Poplar Tree Response to Feeding by the Petiole Gall Aphid Pemphigus spyrothecae Pass.

Izabela Kot,Katarzyna Kmieć

doi:10.3390/insects11050282

Abstract

Pemphigus spyrothecae Pass. which is a member of the subfamily Pemphiginae is one of the gall-inducing aphids that occurs on poplar trees. Phloem feeding of a founding mother on leaf petiole results in the formation of a new organ, i.e., the spiral gall. This study documents aphid development inside the galls during the growing season and the effect of their feeding on leaf architecture and physiology of the host plant. In particular, leaf length, width, and area were measured, as well as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content, electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, and the activity of ascorbate (APX) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) were determined in galls and galled leaves. The presence of petiole galls significantly decreased the length, width, and leaf area. Aphid activity increased H2O2 concentration in galls and EL from galls and leaf tissues, which was accompanied by a strong decrease in MDA content and both peroxidase activities, especially in gall tissues. It can be suggested that P. spyrothecae can manipulate physiological machinery of the host plant for its own benefit.

Highlights

Gall-inducing aphids have a restricted range of primary hosts, as the tribe Pemphigini parasitizes on Populus, Eriosomatini on Ulmus, and Fordini on Pistacia [1]
The offspring of fundatrices matured to apterous females in late July and in August, and began to parthenogenetically produce progeny, which developed into winged sexuparae
First winged sexuparae occurred in galls from mid-August, and they were most numerous at the end of the month

Summary

Introduction

Gall-inducing aphids have a restricted range of primary hosts, as the tribe Pemphigini parasitizes on Populus, Eriosomatini on Ulmus, and Fordini on Pistacia [1]. 14 aphid species of the tribe Pemphigini, subfamily Pemphiginae, are known to induce conspicuous galls on poplar trees in Europe [2]. The trees of the genus Populus (Salicaceae) are an important component of natural and urban habitats. This is related to their wide geographic distribution, which gives rise to a great number of varieties and cultivars, rapid growth in various challenging conditions, and tolerance to a wide range of soils or disturbed habitats [4]

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