Distribution And Host Range Of Mistletoe Tapinanthusglobiferus A. Rich. Van Tieghan Along The Blue Nile Banks In Central Sudan

Abstract Mistletoe of the genus TapinanthusLoranthaceae is a stem hemiparasite causing damage on citruses and guava trees in central Sudan. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the distribution incidence severity and host range of the parasite. Surveys were conducted in 20102013 in four States along the Blue Nile banks in an area extended about 492 km. Results indicated that the parasite is widely distributed along the Blue Nile banks from Al-Rusayris 12261618 21 4 N and 34261618 22 14 E to Hisahisa 14 44 47 N and 33 17 43 E. The highest incidence of the parasite 69 occurred in Blue Nile State followed by Sinar state 66.3 with highest incidence 100 reported in Singa Province. While Kamlin province Northern Gezira state and Khartoum state were seemed to be free from the parasite. The highest percentage of mistletoe infection was found on lime Citrus aurantifoliaSwingle and guava Psidiumguajava M. in Western and Eastern Sinar respectively with disease severity index range between 74.2- 90.6 in both localities. The parasitic weed appears to have a wide host range attacking 22 species belonging to 14 families. The most affected trees were citruses guava and Ziziphusspina-chriti. In conclusion the results reflects the epidemic situation of mistletoe along the Blue Nile banks despite the lack of quantitative data concerning losses in fruit production of infected plants. It also revealed that mistletoe could parasitize a variety of host plants with special preference of potential suitable hosts.