What is the host range for Dwarf mistletoe?

The host range for Dwarf mistletoe is primarily focused on pines, firs, and other conifers. This specialized parasitic plant has co-evolved with these types of trees, establishing a strong association that affects their growth and health significantly. Dwarf mistletoe attaches itself to the host's branches and stems, extracting water and nutrients, which can lead to reduced vigor in the affected trees.

Understanding that Dwarf mistletoe has a narrow host range is critical for effective management strategies. Since it is specific to coniferous species, intervention measures can be targeted more efficiently, minimizing the overall impact on other vegetation types. The adaptability of Dwarf mistletoe to its conifer hosts highlights the complexities of plant-pathogen interactions.

The other options involve plant types that are not compatible with Dwarf mistletoe's lifecycle or have no significant relationship with it, making them unsuitable hosts. This specificity is essential for understanding both the ecology of the pathogens and the management strategies employed in forestry and pest control.