What is the Mode of Nutrition in Cuscuta?
April 5, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Cuscuta, also known as dodder, is a parasitic plant that lacks chlorophyll and therefore cannot produce its own food through photosynthesis. Instead, it obtains its nutrition by attaching to and deriving nutrients from the stems of other plants.
Cuscuta is classified as a holoparasite, which means it completely relies on its host plant for all its nutritional needs. It uses specialized structures called haustoria to penetrate the host plant’s vascular tissue and extract water, nutrients, and sugars. The haustoria also serve as a connection between the cuscuta and the host plant, allowing for the exchange of nutrients and signals.
Therefore, the mode of nutrition in cuscuta is parasitic, as it relies entirely on other plants for its sustenance.