Name: mistletoe eradicator - a novel tool for simultaneous mechanical and chemical control of mistletoe
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The authors thank plant taxonomist Dr. Norbert Holstein (Nees-Institute for the Biodiversity of Plants, Bonn University, Germany) for his kind help in the primary identification of mistletoe species. Permissions from the following farmers and owners of walnut plantations in Kashmir, who offered their infected trees for our experiments, were obtained, namely from Abdul Rashid Reshi (R/O Village Reshii Mohalla, Khag, Budgam), Habib-Ullah Sheikh (R/O village Trapii, Khag, Budgam), Showket Ahmad Rasray (R/O Village Hamchii Pora, Budgam), Ghulam Hassan Shah (R/O Nagbal, Khag, Budgam), and Javeed Ahmad Qureshi (R/O village Lowahi Pora, Khag, Budgam).The drawings of Mistletoe Eradicator operation mode was made by the fine artist Natalia Pendiur (Kyiv, Ukraine) and are highly appreciated. Maksym Lashchenko (Olomouc, Czech Republic) kindly helped with the image processing and technical descriptions.

The growth regulators used in the work are available in the market after approval by the Central Insecticide Board (http://ppqs.gov.in/central-insecticides-board). Moreover, personal invitations and permissions of the farmers and owners of walnut plantations, who offered their infected trees for experiments, were obtained. Experiments presented here were done by a certified arborist in the closed research and monitoring zone of M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Kyiv, Ukrai...

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Mistletoes cannot be treated exclusively as pests, since many of them play a crucial role in the ecosystem as biodiversity hotspots and connecting tropical and topical hubs for multiple organisms, behaving more like epiphytes than parasites with negligible negative consequences for their hosts6,8. Therefore, the measures aimed to control their spread have to be highly selective and based on the understanding of both biology and biotic associations of definite mis...

Mistletoes are a taxonomically diverse group of aerial stem hemiparasites belonging to the Loranthaceae, Viscaceae, Santalaceae, Amphorogynaceae, and Misodendraceae families (order Santalales). They attach to the susceptible host trees by a specific anatomical bridge called a haustorium (endophyte) and are largely dependent on the host for water and nutrient supply, but are still able to photosynthesize via the green aerial portion called exophyte1,2. Although mistletoes may be considered hotspots of diversity providing food and shelter for various organisms, some mistletoe species are indeed biological pirates, affecting host health, fitness, and lifespan by the reducing their annual apical and lateral growth, flowering and fruiting as well as facilitating attacks of biological invaders such as fungi and bacteria3,4,5. At the same time, mistletoes are intensely used in both traditional and folk medicine, are components of compost, mulch, forage, and act as seasonal ecotourism attractions6,7,8.
Some of the notorious parasitic mistletoes are the dwarf mistletoes (Arceuthobium spp.; Santalaceae) reducing the growth of coniferous trees in North America9&#160;and Mexico10; Tapinanthus (Blume) Rchb. mistletoes (Loranthaceae) attacking cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) and Citrus L. plantations in Africa11,12; hairy mistletoes (Taxillus tomentosus (Heyne ex Roth) van Tiegh.; Loranthaceae) affecting the Indian Euphorbiaceae trees, Phyllanthus emblica L. and Phyllanthus indofischeri Bennet, both known locally as Amla13; and the European mistletoe (Viscum album subsp. album L.; Viscaceae) having a broad host spectrum (more than 450 tree species)14,15 and rapidly spreading in Europe with its range shifted northwards16.
Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is an important horticultural cash crop in Kashmir valley constituting approximately 85% of India&#39;s annual walnut production17. Besides other biotic stresses such as leaf blotch, anthracnose, crown galls, stem cankers, walnut blight, or lace bug (Paracopium cingalense (Walker, 1873); Heteroptera: Tingidae) that attack the walnuts in Kashmir Valley, the V. album, locally called banada, kaw-khoor or nalkachul, also heavily infests these trees and can also rarely parasitize poplars (Populus L.; poplars in Kashmir valley are&#160;secondary hosts)18. Such a localized infestation might be explained by the possible concomitant introduction of V. album at the early developmental stages of 2-3 years, when its exophytes are almost invisible, with the planting material of walnuts from some plant nurseries. In turn, local poplar trees, the widespread susceptible primary host of this mistletoe in Europe, might be attended by birds vectoring sticky viscin-covered mistletoe fruits to the neighboring J. regia orchards.
Besides walnuts, leafy mistletoes parasitize other nut-producing trees, for example, almonds (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb) are attacked by V. album in the Mediterranean Europe and in Crimea (Ukraine) as well as by the representatives of Phoradendron Nutt. genus in North America14,15,19; common hazel (Corylus avellane L.) by V. album in Europe14,15; pecan (Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K.Koch) by oak mistletoe (Phoradendron flavescens (Pursh) Nutt.) in the southeastern United States20,21, and V. album in Europe14; macadamia (Macadamia F. Muell.) by shiny-leaved mistletoe (Benthamina alyxifolia (F.Muell. ex Benth.) Tiegh.), concomitant coast mistletoe (Mullerina celastroides (Sieb. ex. Schult &#38; Schult. f.) Tiegh.), erect mistletoe (Amyema congener (Sieber ex Schult. &#38; Schult. f.) Tiegh.), smooth mistletoe (Dendrophthoe glabrescens (Blakeley) Barlow), and long-flowered mistletoe (Dendrophthoe vitelline (Sieb. ex. Schult &#38; Schult.f.) Tiegh.) in Australia22 (Watson, 2018); kolanut (Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott &#38; Endl.) by Phragmanthera incana (Schumach.) Balle and Tapinanthus bangwensis (Engl. &#38; K.Krause) Danser in Nigeria23; and cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) by Psittacanthus plagiophyllus Eichler in Amazonian savanna24.
Currently, the strategy of mistletoe control develops in frames of the integrated pest management paradigm combining mechanical, chemical, and biological means to reduce infestations4,7,25,26,27,28. An environmentally friendly mistletoe biocontrol method involves the use of the natural enemies of mistletoe such as bacteria, necrotrophic fungi, herbivores, or even epiparasitic mistletoes3,4,7,29,30 but have limited applications due to the non-specificity and small-scale of action of the biotic agents. Although cutting and pruning are recognized as the most traditional and efficient means of mistletoe control26,30,31,32, exophytes frequently resprout. For spraying of mistletoe exophytes with chemicals, mistletoe stubs or host stems are injected with systemic herbicides such as glyphosate, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) butyric acid (2,4-DB), or 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T)3,33 or ethylene-releasing defoliants and ripening enhancers such as ethephon or (2-chloroethyl)-phosphonic acid)34,35. The combination of exophyte pruning to 2-3 cm stubs along with ethephon&#160;application to cut end of mistletoe stubs with a fine brush resulted in reduced V. album resprouting. This inspired the development of Mistletoe Eradicator, which can perform mechanical and chemical control of mistletoe growth simultaneously.
Here, we introduce an easy-to-handle and broadly available tool called Mistletoe Eradicator, which combines the benefits of mechanical and chemical means of mistletoe control and prevents its resprouting. The tool allows the certified arborists, plant pathologists, foresters, horticulturists, silviculturists, plant ecologists, experienced gardeners and other instructed users to deal with mistletoe challenge from the ground, from aerial platforms or from the trees. The tool performs a targeted pruning of mistletoe exophyte with the simultaneous dropping of a small amount of growth regulator directly on the pruned mistletoe stem. Mistletoe Eradicator was patented in India36 and used for the successful control of an increasing V. album subsp. album infestation on walnuts in Kashmir Valley. An updated version of this tool was designed in Ukraine and introduced to local arborists to practice in field tests with just a food color additive to track the herbicide dropping. It is noteworthy that Mistletoe Eradicator can be easily assembled and used for the control of other host-aggressive mistletoe species at the sites of their infestation in accordance with the national environmental law and after the approval of the local human communities.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Components of Indian Mistletoe Eradicator*</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bosch 2607010538 HSS-G Drill Bit Set, Silver</td>
			<td>Bosch</td>
			<td>2607010538</td>
			<td>https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-Professional-2607010538-HSS-G-Silver/dp/B001IBMPL2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Container- Aluminium Bottle- with screw plug Cap</td>
			<td>Suparna Exports, Pvt. LTD</td>
			<td>n/a</td>
			<td>http://www.aluminumbottlecans.com/aluminum-bottles-with-screw-plugs.php</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Drill GSR12V-300HXB22</td>
			<td>Bosch</td>
			<td>GSR12V-300HXB22</td>
			<td>https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/cordless-screwdrivers-gsr12v-300hxb22-207019-p/</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Genuine C04AL-1487425 engine valve guide for engine spare parts</td>
			<td>Shangchai</td>
			<td>C04AL-1487425</td>
			<td>https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Genuine-C04AL-1487425-engine-valve-guide_60704258097.html?spm=a2700.details.0.0.2cfb6b8b2k 
			JBOB</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HBCHEN Handheld Welder Gun Portable Welding Machine, 220V Small Welding Machine and 110V Arc Welder</td>
			<td>HBCHEN</td>
			<td>YB320</td>
			<td>https://www.amazon.com/HBCHEN-Handheld-Portable-Eliminate-Experience/dp/B097BWBCMB</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>The nozzle: stainless steel outer bolt hollow-through lamp with hole screw</td>
			<td>n/a</td>
			<td>M6M8M10M12</td>
			<td>https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32950601820.html?spm=a2g0o.seo_rank.0.0.62642d1 
			fLzjNFL</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>The pruning saw blade</td>
			<td>Lee Valley</td>
			<td>&#160;09A0356</td>
			<td>https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/garden/garden-care/saws/76626-pruning-saw-blade?item=09A0356</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Components of an alternative Ukrainian Mistletoe Eradicator*</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aluminium Telescopic Hand Gardena Combisystem 160-290 cm</td>
			<td>ROZETKA</td>
			<td>Code 03720-20</td>
			<td>https://rozetka.com.ua/202484293/p202484293/characteristics/</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Amazon Basics Multi-Purpose Cable Ties - 4-Inch/100mm</td>
			<td>Amazon Basics</td>
			<td>n/a</td>
			<td>https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Multi-Purpose-Cable-Ties-200-Piece/dp/B087MKMSDY/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3FEZFXGOR4VPC&#38;keywords 
			=cable%2Bties&#38;qid=1642924567&#38;sprefix 
			=Cable%2Btie%2Caps%2C162&#38;sr=8-1-spons&#38;spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVh 
			bGlmaWVyPUEyTU9QMEo2WUp 
			YMjBLJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwM 
			jYzMDkxQUtWODVWU00xU0ZYJ 
			mVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA1O 
			Tc2NjUyVzdHV0E4UUZOWkU1Jn 
			dpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmF 
			jdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRv 
			Tm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&#38;th= 
			1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Garden saw GARTNER 540/360 mm with bar handle</td>
			<td>G&#228;rtner</td>
			<td>Code 80001003</td>
			<td>https://gartner-tools.com/ru/product/pila-sadovaja-540-360-mm-s-rukojatkoj-pod-shtangu-gartner/</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Loppers INTERTOOL HT-3111</td>
			<td>ROZETKA</td>
			<td>Code&#160;&#160;263723496</td>
			<td>https://rozetka.com.ua/intertool_ht_3111/p263723496/characteristics/</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>M4 / 4mm DOOR HANDLE SCREWS BOLTS 20-22 mm</td>
			<td>Boltworld</td>
			<td>n/a</td>
			<td>https://boltworld.co.uk/collections/m4-bolts/products/m4-4mm-door-handle-screws-bolts-9mm-50mm-lengths-cupboard-door-drawer-knob?variant=15820185469021</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>M4 Hexagon Weld Nut A4 Stainless Nut DIN 929</td>
			<td>Boltworld</td>
			<td>n/a</td>
			<td>https://boltworld.co.uk/products/m4-hexagon-weld-nut-a4-stainless-nut-din-929?_pos=1&#38;_sid=a8a2c15c9&#38;_ss=r&#38; 
			variant=32145946706013</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sarstedt 5ml Screw Cap Tube with Rounded False Bottom and Cap Assembled, with Print, 92x15.3, PP</td>
			<td>Sarstedt</td>
			<td>n/a</td>
			<td>https://www.amazon.com/Sarstedt-Rounded-Bottom-Assembled-92x15-3/dp/B07GXZ51BN</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chemicals</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ammonium salt of Glyphosate 71% SG EXCEL MERA 71</td>
			<td>Excel Crop Care</td>
			<td>n/a</td>
			<td>http://www.excelcropcare.com/product/domestic/crop-protection/herbicides/excel-mera-71.php</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>E-160c*</td>
			<td>EUROIMPEX</td>
			<td>n/a</td>
			<td>https://euroimpex.net.ua/ru/krasiteli/</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethephon (&#8220;Promoter&#8221;)</td>
			<td>Fil, India Ltd</td>
			<td>n/a</td>
			<td>https://www.filindustries.com/our-businesses.php</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Protection*</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gloves Tegera Cut Control</td>
			<td>EJENDALS</td>
			<td>TEGERA 9121</td>
			<td>https://www.ejendals.com/globalassets/inriver/resources/9121_productsheet_en. 
			pdf</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Helmet CAMP Rockstar</td>
			<td>CAMP</td>
			<td>ID: 0202</td>
			<td>https://www.camp-usa.com/outdoor/product/helmets/rock-star-helmet/</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mesh visor Stihl</td>
			<td>STIHL</td>
			<td>n/a</td>
			<td>https://www.stihl.co.uk/STIHL-Products/Personal-protective-equipment/Face-and-ear-protection/22184-1545/Face-hearing-protection-nylon-mesh.aspx</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SAS/STAT</td>
			<td>SAS Institute Inc. 2013, USA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>statistical analysis software</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>*materials and equipment marked with asterisks are changeable and can be modified and adjusted basing on the country of the use and avaliability of the components in the market. Moreover, Mistletoe Eradicator can be custom-tailored by the professional welding engineer.</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

mistletoe eradicator - a novel tool for simultaneous mechanical and chemical control of mistletoe

Some species of mistletoes, an aerial plant hemiparasites, play a Janus-like role in ecosystems by being rich biodiversity hotspots due to their trophic and topic associations with various organisms and at the same time acting as biological pirates, exhausting the host trees by stealing water and nutrients via the haustorium. Many crop and timber trees are attacked by mistletoes, for example, dwarf mistletoes parasitize conifers, representatives of genus Tapinanthus target guava, and Phoradendron mistletoe target pecans. Recently, an increasing infestation of the European mistletoe (Viscum album subsp. album L.) in monoculture stands of common walnuts (Juglans regia L.)&#160;was recorded for the first time during 2018 in different regions of Kashmir Valley, India. The common chemical approach based on the spraying of mistletoe exophytes with the growth regulators, ethephon and glyphosate, was not efficient since V. album resprouted in the next vegetation season. Hand pruning of mistletoe was time-consuming, and a polyethylene covering resulted in the localized rotting of host tissues. The most efficient approach to eradicate mistletoe was the use of a novel tool called Mistletoe Eradicator, which allows to use mechanical and chemical means of mistletoe control simultaneously. It consists of a manipulating pole with the terminal pruning saw having a container filled with the growth regulator, from which the liquid slowly drops onto the saw blade through the nozzle. It allows working both from the ground and in the tree canopy. After the targeted application of 5%-10% ethephon or glyphosate to the base of the just pruned V. album stems (stubs), exophyte resprouting was significantly reduced 9 months after the pruning as compared to the only pruned or sprayed exophytes. An alternative variant of Mistletoe Eradicator was constructed in Ukraine filled just with a food color additive to track the liquid dropping and was successfully tested.

Different V. album management approaches were tested in Kashmir (India) in walnut plantations during 2012-2016 before the use of the Mistletoe Eradicator, such as targeted foliar spraying with glyphosate and ethephon in different concentrations, pruning/clipping of mistletoe exophytes, secure covering of the wound with polyethylene wrap and application of the same herbicides to the cut ends of 2-3 cm-long mistletoe stubs.
Each approach was tested on five V. album exophytes on...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Mistletoe Eradicator - A Novel Tool for Simultaneous Mechanical and Chemical Control of Mistletoe at JoVE.com

Mistletoe Eradicator - A Novel Tool for Simultaneous Mechanical and Chemical Control of Mistletoe

The protocol describes an easy-to-handle tool called Mistletoe Eradicator which combines mechanical and chemical approaches and is efficient in the control of mistletoe infestation on the host trees. The manuscript uses the European mistletoe (Viscum album subsp. album L.) as an example.

Some species of mistletoes, an aerial plant hemiparasites, play a Janus-like role in ecosystems by being rich biodiversity hotspots due to their trophic ...

Mistletoes are biodiversity hotspots, as well as parasites that uptake water and nutrients from their host trees. The missile eradicator shown in this protocol, helps to efficiently control the mistletoe spread on the trees. These techniques allows the combining of mechanical and chemical mistletoe control methods, by simultaneous mechanical mistletoe pruning, and targeted dropping of the growth regulator into the stub.Before the working with the mistletoe eradicator, please check the local environmental regulations, get the permissions for herbicide's use, agree with the local community, and get a basic understanding of mistletoe biology. Before handling the eradicator, ensure that the personal protective equipment complies with the safety rules, and dress on. Before operation, remove the saw cover from the tool, and check the reliability of the connection between all parts of the mistletoe eradicator.To assemble the mistletoe eradicator, fill the container with the color additive water for the dropping test, to track the flow of the liquid in this protocol. Close the screw plug cap firmly, and twist the pole in the working position, with the sharp surface of the saw blade facing downwards, and the container inverted. ensure that the liquid drops down on the saw blade.In case of clogging, clean the two millimeter wide nozzle using a fine needle until the clog is removed, and the dropping is restored. Then prepare working solutions by diluting the stock solutions of the plant growth regulators. Prune the mistletoe exophyte foliage before buds development, and after the harvesting of the host trees.Adjust the length of the telescopic stick to get free access to the attachment point of the mistletoe on the branches, or at the of the stem host tree. Ensure that there are no obstructions in the way of the mistletoe eradicator toward the mistletoe. Next, fill 3/4 of the container with one growth regulator solution, close the screw plug cap firmly, and place the mistletoe eradicator in a non-working position, with the sharp surface of the saw blade upwards, the container downwards, and no liquid dropping.Stand closer to the tree and place the tool in the working position by twisting the pole. Position the saw at approximately 45 degrees of inclination, in relation to the mistletoe exophyte present in the closest proximity to the host branch. Operate the mistletoe eradicator with both hands, while maintaining a safe distance from others.Ensure a firm grip on the tool, and prune and exophyte with short sawing movements of the cutting blade. Ensure that the distal end of the saw blade does not touch the neighboring host branches or stem. After pruning, place the mistletoe eradicator in non-working position, and let the air come inside the container through the pore.Relocate to another exophyte mistletoe, place mistletoe eradicator in working position, and repeat the procedure. After pruning, pile the pruned exophytes between the host trees. Clean the eradicator mechanically, empty and thoroughly wash the container with tap water, and dry it.Protect the sharp part of the mistletoe eradicator with a saw cover. Discard the disposable protective gloves and respirators in special containers. Thoroughly rinse the reusable cloth, boots, helmets, and eye protection with tap water.Dry and store separately. The mistletoe eradicator was tested for the treatment of walnut trees infested with Viscom album in the cashmere valley. Exophytes were pruned using the mistletoe eradicator loaded with ethephon or glyphosate as growth regulators.While distilled water was used as mock control. After nine months of observation, the 2 to 4 centimeter long stubs, treated with 10%ethephon, showed 5%resprouting. And the stubs treated with 10%glyphosate, showed resprouting of 6%While stubs exposed to water as mock control, showed 97%resprouting.An alternative version of mistletoe eradicator was designed in Ukraine. Pruning of the European mistletoe exophytes, parasitizing the red buckeye tree, was done using a colored solution, mimicking the growth regulator. Demonstrating the simultaneous mechanical and chemical control of mistletoe growth.The mistletoe eradicator reduces the regrowth of mistletoes after their simultaneous pruning and chemical treatment. And therefore it is a useful tool in the integrated strategy of mistletoe management. This tool can be used for the control of pathogenic leafy mistletoes, such as the European Viscum album, American Phoradendron, Australian Amyema, and others.

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