Browsing by Author "Amandi, Anthony"

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    Spatial distribution of cuscuta spp. and its effect on citrus limon L. fruits quality in Arua city
    (Muni University, 2025-10-03) Amandi, Anthony
    Globally, fruit production including lemon fruits is threatened by the rapid proliferation of Cuscuta spp also known as golden dodder, an invasive weed, which aggressively attacks trees, leading to visible host weakening, reduced fruiting, and in severe cases, host mortality. The study assessed the spatial distribution of golden dodder and its effects on lemon (Citrus limon L.) fruit quality. The study employed a quantitative approach for data collection, combining a descriptive survey to map infestation patterns with a comparative experimental design to evaluate the parasite's physiological effect. Geospatial data on golden dodder prevalence and severity were collected through field observations and analyzed using QGIS 3.38.0 to generate distribution maps. For the comparative analysis, lemon trees infested with golden dodder and non-infested trees were randomly sampled. From each tree, fruits were picked and randomly selected. These fruits were analyzed for weight and nutritional components (Vitamin C and sugar contents) using standard laboratory procedures. Data were statistically analyzed using XLSTAT and R version 4. Results revealed that, central division followed by Ayivu West were the most severely infested by golden dodder. Infestation covered a wide range of host plants, including trees, shrubs, and herbs; with the most heavily infested by golden dodder fruit trees being mangoes, followed by lemon trees. A comparison of weights of lemon fruits from golden dodder-infested lemons trees was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) than that from dodder non-infested lemon trees. Tested sugars and Vitamin C concentrations were significantly lower in the lemon fruits of infested trees than those from non-infested trees (p<0.00). Golden dodder infestation in Arua City is unevenly distributed though more in central division and the surrounding suburbs making it a serious problem in Arua city. It directly threatens lemon by significantly lowering their fruit quality and nutritional value. Thus, there is urgent need for well-coordinated management strategies to tackle dodder infestation in Arua City and similar agricultural areas.