Diversity and host range of Loranthaceae along the windward slope of mount Cameroon, South-West Cameroon
1 Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P. O. Box 63 Bue, Cameroon,
2 Department of Plant Organism, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, P.O.Box 24157 Douala, Cameroon.
3 Department of Animal organism, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, P.O. Box 24157 Douala, Cameroon
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2023, 20(02), 157–172
Publication history:
Received on 07 September 2023; revised on 26 October 2023; accepted on 28 October 2023
Abstract:
The Loranthaceae are known parasites of natural forests, plantations, orchards and ornamental plants throughout the world and their rampant infestation of plants along the windward slope of mount Cameroon is a cause for concern. This research was designed to identify the species of Loranthaceae along the windward slope of mount Cameroon and identify the host range. Field assessment of the parasite and host range studies were done in a rectangular plot (200 x 50 m) laid within 16 localities each along the slope. Two Loranthaceae species, Phragmanthera capitata (Sprengel) S. Balle, and Tapinanthus apodanthus Sprague were found to parasitize a total of 38 species belonging to 18 families. Phragmanthera capitata (Sprengel) S. Balle, and Tapinanthus apodanthus Sprague were found to parasitize a variety of trees and shrubs species. Phragmanthera capitata (Sprengel) S. Balle, had the highest host range with 36 species while Tapinanthus apodanthus Sprague parasitized 27 species. Of the parasitized plants, 13 species were unique to Phragmanthera capitata while 2 species Mangifera indica and Acacia sp. were unique to Tapinanthus apodanthus. Twenty-three (23) species were common to both parasites. The Lauraceae had the highest number of individual infested species recorded, like Persea americana Mill, infested by both parasites. Euphorbiaceae and Fabaceae were the two families specious with 5 and 4 infested species respectively. Similarity indices for host species of Phragmanthera capitata (Sprengel) S. Balle, and Tapinanthus apodanthus Sprague, showed that 0 - 249 m asl and 250 - 499 m asl were greatly similar.
Keywords:
Loranthacea; Host range; Windward slope; Mount Cameroon
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