Host Range Identification and Genetic Diversity of Dodder (Cuscuta spp.) in Khartoum and Gezira States

Abstract

This research is aimed to identification the host range and genetic diversity of (Cuscuta spp.) distributed in Khartoum and Gezira States. The study was carried out at the field of dodder during the winter season 2017 – 2018. Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) molecular technique was used. The survey was covered several areas; North, South, East and West of the investigated was founding the dodder in this States. Location of each area determined with Global Positioning System (GPS). The results of survey in two states were showed that dodder species has different host plants. The dodder was founded parasitizing on 13 Plants Species belonging to 12 Families. The host plant, were 6 grasses, 2 Vegetables Crops (Allium cepa and Corchorus oletorus), lime trees (Citrus aurantiifolia), forge Crops (Medicago sativa), forest trees (Guiera sp) and Ornamentals (Euphorbia sp). Moreover the new host such as (Conocarpus erectus). High percentage incidence (%100) was recorded in Khartoum State included (Khartoum 2, Algile, jebal Auila, Toti, Alalaphon, Shambat, and Dar Alslam Om bada). On the other hand, lowest percentage incidence was recorded in Shambat area at lime (1%). The survey of Gezira State resulted that the dodder was found Parasitizing on (Onion, Lokh, Alfalfa and Dahaser) of the North, South and West of this State. Highest incidence (%100) was recorded at Hantoob and Madina Arab, while the lowest incidence was recorded at wad Al kawahala area (6.2%). The results of phylogenetic analysis indicated high genetic. The Distance Matrix rang (0.10)) ،0.98) at lowest and highest value which reflected high genetic diversity.