Abstract
The male and female of Pseudotectococcus rolliniae Hodgson & Gonçalves 2004 induce leaf galls on Rollinia laurifolia Schltdl. The galls occur in similar proportions but are morphologically distinct. This study recorded the occurrence and characterized both morphologically and morphometrically the galls on R. laurifolia. In addition, we evaluated the impact of galls induced by P. rolliniae males and females on the differentiation of the host plant leaf tissues. Galls induced by females were spherical, with an average volume of 36.5 mm1(± 16.9), whereas galls induced by males were conical with an average volume of 3.5 mm3 (± 2.6). Most of the sampled leaves were galled (93.8%). The presence of more than 5 galls per leaf caused the leaf area to be reduced on average by 57.3% compared with ungalled leaves. Leaves with the majority of galls induced by females had a greater area reduction than leaves with the majority of galls induced by males. The reduction of leaf area was directly related to the translocation of photoassimilates to gall sites and their utilization for gall growth. The longer life cycle of the P. rolliniae female and its sessile habit may determine the higher differentiation of leaf tissues involved in the larger growth of these galls.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
