Host Preference, Salt Balance and Molecular Characteristics of African Mistletoes in Selected Areas of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Mistletoes are hemi parasitic plants that are widely distributed and parasitize host trees globally. The aim of this study was to identify African mistletoes using DNA markers, determine their host preferences and salt balance in selected communities of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria. A total of 8communities were surveyed and the number of mistletoes on the host trees were counted and recorded. In addition, host characteristics such as canopy spread, tree height, water holding capacity and mistletoe-host nutrients (N+, K+, Ca2+ and P+ concentrations) equilibrium was determined. Molecular identification of collected mistletoe samples was done using DNA Barcoding with Rbcl targeted specific primers and sequence analysis using DNA Subway database. The results revealed that Acacia nilotica tree was highly infested by the mistletoe. Host canopy spread, basal area and height had no influence over mistletoe infestation. The concentration of N+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and P+ were found to be higher in the mistletoes compared to the host trees. Molecular identification of the collected mistletoes revealed close relationship with Moquiniella rubra, belonging to the family Loranthaceae. It can be concluded from the result that the mistletoes in the study areas are Moquiniella rubra and depend solely on the host trees for their nutrients requirement and survival.