Studies on growth, flowering and haustoria behaviour of Loranthus on mango

Loranthus reproduces through seeds. Hundred per cent germination of Loranthus seed was observed on host mango tree as well as in soil. It showed semi-obligate parasitism. The growth was slow at the beginning of life cycle and remained 3.9 cm with 8 leaves at the age of 342 days. Flowers are complete and hermaphrodite. Haustoria penetrate into the bark having average number 43 per meter with average distance of 2.5 cm between two consecutive haustoria.