Parasitic Plant Flora Associated with Crops and Wild Vegetation in Abyan South Yemen
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63359/1k6dx240Keywords:
Parasitic plants, Orobanchaceae, .Chorotype, YemenAbstract
This study documents the diversity and host associations of parasitic and hemiparasitic plants in Abyan Governorate, South Yemen, focusing on both crops and wild vegetation. Conducted over January 2024 to December 2024, the study covered four districts: Zinjibar, Al-Wadheea, Lawdar, and Mudiyah. Field surveys, GPS mapping, and interviews with local farmers and agricultural staff were used to collect data.A total of 15 parasitic species were recorded from four families, with Orobanchaceae dominating (≈80%), followed by Loranthaceae. Root-parasitic species, particularly Striga hermonthica and Orobanche spp., heavily affected tomato, maize, millet, and watermelon, while other species mainly parasitized wild plants. Diversity indices (Shannon–Wiener and Simpson) revealed Lawdar and Mudiyah as hotspots of parasitic plant diversity, while Zinjibar had the lowest diversity. Species distribution was strongly influenced by host availability, habitat characteristics, and phytogeographical factors (Saharo-Sindian and Sudano-Zambezian elements). These findings indicate that parasitic plants, especially Orobanchaceae, pose significant threats to both agricultural productivity and natural vegetation in arid regions. Sustainable management strategies, including resistant crop varieties, crop rotation, and monitoring of parasitic species, are recommended to mitigate their impact.
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