A study on host specificity and phytochemical constituents of leaves of mistletoe and parasitized twigs of seven host trees/shrubs was conducted in University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Plant height and location were measured with Nikon Laser Rangefinder (Forestry 550) and GPS respectively while occurrence and count of mistletoe on host plants was largely anecdotal/visual. Phytochemical analyses were conducted at Faculty of Agriculture Science/Soil Laboratory, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria while data were subjected to One-way Analysis of Variance and means separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (p=0.05). Results revealed mistletoe were largely generalists, and contained more phytochemicals than host plants. Tapinanthus ogowensis from Moringa oleifera was richest in alkaloid; Phragmanthera nigritana on Citrus sinensis, Tapinanthus ogowensis on Moringa oleifera and Phragmanthera capitata on Calliandra portoricensis recorded highest phenol content and differences among them were not significant (p<0.05). Phragmanthera capitata on Spondias mombin had significantly higher tannins than other mistletoe and host plants (p<0.05). P. capitata on S. mombin recorded best for saponin and flavonoid while P. capitata on Psidium guajava, Loranthus micranthus on Persia americana and P. capitata on C. portoricensis recorded more anthraquinone and were not significantly different from each other p<0.05. While the marked variation in phytochemicals in leaves of mistletoe and twigs of host plants is noteworthy; the study sufficiently established that ecological idiosyncrasies, time/season and varied environmental phenomena strongly influence incidence and/or buildup of secondary metabolites. The foregoing should serve as benchmark in selection and/or use of mistletoe for resolving infirmities.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.