Determination of frequency and density of mistletoe (Viscum album L.) in Karacasu/Aydin and Denizli provinces

The frequency and density of Mistletoe (Viscum album L.), and the knowledge of growers about this weed in Aydın and Denizli provinces of Turkey were investigated in this study. The trees on highways of Karacasu district of Aydın and Denizli were examined, trees parasited by Mistletoe group and the frequency of this weed were recorded. Questionnaire was designed to inquire the farmers about their knowledge regarding this weed. As a result of survey study, Mistletoe was found on wild pear, pear and almond trees in Karacasu district of Aydın. This weed was determined as most frequent on almond trees with a frequency of 67 %, and it had a frequency of 40 % and 14 % on wild pear and pear, respectively. V. album was recorded on wild pear, acacia, pear, almond, black pine, plum, poplar, apricot and willow trees in Denizli province. Wild pear has the highest V. album frequency (68 %) and the trees were followed by almond (46 %), black pine (43 %), pear (24 %), willow tree (15 %), acacia (13 %), poplar (10 %) and apricot (8 %). According to results of survey studies, wild pear, pear and almond were the preferred hosts for Mistletoe in Aydın and Denizli provinces. The results of questionnaire study indicated that 33 % and 76 % of the farmers from Aydın and Denizli Provinces, respectively had the knowledge about V. album. Keywords: Mistletoe, Frequency, Farmers, Aydın, Denizli