Dodder: A Parasitic Plant with a Hidden Role in Plant Communication"

Dodder (Cuscuta spp.) is a parasitic plant that lacks chlorophyll and leaves, relying on its host plants for survival. It is an annual plant that germinates in soil and grows by twining around its host, inserting haustoria (modified adventitious roots) into the host stem or leaf tissues to absorb food and water. If it does not find a host within a few weeks, the seedling dies. Established plants can spread from host to host, eventually forming a tangle of orange tendrils that can kill or stunt the host due to nutrient deprivation.Dodder seeds can survive in soil for more than 20 years and can be spread through agricultural practices, water, and farm machinery. It is an invasive species in many areas and can cause significant economic losses in agricultural systems.
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