Abstract
Two species, Tanaostigmodes ringueleti and T. mecanga, induce distinct galls on Calliandra brevipes Benth (Fabaceae: Mimosoidae), a globose and a fusiform gall morphotype. Seasonal changes of phenolic content in the tissues of the two distinct galls were compared to those of non-galled leaves and stems of the host plants over one year. The variation in the phenolic content profiles was similar in both non-galled and galled tissues, and was primarily associated with changes in the levels of rainfall, indicating a direct response to hydric stress. In periods of drastic changes in water precipitation, the alterations were significantly higher in non-galled than in galled tissues suggesting that the gall inducers might limit the variation in the phenolic concentration for their own benefit.
Highlights
Phenolic compounds in non-galled tissues have been associated to a defensive plant mechanism against the gall inducers, but these herbivores may benefit from a secondary protection against the attack of their natural enemies (Abrahamson et al 1991; Hartley 1998; Nyman & Julkunen-Titto 2000; Pascual-Alvarado et al 2008; Formiga et al 2009)
Interpretations of analyses of compounds in gall systems generally relate them to a chemical defense against natural enemies, but few studies discuss the primary reasons for their synthesis as well as the control performed by gall inducers, especially in the Neotropical region
Water precipitation reduced progressively, and in August 2004, the loweset level was registered (Fig. 1A). These data suggest that the studied area has a dry period with lower temperatures (April 2004 to August 2004) and a rainy period with warmer temperatures (Octobe, 2003 to April 2004), a seasonal profile very similar to that observed by Formiga et al (2009) who related abiotic factors and phenolic content in galled tissues
Summary
Gall formation represents the most intimate and specialized form of plant-herbivore interaction, and causes anatomical and metabolic alterations in the host plant functions, which provides shelter and food for insects or their offspring (Edwards & Wratten 1980; Fernandes & Price 1988; Hartley 1998; Schönrogge et al 2000; Moura et al 2008; Formiga et al 2009). The temperature and water precipitation data were collected from the Laboratório de Climatologia e Análise Ambiental of the Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais.
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