Assessment of Morphological Diversity of Cuscuta Species based on Floral Morphology

The genus Cuscuta L. are obligate stem parasites, with long, multi- branched, modified thread like stem, attacking an extensive range of host plants. The Cuscuta species has cosmopolitan occurrence and are widely distributed throughout the temperate and tropical zones and colonizers diversity of habitats. Though, Cuscuta spp. is known to affect a number of crop and non-crop species globally, there is limited information on biology, ecosystem and farmers’ knowledge, existence species of diversity and threat to crop production. Furthermore, knowledge on the existence of variation within a species is a prerequisite for developing sustainable management strategies for Cuscuta spp. in a specified agrosystems as well as making decision for comprehensive management practices for the weed. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the morphological diversity of Cuscuta Species based on floral morphology in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study was carried out in Uasin Gishu County across the six sub-counties using purposive and convenient sampling design. The study involved Morphological identification by examining Cuscuta species general appearance and the microscopic flower morphology examination. The morphology of the floral characters revealed distinct Cuscuta species from the accessions collected from Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Concisely, the flowers were microscopically identified to the species level across all the samples and showed that the clusters contained of five petals, five sepals and five stamens. Cuscuta species showed tremendous diversity in Uasin Gishu County with Cuscuta reflexa exhibited wide distribution in the County. Characterization of species provide valuable information for extensive analysis and precise identification of Cuscuta and develop better management and utilization strategies.