Hope A. Gruszewski

Isolation and transient transformation of protoplasts from Cuscuta campestris, an obligate parasitic plant

Parasitic plants are important agricultural pests and fascinating examples of plant evolution. Cuscuta campestris is able to locate other plants, coil around them, and produce haustoria that form vascular connections with a host plant. This obligate parasite feeds on the host and exchanges molecules that function in si...