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Commom Mistletoe

Symptoms

This infection only occurs in the south of Yorkshire and other parts of the world, but nowhere else in Britain. It is commonly found on apple trees, lime trees, poplar trees and sycamore trees. It roots itself to the tree’s branches and obtains all of its minerals from the host xylem cells. It is an evergreen and bares sticky white berries.

Cycle of infection

Mistletoe berries are eaten by birds which are excreted onto other trees and they germinate from then on. Therefore, the parasitic plan can arrive on its host at any time.

Implications for host

The British common mistletoe does not cause much damage to out trees and is considered invaluable at Christmas time. Though, it can damage the tree slightly in weakness. Many gardeners try to apply mistletoe themselves but most without success.

Treatments

The mistletoe can be removed but this is not always a good idea because it leaves the host open to infection and can disfigure the tree.

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