Studies on the Development and Establishment of Tapinanthus bangwensis1

Abstract

Tapinanthus bangwensis (Engler and K. Krause) Danser is not host-specific in the absolute sense. The pattern of development up to the production of the first two plumular leaves is essentially the same on any host. The parasite, however, shows a preference for some hosts but such preference is independent of any characteristics of the family or order to which the host belongs. Soon after contact with the host surface, the haustorium, the functional root of the parasite begins the penetration process The actual process of invasion is a rapid one and is hidden from view. The effects of crushing, disorganization, and disruption of host tissues that attend invasion point unequivocally to penetration by mechanical action. Considerable though these effects might be cessation of growth of the parasite-bearing host branch is neither early nor common.