Dodder The Parasitic Annual

Question: Dodder, a twining, yellow, parasitic vine has ruined my mums. What can be done to control it? FM, Missouri

Dodder is a very frustrating pest. It is a parasitic annual and to keep it from seeding every bit of it should be removed and destroyed. Often parts of the host plant may have to be taken to get the dodder and sometimes it is best to remove the entire plant. Next year watch for it to start and remove it as fast as it appears. In this way its spread may be prevented.