The effects of mistletoe (Viscum album L.) on the physiological properties of some drupe trees in Turkey

Authors: TAMER ÜSTÜNER

Abstract: In the present study, the effects of mistletoe (Viscum album L.) on the physiological properties of drupe trees were investigated. In order to achieve this goal, sulfhydryl, chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, total amino acid, proline, carotenoid, glucose, and fructose levels, as well as leaf proportional water contents were determined in both mistletoe and its hosts under laboratory conditions. According to the results, mistletoe caused a significant decrease in water content and reduced total ascorbic acid content in apricot, almond, and plum. Additionally, mistletoe did not affect the total amino acid, glucose, and fructose concentrations of the hosts. Carotenoid and total chlorophyll contents, on the other hand, were statistically similar in the control and hosts in almond and apricot. It was also observed that mistletoe had virtually no effect on the amount of chlorophyll a in all hosts; however, it affected chlorophyll b content. As a semiparasite, mistletoe caused branches to drift backwards from the tip of their shoots by using the water and other nutritional elements of the host tree, as well as clogging their xylems with its haustorium. In addition, mistletoe acts as a stress factor, increasing host proline and sulfhydryl levels and, thereby, causing the branches to drift backwards.

Keywords: Mistletoe (Viscum album L.), drupe, proportional water, chlorophyll, carotenoid, proline

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