Land use and dendrometry effects on mistletoe infestation in shea parklands of Northern Ghana

Abstract Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea) is an economic tree that contributes significantly to rural livelihoods and the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals in Sub Saharan Africa. However, parasitic plant infestation poses a threat to growth and productivity. Shea parklands occur across diverse land use types, and understanding the ecology of parasitic plants within these systems is critical for developing effective and sustainable management strategies. The present study examined the influence of land use and dendrometry on mistletoe interaction with Vitellaria paradoxa in shea parklands of Northern Ghana. Three quadrates were laid in each of the three land use types (farmland, short fallow land and long fallow land) and replicated across three separate sites to assess mistletoe prevalence, infestation levels and selected dendrometric parameters of host trees. A total of 51.45% of the 276 shea trees sampled were infested with mistletoe. Prevalence and severity of infestation was significantly higher among trees on farmlands compared to other land use types. The severity of mistletoe infestation was significantly associated with tree crown diameter and crown layer but not with stem diameter. Shea trees in cultivated areas were more vulnerable to mistletoe infestation, therefore targeted control efforts should be intensified in farmlands to protect stands of this economically important tree species.