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Copyright of Mustafa Kemal University Journal of Agricultural Sciences / Mustafa Kemal Üniversitesi Tarım Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The review summarizes the literature data on the chemical composition and types of biological activity of extracts of Cuscuta campestris Yunck (field dodder), which belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. C. campestris is an aboveground parasite. Its stems wrap around the host plants and are attached to them by gaustoria, which are formed in places of contact with the feeding plant and deeply embedded in its tissue. On the territory of the Russian Federation, there are more than 30 types of dodders. Extracts of C. campestris are used in traditional medicine in South Asia, but the plant is not used as an object of biologically active compounds in Russia. It is worth noting that in recent years, studies of the pharmacological properties of C. campestris have intensified, which made it possible to establish the presence of a wide range of biological activity in the plant. For instance, the cures of field dodder exert anti-inflammatory, tranquilizing, antitumor, antipyretic, antioxidant, cerebroprotective, antifungal, antiviral, analgesic, and hepatoprotective effects. In the case of isolation of the major components of C. campestris extracts, it seemed possible to assume the importance of certain substances in the realization of their pharmacological activity, which is discussed in this review. Sugars and sugar acids, sex pheromones, tannins, carotenoids, amino acids, fatty acids and their esters, polyphenols (including flavonoids), coumarins, triterpenoids, vitamins, furans, pyrans and lactones were identified among the secondary metabolites. Due to the fact that the plant in question is widely represented on the territory of the Russian Federation and it is affordable, C. campestris is a promising object of research for the creation of new effective medicines based on it.

Simple Summary: A new gall-forming model, Smicronyx madaranus, showed that gall formation consists of two processes: initiation by adults and enlargement by larvae. Phylogenetic analysis showed that gall-forming weevils belong to two distinct lineages that utilize different host plants, suggesting that gall-forming traits evolved independently in these Smicronyx lineages. This study demonstrates that RNAi is effective for functional gene analysis in S. madaranus. The S. madaranus model contributes to elucidating the mechanisms of gall formation and understanding the commonalities and diversity of insect galls. The molecular mechanisms underlying insect gall formation remain unclear. A major reason for the inability to identify the responsible genes is that only a few systems can be experimentally validated in the laboratory. To overcome these problems, we established a new galling insect model, Smicronyx madaranus. Our manipulation experiments using nail polish sealing and insecticide treatment revealed an age-dependent change in gall formation by S. madaranus; adult females and larvae are responsible for gall induction and enlargement, respectively. Furthermore, it has been suggested that substances released during oviposition and larval feeding are involved in each process. Phylogenetic analysis showed that gall-forming weevils, including S. madaranus, belong to two distinct lineages that utilize different host plants. This may indicate that gall-forming traits evolved independently in these Smicronyx lineages. The efficacy of RNA interference (RNAi) in S. madaranus was confirmed by targeting the multicopper oxidase 2 gene. It is expected that the mechanisms of gall formation will be elucidated by a comprehensive functional analysis of candidate genes using RNAi and the S. madaranus galling system in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuscuta campestris Yunck. is a parasitic weed responsible for severe yield losses in crops worldwide. The selective control of this weed is scarce due to the difficult application of methods that kill the parasite without negatively affecting the infected crop. trans-Cinnamic acid is secreted by plant roots naturally into the rhizosphere, playing allelopathic roles in plant–plant communities, although its activity in C. campestris has never been investigated. In the search for natural molecules with phytotoxic activity against parasitic weeds, this work hypothesized that trans-cinnamic acid could be active in inhibiting C. campestris growth and that a study of a series of analogs could reveal key structural features for its growth inhibition activity. In the present structure–activity relationship (SAR) study, we determined in vitro the inhibitory activity of trans-cinnamic acid and 24 analogs. The results showed that trans-cinnamic acid's growth inhibition of C. campestris seedlings is enhanced in eight of its derivatives, namely hydrocinnamic acid, 3-phenylpropionaldehyde, trans-cinnamaldehyde, trans-4-(trifluoromethyl)cinnamic acid, trans-3-chlorocinnamic acid, trans-4-chlorocinnamic acid, trans-4-bromocinnamic acid, and methyl trans-cinnamate. Among the derivatives studied, the methyl ester derivative of trans-cinnamic acid was the most active compound. The findings of this SAR study provide knowledge for the design of herbicidal treatments with enhanced activity against parasitic weeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusions: C. campestris parasitisation increases internal host defences at the expense of environmentally directed ones in the host species A. campestris, thus limiting plant defence against progressive parasitisation. Cuscuta campestris Yunck is a holoparasitic species that parasitises wild species and crops. Among their hosts, Artemisia campestris subsp. variabilis (Ten.) Greuter is significantly affected in natural ecosystems. Limited information is available on the host recognition mechanism and there are no data on the interactions between these species and the effects on the primary and specialised metabolism in response to parasitisation. The research aims at evaluating the effect of host–parasite interactions, through a GC–MS untargeted metabolomic analysis, chlorophyll a fluorescence, ionomic and δ13C measurements, as well as volatile organic compound (VOC) fingerprint in A. campestris leaves collected in natural environment. C. campestris parasitisation altered plant water status, forcing stomatal opening, stimulating plant transpiration, and inducing physical damages to the host antenna complex, thus reducing the efficiency of its photosynthetic machinery. Untargeted-metabolomics analysis highlighted that the parasitisation significantly perturbed the amino acids and sugar metabolism, inducing an increase in the production of osmoprotectants, which generally accumulate in plants as a protective strategy against oxidative stress. Notably, VOCs analysis highlighted a reduction in sesquiterpenoids and an increase in monoterpenoids levels; involved in plant defence and host recognition, respectively. Moreover, C. campestris induced in the host a reduction in 3-hexenyl-acetate, a metabolite with known repellent activity against Cuscuta spp. We offer evidences that C. campestris parasitisation increases internal host defences via primary metabolites at the expense of more effective defensive compounds (secondary metabolites), thus limiting A. campestris defence against progressive parasitisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuscuta campestris is a parasitic weed species that inflicts worldwide noxious effects in many broadleaf crops due to its capacity to withdraw nutrients and water directly from the crop vascular system using haustorial connections. Cuscuta campestris control in the majority of crops affected is non-existent, and thus, research for the development of control methods is needed. Hydrocinnamic acid occurs naturally in the rhizosphere, playing regulatory roles in plant–plant and plant–microbe communities. The toxicity of hydrocinnamic acid against C. campestris was recently identified. In the present work, a structure–activity relationship study of 21 hydrocinnamic acid analogues was performed to identify key structural features needed for its allelopathic action against the seedling growth of this parasitic plant. The findings of this study provide the first step for the design of herbicides with enhanced activity for the control of C. campestris infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuscuta campestris is a parasitic weed species with noxious effects in broadleaf crops worldwide. The control of Cuscuta in the majority of crops affected is limited or non-existing. We tested, for the first time, the effect of eighteen metabolites in in vitro-grown Cuscuta seedlings. We found that 2-benzoxazolinone, hydrocinnamic acid and pisatin caused the strongest inhibition of seedling growth. In addition to seedling growth, pisatin caused necrosis of the Cuscuta seedling, occurring mostly at the seedling shoot. Scopoletin and sesamol treatments caused toxicity, observed as a black staining, only at the Cuscuta root apices, while caffeic acid, ferulic acid and vanillic acid caused toxicity, observed as brown staining, in the root apices. The structure–activity relationships in four structural derivatives of 2-benzoxazolinone, and five structural derivatives of hydrocinnamic acid, were also studied. The identification of new herbicidal modes of action against Cuscuta is the first step in creating new alternatives to sustainable chemical control of parasitic weeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuscuta campestris Yunck. is a stem holoparasitic flowering plant, wide-spread and currently considered invasive worldwide. It has both ecological and agricultural significance. However, little is known on how the conditions of the environment, and abiotic stresses in particular, could affect the success of this parasite. A total of 22 potential host plants, belonging to 10 species and 4 families, were tested as C. campestris hosts under different saline regimes. The changes in survival rate (number of successful infections) and growth (as cm day−1) of the parasite were studied. Salinity did significantly change the survival and growth rate of C. campestris , which effect was species- and cultivar-dependent. While generally the survival of the parasite decreased with increasing salinization, the opposite effect was observed on several host plants. However, survival rate did not always coincide with higher growth rate. This suggests that salinity produces different effects on the parasite depending on the host plant and these depend strongly not only on the species, but also on the cultivar. These results strongly suggest that under salt stress the suitability of various crop plants as hosts for C. campestris may change significantly, thus affecting the overall success of the parasite. In the light of the increased salinization of soils, this may have a significant effect on the spread of C. campestris and its agricultural impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field dodder (Cuscuta campestris Yunck.) is a very harmful parasitic weed species worldwide which infests many crops, including alfalfa as a foremost forage crop. Glyphosate has been an effective herbicide for field dodder control even though side effects occasionally occur in alfalfa plants. To find out and quantify the effects of glyphosate (288 and 360 g a.i. ha-1) on field dodder control, alfalfa forage yield, and physiological and anatomical features of alfalfa plants under controlled conditions were aims of the study. Physiologic (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total carotenoids); and anatomic parameters were measured. Leaf anatomic parameters were thicknesses of upper epidermis, palisade and spongy tissues, mesophyll and underside leaf epidermis, and diameter of bundle sheath cells. Stem anatomic parameters were thicknesses of epidermis and cortex, and diameters of stem and central cylinder (pith). Both rates of glyphosate caused recovery of the harmful effects of field dodder on alfalfa, which shows that glyphosate can control field dodder at early stages of infestation on alfalfa.

Cuscuta campestris Yunck. is a parasitic weed responsible for severe yield losses in crops worldwide. The selective control of this weed is scarce due to the difficult application of methods that kill the parasite without negatively affecting the infected crop. trans-Cinnamic acid is secreted by plant roots naturally into the rhizosphere, playing allelopathic roles in plant–plant communities, although its activity in C. campestris has never been investigated. In the search for natural molecules with phytotoxic activity against parasitic weeds, this work hypothesized that trans-cinnamic acid could be active in inhibiting C. campestris growth and that a study of a series of analogs could reveal key structural features for its growth inhibition activity. In the present structure–activity relationship (SAR) study, we determined in vitro the inhibitory activity of trans-cinnamic acid and 24 analogs. The results showed that trans-cinnamic acid’s growth inhibition of C. campestris seedlings is enhanced in eight of its derivatives, namely hydrocinnamic acid, 3-phenylpropionaldehyde, trans-cinnamaldehyde, trans-4-(trifluoromethyl)cinnamic acid, trans-3-chlorocinnamic acid, trans-4-chlorocinnamic acid, trans-4-bromocinnamic acid, and methyl trans-cinnamate. Among the derivatives studied, the methyl ester derivative of trans-cinnamic acid was the most active compound. The findings of this SAR study provide knowledge for the design of herbicidal treatments with enhanced activity against parasitic weeds.

Cuscuta campestris is one of the most widespread and most harmful parasitic plants in the world. It regularly infests economically important crops substantially reducing their yield. Its host preference has been frequently investigated in natural habitats, but studies have usually been performed at only one site. In this study, I tested the hypothesis that host-preference studies performed at a single site provide information only about local individuals of the host species and not about the species of hosts in general. The preferential status of host species was investigated in different geographical regions, in different species environments. Altogether 1847 relationships between parasite and plant species were examined and categorized at 171 places in Hungary. The used method took into account the frequency and intensity of infestations on the hosts, the proportion of resource use and availability, the resource distribution as well as the defence mechanisms of the hosts. The frequency and intensity of infestations greatly varied amongst the 174 detected host species. The results confirmed that frequently parasitized hosts of C. campestris are not necessarily preferred. Most host species have infestations of varying intensity in different species environments. Poaceae species were found to differ from each other in the extent to which they support the parasite's growth. The study revealed also that C. campestris does not always develop haustoria on individuals of those species, which are unable to contribute significantly to its growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuscuta campestris is a parasitic weed species with noxious effects in broadleaf crops worldwide. The control of Cuscuta in the majority of crops affected is limited or non-existing. We tested, for the first time, the effect of eighteen metabolites in in vitro-grown Cuscuta seedlings. We found that 2-benzoxazolinone, hydrocinnamic acid and pisatin caused the strongest inhibition of seedling growth. In addition to seedling growth, pisatin caused necrosis of the Cuscuta seedling, occurring mostly at the seedling shoot. Scopoletin and sesamol treatments caused toxicity, observed as a black staining, only at the Cuscuta root apices, while caffeic acid, ferulic acid and vanillic acid caused toxicity, observed as brown staining, in the root apices. The structure–activity relationships in four structural derivatives of 2-benzoxazolinone, and five structural derivatives of hydrocinnamic acid, were also studied. The identification of new herbicidal modes of action against Cuscuta is the first step in creating new alternatives to sustainable chemical control of parasitic weeds.

Cuscuta campestris is a parasitic weed species that inflicts worldwide noxious effects in many broadleaf crops due to its capacity to withdraw nutrients and water directly from the crop vascular system using haustorial connections. Cuscuta campestris control in the majority of crops affected is non-existent, and thus, research for the development of control methods is needed. Hydrocinnamic acid occurs naturally in the rhizosphere, playing regulatory roles in plant–plant and plant–microbe communities. The toxicity of hydrocinnamic acid against C. campestris was recently identified. In the present work, a structure–activity relationship study of 21 hydrocinnamic acid analogues was performed to identify key structural features needed for its allelopathic action against the seedling growth of this parasitic plant. The findings of this study provide the first step for the design of herbicides with enhanced activity for the control of C. campestris infection.

Efficient approaches aimed at restricting Cuscuta campestris distribution can be based on the control of seed germination. Thus, data on effects of environmental factors, seed age, seed longevity and viability, and hosts on C. campestris seed germination and emergence would provide valuable information in that context. Seeds of 26 populations of C. campestris were collected from different locations in Serbia during the field season August–October between 2005 and 2019. Seeds were collected in three major agronomic regions in Serbia: Banat (13 populations), Srem (11 populations), and Macva (2 populations). The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of different temperatures and light on seed germination and seedling growth of populations of C. campestris, determine possible correlations between seed age or hosts and total germination and seedling growth, and survey the morphological diversity and genetic variability of seeds of this parasitic plant. Large variability of germination patterns was observed within each agronomic region, and the high variance of seed germination patterns within regions reflects the ability of C. campestris to adapt to local agricultural management practices. For practical purposes, populations that start and complete their emergence earlier are considered harder to control. Thus, farmers should implement effective mechanical and chemical management measures for early-germinating populations.

Field dodder (Cuscuta campestris Yunck.) is a very harmful parasitic weed species worldwide which infests many crops, including alfalfa as a foremost forage crop. Glyphosate has been an effective herbicide for field dodder control even though side effects occasionally occur in alfalfa plants. To find out and quantify the effects of glyphosate (288 and 360 g a.i. ha-1) on field dodder control, alfalfa forage yield, and physiological and anatomical features of alfalfa plants under controlled conditions were aims of the study. Physiologic (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total carotenoids); and anatomic parameters were measured. Leaf anatomic parameters were thicknesses of upper epidermis, palisade and spongy tissues, mesophyll and underside leaf epidermis, and diameter of bundle sheath cells. Stem anatomic parameters were thicknesses of epidermis and cortex, and diameters of stem and central cylinder (pith). Both rates of glyphosate caused recovery of the harmful effects of field dodder on alfalfa, which shows that glyphosate can control field dodder at early stages of infestation on alfalfa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some natural compounds of plants including phenols and alkaloids induce mitosis depressive that are blocked cell division. Field dodder (Cuscuta campestris Yunck.) and eastern dodder (Cuscuta monogyna Vahl.) are the most widespread obligatory parasitic species. In the present study, end of summer 2015, field dodder and eastern dodder are collected from Alhagi maurorum Medik. host and Vine (Vitis sylvestris C.C.Gmel.) host respectively from Markazi province of Iran and identified by department of botany of Islamic Azad University of Saveh. The aerial parts of dodders were used for aqueous extract. Dodders alkaloid and poly phenol were visualized by TLC and Dragendorff (for alkaloid) and ferric salt (for poly phenol) reagents. Total phenols and alkaloid were measured by using the calibration and spectrophotometry methods. Root length and roots tip meristem model of onion bulbs and barley seedlings were utilized to allelopathy and antimitotic effects of dodders aqueous extracts. Standard cytotoxic 8-Hydroxyquinoline served as controls. The bulbs and barley seedlings were treated at various concentrations: 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mgml-1 (dw) of and aqueous extract of dodders and 8-Hydroxyquinoline for 6 and 12 h. The inhibitory effect of dodders extract were evaluated on the growth and mitotic activity (Mitotic index) of barley seedlings and onion root meristems and the effect was compared with standard 8-Hydroxyquinoline. The One Way ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis. The poly phenols of field dodder was condensed tannins (include flavonoids) but for eastern dodder hydrolysable tannins. Like 8-Hydroxyquinoline, both field and eastern dodders extracts significantly inhibited the growth of roots and mitotic activity in incubation time and dose-dependent manner. However, C. campestris extract was more allelopathy and antimitotic potent in this regard and produced root decay and mitosis arrest. The extract of dodders had inhibitory and mitosis depressive effect on root tip meristem cells. In the present study we found, the dodders aqueous extracts can been used to produce desirable effects as it pertains to chromosome condensation and spread, and though the roles of these chemicals in spindle fiber inhibition have been elucidated, as 8-Hydroxyquinoline.

Copyright of Anadolu (1300-0225) is the property of Anadolu Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The dodders (Cuscuta spp.) are parasitic plants that feed on the stems of their host plants. Cuscuta campestris is one of the most damaging parasitic plants for the worldwide agricultural production of broad-leaved crops. Its control is limited or non-existent, therefore resistance breeding is the best alternative both economically and environmentally. Common vetch (Vicia sativa) and bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia) are highly susceptible to C. campestris, but no resistant genotypes have been identified. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify in V. sativa and V.ervilia germplasm collections genotypes resistant to C. campestris infection for use in combating this parasitic plant. Three greenhouse screening were conducted to: (1) identify resistant responses in a collection of 154 accessions of bitter vetch and a collection of 135 accessions of common vetch genotypes against infection of C. campestris; (2) confirm the resistant response identified in common vetch accessions; and (3) characterize the effect of C. campestris infection on biomass of V. sativa resistant and susceptible accessions. Most common vetch and bitter vetch genotypes tested were susceptible to C. campestris. However, the V. sativa genotype Vs.1 exhibited high resistance. The resistant phenotype was characterized by a delay in the development of C. campestris posthaustorial growth and a darkening resembling a hypersensitive-like response at the penetration site. The resistant mechanism was effective in limiting the growth of C. campestris as the ratio of parasite/host shoot dry biomass was more significantly reduced than the rest of the accessions. To the best or our knowledge, this is the first identification of Cuscuta resistance in V. sativa genotypes.

Several bacterial cultures: Bacillus licheniformis (MO1), B. pumilus (MO2), and B. amyloliquefaciens (MO3), isolated from manure; B. megatherium ZP6 (MO4) isolated from maize rhizosphere; Azotobacter chroococcum Ps1 (MO5) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (MO6), were used to test the influence of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on seed germination and germination rate of field dodder (Cuscuta campestris Yunk.). Also, to examine the effect of host seeds on germination and initial growth of seedlings of field dodder plants in the dark and under white light, the seeds of four host plants were used (watermelon, red clover, alfalfa and sugar beet). Germinated seeds were counted daily over a ten-day period and the length of seedlings was measured on the final day. The results show that treatments MO3, MO4 and MO6 had inhibitory effects (15%, 65% and 52%, respectively), while treatments MO1, MO2 and MO5 had stimulating effects (3%, 3% and 19%, respectively) on seed germination of field dodder. The data for host seeds show that light was a significant initial factor (83-95%, control 95%) for stimulating seed germination of field dodder plants, apart from host presence (73-79%, control 80%).

Field dodder is a parasitic plant that attaches to stems and leaves of broadleaf plants, including weeds, field crops, vegetables and ornamentals, across most agricultural regions of the world. Effective field dodder control is extremely difficult to achieve due to the nature of attachment and close association between the host and the parasite, which require a highly effective and selective herbicide to destroy the parasite without damaging its host. To establish a strategy for controlling parasite growth and restricting the spread of field dodder in crop fields, it is important to learn more about this weed, its life cycle and development.

The effects of field dodder on physiological processes and the anatomy of alfalfa plants were examined under controlled conditions. The experiment included the following variants: N - noninfested alfalfa plants (control); I - infested alfalfa plants (untreated); T - infested plants treated with imazethapyr. Imazethapyr application rate was 100 g a.i. ha-1. The following parameters were checked: physiological - pigment content (chlorophyll ɑ, chlorophyll b, total carotenoids); anatomical - stem parameters: thickness of epidermis and cortex, and diameter of stem and central cylinder; leaf parameters: thickness of epidermis, parenchyma and spongy tissue, mesophyll and underside leaf epidermis, and diameter of bundle sheath cells in alfalfa plants. Pigment contents and anatomical parameters were measured: prior to herbicide treatment (0 assessment), then 7 (I assessment), 14 (II assessment), 21 (III assessment), 28 (IV assessment) and 35 (V assessment) days after application (DAA). Field dodder was found to affect the contents of chlorophyll ɑ, chlorophyll ɑ and carotenoids in untreated alfalfa plants, causing significant reductions in pigment content. Conversely, percent reduction in the treated plants decreased 22-5% for chlorophyll ɑ, 25-1%, for chlorophyll b, and 21-11% for carotenoids, while a stimulating effect of 1-6% was observed for the contents of chlorophyll b and carotenoids 35 DAA. Plants infested (untreated) by field dodder had lower values of most anatomical parameters, compared to noninfested plants. The measured anatomical parameters of alfalfa stems and leaves had significantly higher values in noninfested plants and plants treated with imazethapyr than in untreated plants.

Parasitic flowering plants have recently come into focus of research interests as a result of their notable expansion and increasing damage that they are causing in agricultural fields. Damage caused by field dodder in alfalfa crops mainly includes reduced yield of fresh biomass and considerable decrease in seed production. Effective control of field dodder in alfalfa crops necessarily includes a number of preventive measures and procedures, as well as chemical control. The effectiveness of glyphosate, propyzamide, imazethapyr and diquat herbicides in controlling field dodder in alfalfa crops was tested in trials conducted in 2011. Pot and field trials were set up in an experimental field of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad (location Rimski Šančevi) and in a private field at Popovići (vicinity of Mladenovac). In pot trials, two glyphosate application rates (288 and 360 g a.i. ha) achieved the highest effectiveness of 95% and 97.5%, respectively. Both application rates of propyzamide (1500 and 2000 g a.i. ha) had weak effectiveness (85% and 87%, respectively), while imazethapyr (150 g a.i. ha) was the weakest herbicide with 80% efficacy. In field trials at both locations, diquat (450 g a.i. ha) showed the best efficacy in controlling field dodder in alfalfa. The efficacy of all other treatments was weaker at Popovići with the following survival rates of field dodder plants: 25% (glyphosate, 288 g a.i. ha), 15% (glyphosate, 360 g a.i. ha), 79% (propyzamide, 1500 g a.i. ha), 70% (propyzamide, 2000 g a.i. ha) and 72% (imazethapyr, 150 g a.i. ha). At the location Rimski Šančevi, the same treatements resulted in around 1% remaining field dodder plants in alfalfa crop.

Broad geographic distribution and spectrum of hosts make field dodder, Cuscuta campestris, one of the most widespread and most harmful pests among flowering parasitic plants. Field dodder may become a problem in vegetable nurseries (e.g. tomato, sweet pepper and cabbage) or in potato or some other crop grown in plastic greenhouses. However, the most devastating damage comes from field dodder outbreaks in newly-established perennial legume crops (alfalfa, clover, etc.), which are generally the preferred hosts of this parasitic flowering species. Apart from alfalfa and clover, an expansion of field dodder has been observed in recent years in sugar beet, too. Different measures are available for controlling field dodder, from preventive (pure seeding material, tolerant cultivars, etc.), to mechanical removal (mowing and hand weeding) to herbicide treatments. The most successful control of field dodder requires a systematic approach ensured through integrated protection, which contributes to a more effective control of parasitic flowering plants.

Cuscuta campestris is a holostemparasitic plant that obtains its resources from its hosts. Sweet basil is an important commercial plant, widely cultivated in many countries. It is a common host for C. campestris. Generally, C. campestris has negative effect on the growth of infected plants and its infestation is difficult to control. Therefore, environmental friendly control of C. campestris seems to be useful. In this work, the relationship between C. campestris and its host, sweet basil, and effects of κ-carrageenan on protection against C. campestris and suppression of its invasion were studied. Basil was sprayed with a solution of carrageenan at a final concentration of 1 g L-1, once a week, 3 times in total. Infection of basil with C. campestris was performed 2 days after the last carrageenan treatment and the plants were collected two weeks after C. campestris attachment. In this study, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity (PAL), phenolic, flavonoids and antioxidant content increased remarkably in the basil plants parasitized with C. campestris, and therefore it seems that the parasitic plant induced a defense response in the host plants. Treatment with carrageenan significantly increased shoot length and leaf area of basil and decreased C. campestris infestation by about 26%. Carrageenan treatment caused a significant increase in PAL activity, phenols, antioxidant and lignin content in basil. Thus, the present observation suggested the phenylpropanoid pathway was activated and defense responses were stimulated. Our results showed that carrageenan spraying induced beneficial effects in plants, corresponding to growth stimulation and defense compound synthesis. Thus carrageenan treatment is recommended as a natural biostimulator for the protection of plants against C. campestris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of field dodder on physiological and anatomical processes in untreated sugar beet plants and the effects of propyzamide on field dodder were examined under controlled conditions. The experiment included the following variants: N—noninfested sugar beet plants (control); I - infested sugar beet plants (untreated), and infested plants treated with propyzamide (1500 g a.i. ha−1(T1) and 2000 g a.i. ha−1(T2)). The following parameters were checked: physiological—pigment contents (chlorophylla, chlorophyllb, total carotenoids); anatomical -leaf parameters: thickness of epidermis, parenchyma and spongy tissue, mesophyll and underside leaf epidermis, and diameter of bundle sheath cells; petiole parameters: diameter of tracheid, petiole hydraulic conductance, xylem surface, phloem cell diameter and phloem area in sugar beet plants. A conventional paraffin wax method was used to prepare the samples for microscopy. Pigment contents were measured spectrophotometrically after methanol extraction. All parameters were measured: prior to herbicide application (0 assessment), then 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after application (DAA). Field dodder was found to affect the pigment contents in untreated sugar beet plants, causing significant reductions. Conversely, reduction in the treated plants decreased 27% to 4% for chlorophylla, from 21% to 5% for chlorophyllb, and from 28% to 5% for carotenoids (T1). Also, in treatment T2,reduction decreased in infested and treated plants from 19% to 2% for chlorophylla, from 21% to 2% for chlorophyllb, from 23% to 3% for carotenoids and stimulation of 1% and 2% was observed 28 and 35 DAA, respectively. Plants infested (untreated) by field dodder had lower values of most anatomical parameters, compared to noninfested plants. The measured anatomical parameters of sugar beet leaves and petiole had significantly higher values in noninfested plants and plants treated with propyzamide than in untreated plants. Also, the results showed that propyzamide is an adequate herbicide for control of field dodder at the stage of early infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

There is a strong current trend for using complementary and alternative medications to treat atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a common, chronic, pruritic, and inflammatory skin disease. It can have a profound, negative effect on patients’ quality of life. Mild cases of atopic dermatitis can be controlled by the application of moisturizers and topical corticosteroids. However, in severe cases, application of immunosuppressive medication is unavoidable but it can have adverse effects. In traditional Persian medicine, diseases similar to resistant atopic dermatitis are treated with whey in combination with decoction of field dodder. Both whey and field dodder have anti-inflammatory properties. Consumption of whey can also aid skin repair, mitigate pruritus, and help combat the high level of stress experienced by patients. Therefore, it is hypothesized that consumption of traditional medicinal treatment of whey with decoction of field dodder can be applied as a complementary treatment for atopic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of Cuscuta subg. Grammica sect. Cleistogrammica (Cuscuta pentagona clade) is centered in North America (C. campestris, C. glahrior, C. harperi, C. pentagona, C. obtusiflora, C. plattensis, C. polygonorum, C. runyonii); however, long-distance dispersal was documented to Hawaii (C. sandwichiana), South America (C. gymnocarpa, C. stenolepis, and in part C. obtusiflora), Africa (C. bifurcata, C. schlechteri), Eurasia, and Australia (C. australis). Hybrid speciation has already been documented for some members of sect. Cleistogrammica (C. sandwichiana, C. bifurcata) but previous studies strongly suggested that the extent of reticulate evolution is underestimated in Cuscuta generally, and in this section in particular. Sequence data from the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the plastid trnL-F region were used to reconstruct the phytogeny and gain a better understanding of the evolutionary history within the clade. Additionally, a morphometric analysis was conducted to test the phenetic distinctiveness of a select number of species with taxonomic problems: C. campestris, C. glabrior, C. gymnocarpa, and C. pentagona. Discordances between phylogenies derived from plastid and nuclear data showed that C. campestris is a hybrid, likely involving the C. runyonii / glabrior lineage as a maternal progenitor and an undiscovered species as a paternal progenitor. This latter species, an extinct or unsampled lineage, was itself inferred to be a hybrid between C. pentagonal harperi and C. australis / obtusiflora ! polygonorum lineages. Both the evolutionary and morphometric results clearly showed that C. campestris is a distinct species and the negative consequences of its amalgamation with C. pentagona during the last decades are discussed. Cuscuta gymnocarpa, an enigmatic species described from specimens collected by Darwin from the Galapagos, was inferred as conspecific with C. campestris and proposed as a variety of the latter. Because C. gymnocarpa is only a form of C. campestris, the possible means of dispersal of the latter species to the Galapagos are discussed. Cuscuta modesta, a new species discovered while studying the systematics of the clade, is described and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pesticides & Phytomedicine / Pesticidi i Fitomedicina is the property of Institute of Pesticides & Environmental Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Pesticides & Phytomedicine / Pesticidi i Fitomedicina is the property of Institute of Pesticides & Environmental Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Previous studies revealed that blue light stimulates and red light inhibits prehaustoria development in young seedlings of the parasitic weed Cuscuta campestris (field dodder). This study showed a positive correlation between blue light induced increases in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and blue light-mediation of prehaustoria development, prior to host attachment. Blue light induced a significant increase in the level of IP3, with a peak at about 30 min. Thereafter, the level of IP3 declined to the resting value after 2 h of blue light. Irradiation with 10 min red light pulse applied directly at the end of each 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.3, 1, 2 and 4 h blue light significantly reduced IP3, while high levels of IP3 were observed after 10 min far-red pulse. The G-protein inhibitor pertussis toxin inhibited prehaustoria developed under blue light, suggesting that receptor-coupled G-proteins are likely to be involved in prehaustoria development. These results are the first in vivo demonstration of a possible role for IP3 as a second messenger in the blue light signal transduction process in prehaustoria development in Cuscuta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]