These cells are capable of developing new shoots. Twenty or more shoots can develop from one tendril attached to a host. Even when all stems are removed from the host, the haustoria can reintroduce the infestation from within the host. Spread of dodder is essentially by seed. Dispersal is not typically by wind due to the seed weight.
Most seed is spread in contaminated seed, soil, and hay by man, livestock and machinery.
Irrigation water also can spread dodder seed. Production Impact A dodder infestation can recur for many years once seeds enter the soil. A portion of the dodder seed from the soil seed bank is typically always available for germination under environmental conditions suitable for the host plant. A mature dodder plant develops a mat up to 30 feet in diameter over and around the host plant. Yield and stand reduction can occur from severe infestations.