Evaluation the efficiency of physical control method on mistletoes (Tapinanthus bagwensis) in a typical citrus collection block

An orchard as a collection block is a combination of different types of citrus varieties and species ranging from landraces, exotics and cross-breeds. The typical orchardists are very much interested in establishing early, medium and long maturing varieties in combination. This is to optimally regularize the harvesting regimes of Citrus fruits.
Mistletoes (Tapinanthus gabwensis) cause a major economic loss in citrus orchards, collection blocks or varietal trials. Its parasitic nature and high competitive ability cause stunted growth and eventual death of trees if not controlled. The degree of infestation in old orchards is most prevalent during the rains. It propagates rapidly from its gunny spore sac which insects easily transmit to the stems or inflorescence of trees. This trend adversely affects the physiology of the tree and consequently retards growth as well as the overall performance of the tree or yield.
Due to the fact that chemical control is not very feasible because of the non-availability and expensiveness of the chemical, the physical control method was sought. The objectives of this experiment basically are:
1.To determine the efficiency of the physical control method in the control of mistletoes.
Assess the weights of the harvestable mistletoes and other citrus parts removed as a result of controlling the epiphytes.