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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Most recent ‘Parasitic Plant’ publications

on the Web

Altered mitochondrial respiration is associated with loss of nuclear-encoded OXPHOS genes in parasitic broomrapes L Cai, RK Jansen, JC Havird - bioRxiv, 2025 - biorxiv.org Sunday 16 February 2025 Parasitic plants, characterized by their dependency on host organisms for nutrients, have displayed far-reaching alterations in physiology and genetics. While significant domain : www.biorxiv.org
Cytogenetic comparison of Cuscuta psorothamnensis and C. veatchii (Convolvulaceae), two species originated from recurrent hybridization between the same … A Ibiapino, J Urdampilleta, MA García… - Plant Systematics and …, 2025 - Springer Saturday 15 February 2025 Of the hybrid populations, and the integration of advanced genomic approaches could unveil novel aspects of host-parasite evolution in Cuscuta and parasitic plants more domain : link.springer.com
Strigolactones: Emerging Plant Hormones T Aftab, KI Wani - 2025 - books.google.com Thursday 13 February 2025 This book is a comprehensive guide to strigolactones role in plant biology, growth, and sustainable agriculture. Strigolactones, a fascinating and rapidly evolving class of domain : books.google.com versions : 2
Near-complete genome and infection transcriptomes of the maize leaf and sheath spot pathogen Epicoccum sorghinum V Bhadauria, G Li, X Gao, P Laborda - Scientific Data, 2025 - nature.com Thursday 13 February 2025 Maize leaf and sheath spot disease caused by Epicoccum sorghinum is an emerging disease of maize in China. To disentangle the molecular pathogenesis, we domain : www.nature.com
Elucidating the evolutionary dynamics of parasitism in Cuscuta: in-depth phylogenetic reconstruction and extensive plastomes reduction SJ Claude, K Kamra, J Jung… - BMC …, 2025 - bmcgenomics.biomedcentral.com Wednesday 12 February 2025 In parasitic plants like Cuscuta, the ndh genes, crucial , indicating that these parasitic plants do not need matK been observed in parasitic plants such as Orobanche L. domain : bmcgenomics.biomedcentral.com versions : 2
Conservation and Genetic Improvement of Shea Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa CF Gaertn) in Côte d'Ivoire AJP Attikora - 2025 - orbi.uliege.be Tuesday 11 February 2025 Significant conservation challenges: 8% of the identified superior trees were dead three years after the identification and 84% were heavily infested with parasitic plants of domain : orbi.uliege.be
acrolobium tukanorum (Leguminosae, Detarioideae), a new species from the Upper Rio Negro basin F Farroñay, DBOS Cardoso, MV Pilco, MH Terra-Araújo… - Brittonia, 2025 - Springer Monday 10 February 2025 Macrolobium tukanorum, a new species of the legume subfamily Detarioideae with paniculate inflorescences and only known from the Upper Rio Negro basin in the domain : link.springer.com
New Records of Pest and Beneficial Insect Species Determined in Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Orchards in Türkiye U Çelebi, M Kaplan - Applied Fruit Science, 2025 - Springer Monday 10 February 2025 This study was carried out in 20212022 to determine the harmful and beneficial insect species in pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) orchards in the Beiri district of Batman domain : link.springer.com
A Correspondence Factor Analysis of Famers' Perceptions of Climate Change Impacts, and Adaptation Strategies in Sorghum production in Bénin S MEGNONHOU, D MONTCHO, A Essegbemon… - Bulletin de la Recherche …, 2025 - brab.bj Saturday 08 February 2025 Hydriques, entranant une baisse des rendements en sorgho, tandis que celles du nord du Bnin et de l'Atacora-Ouest ont t plus touches par les attaques de Striga au domain : brab.bj
Neofunctionalized RGF pathways drive haustorial organogenesis in parasitic plants MR Fishman, A Greigenhagen, T Wakatake… - bioRxiv, 2025 - biorxiv.org Saturday 08 February 2025 The genera Orobanche, Phelipanche, Alectra, and 46 Striga, as that induces prehaustoria in Striga and most other The obligate holoparasites Phelipanche and Orobanche domain : www.biorxiv.org
oes the Lewis spider mite constitute a threat to agricultural crops in Europe? New data on occurrence, host plants and damage in the invaded areas in Portugal P Naves, M Santos, A Aguiar, A Migeon… - … and Applied Acarology, 2025 - Springer Saturday 08 February 2025 The Lewis spider mite (LSM), Eotetranychus lewisi, is an important pest of poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) and agricultural crops worldwide. In Europe it is a domain : link.springer.com
ini review: The genus Porphyra sensu lato (Bangiales, Rhodophyta), its pests and defence M Friedlander, AT Critchley - Aquaculture International, 2025 - Springer Saturday 08 February 2025 The temperate genus Porphyra sensu lato has a long history of marine farming. Members of the genus are amongst the most common and economically valuable, domain : link.springer.com
Vegetative incompatibility between Cryphonectria parasitica isolates with identical PCR allele patterns of vegetative incompatibility genes Ö Erincik, BG Erincik - Phytoparasitica, 2025 - Springer Thursday 06 February 2025 Hypovirulence-mediated biological control has proven to be one of the most effective measures against Cryphonectria parasitica, the causal agent of chestnut blight. domain : link.springer.com
Relative toxicity of various insecticides against egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis Ishii under laboratory condition D Ajudia, M Siddhapara, L Chaudhari - International Journal of Tropical …, 2025 - Springer Thursday 06 February 2025 Trichogramma chilonis Ishii (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) is an important egg parasitoid widely used as a biocontrol agent for many lepidopteran pests. domain : link.springer.com
Dendrophthoe falcata (Lf) Ettingsh on different host recorded from Kurdeg, Simdega District in Jharkhand, India U Ammara, S Prabha - researchgate.net Thursday 06 February 2025 The focus of the current study was the exploration of this hemi-parasitic plant and its host in and around the Kurdeg Simdega forest through a survey, which was conducted domain : www.researchgate.net

Most recent 'Parasitic Plant' publications

in Scopus

  1. Taken to extremes: Loss of plastid rpl32 in Streptophyta and Cuscuta's unconventional solution for its replacement Karsten Fischer, Sondre Valentin Jordbræk, Stian Olsen, Mathias Bockwoldt, Rainer Schwacke, Björn Usadel, Kirsten Krause Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, volume 204 Monday 17 February 2025 The evolution of plant genomes is riddled with exchanges of genetic material within one plant (endosymbiotic gene transfer/EGT) and between unrelated plants (horizontal gene transfer/HGT). These exchanges have left their marks on plant genomes. Parasitic plants with their special evolutionary niche provide ample examples for these processes because... The evolution of plant genomes is riddled with exchanges of genetic material within one plant (endosymbiotic gene transfer/EGT) and between unrelated plants (horizontal gene transfer/HGT). These exchanges have left their marks on plant genomes. Parasitic plants with their special evolutionary niche provide ample examples for these processes because they are under a reduced evolutionary pressure to maintain autotrophy and thus to conserve their plastid genomes. On the other hand, the close physical connections with different hosts enabled them to acquire genetic material from other plants. Based on an analysis of an extensive dataset including the parasite Cuscuta campestris and other parasitic plant species, we identified a unique evolutionary history of rpl32 genes coding for an essential plastid ribosomal subunit in Cuscuta. Our analysis suggests that the gene was most likely sequestered by HGT from a member of the Oxalidales order serving as host to an ancestor of the Cuscuta subgenus Grammica. Oxalidales had suffered an ancestral EGT of rpl32 predating the evolution of the genus Cuscuta. The HGT subsequently relieved the plastid rpl32 from its evolutionary constraint and led to its loss from the plastid genome. The HGT-based acquisition in Cuscuta is supported by a high sequence similarity of the mature L32 protein between species of the subgenus Grammica and representatives of the Oxalidales, and by a surprisingly conserved transit peptide, whose functionality in Cuscuta was experimentally verified. The findings are discussed in view of an overall pattern of EGT events for plastid ribosomal subunits in Streptophyta.
  2. Metabonomic analysis of Cuscuta chinensis flavonoids for attenuating reproductive toxicity of Tripterygium wilfordii polyside Shan Shan Han, Jin Hui Wei, Yan Lin Dai, Shan Shan Xu, Li Hui Sun, DING-Ying Tianran Chanwu Yanjiu yu Kaifa, volume 37, pages 131-142 Sunday 16 February 2025 This study aims to explore the mechanism of the effect of Cuscuta chinensis flavonoids (CCF) on reducing repro-ductive toxicity of Tripterygium wilfordii polyside (TWP). A total of 21 four-week-old male rats were randomly divided into normal group, TWP group and CCE group, with seven rats in each group and continuously gavaged for 12 weeks. HE stai... This study aims to explore the mechanism of the effect of Cuscuta chinensis flavonoids (CCF) on reducing repro-ductive toxicity of Tripterygium wilfordii polyside (TWP). A total of 21 four-week-old male rats were randomly divided into normal group, TWP group and CCE group, with seven rats in each group and continuously gavaged for 12 weeks. HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of testis and epididymis in rats. The metabolic fingerprints of rat testicular tissues were established by ültra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and the potential biomarkers of testicular tissue were screened by principal component analysis analysis and orthogonal partial least-squares discrimination analysis in the rat model of reproductive injury intervened by CCF and the Metabo Analyst platform was used for metabolic pathway analysis. The results showed that compared with the TWP group, the spermatogonia at all levels in the CCF group were significantly increased, and the seminiferous tubules were arranged more regularly. A total of 47 differential metabolites such as 1-linolenic glycerophosphocholine, lysophospholipid and phosphatidyle-thanolamine were obtained by metabolomics technology, which were mainly involved in phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis and metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways. This study provides a scientific basis for the alleviation of reproductive damage caused by TWP.
  3. Challenging the 'Immunity Hypothesis': Primary or secondary parasitism as different survival strategies for the harlequin mistletoe Lysiana exocarpi (Behr) Tiegh Marina Corrêa Scalon, Davi Rodrigo Rossatto Flora: Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants, volume 323 Saturday 15 February 2025 The relationship between host plants and parasitic plants is considered a unique and fascinating model to explore different aspects in plant physiology, especially concerning water relations and nutrient use, given that host and parasite share these resources. An even more intriguing dynamic occurs when a parasite parasitizes another parasite (epip... The relationship between host plants and parasitic plants is considered a unique and fascinating model to explore different aspects in plant physiology, especially concerning water relations and nutrient use, given that host and parasite share these resources. An even more intriguing dynamic occurs when a parasite parasitizes another parasite (epiparasitism). In theory, these epiparasites should show even more specialized physiological functions to be capable to withdraw water and nutrients from the hemiparasite, such as maintaining even lower water potential and dealing with stronger nutrient imbalance. Here we studied leaf morpho-physiological responses of the Australian harlequim mistletoe (Lysiana exocarpi) and box mistletoe (Amyema miquelii) acting as hemiparasites on pink gum (Eucalyptus fasciculosa) and Lysiana exocarpi as an epiparasite on A. miquelii parasitizing E. fasciculosa. We explored the water and nutrient use and partitioning between the different plants involved (host–mistletoe–epiparasite). We found that L. exocarpi showed physiological and morphological differences that represent a more acquisitive strategy of resource use with higher stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, specific leaf area and K and Mg leaf concentration when growing as an epiparasite compared to the same species growing as primary parasite. Amyema miquelii traits remained constantly similar irrespective whether as primary parasite or with an epiparasite sharing its resources while the effect of the epiparasite is mostly depicted in its host's host species. In conclusion, our findings suggest that by adjusting some traits, epiparasitism is an alternative option for the harlequin mistletoe. Moreover, regardless of the host–parasite association, the primary host is the most affected by the epiparasitism.
  4. Efficacy of Ma'aljobon Aftimouni (Cuscuta Reflexa and whey) on HbA1c and blood glucose levels in patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A randomized triple-blind clinical trial Fatemeh Mehrabi, Ali Safdari, Azam Moslemi, Mehdi Salehi, Ali Agharazi, Mohammad Reza Rezvanfar Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, volume 43 Saturday 15 February 2025 Introduction and objective: Type 2 Diabetes is a common and chronic metabolic disease. Complementary and alternative medicine can provide a suitable option for demands for new treatments. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of Persian medicine on the glycemic status of patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Method: This randomized,... Introduction and objective: Type 2 Diabetes is a common and chronic metabolic disease. Complementary and alternative medicine can provide a suitable option for demands for new treatments. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of Persian medicine on the glycemic status of patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Method: This randomized, controlled, and triple-blind trial study was conducted from November 2021 to August 2022 on 102 diabetic patients referred to the diabetes clinic in Iran. In this regard, patients with inclusion criteria were randomly divided into three groups Ma'aljobon with Aftimoun (n = 34), Ma'aljobon without Aftimoon (n = 34), and the control group (n = 34). The control group received a placebo of medicinal salt, light calcium carbonate, lactose, and carboxymethyl cellulose. In contrast, the treatment groups received 25 g of drug powder (in 250 cc of lukewarm water) on an empty stomach for 8 consecutive weeks. Patients' fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels and HbA1c were measured at the beginning and end of the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23, employing paired t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-square tests for comparison between groups. Results: Data analysis was conducted on 90 patients with Type 2 Diabetes. The findings revealed a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar levels post-intervention in the Ma'aljobon Aftimouni group (134.27 ± 21.79 vs. 152.3 ± 31.37, mean difference 18.03 ± 5.63, 95 % CI: 6.53 to 29.53, p = 0.003). Additionally, a significant difference in HbA1c values was observed post-intervention in both the Ma'aljobon Aftimouni group (7.88 ± 0.77 vs. 8.09 ± 0.73, mean difference 0.21 ± 0.09, 95 % CI: 0.03 to 0.39, p = 0.031) and the Ma'aljobon without Aftimoun group (7.97 ± 0.84 vs. 8.25 ± 0.78, mean difference 0.28 ± 0.08, 95 % CI: 0.11 to 0.45, p = 0.002). Conclusion: The findings showed that daily consumption of Ma'aljobon supplements on an empty stomach before breakfast may have a beneficial effect on the glycemic indices of patients. However, further studies seem to be necessary in this regard.
  5. Mistletoes benefit from initiating cascading effects in a cactus–stem borers–arthropods system: A positive feedback Patricia C. Guerra, Víctor M. Escobedo, Ernesto Gianoli Ecological Entomology, volume 50, pages 17-23 Saturday 15 February 2025 Parasitic plants may indirectly modify arthropod community structure by inducing resistance/susceptibility in host plants. In the Atacama Desert, the mistletoe Tristerix aphyllus initiates cascading effects on its cactus host, Echinopsis chiloensis, inducing susceptibility to stem-borer beetles, whose brood chambers are colonized by a diverse arthr... Parasitic plants may indirectly modify arthropod community structure by inducing resistance/susceptibility in host plants. In the Atacama Desert, the mistletoe Tristerix aphyllus initiates cascading effects on its cactus host, Echinopsis chiloensis, inducing susceptibility to stem-borer beetles, whose brood chambers are colonized by a diverse arthropod community. We evaluated whether those cascading effects initiated by Tristerix generate a positive or negative feedback loop on this parasitic plant. A positive or negative feedback loop would occur if the mistletoe-elicited indirect effects on arthropod community result in increased or decreased mistletoe fitness, respectively. Specifically, by way of field sampling, experimental manipulation of number of brood chambers, and structural equation modelling, we assessed the indirect impact of number of brood chambers on Tristerix fitness mediated by its influence on the abundance of arthropod trophic guilds (omnivores, nectarivores, herbivores and predators). We found that the number of brood chambers had a positive indirect effect on mistletoe fitness, likely mediated by the increased abundance of nectarivores. The number of brood chambers was positively associated with the abundance of predators, nectarivores and herbivores. However, nectarivores were the only trophic guild showing a positive association with both number of brood chambers and Tristerix fitness. This positive feedback loop, together with the known pattern of specific disperser-mediated cyclic reinfection of cacti by Tristerix, would indicate that mistletoe infection may ultimately threaten cactus survival.
  6. Impact of pollution on microbiological dynamics in the pistil stigmas of Orobanche lutea flowers (Orobanchaceae) Karolina Wiśniewska, Sebastian Wojciech Przemieniecki, Krzysztof Krawczyk, Anna Hoffmann, Renata Piwowarczyk Scientific reports, volume 15, pages 3382 Saturday 15 February 2025 Our understanding of the basic relationships of microbiota associated with flowers is still quite limited, especially regarding parasitic plant species. The transient nature of flower parts such as pistil stigmas provides a unique opportunity for temporal investigations. This is the first report of the analysis of bacterial and fungal communities a... Our understanding of the basic relationships of microbiota associated with flowers is still quite limited, especially regarding parasitic plant species. The transient nature of flower parts such as pistil stigmas provides a unique opportunity for temporal investigations. This is the first report of the analysis of bacterial and fungal communities associated with the pistil stigmas of the lucerne parasite, Orobanche lutea. We compared the microorganism communities at different developmental stages and assessed the impact of pollution at the sampling sites. We also examined the plant growth properties (PGP) of bacteria in a culture-dependent analysis. The predominant colonizers of the pistil stigmas were Proteobacteria (99.25%), with Enterobacteriaceae (49.88%) and Pseudomonadaceae (48.28%) being the major families. The prevalent fungal phylum was Basidiomycota (71.64%), with Filobasidiales (33.14%) and Tremellales (27.27%) as dominant orders. Microbial populations in polluted area showed increased bacterial and fungal diversity. Mature stigmas exhibited greater microbial variety compared to immature ones. We found higher fungal than bacteria abundance at both polluted and unpolluted sites. In culture-dependent analysis, immature stigmas from unpolluted area had the least bacterial morphotypes. Identified culturable bacteria represented the Acinetobacter, Erwinia, Micrococcus, Oceanobacillus, Pantoea, Pseudomonas, Serratia, and Staphylococcus genera. The assessment of PGP traits revealed multiple strains with plant growth-promoting potential. Microbial composition varied between polluted and unpolluted sites and was influenced by the flower's developmental stage.
  7. Leaf traits of the mistletoe Erianthemum dregei and its host tree Sclerocarya birrea vary across a rainfall gradient and levels of hemiparasite infection Tsitsi Sithandiwe Maponga, Hilton Garikai Taambuka Ndagurwa, Dave Ian Thompson, Justice Muvengwi, Wayne Twine, Ed T.F. Witkowski Journal of Arid Environments, volume 227 Friday 14 February 2025 Certain trees in semi-arid environments are surpassing their physiological thresholds because of erratic rainfall and rising global temperatures. Mistletoes (Loranthaceae) may also be making large trees more susceptible to the physiological stress imposed by climate change. Therefore, we examined intraspecific variations of selected leaf traits of ... Certain trees in semi-arid environments are surpassing their physiological thresholds because of erratic rainfall and rising global temperatures. Mistletoes (Loranthaceae) may also be making large trees more susceptible to the physiological stress imposed by climate change. Therefore, we examined intraspecific variations of selected leaf traits of the mistletoe, Erianthemum dregei, and Sclerocarya birrea host trees along a rainfall gradient at three levels of mistletoe infection. We measured seven leaf traits across five mistletoe-host pairs at low, medium, and high rainfall sites. Rainfall had significant effects on all measured traits, except host leaf succulence. Hosts were more resource-acquisitive at intermediate rainfall, but more conservative at high rainfall. The reverse is true for mistletoes. Mistletoe infection only had an effect on host leaf area, specific leaf area, and stomatal conductance, but most mistletoe leaf traits were significantly influenced by infection intensity. Uninfected hosts were more resource-conservative, but highly infected hosts were resource-acquisitive. Conversely, mistletoes on low-infected hosts were associated with high resource acquisition, while those on high-infection trees were resource-conservative. Therefore, the antagonistic response of host trees and mistletoes to infection and rainfall suggests the potential for resilience to environmental change.
  8. Green extraction for hyperoside from Cuscutae semen by natural deep eutectic solvent Zheng Li, Yuting Jin, Jiaming Deng, Peirong Ma, Huiying Jin, Yanling Zhang, Alideertu Dong, Munkhjargal Burenjargal Microchemical Journal, volume 209 Friday 14 February 2025 In recent years, natural deep eutectic solvents prepared by natural compounds and natural primary metabolites have been more favored, which are environmentally friendly, low toxicity and easy to biodegrade. In this study, twenty different types of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) were prepared by selecting five common hydrogen bond acceptors ... In recent years, natural deep eutectic solvents prepared by natural compounds and natural primary metabolites have been more favored, which are environmentally friendly, low toxicity and easy to biodegrade. In this study, twenty different types of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) were prepared by selecting five common hydrogen bond acceptors and nine common hydrogen bond donors using different molar ratios, and then were applied with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) to extract hyperoside, an index component in Cuscutae semen. The results showed that the optimal extraction conditions of hyperoside from the natural deep eutectic solvent prepared by choline chloride and lactic acid (molar ratio 1:2) were as follows: 65℃, 38 min, amount of added water 16 %, liquid to solid ratio 51 mL·g−1, and the actual yield was 6.766 mg·g−1. Antioxidant assay proved that NADES extract has antioxidant capacity. The results of this paper show that ultrasound-assisted natural deep eutectic solvent can effectively extract hyperoside from Cuscutae semen, which lays a foundation for the green and efficient extraction of bioactive components in natural plants and in-depth research and development.
  9. Agrobacterium-mediated Cuscuta campestris transformation as a tool for understanding plant–plant interactions Supral Adhikari, Asha Mudalige, Lydia Phillips, Hyeyoung Lee, Vivian Bernal-Galeano, Hope Gruszewski, James H. Westwood, So Yon Park New Phytologist, volume 245, pages 1774-1786 Friday 14 February 2025 Cuscuta campestris, a stem parasitic plant, has served as a valuable model plant for the exploration of plant–plant interactions and molecular trafficking. However, a major barrier to C. campestris research is that a method to generate stable transgenic plants has not yet been developed. Here, we describe the development of a Cuscuta transformati... Cuscuta campestris, a stem parasitic plant, has served as a valuable model plant for the exploration of plant–plant interactions and molecular trafficking. However, a major barrier to C. campestris research is that a method to generate stable transgenic plants has not yet been developed. Here, we describe the development of a Cuscuta transformation protocol using various reporter genes (GFP, GUS, or RUBY) and morphogenic genes (CcWUS2 and CcGRF/GIF), leading to a robust protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated C. campestris transformation. The stably transformed and regenerated RUBY C. campestris plants produced haustoria, the signature organ of parasitic plants, and these were functional in forming host attachments. The locations of T-DNA integration in the parasite genome were confirmed through TAIL-PCR. Transformed C. campestris also produced flowers and viable transgenic seeds exhibiting betalain pigment, providing proof of germline transmission of the RUBY transgene. Furthermore, RUBY is not only a useful selectable marker for the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, but may also provide insight into the movement of molecules from C. campestris to the host during parasitism. Thus, the protocol for transformation of C. campestris reported here overcomes a major obstacle to Cuscuta research and opens new possibilities for studying parasitic plants and their interactions with hosts.
  10. Legume-derived phenolic acids influence Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. strigae compatibility and biocontrol potential in a Striga push–pull system Mekuria Wolde Assena, Jochen Schöne, Frank Rasche Biological Control, volume 202 Thursday 13 February 2025 Biological control of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. includes push–pull, intercropping using legumes, and soil-borne fungi such as Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. strigae (FOS). Efficacy of both technologies is compromised by various environmental factors. Combining them could potentially overcome their limitations and enhance control of S. hermonthic... Biological control of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. includes push–pull, intercropping using legumes, and soil-borne fungi such as Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. strigae (FOS). Efficacy of both technologies is compromised by various environmental factors. Combining them could potentially overcome their limitations and enhance control of S. hermonthica. It was hypothesized that FOS inoculation is compatible with push–pull intercropping, allowing consistent S. hermonthica suppression. Effects of selected phenolic acids and crude root exudates from three legume species (Mucuna pruriens, Desmodium uncinatum, Crotalaria juncea) on FOS mycelial growth and spore germination were studied. Bioassays showed that most phenolic acids (e.g., caffeic, p-hydroxybenzoic, syringic) had no effect on FOS development, except for piperonylic (80 %, 38 %) and t-cinnamic (53 %, 33 %) acids, which strongly inhibited growth at concentrations of 1 and 0.5 mM, respectively. Crude root exudates from Crotalaria inhibited FOS mycelial growth at 1 (44 %) and 0.5 (32 %) mg ml-1. Desmodium and Mucuna exudates showed no inhibition. Greenhouse results showed that legume intercropping and FOS inoculation reduced S. hermonthica emergence, with their integration achieving over 95 % suppression and boosting maize biomass. Legume presence enhanced FOS proliferation, with Mucuna and Desmodium increasing FOS gene copy numbers by over 44 %. LC-MS analysis identified nine phenolic acids, with p-coumaric (85–128 µg g−1) and p-hydroxybenzoic (50–97 µg g−1) acid being most abundant; the latter positively correlated with FOS abundance. In this setting, legume intercropping with maize did not impair FOS proliferation in rhizosphere soil and effectively suppressed S. hermonthica, demonstrating compatibility of FOS inoculation with push–pull for effective S. hermonthica management.
  11. (±)-Catechins inhibit prehaustorium formation in the parasitic weed Phelipanche ramosa and reduce tomato infestation Christophe Veronesi, Estelle Billard, Philippe Delavault, Philippe Simier Pest Management Science, volume 81, pages 720-726 Thursday 13 February 2025 BACKGROUND: Phelipanche ramosa L. (Pomel) is a noxious parasitic weed in field and vegetable crops in Mediterranean countries. Control of this pest is complex and far from being achieved, and new environmentally-friendly strategies are being sought. The present study evaluates the possibility of using (±)-catechins as a natural herbicide against b... BACKGROUND: Phelipanche ramosa L. (Pomel) is a noxious parasitic weed in field and vegetable crops in Mediterranean countries. Control of this pest is complex and far from being achieved, and new environmentally-friendly strategies are being sought. The present study evaluates the possibility of using (±)-catechins as a natural herbicide against broomrapes. RESULTS: The results show that (±)-catechins have no effect on GR24-induced germination over a wide concentration range (10−4 to 10−10 m), nor on radicle elongation after germination, but strongly inhibit, at 10−4 and 10−5 m, prehaustorium formation in response to the haustorium-inducing factor, cis/trans-zeatin. Accordingly, pot experiments involving the supplies of 10−5 m of (±)-catechins to tomato plants infested or not with P. ramosa demonstrate that (±)-catechins do not influence growth of non-parasitized tomato plants and prevent heavy infestation by strongly reducing parasite attachments and inducing parasite necrosis once they are attached. CONCLUSION: This study points the potential use of (±)-catechins for parasitic weed control. It raises also the question of the mechanisms involved in the inhibition of prehaustorium formation and the necrosis of parasite attachments in response to (±)-catechins application. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
  12. Gene silencing in broomrapes and other parasitic plants of the Orobanchaceae family: mechanisms, considerations, and future directions Nariman Zainali, Houshang Alizadeh, Philippe Delavault Journal of Experimental Botany, volume 76, pages 243-261 Thursday 13 February 2025 Holoparasites of the Orobanchaceae family are devastating pests causing severe damage to many crop species, and are nearly impossible to control with conventional methods. During the past few decades, RNAi has been seen as a promising approach to control various crop pests. The exchange of small RNAs (sRNAs) between crops and parasitic plants has b... Holoparasites of the Orobanchaceae family are devastating pests causing severe damage to many crop species, and are nearly impossible to control with conventional methods. During the past few decades, RNAi has been seen as a promising approach to control various crop pests. The exchange of small RNAs (sRNAs) between crops and parasitic plants has been documented, indicating potential for the development of methods to protect them via the delivery of the sRNAs to parasites, a method called host-induced gene silencing (HIGS). Here we describe various approaches used for gene silencing in plants and suggest solutions to improve the long-distance movement of the silencing triggers to increase the efficiency of HIGS in parasitic plants. We also investigate the important biological processes during the life cycle of the parasites, with a focus on broomrape species, providing several appropriate target genes that can be used, in particular, in multiplex gene silencing experiments. We also touch on how the application of nanoparticles can improve the stability and delivery of the silencing triggers, highlighting its potential for control of parasitic plants. Finally, suggestions for further research and possible directions for RNAi in parasitic plants are provided.
  13. Quantum mechanics-based structural analysis of phenolic glycosides from Cuscuta japonica seeds with protective effects against H<inf>2</inf>O<inf>2</inf>-induced oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells Hau Thi Hong Bui, Ajay Uprety, Trung Huy Ngo, Yun Seo Kil, Punam Thapa, Jongseo Mo, Hyukjae Choi, Soo Young Kim, Joo Won Nam Phytochemistry, volume 234 Wednesday 12 February 2025 Japanese dodder (Cuscuta japonica Choisy) is a parasitic plant with diverse pharmaceutical properties that has demonstrated great promise for the development of dietary supplements and herbal medicines. A systematic phytochemical investigation of dodder seeds yielded 12 previously undescribed aromatic glycosides (1−12) and eight known constituent... Japanese dodder (Cuscuta japonica Choisy) is a parasitic plant with diverse pharmaceutical properties that has demonstrated great promise for the development of dietary supplements and herbal medicines. A systematic phytochemical investigation of dodder seeds yielded 12 previously undescribed aromatic glycosides (1−12) and eight known constituents (13−20) from various groups, including phenolics, flavonoids, and lignan glycosides. Compound structures were determined using a combination of high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Moreover, quantum mechanics-driven 1H iterative full spin analysis revealed intricate NMR spectral details for the isolated glycosides, including multiplicities and coupling constants that were previously ambiguous, providing crucial insight into the presence of higher-order resonance effects in the sugar units as well as long-range couplings in unsaturated molecules. Furthermore, the abilities of the plant extract as well as compounds 1, 2, 4–7, 10, 11, and 14–20 to restore cell viability and reduce reactive oxygen species production in SH-SY5Y cells suggest that C. japonica and its isolates are potential antioxidant neuroprotective therapeutic candidates.
  14. Assessment of neuroprotective potential of Cuscuta reflexa in aluminium chloride-induced experimental model of Alzheimer's disease: In vitro and in vivo studies Pallavi Gangarde, Shvetank Bhatt, Rohini Pujari Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, volume 88 Wednesday 12 February 2025 Background & aims: Cuscuta reflexa (family Convolvulaceae), commonly known as giant dodder or Amarbel, is a parasitic plant that has garnered attention in pharmacological research due to its diverse bioactive compounds and potential therapeutic applications. Scientific studies have validated its traditional uses in folk medicine, highlighting its p... Background & aims: Cuscuta reflexa (family Convolvulaceae), commonly known as giant dodder or Amarbel, is a parasitic plant that has garnered attention in pharmacological research due to its diverse bioactive compounds and potential therapeutic applications. Scientific studies have validated its traditional uses in folk medicine, highlighting its pharmacological activities. Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by the buildup of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in the brain, leading to synaptic impairment and the gradual loss of neurons. Currently, no effective medication is available to treat the development and progression of the disease. Hence, there is a rising concern about using alternative therapy such as herbal medicine to limit the progression of AD and improve the quality of a patient's life with minimum side effects. The plant Cuscuta reflexa has traditionally been claimed to possess neuroprotective effects but has not yet been validated scientifically. The present study aimed to investigate the potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of Cuscuta reflexa (CRE) to ameliorate the neurodegenerative effect of aluminium chloride (AlCl3) using in vitro and in vivo studies. Methods: The neuroprotective activity of CRE was evaluated using in vitro and in vivo experimental models of AlCl3-induced AD. Results: The in vitro study showed that CRE markedly reduced AlCl3-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. The in vivo study using the AlCl3-induced AD rat model showed that CRE treatment improved learning and memory, as evaluated using the open field test (OFT) and Morris water maze (MWM) test. CRE also showed the reduction in oxidative stress induced by AlCl3 in the brains of the rats by virtue of the significant decrease in oxidative stress biomarker malondialdehyde (MDA) and increase in the antioxidant parameters such as reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Further, CRE exhibited its cholinergic activity by lowering the AlCl3-induced enhanced levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the brains of rats. Histopathological analysis of the brains of rats showed that CRE treatment prevented the reactive changes and the damage in the neuronal tissue caused due to the AlCl3. Conclusion: Conclusively, CRE ameliorated AlCl3-induced neurobehavioural toxicity in the rat model of AD by virtue of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cholinergic and neuroprotective effects which suggests its use in the treatment of progressive neural damage and cognitive deficits in AD patients.
  15. Cuscuta epithymum extract affects epileptic offspring behaviour and weight after applying preconception immobility stress on parents Narjes Khavasi, Leila Ghassemifard, Hajar Ramezanikhah, Saeed Sardari, Ehsan Saboory International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience, volume 85 Tuesday 11 February 2025 Introduction: Studies have indicated a link between stress during pregnancy and stress reactivity in offspring. In this study, we investigated the effect of Cuscuta epithymum (CE) extract on seizure and body weight in offspring born to stressed parents (pre-pregnancy). Methods: Male and female rats were randomly separated into four groups. Then, th... Introduction: Studies have indicated a link between stress during pregnancy and stress reactivity in offspring. In this study, we investigated the effect of Cuscuta epithymum (CE) extract on seizure and body weight in offspring born to stressed parents (pre-pregnancy). Methods: Male and female rats were randomly separated into four groups. Then, the animals were subjected to restraint stress once a day for 50 (male) and 15 (female) continuous days. At the same time, rats in the control and stress groups received normal saline while the other two groups received the CE extract. After the stress induction, the control and experimental rats were mated to create eight types of coupling combinations as follows: McFc, McFs, MsFc, MsFs, McFc + EX, McFs + EX, MsFc + EX and MsFs + EX (M, male; F, female; C, control; S, stress; EX, extract). Then, the pups were weighed on postnatal days (PND) 1, 15 and 25. They were also evaluated for pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure on PND 25. Results: The results showed that prolonged parental exposure to stress led to a significant increase in the duration and number of tonic–clonic (TC) seizures, duration of standing on two legs, firmly clinging to the ground, number of head nodding, total score of seizure behaviours and duration of tail rigidity in offspring. Moreover, the onset of the first convulsive behaviour was accelerated. Furthermore, a significantly lower body weight was observed in pre-conceptionally stressed offspring. However, the CE extract significantly improved these symptoms. Conclusion: It can be concluded that CE administration possibly improves the consequences of pre-pregnancy stress, as well as seizure behaviours and weight loss in pups.

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