YUNCKER: CUSCUTA JAPONICA 35 



was also identified as C. japonica. When Mr. Warner was asked about the 

 extent of the infestation, whether it had been noticed previously, etc., he stated : 

 "It attracted attention for the first time this season (1943). However, I have 

 no doubt but that it was there in previous years. The farmer piled brush on 

 the fence where the dodder was found and burned brush, fence, kudzu and 

 dodder. I doubt very seriously, however, if he will be successful in destroying- 

 all the seed." 



A second letter received from Mr. Warner, May 16, 1944, states : "Recent 

 observations reveal an outbreak of dodder in several new locations. Apparently 

 kudzu is not the only host plant. Pokeweed seems to be a very acceptable host. 

 I failed to find any dodder on kudzu or other native plants during the winter 

 months and, therefore, presume the present outbreak came from seed." 



C. japonica is a member of the subgenus Monogyna, which is characterized 

 by having only one style in contrast to the two which are present in all species 

 not belonging in this subgenus. The only American representative of this 

 group is C. exaltata Engelm., a species found occasionally in Texas where it 

 parasitizes ligneous hosts. 



From Mr. Warner's observations it is apparent that C. japonica is able to 

 utilize native American host plants and it would seem likely there are some 

 which would prove acceptable to it. There is little doubt but that it would 

 spread if allowed to become established in a favorable environment. Because 

 of the possibility that this Asiatic species may be able to permanently establish 

 itself as an undesirable alien in the American flora, it should be destroyed 

 wherever found. 



DePauw University 

 Greencastle, Indiana 



