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A study was made of the alterations iii growth characteristics of Cuscuta campestris, Cuscuta indecora and Cuscuta reflexa on Medicago sativa as a consequence of a limitation in light intensity. There was a decrease in the content of dry solids, protein and total phosphorus in the filament mass. A decrease in these parameters occurred also in the tissues of the host, but was less pronounced than in the parasite. The response by the host to parasite growth was not always the same in the shade as in light. Phosphorus showed a distinct tendency toward firm retention in the infection complex in the dark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable variations in the content of free amino acids, ethanol soluble carbohydrates, starch, protein, chlorophyll, phytic acid, RNA and DNA exist in different regions of the long filaments of Cuscuta reflexa. The distinction is especially pronounced when comparison is made between the haustoria-bearing curls of the parasite and the apical potions of the overhaniging filament. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]