Cuscuta spp in the Context of Sustainable Development - A Destructive or a Conservative Species?

摘要

The present paper attempts an analysis of cuscuta species (Cuscuta spp. L.) from two different and opposing perspectives, both in regard to the ideas and to their country of origin. In Romania Cuscuta spp. is regarded as one of the most harmful weeds, especially for cultures of perennial leguminous fodders, and which thus needs to be eradicated; whereas in western European countries, such as Austria, weeds are no longer solely perceived as an enemy, but, for the sake of biodiversity, as well as for genetic and medicine benefits, they are often viewed as 'partners' in an interspecific competition, in which it is necessary for population reduction to be situated at the "limit of equilibrium density" [own translation] [2]. The cuscuta species is often listed on governmental lists of toxic and quarantine weeds [5], but at the same time it seems that around half of cuscuta species could use conservation methods. Moreover, especially the endemic species require protection methods (in protected areas); endemic species representing a valuable vegetal material. In 1997 the 'red list' of threatened species mentioned 22 cuscuta species from around the world [19]. However, the cuscuta species in Romania have not been re-evaluated in regard to the most recent criteria.