Identification of host range, germination ecology and management of field dodder

This study aimed to assess the distribution, host range, habitat, germination ecology, and management of C. campestris in the central zone of Kerala, India. A field survey across five districts identified 40 host species of Cuscuta, predominantly dicotyledons, with severe infestations in converted rice fields, agricultural fields, rice-fallows and wastelands. Experiments were conducted to study the germination response of C. campestris seeds to various dormancy breaking treatments, pH, burial depth and moisture levels. Scarification by sandpaper and concentrated H2SO4 improved the germination rate, while neutral pH (pH 7) gave higher germination (85%). Seeds failed to emerge beyond 5 cm burial depth and alternate-day irrigation promoted the highest germination (47%). Post-emergence management of Cuscuta in cassava using foliar spray of ammonium phosphate sulphate (3% and 5%) and urea (3% and 5%) exhibited effective control with complete drying of the parasite by 10-15 days after treatment. However, regrowth necessitated repeated applications.