Write a note on parasitic mode of nutrition ?

Explanation

Organisms deriving their nutrient from another organism (host) and causing disease to the host are called parasites.
a. Obligate or total parasite - Completely depends on host for their survival and produces haustoria.
i. Total stem parasites : The leafless stem twine around the host and produce haustoria . Ex. Cuscuta (Dodder) a rootless plant growing on zizyphus , Citurs and so on.
ii. Total root parasite : They do not have stem axis and grow in the roots of host plants produce haustoria. Ex: Rafflesia, orobanche and balanophora.
b. partial parasite- plants of this group contain chlorophyll and synthesize carbohydrates. Water and mineral requirements are dependent on host plant.
i. partial stem parasite: Ex Loranthus and viscum (Mistletoe) Loranthus grows on fig and mango trees and absorb water and minerals from xylem.
ii. partial root parasite: EX: Santalum album (Sandal wood tree ) in its juvenile stage produces haustoria which grows on roots of many plants.