Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
1Associate Professor, Department of Natural Engineering, Malayer Unvierstiy, Malayer, Iran
2
2Master Student, Department of Natural Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran
3
Assistant Professor of Forestry Department, Ahar Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Tabriz University, Ahar, Iran
10.22034/nrsj.2026.241174
Abstract
Loranthus europaeus L. is one of the principal parasitic plants threatening the fragile ecosystems of the oak forests in western Iran. Field observations in the Zagros oak forests of Javanroud County revealed a significant increase in the prevalence of this hemiparasitic species in recent years. To investigate this phenomenon, a 200-hectare area with severe mistletoe infestation was selected for detailed study. Through a comprehensive 100% inventory, the infection status, host tree species, and the influence of physiographic factors including slope, elevation, and aspect were analyzed. The highest infection frequency was observed in Quercus brantii (Persian oak) at 67.5%, followed by Crataegus aronia (Hawthorn) at 23.9%, and the lowest in Acer monspessulanum (Montpellier maple) at 0.85%. The analysis confirmed a direct correlation between mistletoe infestation and environmental variables (elevation, slope, and aspect), demonstrating that its distribution and spread are strongly controlled by physiographic conditions. Therefore, it is recommended that monitoring and removal programs for mistletoe be implemented regionally and in a targeted manner, with priority given to susceptible tree species and areas with favorable slope and elevation conditions.
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