ISSN 2756-3391
African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2343-6549 Vol. 6 (2), pp. 001-008, February, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Parasitism of host trees by the Loranthaceae in the region of Douala (Cameroon)
Dibong Siegfried Didier1*, Din Ndongo1, Priso Richard Jules1, Taffouo Victor Desiré1, Fankem Henri1, Salle Georges2 and Amougou Akoa3
1 The University of Douala, Faculty of Science, Department of Plant Biology P. O. Box. 24157 Douala-Cameroon.
2The Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris IV), Laboratoire de Parasitologie végétale, 4 place Jussieu, case courrier 155, 75252 Paris cedex 05 (France).
3The University of Yaoundé I, Faculty of Science, Department of Plant Biology and Physiology, .P. O. Box. 812 Yaoundé-Cameroon.
Accepted 14 January, 2019
Abstract
The Loranthaceae constitute the most important parasite plants that cause variable damages: morphological, technological, ecological and socio-economic. These numerous and damaging effects make some parasitic angiosperms true agronomic threats, especially in developing countries.The Loranthaceae is represented in Cameroon by 26 species gathered into 7 genus. The study area includes four sites: a traditional plantation of Cola nitida situated at Penja (70 km Nord of Douala), the main road to Douala airport, one quarter (Logbessou) and Makondo village (80 km East of Douala) in an orchard dominated by Citrus. A total of 2643 individuals of DBH (diameter at breast height) greater or equal to 5 cm were inventoried. 637 individuals were parasitized. Eight known species were identified. Phragmanthera capitata is more frequent and more abundant (76.14%). The infested host trees belong to 16 species gathered into 12 genus and 10 families. The most parasitized host family is Sterculiaceae. The most sensitive host species to the parasitism of Loranthaceae is P. americana (21.51%), followed by C. nitida (17.27%) and Terminalia mantaly (13.65%). Lauraceae is infested by 7 Loranthaceae out of 8 parasites investigated. The consequences of the parasitism of the Loranthaceae demonstrate the need for establishing comprehensive ecosystem management programs.
Key words: Host trees, inventory, Loranthaceae, parasites plants.