Neem is a traditional tree that grows well in all tropical areas. It is a deciduous tree with wide spreading branches. Spreading branches of the trees form crowns which spreads 20 m across. The leaves fall only during summer and in other seasons the tree remains evergreen. The roots of the tree penetrate deeply into the soil and remain live for more than twenty five years. Loranthus is the only parasitic weed that grows on the branches of the trees. It mainly spreads through birds. The colorful flower of the parasite attracts birds which eats the berries of the loranthus and spreads it through its fecal matter. It produces haustoria which penetrate deeply into the tree branches which sucks nutrients and moisture from the host tree. As days passes it will lead to death of the tree. Cutting the infected branch and applying copper-oxychloride to prevent secondary fungal infection is one of the best ways to control the spread of the parasitic weed.
Neem, stem parasite, Loranthus, control
