An Updated Inventory of Mistletoe (Plicosepalus acaciae and Viscum cruciatum) Distribution in Jordan, Hosts, and Severity of Infestation

Abstract

A botanical survey conducted from 2003 to 2007 showed the occurrence of the acacia strap flower and the Oriental mistletoe plant in different regions in Jordan. Acacia strap flower was found parasitizing 26 plant species belonging to 12 families. Oriental mistletoe attacked 14 plant species from eight families. Parasitized species ranged from wild shrubs to fruit and forest trees. Eleven Fabaceae species were parasitized by acacia strap flower, whereas Oriental mistletoe parasitized six Rosaceae species. Caper, pomegranate, white weeping broom, and white willow were attacked by both parasites. Infection by both parasites resulted in mortality of host plants in many cases. Hosts severely attacked by acacia strap flower were African jujube, Australian pine, chinaberry, Christ thorn jujube, common jujube, oleander, poinciana, sumac, tamarisk, terebinth, and white weeping broom. Oriental mistletoe heavily parasitized almond, mosphilla, olive, Palestine buckthorn, pomegranate, and white weeping broom. Results indicated the high potential of both parasites to spread and attack new hosts in the absence of control measures.