Influence of Prior Conspecific Parasitism in Host Selection by Dodder, Cuscuta Gronovii

University

Shawnee State University

Major

Biology

Student Type

Undergraduate Student

Presentation Types

Oral Presentation

Keywords:

Cuscuta Gronovii, Dodder, Parasitism

Abstract

Cuscuta spp., commonly known as Dodder, is a vining holoparasitic plant that does not perform photosynthesis on its own but rather relies purely on a host for survival. It is understood that Cuscuta must attach to a host within 10-15 days of sprouting to survive, however, the mechanisms behind the host selection preferences are not. This study aims to investigate host selection preferences of Cuscuta seedlings when presented with plants, both preferred hosts and non-hosts, that have been subjected to prior Cuscuta parasitism and plants that have not. From this analysis, we hope to bring greater understanding to the mechanisms behind Cuscuta parasitism “choices” and how the presence of other previously established individuals influences those.

Faculty Mentor Name

Logan Minter

Faculty Mentor Title

Assistant Professor of Biology

Faculty Mentor Academic Department

Natural Sciences

Location

KRI 150

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Influence of Prior Conspecific Parasitism in Host Selection by Dodder, Cuscuta Gronovii

KRI 150

Cuscuta spp., commonly known as Dodder, is a vining holoparasitic plant that does not perform photosynthesis on its own but rather relies purely on a host for survival. It is understood that Cuscuta must attach to a host within 10-15 days of sprouting to survive, however, the mechanisms behind the host selection preferences are not. This study aims to investigate host selection preferences of Cuscuta seedlings when presented with plants, both preferred hosts and non-hosts, that have been subjected to prior Cuscuta parasitism and plants that have not. From this analysis, we hope to bring greater understanding to the mechanisms behind Cuscuta parasitism “choices” and how the presence of other previously established individuals influences those.