Base banding technique for the management of mistletoes (Loranthus falcatus L. f. and L. utui Molina) from perennial fruit trees

Abstract

Mistletoes are serious phanerogamic parasites on perennials trees and severe infestations question the survival of host plant itself. Extreme regenerative capability of these plants handicaps the prevailing management strategies. The outcome of various mechanical and chemical treatments on mistletoes on mango hosts is detailed, and the ineffectiveness of foliar sprays for systemic mortality is histologically traced to the discrete phloem. Based on these findings, we commercially recommend a new technique – base banding with 1% 2,4-D – for xylem translocation that results in non-regenerative parasitic mortality. This involves the banding around the pest trunk with cotton cloth strip soaked in herbicide, at the point of attachment to the host, after removing the outer skin to about 0.5 cm length. Two consecutive foliar sprays with either 1% ethephon or 60% diesel, with the second spray on leaf re-emergence was also effective but costly.