The members of the genus Cuscuta (common name: dodder) are
obligate holoparasitic plants that are found throughout the agricultural
regions of the world. Of all of the species of dodder, field dodder
(Cuscuta campestris) causes the most damage to crops.
This species parasitizes the shoots of broadleaf plant crops and weeds. We
conducted a series of field dodder seed germination tests in
controlled-temperature chambers, in order to describe the effect of
temperature on field dodder germination and develop a germination model
based on the obtained data. The best fit was obtained when temperature data
and time were transformed to thermal time using the beta-function model. The
field dodder germination model can serve as a tool for knowledge-based
predictions of germination and emergence timing, to allow for the
implementation of effective mechanical and chemical management measures.