Abstract

Chinese gallnut which formed by some aphids is a special local product of China and valued as a commercial product for export. Schlechtendalia chinensis is the main commercial species which induces horned gall on Rhus chinensis and its shares about 75% more Chinese gallnut yield of the world. Effects of horned gall on photosynthetic characteristics and total nitrogen content of R. chinensis were analysed in Kunming,Yunnan province. The result indicated that photosynthetic characteristics of R. chinensis were disturbed by the horned gall. Compared to the control plants,( 1) maximum photosynthesis rates( Amax) of the leaves induced gall of treatment plant rose to 14. 49%,32. 17%,and 42. 01% by horned galls in the initial,middle and late gall stages,respectively. Maximum photosynthesis rates of the nearby leaves without gall were also raised but declined after middle gall stage.( 2) light-compensation points( Lcp) of the leaves induced gall were raised,but the Lcp of the leaves without gall were declined in middle gall stages. Light-saturation points( Lsp) of the leaves induced gall were raised,but the Lsp of the leaves without gall were declined in initial and middle gall stages.( 3) dark respiration rate( Rd) of the leaves both induced gall and without gall were raised in the initial gall stages,but no significant influences in the middle and late gall stages. Effects of horned gall on photosynthetic characteristics of R. chinensis leaves were correlated to the leaflet positions and the gall growth stages. At the same time, the total nitrogen content distribution of R. chinensis leaves had been changed by the horned gall. Total nitrogen contents of gall,leaves induced gall and leaves without gall were 1. 13%,1. 98%,and 2. 14%,respectively. It is the possible reasons that nutrition flows to the leaves which induced gall and finally to the galls from leaves without gall,and supplied to the gall and galling aphids need.

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