Diseases of fruit plantation medicinal and aromatic crops (2+1)

Flowering parasite

Some flowering plants grow as parasites on coffee plants.
Stem parasite

• Cuscuta reflexa (dodder) or strange vine is generally observed on coffee plants either in nursery or in the estate near the fence hedge, if the latter is not kept free from the parasite.
• Dense strand of leafless yellow vines twining the plants.
• Produce white flowers & form seeds during dry weather from Nov-Jan.
• Primary infection comes from seeds & secondary spread occurs through neighbouring infected plants.
 
• This parasite gradually weakens coffee plants as it draws nourishment through haustoria and as a result the host vigour is lost.
Management
• Complete removal of the parasite from the infected coffee plants & burning assures good control. Care should be taken not to leave the piece of vine or its haustoria on the plant as they will revive and continue to grow again.
• Fence hedge & the neighbouring plants should be kept free of this parasite so as to check the secondary spread.