Greener Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Greener Journal of  Agricultural Sciences Vol. 3 (10), pp. 743-747, October 2013.

 ISSN: 2276-7770 

Research Paper

Manuscript Number: 101013896

 

The Influence of African Mistletoe (Tapinanthus bangwensis) on the Conservation Status and Productivity of Irvingia gabonensis in Moor Plantation Area of Ibadan, Nigeria

 

Edagbo David E.*, Ighere Dickson A. and Michael Clement

 

Plant Genetic Resources Unit, National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Moor Plantation, Apata, PMB 5382, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

 

*Corresponding Author’s Email: dedagbo @ yahoo.com; Tel.: +234-8028753717

Abstract:

A preliminary study of the host parasite relationship between Tapinanthus bangwensis and its host, Irvingia gabonensis was carried out to gain an understanding of the impact and outcome of their co-habitation on the host plant. Assessment of the physiological interaction was conducted via a study of some of the physiognomy and reproductive capacity of infested and uninfested hosts. The parasitic infestation it was observed vary between adjoining locations of the host stands because of differences in eco-habitat, physiognomy of susceptible hosts and as well as the capacity of the interacting host and parasitic plants to carry out their routine physiological activities. The incidence of the parasitic plant population on the host plantation in this study indicated marginal loss in value of the conserved host plants with correlated loss in productivity. Ultimately, the presence of Tapinanthus on its Irvingia host in this study would serve not only as a source of decline in the conservation status and productivity of the host plants but could also lead to the death of many susceptible hosts if proliferation of the parasite is not kept in check.
 
Keywords: Host, infestation, parasite, susceptibility, Girth size.

Return to Content   View Reprint (PDF) (202KB)