Effect of different host plants on the growth of the root hemiparasite Santalum acuminatum (quandong)

Abstract

In recent years, the root hemiparasite Santalum acuminatum (quandong) has become an increasingly important commercial crop within the indigenous foods market. Relatively little is known of the significance of the host species on quandong growth and development. This paper presents data from a glasshouse pot experiment showing the effect of 4 different host species on the growth of quandong. Quandong growth, as measured by height and dry-mass accumulation, was significantly improved when grown in the presence of a host plant compared with being grown alone. Quandong grown with a host achieved an average height of 45 cm, while those grown alone grew up to only 37 cm. The host species also had an impact on the growth of quandong. Quandong had no detrimental effect on the growth of its host plant. Quandong grown with Myoporum parvifolium and Atriplex nummularia accumulated a significantly greater amount of dry biomass than quandong grown alone.