The effect of Viscum album L. on stomatal characteristics, fluctuating asymmetry and specific leaf area of Parrotia persica

This study was conducted to investigate the devastating impact of Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) on asymmetry index and leaf characteristics of Ironwood (Parrotia persicaDC.) in Tamishan Forest, Noor, Iran. For this purpose, 20 Ironwood trees were selected inside and outside of the forest. The results showed that the highest and lowest values of leaf area and specific leaf area were observed in healthy and infected trees, respectively, both inside and outside of the forest. Stomatal characteristics of diameter, area and density also varied depending on location of trees and branch types (healthy or infected). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the effect of left or right sides of leaves (sides) and trees were significant, while the interaction between side×trees was not significant. The difference between left and right sides of leaves were also significantly affected by location of trees and branches types. Generally, this study showed that the presence of mistletoe influenced the asymmetry index and have been caused to changes in the morphology of the infected trees. Finally, due to nutrition importance of Viscum album for animal to prevent from death of host trees, mechanical removing of Viscum album from host trees with high density is recommended.