Parasitic weeds in the Southern United States
Musselman, L.J.
Castanea 61(3): 271-292
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-7475 DOI: 10.2307/4033681
Accession: 009157486
Parasitic weeds are of limited economic importance in the Southern United States although almost 30 species are native and several others have been introduced. The most important is Striga asiatica, a pathogen on corn and other grains. Broomrapes, especially Orobanche cernua, O. crenata, and O. ramosa have the greatest potential as possible introductions. They attack a broad range of hosts including tomatoes, tobacco, and kole crops. The most serious native parasite is Seymeria cassioides (Scrophulariaceae) that parasitizes young pines. Cuscuta pentagona, although native, is a more serious problem in other parts of the country and has been spread around the world. Each parasite family occurring in the South is discussed as well as those that could be introduced. Prediction of parasitic weed problems is based on an understanding of the host range and biology of the parasite in its native setting.