Abstract

Blue pine, Pinus wallichiana, is an important tree species in temperate conifer forests in Bhutan. Disease surveys have shown that Himalayan dwarf mistletoe, Arceuthobium minutissimum, and the leafy mistletoe, Taxillus kaempferi, are important damaging factors on P. wallichiana in this Himalayan country. The knowledge on these two parasitic flowering plants in Bhutan is reviewed. A dwarf and leafy mistletoe survey in a study area in Western Bhutan documented high levels of mistletoe infection on P. wallichiana, especially by A. minutissimum. Recommendations for disease management, consisting mainly of sanitation, are given.

Key words: Parasitic flowering plants, Himalayas, temperate conifer forests, disease surveys, disease incidence.