Abstract
ABSTRACT Gall-inducing insects can change the anatomical pattern of host plant tissues by inducing peculiar gall morphotypes. In this study, the structural changes observed in Lopesia galls on Mimosa tenuiflora resemble those found in other Cecidomyiidae, with two tissue compartments. Nevertheless, the parenchyma layers of the inner compartment, between the mechanical zone and the nutritive tissue, are peculiar. Gall development does not impair the synthesis of any compounds detected by histochemical tests on non-galled tissues of M. tenuiflora. Lignin, polyphenols, alkaloids and terpenoids were detected in the outer compartment, suggesting their involvement in chemical defence of galls. Proteins, reducing sugars and lipids were detected both in outer and inner compartments, whereas nutritive tissue is rich in reducing sugar. This profile is linked with the nutrition of the gall-inducing insect. The Caatinga environment does not seem to constrain the development of galls, but the thick periclinal cell wall and homogeneous parenchyma may contribute to the control of humidity and light radiation, thus favouring the survival of the gall-inducing insect.
Highlights
All plant groups may be attacked by mites, nematodes, bacteria, fungi, viruses, lichens, and mostly by insects, resulting in the development of galls (Mani 1964, Rohfritsch 1992)
We address a new approach for this plant species, focusing on its structural and histochemical profiles developed under the influence of the associated galling insect, Lopesia sp
The anatomical alterations from non-galled pinnulae toward galls - The structural alterations induced by Lopesia sp. on the pinnulae of M. tenuiflora are quite similar to those induced by other species of Cecidomyiidae in the neotropics (Arduin & Kraus 1995, Moura et al 2009, Oliveira & Isaias 2009, Oliveira et al 2010)
Summary
All plant groups may be attacked by mites, nematodes, bacteria, fungi, viruses, lichens, and mostly by insects, resulting in the development of galls (Mani 1964, Rohfritsch 1992). Galls are the result of abnormal growth of plant tissues due to an increase in the cell hypertrophy and cell division induced by the feeding stimuli of the galling insects (Raman 2007). These structural changes and the physiology of the host plant cells and tissues are redirected toward a new organ, the gall (Harper et al 2004, Raman 2007). The metabolites may be compartmentalized in gall tissues (Bragança et al 2017)
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