First observation of field dodder and its host range in Meghalaya

The present paper reports the first observation of a field dodder, Cuscuta campestris Yuncker from Meghalaya, Northeast India. Detailed field study has revealed a total of 51 host plant species, with Mikania micrantha Kunth., Parthenium hysterophorus L. and Duranta erecta L. being most favorable hosts. Anatomical study revealed that the parasite deteriorates the host plant by infiltrating its haustoria deep into the vascular bundles. It may also act as an economic threat to agricultural and horticultural sector in the state, as it largely reduces the host vigour and crop production. Therefore, there is an urgent need to control its invasion in the state.