Yuliya A. Krasylenko

Crepis purpurea subsp. gulderenae is described and illustrated as a new subspecies belonging to tribe Cichorieae of family Asteraceae. It is morphologically similar to the typical C. purpurea from Crimea (Ukraine) but differs in leaf and bract size, peduncle and involucral hair types, inner involucral bract size, bracteole shape and size as well as length of corolla, stamen, anther, filament, stigma, ovary size, and width of sterile achene. Crepis purpurea subsp. gulderenae is distributed in the marly and gypsiferous soils around the Aysantı pass in the Ayaş district in the northwest of Ankara province, Türkiye. This region is an important plant biodiversity hotspot, where many newly discovered endemic species reside. Previously Crepis purpurea subsp. gulderenae was known as C. purpurea in Türkiye, and its taxonomy was updated based on field surveys data and macro- and micromorphological studies. Two DNA regions were examined: nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (nrITS) which was identical for typical and new subspecies of C. purpurea and chloroplast region atpB-rbcL which was also very similar. A comprehensive description, distribution map, habitat and ecological preferences, IUCN category, and diagnostic key for Crepis purpurea subsp. gulderenae are presented.

Lathraea is a peculiar genus of holoparasitic plants in the Orobanchaceae. In addition to their unusual early development, plants in this genus remain below ground during most of their life cycle, deriving nutrients from the roots of various deciduous trees. In Lathraea squamaria , known as common toothwort, plants can persist underground for up to a decade before initiating flowering aboveground. To assess the effects of climate variability on the reproductive phenology and seed output of this species, we conducted a 14‐year population monitoring study. Our data show that the average onset of flower anthesis and seed dispersal have shifted −0.4 and −0.3 days/year over time, respectively. This resulted in these phenophases stating 5 days (anthesis) and 9 days (seed release) earlier in 2021 compared to 2007. Nevertheless, these phenological changes were not significantly correlated with local temperature and precipitation, suggesting that developmental timing in L. squamaria may be more influenced by host‐derived physiological cues. Indeed, early flowering has also been reported by one of the most common host species in the region, Carpinus betulus , the European hornbeam. Earlier flowering of common toothwort may also lead to temporal mismatches with pollinators, such as bumblebees. These findings underscore the importance of host–parasite synchrony in understanding the ecological resilience of holoparasitic plants under changing environmental conditions.

This study provides the first comprehensive investigation of the relationships between mistletoes Viscum album L. (Santalaceae) and Loranthus europaeus Jacq. (Loranthaceae) and avian species in Europe. Its aims were to: (1) document the diversity and richness of European bird species that use mistletoe for nesting and shelter; (2) determine the factors influencing nest site location in mistletoe by different bird species; and (3) assess the impact of anthropogenic factors on the mistletoe nesting site location and possible selection of mistletoe as nesting sites. Mistletoe is highlighted as both a keystone resource and a critical arboreal microhabitat for nesting and roosting, shaping local patterns of bird diversity and abundance in European ecosystems. We recorded 41 species of European breeding birds from 18 families nesting in mistletoe, with V. album supporting 39 species and L. europaeus hosting 7. Species richness of mistletoe-associated birds was higher in natural landscapes than in urban ones. Nevertheless, in urban environments, mistletoe remains an important nesting site, particularly for the Woodpigeon Columba palumbus, Fieldfare Turdus pilaris, Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto, Hooded Crow Corvus cornix, and Eurasian Magpie Pica pica. The impact of tree structure, mistletoe morphology, and environmental factors on nest site location in mistletoe clumps varied among bird species, reflecting strong species-specific preferences consistent with their general nesting behavior.

The hidden lifestyle of the holoparasitic perennial Lathraea squamaria L. (common toothwort), which parasitizes the roots of deciduous trees in forests and woodlands, has led to significant knowledge gaps about the mechanisms underlying this plant symbiotic interaction. Here we present the first detailed structural examination of the interface between L. squamaria and its host root belowground using non-destructive micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). To clarify the physiology of seed germination in this elusive species, we demonstrated efficient in vitro germination of L. squamaria seeds. The terminology for the gross morphology and micromorphology of L. squamaria has been revised, and clear microscopic evidence for several previously described structures (e.g., prehaustoria, haustoria, seeds, elaiosomes, nectaries, and pollen) has been provided. Generally, this research aims to deepen our understanding of parasitic interactions, phenology, as well as the ecological significance of L. squamaria and its biotic associates (e.g., feeders and pollinators) within forest ecosystems.

Mistletoe recognition and sampling remain the challenging tasks for arborists, dendrologists, forest ecologists and other specialists because of the low accessibility of the canopy of their host trees. In this review, smart decisions for mistletoe detection on the basis of airborne platforms are discussed. The airborne remote sensing (ARS) has the developing potential to provide rapid, accurate, and cost-efficient detection and research of mistletoe on tree level and large areas within the complex terrain. Geographic and country-based distribution of mistletoe studies using airborne remote sensing methods published within 2007–2023 is overviewed. Here we discuss data types, sensors, and methodologies used in mistletoe ARS research.

The obligate root parasite Cistanche armena is a recently rediscovered, extremely rare endangered species endemic to Armenia, specifically parasitizing camelthorn (Alhagi maurorum, Fabaceae) and saltwort (Salsola dendroides, Chenopodiaceae). Its populations are reputedly declining due to habitat destruction and biotic impacts. Since the only known means of its reproduction is via the seeds, understanding the mechanisms of breaking C. armena seed dormancy and germination along with the related aspects of the species’ biology is highly important both from fundamental (functional ecology and evolution) and applied (conservation and management) perspectives. Here, we present the first in vitro seed germination protocol for C. armena involving fluridone, a systemic herbicide targeting the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. In addition, the seed micromorphology of C. armena is described using both light microscopy and lignin autofluorescence visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The actin cytoskeleton in radicle cells of germinated C. armena seedlings is described for the first time, being the proof of seed viability. Further elaboration and application of the proposed germination protocol with the cultivation of C. armena on susceptible hosts are altogether seen as a valuable tool for the conservation of this species.

The forest canopy, as a biodiversity hotspot with many wildlife habitats, remains a difficult site to access for researchers and forest managers. Here, we present a novel, small, unmanned aerial vehicle, called the Druid Drone (DD), equipped with a multifunctional manipulator designed for tree crown management and biodiversity research. Its use is demonstrated by studies and the control of the widespread, obligatory hemiparasitic European mistletoe (Viscum album L.). The DD provides integrated pest management by canopy surveying, spraying and sampling of leaves/branches for further studies. The pilot and operator, using first person view goggles, handle the lightweight backpack‐sized drone (DJI Mavic 2 Pro, Air 2, Phantom 3 or custom Rotorama quadcopter) equipped with a manipulator and five replaceable 3D‐printed functional modules. These include the peripheral high‐resolution Observer camera for close, non‐invasive inspection of tree crowns, the entomological Collector unit for arthropod trapping, the forceps arm Sampler for soft plant tissue collection, the terminal Secator saw for cutting harder tree tissues such as twigs and the Green Doctor precision sprayer, which disperses growth regulators or other compounds for targeted tree and mistletoe management. This method offers a potential solution for safe, precise and minimally invasive research on forest canopy biodiversity in different forest types across the globe, tree health care and mistletoe management as compared to the manual work of arborists or the use of canopy cranes, forest helicopters and firearms.

Mistletoes, as perennial hemiparasitic angiosperms that parasitize woody plants, are an important component of the highly diverse, endemically rich and mosaic African flora, which is attributed to the Holarctic, Paleotropical, and Cape Floristic kingdoms. The richness of African mistletoes from the Loranthaceae and Viscaceae, along with many aspects of their biology and ecology, was covered in the comprehensive monograph of Polhill and Wiens (1998,Mistletoes of Africa, Royal Botanic Gardens). The present review is devoted to the taxonomic and functional diversity of symbionts associated with mistletoes in Africa and adjacent islands that contribute to the major biological functions of mistletoes, such as establishment and growth, nutrition and fitness, resistance to external stresses, as well as pollination and dispersal. These functions are favored by more or less distinct sets of associated bionts, including host plants, animal herbivores, frugivorous birds, nectar‐ and pollen‐feeding insects, and endophytic microorganisms. A separate section is devoted to mistletoe epiparasitism as a special case of host selection. All these organisms, which are components of the mistletoe‐associated community and multitrophic network, define the role of mistletoes as keystone species. Some aspects of the symbiont communities are compared here with patterns reported for mistletoes from other continents, particularly to identify potential relationships that remain to be explored for the African species. In addition, properties of endophytic mistletoe associates that contribute to the plant's communication with coexisting organisms are considered. We also highlight the important gaps of knowledge of the functioning of mistletoe‐associated communities in Africa and indicate some applied issues that need future attention.Abstract in French is available with online material.

Some species of mistletoes, an aerial plant hemiparasites, play a Janus-like role in ecosystems by being rich biodiversity hotspots due to their trophic and topic associations with various organisms and at the same time acting as biological pirates, exhausting the host trees by stealing water and nutrients via the haustorium. Many crop and timber trees are attacked by mistletoes, for example, dwarf mistletoes parasitize conifers, representatives of genus Tapinanthus target guava, and Phoradendron mistletoe target pecans. Recently, an increasing infestation of the European mistletoe (Viscum album subsp. album L.) in monoculture stands of common walnuts (Juglans regia L.) was recorded for the first time during 2018 in different regions of Kashmir Valley, India. The common chemical approach based on the spraying of mistletoe exophytes with the growth regulators, ethephon and glyphosate, was not efficient since V. album resprouted in the next vegetation season. Hand pruning of mistletoe was time-consuming, and a polyethylene covering resulted in the localized rotting of host tissues. The most efficient approach to eradicate mistletoe was the use of a novel tool called Mistletoe Eradicator, which allows to use mechanical and chemical means of mistletoe control simultaneously. It consists of a manipulating pole with the terminal pruning saw having a container filled with the growth regulator, from which the liquid slowly drops onto the saw blade through the nozzle. It allows working both from the ground and in the tree canopy. After the targeted application of 5%-10% ethephon or glyphosate to the base of the just pruned V. album stems (stubs), exophyte resprouting was significantly reduced 9 months after the pruning as compared to the only pruned or sprayed exophytes. An alternative variant of Mistletoe Eradicator was constructed in Ukraine filled just with a food color additive to track the liquid dropping and was successfully tested.