top of page

A Survey of Mistletoe Tapinanthus Globiferus (A. Rich) Infestation on Tree Species in the Take-Off Campus of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria

Samaila, A. and Lawal, A. I.

A Survey of Mistletoe Tapinanthus Globiferus (A. Rich) Infestation on Tree Species in the Take-Off Campus of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria

Assessing the impacts of mistletoe (Tapinanthus globiferus) infestation on tree species is crucial for preserving urban biodiversity and ecosystem balance. This study examined the prevalence and degree of mistletoe infestation on 438 trees across three locations (Mosque, Clinic and Auditorium) at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria campus. Stratified random sampling was employed for survey of tree Leaves and shoots from both parasitized and non-parasitized host plants, as well as the shoots and fruits of mistletoe were collected separately in dark polythene bags. The results of the study reveal a 62% overall infestation rate, with significant variations across locations and tree species: In Location A (Mosque), 94 infestations were recorded, 78 infestations in location B (Clinic) and 102 infestations representing 100% occurrence in location C (Auditorium). Among the surveyed tree species, Azadirachta indica, Parkia biglobosa, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Albizia lebbeck, Tamarindus indica, and Khaya senegalensis were the most susceptible to mistletoe infestation. The study revealed that Albizia lebbeck had the highest degree of infestation of 71%, followed by Azadirachta indica (70% degree of infestation) and Parkia biglobosa, had 65% degree of infestation. The findings provide an overview of the mistletoe infestation, offering valuable insights for developing effective control measures and preserving the ecological balance within the campus environment.

Nigerian Journal of

Forestry

© 2025 by Forestry Association of Nigeria.

bottom of page