exploration of this herb through bioactivity-guided fractionation. The isolation and characterization of the responsible lead molecules could pave the way for developing a new, safer therapeutic option compared to conventionally used drugs. Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the oral hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of the aerial parts of Cuscuta reflexa (HAECR) in a high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats, along with elucidating the responsible bioactive compounds of Cuscuta reflexa. Methods: The hydroalcoholic plant extract was standardized by marker calibration by HPLC and, subsequently, phytochemical screening by LC-MS. Column chromatography was adopted to isolate bioactive compounds from the extract, which NMR, FT-IR, and MS spectroscopy subsequently characterized. Oral antihyperglycemic activity and toxicity studies were performed, and antioxidant activities were studied. Results: No deaths or behavioural changes were observed during the toxicity study up to 2000 mg/kg oral dosing. Other toxicological parameters, such as deviations in organ weights, and haematological, and histological parameters, were also not observed. 250 mg/kg dose of HAECR exhibited significant antihyperglycemic activity (56.9% reduction in blood glucose level) in diabetic rats. In the HAECR-treated groups, significant reductions were observed compared to the control group, with cholesterol levels decreasing by 57%, triglycerides by 50%, SGPT by 50%, and SGOT by 30%. Considering the extensive analytical spectroscopy interpretation results, Quercetin and Stigmasterol are the two possible isolated compounds from our extract. Conclusion: Thus, this study suggested the antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic activity of HAECR, which may be attributed to phytomolecules such as Stigmasterol and Quercetin. Therefore, our findings from the investigated part of the herb could be regarded as an adjunctive agent for treating diabetes mellitus.

Network pharmacological analysis and experimental verification of semen cuscutae in treating postmenopausal osteoporosis Sheng Xu, Wen Wen Zhang, Wei Wei Zhang, Hong Tao Wang, Jun Zhang, Rui Sheng Yang, Yuan Yuan, Li Wang, Hai Hu Hao Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research, volume 30, pages 2702-2711 Saturday 27 December 2025 BACKGROUND: Semen cuscutae, a traditional Chinese medicine, has gradually shown its potential in anti-postmenopausal osteoporosis because of its relatively small side effects, which provides new ideas and possibilities for the treatment of this disease. OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of anti-postmenopausal osteoporosis of semen cuscutae based ... BACKGROUND: Semen cuscutae, a traditional Chinese medicine, has gradually shown its potential in anti-postmenopausal osteoporosis because of its relatively small side effects, which provides new ideas and possibilities for the treatment of this disease. OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of anti-postmenopausal osteoporosis of semen cuscutae based on network pharmacological analysis and molecular docking and to validate it with animal experiments. METHODS: The main active components and corresponding targets of semen cuscutae were screened in TCMSP database, and the disease targets of postmenopausal osteoporosis were collected in GeneCards, OMIM and PharmGKB databases. After identification of common targets, a series of analyses were carried out, and core targets were selected. The core targets were analyzed by GO function and their role was verified by molecular docking. The corresponding active components were selected for animal experiments. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Eleven main active components of semen cuscutae and 110 common targets of semen cuscutae and postmenopausal osteoporosis were screened out, and 10 core targets were identified. (2) GO function analysis showed that the core targets were closely related to oxidative stress and estrogen. (3) The top two ranked core target proteins, interleukin-6 and activated T-cell nuclear factor 1, were molecularly docked, and the top two ranked affinities, picloram and interleukin-6 as well as picloram and activated T-cell nuclear factor 1, were selected for validation in animal experiments. (4) Animal experimental results showed that matrine could inhibit the levels of interleukin-6 and activated T-cell nuclear factor 1 and improve trabecular bone structure of rats with postmenopausal osteoporosis. To conclude, low-dose matrine may affect the steady state of interleukin-6/soluble interleukin-6 receptor system by decreasing the level of interleukin-6, and inhibit the expression of nuclear factor 1 in downstream transcription factor-activated T cells in combination with nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway to inhibit osteoclast differentiation, reduce bone resorption, repair trabecular structure and treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Endemic plant parasite (Cuscuta howelliana) and host (Eryngium castrense) vary along a hydroperiod gradient in California vernal pools Tirzah Cochran, Madeline Baker, Jamie M. Kneitel Flora Morphology Distribution Functional Ecology of Plants, volume 334 Saturday 27 December 2025 Understanding host-parasite interactions is a central question in ecology. The distribution and abundance of plant hosts and parasites tend to be less studied in natural ecosystems. In California, vernal pools are seasonal wetlands that are habitat to the plant parasite Cuscuta howelliana (Bogg's lake dodder) and its most common host, Eryngium cast... Understanding host-parasite interactions is a central question in ecology. The distribution and abundance of plant hosts and parasites tend to be less studied in natural ecosystems. In California, vernal pools are seasonal wetlands that are habitat to the plant parasite Cuscuta howelliana (Bogg's lake dodder) and its most common host, Eryngium castrense (Coyote thistle). Previous research has identified the interaction and its community effects, but little research has been conducted on their distribution, abundance, and infection patterns, as well as how these change, along a hydroperiod gradient. Ten vernal pools were sampled using 5 random quadrats along 2 transects. Both Cuscuta and Eryngium displayed clumped dispersion patterns within pools. Cuscuta cover had a strong positive association with inundation period and Eryngium traits (height and inflorescence number) had a strong positive association with inundation period. Eryngium plants were smaller at higher densities. Eryngium characteristics were significantly smaller in the presence of Cuscuta infection but highly variable across pools. Path analysis showed that there were significant direct and indirect pathways from hydroperiod to infection rates. The strongest pathway was the increased hydroperiod to increasing Cuscuta cover to increasing infection. These results highlighted the complex interactions among parasite, host, and the environment. This will help understand the spatial ecology of parasite-host interactions along an environmental gradient of this imperiled and diverse ecosystem.

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 Friday 26 December 2025 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.

Efficacy of the herbal product of Cuscuta campestris Yunck. and Polypodium vulgare L. in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: A triple-blind clinical trial Behnaz Bakhshinejad, Abdolreza Sabahi, Tania Dehesh, Zarrin Sarhadynejad, Mehrnaz Mehrabani, Mahdiyeh Khazaneha, Mehrzad Mehrbani, Mitra Mehrabani Journal of Ethnopharmacology, volume 354 Friday 26 December 2025 Ethnopharmacological relevance: Cuscuta campestris Yunck. and Polypodium vulgare L. are medicinal plants widely used in traditional Persian medicine to treat various mental health conditions, such as Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Aim of the study: OCD is among the top ten disorders that cause disability and decrease quality of life. Consider... Ethnopharmacological relevance: Cuscuta campestris Yunck. and Polypodium vulgare L. are medicinal plants widely used in traditional Persian medicine to treat various mental health conditions, such as Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Aim of the study: OCD is among the top ten disorders that cause disability and decrease quality of life. Considering the lack of a definitive treatment method and the side effects of the existing drugs, the application of complementary medicine in treating this disorder seems reasonable. The current study aimed to investigate the therapeutic impact of a dodder and polypody herbal product (DPHP) in OCD patients. Materials and methods: In this triple-blind clinical trial, 84 individuals with OCD were assigned to two groups of DPHP and placebo receivers at random. While taking fluvoxamine tablets (100 mg twice daily), the first group was prescribed DPHP tablets, and the second group was prescribed placebo tablets twice daily. The intensity of manifestations and the participant's quality of life were evaluated at the beginning of the trial and after four and eight weeks of intervention using the Yale-Brown and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires, respectively. Results: The severity of OCD symptoms in both groups decreased significantly after four and eight weeks (P-value <0.001). The DPHP group's reduction rate was significantly higher than the placebo group (P-value = 0.043). The quality of life improved significantly in both groups (P-value <0.001). However, the increase in the quality of life in the DPHP group was significantly higher compared to the placebo group (P-value = 0.042). Conclusions: DPHP, taken alongside fluvoxamine, can effectively alleviate the symptoms of OCD and increase the quality of life. Therefore, it could be regarded as a complementary therapeutic alternative to OCD.

Has the Striga problem been solved? A field perspective critique of recent progress Jonathan Gressel Pest Management Science, volume 82, pages 54-59 Friday 26 December 2025 Three root-parasitic witchweed (Striga) species can cause up to total loss of grain and legume crops for millions of farmers in Africa. The damage is initiated before Striga emerges from the soil. Four decades of resistance breeding, especially maize, have at best conferred localized moderate resistance that has not greatly increased yields. Recent... Three root-parasitic witchweed (Striga) species can cause up to total loss of grain and legume crops for millions of farmers in Africa. The damage is initiated before Striga emerges from the soil. Four decades of resistance breeding, especially maize, have at best conferred localized moderate resistance that has not greatly increased yields. Recent innovative basic research has led to major advances that are herein evaluated in biocontrol, formulating suicidal germination stimulants and gene-edited crops. A mycoherbicide was able to become a commercial success because the innovators rendered the fungus hypervirulent, inexpensively cultivated it, formulated it as a seedcoat with ample nutrition for extensive growth, and determined target species specificity for regulators. A slow-release formulation of suicidal germination stimulants led to a Striga-free crop, but crop planting had to be impractically delayed by almost 3 months for the technology to work. Elegant basic research led to gene-edited crop plants secreting vastly reduced levels of Striga germination stimulant, leading to Striga asiatica-free fields under low seeding levels of the parasite. It is doubted that the results will carry over to fields infested with the far more virulent Striga hermonthica having seedbanks so large that the residual amount of stimulant emitted may result in heavy infestation. The editing approach should be extended to suppressing the genes responsible for Striga attachment and establishment, and the genes stacked for more robust resistance. Solving only the Striga problem is insufficient because farmers with Striga are also confronted with insect, pathogen and climate constraints that need simultaneous solutions. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Report on the complete organelle genomes of Orobanche Filicicola Nakai ex Hyun, Y. S. Lim & H. C. Shin (Orobanchaceae): insights from comparison with Orobanchaceae plant genomes Sang Chul Kim, Eun Su Kang, Tae Hee Kim, Ye Rim Choi, Hyuk Jin Kim BMC Genomics, volume 26 Thursday 25 December 2025 Background: Orobanche is a parasitic plant distributed in the temperate zone of Northern Hemisphere, with approximately 200 species found worldwide. In the Republic of Korea, two species of Orobanche, namely O. coerulescens Stephan ex Willd. and O. filicicola Nakai ex Hyun, Y. S. Lim & H. C. Shin, are present, with O. filicicola being endemic. Geno... Background: Orobanche is a parasitic plant distributed in the temperate zone of Northern Hemisphere, with approximately 200 species found worldwide. In the Republic of Korea, two species of Orobanche, namely O. coerulescens Stephan ex Willd. and O. filicicola Nakai ex Hyun, Y. S. Lim & H. C. Shin, are present, with O. filicicola being endemic. Genome analysis of this species has not yet been performed, and characterizing its complete organelle genome will provide valuable insights into the phylogeny and genome evolution of parasitic plants. Results: The chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes were analyzed, revealing distinct characteristics. The chloroplast genome is 91,529 bp long with a GC content of 33.6%, containing 33 protein-coding, 30 tRNA, and 4 rRNA genes. In contrast, the mitochondrial genome is 1,058,991 bp long with a GC content of 45.5%, featuring 31 protein-coding, 16 tRNA, and 3 rRNA genes. The mitochondrial genome has over three times more simple sequence repeats and longer long repeats than the chloroplast genome. Analysis of synonymous codon usage in protein-coding genes from nine Orobanchaceae species revealed significant differences between chloroplasts and mitochondria, with codons ending in A or T exhibiting higher coding rates. Ka/Ks ratio calculations indicated that psbI and atpB had the smallest and largest ratios in chloroplasts, respectively, while ccmFC was identified as the only gene under positive selection in mitochondria genomes. Sequence alignment identified 30 homologous fragments between the two genomes, totaling 7,247 bp. Comparison of O. filicicola’s chloroplast genome with related species showed gene loss and conserved inverted repeat sequences. Numerous homologous collinear blocks were found in mitochondrial genomes of related species, but some regions lacked homology. Phylogenetic analysis indicated identical topologies for chloroplasts and mitochondria, with Orobanchaceae forming a strong monophyletic group. Conclusions: Characterizing the complete organelle genome of O. filicicola enabled a comprehensive analysis of the Orobanchaceae organelle genome, providing important baseline data for its structure and evolution.

Orobanche aegyptiaca-chitosan nanocomposite efficacy against the freshwater snail Biomphalaria alexandrina Reda Ramadan Abdel-Khalek, Fathy Abdel-Ghaffar, Salwa Abdel Hamid Hamdi, Amina M. Ibrahim, Mona Fathi Fol, Nesma Abbas Mostafa Scientific Reports, volume 15 Thursday 25 December 2025 As one of the neglected tropical diseases, schistosomiasis is responsible for various social and economic issues in numerous developing countries. The intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni is the Biomphalaria alexandrina snails. A promising approach to mitigate the transmission of this disease is to use medicinal plants loaded with nanomaterials... As one of the neglected tropical diseases, schistosomiasis is responsible for various social and economic issues in numerous developing countries. The intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni is the Biomphalaria alexandrina snails. A promising approach to mitigate the transmission of this disease is to use medicinal plants loaded with nanomaterials to control these snails. This research aimed to investigate the molluscicidal activity of Orobanche aegyptiaca- chitosan nanocomposite on B. alexandrina snails. The phytochemical screening of the tested plant verified its abundance of saponins, tannins, and flavonoids, which may be responsible for its cytotoxic effects. Chitosan nanoparticles were produced using the ionotropic gelation technique, while the O. aegyptiaca-chitosan nanocomposite was synthesized using the sonochemical approach. The characterization of the nanocomposite was carried out using TEM, XRD, and Zeta potential. The results demonstrated that the survival, fecundity (eggs/snail/week), and reproductive rates of B. alexandrina snails were substantially reduced upon exposure to the sub-lethal concentrations LC10 or LC25 of O. aegyptiaca-chitosan nanocomposite. Biochemically, it adversely affected some parameters, where it considerably (P < 0.05) raised ALT, AST, and ALP levels, while urea, uric acid, and cholesterol were significantly decreased compared to control snails. Furthermore, the antioxidant markers CAT, SOD, and GSH exhibited a substantial (P < 0.05) reduction, while MDA and NO levels increased at both sublethal concentrations. Histopathological examinations of the digestive gland of the treated B. alexandrina revealed a decrease in the size of the tubules, and the digestive and secretory cells degenerated. The hermaphrodite glands exhibited substantial damage in the reproductive tubules, with extensive damage to the gonadal cells, resulting in the loss of ova and sperm shapes. Also, the comet analysis showed a genotoxic effect of the nanocomposite, evidenced by significant changes in crucial comet assay parameters: tail length (TL), tail DNA percentage (TD), tail moment (TM), and olive tail moment (OTM). Conclusively, these findings confirmed the potential activity of O. aegyptiaca- chitosan nanocomposite as a molluscicidal agent against B. alexandrina to decrease schistosomiasis transmission.

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