The effects of Continental mistletoe (Loranthus europeaus) on the nutrient absorption of Brant`s oak (Quercus brantii), Montpellier maple (Acer monspessulanum), and mountain almond (Amygdalys elaeagnifolia) in different habitates in Zagros forest

Mistletoe (Loranthus europeaus Jacq.) is belong to Santalales order, Loranthaceae family and Loranthus genous and  is main pests of forest trees which are of coexistence with species such as Quercus brantii, Acer monspessulanum and Amygdalys elaeagnifolia. In the present study, effects of the Mistletoe on the absorption of Nitrogen, Phosphor, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium in Q. brantii, A. monspessulanum and A. elaeagnifolia species as common hosts of mistletoe in Ilam province was studied. For this purpose, nine sites which containing the highest amount of mistletoe were chosen randomaizly at least sex trees from each species, leaf samples before and after attack, mistletoe sample, and healthy branch as control sample were chosen. The results showed that the amount of N, P, K, and Mn in mistletoe and in non polluted branch of Q. brantii and A. elaeagnifolia was significantly more than polluted branches. In addition, the amount of organic matter, N and P in spring season and Ca and ash in fall was of the most. Also, the results showed that before mistletoe attack, the amount of N, P, and K in A. monspessulanum and A. elaeagnifolia leafs was higher than of Q. brantii species, while after the attack the amount of K decreased in all of the species. So that, these decreases were the most in A. elaeagnifolia, A. monspessulanum and Q. brantii respectively. Mistletoe absorb especially in spring from host trees and caused to dieback them. So, we can say that nutrient absorption after and before of mistletoe attack is significantly difrrent. Also, some of these nutrents were different in variety positions of trees.