Contribution of tree ants towards the low production of fruits in Phragmanthera capitata (Sprengel) S. Balle (Loranthaceae)

Abstract

The follow up of the development of flowers of Phragmanthera capitata during four cycles of flowering
plants had an objective to explain the low number of bays produced by this species observed in the
agroecosystems of Douala. Collection of ants during the mornings were carried out in April, May and
June 2009 on three floral knots belonging to a branch of P. capitata which parasites Citrus maxima,
Psidium guajava and Theobroma cacao. The fructification in P. capitata was low and inversely
proportional to the number of floral buds and full grown flowers. According to the ant species,
labourers can cause lesions on underground and aerial parts of Loranthaceae (buds, leaves, flowers
and fruits) so as to exploit extra floral nectarines, directly. Hence, most of the flowers do not reach
maturity. Therefore fruit productions are limited. The magnitude of loss can vary from simple lesions to
the cutting of soft part of the plant, leading to the death of the parasitized host plant.