Parasitic plants represent a significant biotic challenge that a plant may encounter during its crop cycle. These angiosperms depend upon the host trees for various kinds of requirements. A survey in mango orchards at Malda district of west Bengal indicated dominance of various ferns, mistletoes and Loranthus parasitizing on trees. The most dominant fern was Drynaria quercifolia with mean infestation of 79.66±9.11% and Loranthus Sp. was found to be the least dominant parasitic species (4.41±3.41%). The population dynamics, distributions, host ranges of such parasitic plants are scanty especially in perennial fruit crops like mango. There are a very fewer documentations on species diversity of such parasitic weeds affecting mango in Malda. This study indicated the need of further studies on the population dynamics, relative occurrence, interaction with host plants, interaction with other fauna, and further need of the management practices of such parasitic weeds on mango.

Mango, Parasitic ferns, Loranthus, Mistletoes, West Bengal

The study indicated that Oakleaf basket fern is the dominant parasitic species whereas, African mistletoe is the least dominant parasitic weed among all. But there is scanty information regarding their interaction with the host plants, extent of losses they cause etc. Further studies are required on the increased occurrence of parasitic plants, their effects on host plants and development of control measure. Therefore, the study can enlighten the awareness of farmers, plant protectionists, horticulturists and researchers concerning to such parasitic weeds in Malda district of West Bengal to take further effective control methods in mango cultivation.

Snehasish Routray, Vimalkumar C., Nisha Sulakhe, Monika Jha and Ajit Pandey (2023). Observations on Some Parasitic Plants on Mango Trees in Malda district of West Bengal. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(12): 121-123.