EXPANSIÓN Y HOSPEDEROS DE LA HEMIPARÁSITA, Dendrophthora chrysostachya, EN EL CAMPUS DE LA UNIVERSIDAD ESPE, QUITO, ECUADOR

Abstract

The native Dendrophthora chrysostachya Hemiparasite plant is the only hemiparasite Mistletoe plant present on the ESPE campus in Quito; and one of the few native plants in the area, is associated with 8 host plants. Initially it was registered in 3 native species and currently in 5 introduced species P. dealbata, C. citrinus N. oleander, H.sinensis, A.melanoxilum. No significant increases in infestation have been detected in native plants. Its population is randomly distributed according to the presence of its hosts in the area. The incidence of D. chrysostachya in relation to the health of trees can be considered scarce and it is evident that it does not affect trees, as occurs in similar species, from urban locations in the northern hemisphere. It is inferred that these plants provide some environmental services, such as food sources for native and seasonal frugivorous birds on campus. Currently its incidence based on foliar coverage is low <10%, so they do not constitute undesirable weeds that affect campus trees. After the first initial records and systematic observations the presence of D.chrysostachya, it is still undetectable for non-specialized observers or to cause any visual or environmental impact on campus beds and surrounding areas.