The study of sodium and potassium distribution in five host species of Phragmanthera capitata (Sprengel) S. Balle in the littoral region of Cameroon.

Objective : Studies were conducted to assess the response of five host species ( Citrus maxima , Manilkara zapota , Persia americana, Psidium guajava and Theobroma cacao ) of Phragmanthera capitata to sodium and potassium distribution in the plant organs. Methods and results : After mineralization of plant organs of the parasite and the hosts, sodium (Na + ) and Potassium (K + ) concentrations were determined by Flame photometer on 30 samples belonging to five P. capitata /Host couples. The Na + concentrations were higher in the leaves of the non parasitized host branches than the roots of the host, the suckers of the parasite, the leaves of the parasite and leaves of the distal sick boughs of the all host species. The results also showed a significant difference between the Na + concentrations in the plant organs of parasite and the host. The K + concentrations varied significantly in the plant organs of all the host species except for P.americana which had the lowest amount. The high concentration of K + was observed in the leaves of the non parasitized host branches of C.maxima , M. zapota and P. guajava. P. capitata reduced Na + concentrations in the aerial parts of host parasitized trees