There is an estimated 8.2 million productive citrus plants in Teso, Uganda. However, commercial citrus production there is being threatened by the emergence of a deadly golden dodder weed, which is wiping out some farms. The invasion of the golden dodder is threatening the yielding capacity of citrus trees, as the weed is interfering with the normal growing cycle of the trees by limiting their flowering and fruiting capacity.
The parasitic weed, locally known as the yellow weed, attaches and hangs on the host plant before fully engulfing it.
One citrus farmer in Asuret, Soroti, says he has lost 70 citrus plants as a result of the parasitic weed. To destroy the dodder, the farmer has to cut down all the affected trees.
Source: monitor.co.ug
Photo source: Dreamstime.com