Effect of mistletoe (Loranthus europaeus) on some nutrients elements and morphological traits of maple trees leaves (Acer monspessulanum Subsp. Cinerascens) in Yasouj forests

In order to assess the effect of mistletoe (Loranthus europaeus) on macro (Potassium, Sodium, Phosphor) and micro (Iron and Zinc) nutrients and leaf morphological traits including leaf area, especial area, dry weight and special weight of leaves, the Acer monspessulanum species as the prevalent host of mistletoe in some parts of Vezg forests of Yasouj in Kohgilooyeh and Boyerahmad province was selected. For this purpose, seven trees infected to mistletoe, and a healthy tree near each with similar situation were selected. The leaf sampling was prepared to compare the amount of elements, from mistletoe branches, infected and healthy branches of infected trees and also perfectly healthy trees with similar sampling direction. Results showed higher amount one, Na, K, Fe and Zn nutrients in mistletoe leaves as compared with healthy and infected leaves of infected trees and healthy trees. However content of P in mistletoe leaves was less in healthy and infected leaves of infected trees and healthy trees. The Na content in infected branches of infected trees was higher in healthy branches of infected and healthy trees. The findings revealed that there were not significant differences between morphological traits of healthy and infected leaves of infected trees and healthy trees. The second major finding was that L. europaeus species disturbed the nutrients balance in the host, but could not affect the leaf morphological traits including leaf area, leaf area index, leaf dry weight, and leaf specific weight of the host trees.