Mudgal Gaurav, Kaur Jaspreet, Chand Kartar, Parashar Manisha, Dhar Sanjoy K, Singh Gajendra B, Gururani Mayank A
University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India.
Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates.
Biology (Basel). 2022 Nov 10;11(11):1645. doi: 10.3390/biology11111645.
Mistletoes have been considered a keystone resource for biodiversity, as well as a remarkable source of medicinal attributes that attract pharmacologists. Due to their hemiparasitic nature, mistletoes leach water and nutrients, including primary and secondary metabolites, through the vascular systems of their plant hosts, primarily trees. As a result of intense mistletoe infection, the hosts suffer various growth and physiological detriments, which often lead to tree mortality. Because of their easy dispersal and widespread tropism, mistletoes have become serious pests for commercial fruit and timber plantations. A variety of physical and chemical treatment methods, along with silvicultural practices, have shaped conventional mistletoe management. Others, however, have either failed to circumvent the growing range and tropism of these parasitic plants or present significant environmental and public health risks. A biocontrol approach that could sidestep these issues has never achieved full proof of concept in real-field applications. Our review discusses the downsides of conventional mistletoe control techniques and explores the possibilities of biotechnological approaches using biocontrol agents and transgenic technologies. It is possible that smart management options will pave the way for technologically advanced solutions to mitigate mistletoes that are yet to be exploited.
槲寄生被认为是生物多样性的关键资源，也是吸引药理学家的显著药用特性来源。由于其半寄生性质，槲寄生通过其植物宿主（主要是树木）的维管系统汲取水分和养分，包括初级和次级代谢产物。由于槲寄生感染严重，宿主会遭受各种生长和生理损害，这往往导致树木死亡。由于其易于传播和广泛的嗜性，槲寄生已成为商业水果和木材种植园的严重害虫。多种物理和化学处理方法以及造林实践形成了传统的槲寄生管理方式。然而，其他方法要么未能规避这些寄生植物不断扩大的范围和嗜性，要么存在重大的环境和公共卫生风险。一种能够避开这些问题的生物防治方法在实际应用中从未完全实现概念验证。我们的综述讨论了传统槲寄生控制技术的缺点，并探讨了使用生物防治剂和转基因技术的生物技术方法的可能性。智能管理选项有可能为尚未开发的减轻槲寄生危害的技术先进解决方案铺平道路。
