Invasion of cuscuta reflexa on different plant species in Dabani sub county Busia district, eastern Uganda

Abstract

The invasion of Cuscuta reflexa onto different plant species becomes a very straining factor to the ecosystem. Its control is still a burden to the public and environmentalists despite various efforts by different scientists and government. This aroused the attention to conduct this study which aimed at providing baseline information for derivation of effective control measures. To achieve this, the study managed to determine the spread of the parasite in the study area, derived some interventions to manage the parasite and established public perceptions on the invasion of the parasite. The distribution of this parasitic weed, C. reflexa on susceptible and resistant hosts were studied across the entire sub county using quadrats placed at specific intervals on along transect of 1km in any two villages from each parish. The public, LC 1 chairpersons and agricultural officers were assessed on the knowledge about this parasitic weed through questionnaires and interviews and data obtained were grouped demographically and analyzed using Microsoft excel and presented in tables, pie charts and graphs. The result indicated the most affected plants as Thevetia peruviana (48.0%), Duranta erecta (44.0%), Markhamia lutea (42.0%) and least affected as Alstonia boonei (2.0%), family euphobiaceae had the highest susceptibility to C. reflexa infestation (17.76%). Most people (71.0%) were managing this parasite by removing it mechanically from the affected plants and while remaining population (29.0%) had no idea of control over the growth of this parasitic weed. This showed very little attention given to this weed by the government and public to control it. I recommend an urgent need to sensitize the public on the impacts and establish more effective mechanisms to control it from spreading more widely.