Cuscuta (Dodder) is a genus of about 100-170 species of yellow, orange or red (rarely green) parasitic plants. Formerly treated as the only genus in the family Cuscutaceae, recent genetic research by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group has shown that it is correctly placed in the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae. The genus is found throughout the temperate to tropical regions of the world, with the greatest species diversity in subtropical and tropical regions; the genus becomes rare in cool temperate climates, with only four species native to northern Europe.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuscuta

With dodder as a bridge, connecting vascular tissues between poinsettia and periwinkle, we transmitted phytoplasmas from a free-branching poinsettia plant into healthy periwinkle, a non-host of PnMV. After 3-6 months phytoplasma infection of periwinkle was evident and plants developed bushy growth type.

--- http://nsdl.org/resource/2200/20101027202229004T


An ergot alkaloid producing fungi infects many different Convolvulaceae plants ranging from HBWR to Morning glories. Possibly it might infect Dodder
, which could perhaps infect other plants?

Probably not, but its worth remembering at the back of your mind. Sure would be something if it could infect a variety of Solanales. such as the convolvulaceae sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) or tomatoes

 Solanales consist of:
    *Convolvulaceae
    * Hydroleaceae
    * Montiniaceae
    * Solanaceae
    * Sphenocleaceae

Sorry - this is dreaming of course, an ergot alkaloid producing datura, tomato or sweet potato isn't gonna happen, but its fun to think about, I suppose.

Sadly dodder doesn't effect grass...

comments?

Edit: Actually it turns out sweet potatoes have the fungi in them and have been tissue cultured to yeild 1mg ergot alkaloids per Liter.
see attached file...