Seedlings of a hemiparasite recognize legumes, but do not distinguish good from poor host species

Abstract Most hemiparasitic plants are generalists with a broad host range, but they grow better in the presence of some plant species than others. In mixed communities hosts, hemiparasites prefer hosts over others, it is not yet known if hemiparasite roots can distinguish between different and show directed growth (host tropism). We performed choice experiments, exposing seedlings Rhinanthus alectorolophus agar plates simultaneously to grass legume be good or poor quality for parasite, measured root haustoria formation. Parasite did towards compared within functional group. However, parasite grew more strongly direction roots. The probability form differ species, microscopy revealed that were formed even very host, Anthoxanthum odoratum . Our results experiments suitable approach study early hemiparasites. finding (initially) emphasizes as depends on several independent processes, including recognition, formation, resource supply competition.