Evaluation and Comparison of Performance of some Mechanical Control Methods for Yellow Mistletoe (Loranthus europaeus Jacq.) at Different Altitudes (Case study: Oak forests of Hyanan, Ilam)

   Yellow mistletoe is a semi-parasite plant lives in the Zagros forests on Persian oak trees. Mechanical control is one of the basic acts to manage yellow mistletoe contamination. This research aimed to evaluate the performance of mechanical methods; wood-glue, clay, black plastic, natural color and control treatment to control yellow mistletoe at different altitudes and selecting the most suitable methods was carried out in Hyanan oak forests in the northern part of Ilam province. Three research sites were selected at altitudes of 1600-1800, 1800-2000 and 2000-2200 m a. s. l. At each site, three Persian oak trees for each treatment and in total 15 trees were selected. Implementation and monitoring of treatments was done during five years (2010-2014). Results showed that the effect of control treatments on the removal rate of yellow mistletoe on the treated branches was significant. Also, the effect of altitude on the frequency of new yellow mistletoe tubers on other branches of treated trees was significant. Results showed that wood-glue and clay were 100% successful in removing yellow mistletoe. But the control performance of black Plastic and natural color was 30% and 0%, respectively. It was concluded that cutting of yellow mistletoe infected branches and coating their cutting locations with clay or wood-glue cause eliminate the yellow mistletoe and prevent its re-establishment on the limb. The combined control methods of wood-glue and clay are advisable to run for fighting against yellow mistletoe.