Abstract:

In order to clarify the relationship between dodder and its host plant, and find the effective method for the control of dodder, the physiological responses of Schefflera odorata cv.Variegata to Cuscuta japonica parasitization were studied by using artificial inoculation method. The results showed that the chlorophyl content of Schefflera odorata cv.Variegata was decreased by 45.5% after parasitized by Cuscuta japonica, SOD and PAL enzymes activity were increased 31.9% and 143.6% respectively. While the content of MDA and POD enzyme activity were declined 12.2% and 4.4 respectively. The net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Cond) and transpiration rate (Tr) were obviously decreased. It showed that the physiological response of Schefflera odorata cv.Variegata to Cuscuta japonica parasitization was obviously, and could produce a series of physiological and biochemical reactions to adapt the parasitic stress.