Schinus Terebinthifolius Research Articles

Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi—Untargeted Metabolomics Approach to Investigate the Chemical Variation in Volatile and Non-Volatile Compounds

Context: Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi is used in Brazilian folk medicine due to the wound healing and antiseptic properties of its bark, and its fruit are used as a condiment. However, the aerial parts of this plant have been studied and present some bioactive compounds as well. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the variation in volatile and non-volatile composition of S. terebinthifolia leaves using untargeted metabolomics. Material and Methods: The leaves of four trees were collected over one year; ethanolic extracts were analyzed by UHPLC-MS and fresh leaves were analyzed by GC-MS using HS-SPME. The data were processed using online software. Results: The results suggest seasonality interfered little with the chemical composition of leaves. On the other hand, the sex of the plant clearly determined the chemical composition of both volatile and non-volatile compounds. Discussion and conclusions: Chemical variability between plants with male and female flowers is fundamental information for the standardized use of its leaves. Compounds with important biological activities were putatively identified, confirming the potential use of S. terebinthifolia leaves as a source of bioactive compounds, reducing waste and increasing economic gains for local farmers throughout the year.

The effect of four botanical volatile oil against aphid (Aphis gossypii) and mealybug pests (Phenacoccus solenopsis). A toxicological and chemical composition study

Given the economic damage caused by cotton mealybugs Phenacoccus solenopsis, (P. solenopsis) and aphids Aphis gossypii (A. gossypii), it was a need to look for more acceptable and safe materials. Four local plant extracts were assessed Ocimum basilicum, Origanum majorana, Pipper nigrum, and Schinus terebinthifolius represented by their volatile oils, against these two pests in the laboratory, with the following LC50 values for each applied volatile oil extract against aphid and mealybug 1938.05, 7391.33, 674.81, 5548.65, 644.45, 4383.52, 727.88, and 6735.62 ppm using the four previous extracts respectively. The highest mortality percentage was 50.0 and 49.3% for pipper nigrum, while the lowest percentage was for O. basilicum with 36.2 and 31.2% against P. solenopsis and A. gossypii, respectively. The oils that gave the highest mortality percentages pipper nigrum and Origanum majorana were analyzed using GCMS technique revealed the existence of major compounds belonging to the terpenoids chemical group, which have a noticeable role in the process of controlling these pests.

Bee–plant interactions identified by pollen analysis of honey from the stingless bee Tetragonisca fiebrigi (Schwarz, 1938) in southern Brazil

ABSTRACT Pollen analysis of honey reveals information about bee–plant interactions and networks that, in some cases, are lost through mere observation of bees on flowers. This information on bee–plant interactions is valuable for the protection of bees and vegetal speciesand pollination of crop plants. To provideinsights into bee–plant interactions, palynological evidence was developedfromthe collection of honey. The objective of this study is to determine the plants that the bees (Tetragonisca fiebrigi) visit for honey production in southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul). For this, 24 honey samples were collectedfrom five regions of northeastern Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. A total of 64 pollen types were found in the honey samples fromT.fiebrigi in southern Brazil, mainly from trees. The most common pollen types in the samples were from Schinus terebinthifolia, Schizolobium parahyba, Handroanthus sp., Morus nigra, and Rosa cf. grandiflora. The pollen grains show a high diversity of plants, including those with important ecological functions.

Inhibiting effect of the essential oil of the Schinus Terebinthifolius fruits on corrosion of E24 carbon steel in 1 M HCl

Inhibiting effect of the essential oil of the Schinus Terebinthifolius fruits on corrosion of E24 carbon steel in 1 M HCl

Cytotoxic and antibacterial compounds from Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi fruits

Chromatographic procedures of extracts of Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi fruits afforded (Z)-masticadienoic (1) and 3β-masticadienolic (2) acids, tetrahydroamentoflavone (3), and 4-O-methyl gallic acid (4). Addicionally, the derivative 6-oxo masticadienoic acid (1a) was prepared by an allylic oxidation. The chemical structures of obtained compounds were elucidated by spectrometric data analyses. Furthermore, both the semi-synthetic derivative and the metabolites were subjected to in vitro cytotoxicity against the A549 human lung cancer cell line, as well as antimicrobial activity tests. Compounds 2 and 1a exhibited cytotoxicity towards A549 cells with IC50 values of 20.13 and 6.11 µM, respectively. In the tests against pathogens, the CHCl3 and EtOAc soluble fractions of MeOH extract along with the pure compounds, exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Except for 4-O-methyl gallic acid, the other pure compounds showed inhibitory microbial activities with MIC values ranging from 0.25 μg/mL to 25 μg/mL doses.

Understanding the seasonal growth patterns of seedlings in forest restoration of post-bauxite mining area: insights for monitoring in the Atlantic Forest

Understanding the behavior of planted seedlings and how they respond to changes in the rainfall regime is a challenge for forest restoration projects. This study aimed to assess the phytosociological structure and compare height and diameter at ground level (DGL) increments between the dry and rainy seasons in a forest restoration area post-bauxite mining in Descoberto-MG, Southeast Brazil. The study area features a dry season (from April to September) and a rainy season (from October to March). Three assessments were conducted for height and DGL increments: at the beginning, end of the dry season, and end of the rainy season. Three plots of 15x15m were established, and all planted individuals were measured over one year. Phytosociological parameters and diversity indices were calculated to select the 10 species with the highest importance value index (IVI). Welch's t-test (p<0.05) was used to compare average increments between seasons. Height and DGL increments during the rainy season were statistically higher than during the dry season for all 10 evaluated species. In height, the greatest increments were observed in Inga vera (590%), Enterolobium contortisiliquum (458.8%), and Piptadenia gonoacantha (343.8%). In DGL, the highest increments were observed in Schinus terebinthifolia (1427.2%), Anadenanthera peregrina (849.2%), and Peltophorum dubium (745.7%). Seasonal monitoring of planted seedlings is essential to understanding growth patterns, especially in Atlantic Forest restoration projects. These findings enable adjustment of management strategies, optimization of maintenance actions, and assistance in selecting species adapted to specific environmental conditions, particularly regarding water availability.

Encapsulation of Pink Pepper Essential Oil (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) in Albumin and Low-Methoxyl Amidated Pectin Cryogels

This study evaluated cryogels from albumin (ALB) and albumin–pectin (ALB:PEC) as carriers for pink pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) essential oil. Cryogels were evaluated through infrared spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The bioactivity of the cryogels was analyzed by measuring their encapsulation efficiency (EE%), the antimicrobial activity of the encapsulated oil against S. aureus, E. coli, and B. cereus using the agar diffusion method; total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were analyzed by UV-vis spectrophotometry. The EE% varied between 59.61% and 77.41%. The cryogel with only ALB had the highest total phenolic content with 2.802 mg GAE/g, while the cryogel with the 30:70 ratio (ALB:PEC) presented a value of 0.822 mg GAE/g. A higher proportion of PEC resulted in a more significant inhibitory activity against S. aureus, reaching an inhibition zone of 18.67 mm. The cryogels with ALB and 70:30 ratio (ALB:PEC) presented fusion endotherms at 137.16 °C and 134.15 °C, respectively, and semicrystalline structures. The interaction between ALB and PEC increased with their concentration, as evidenced by the decreased intensity of the O-H stretching peak, leading to lower encapsulation efficiency. The cryogels obtained can be considered a suitable matrix for encapsulating pink pepper oil.

Phytochemical profile, antioxidant screening, and antidiabetic effect of pink pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) leaves in diabetic mice

This current research explores the health benefits of pink pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) leaves linked to damage associated with diabetes in diabetic mice. An interesting increase in blood glycemia, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), peroxide (H2O2), and renal advanced glycated end products (AGE) in comparison with the non-diabetic mice was observed. Additionally, a decrease in the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and antioxidant enzymes namely catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, as well as superoxide dismutase in mice with hyperglycemia was appreciated, as well. The treatment with Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi methanolic extract (STME) from leaves (150 and 250 mg kg−1) for 21 days reduced markedly blood glucose, TC, LDL, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), H2O2 and AGE levels in kidneys of mice with abnormally glucose level; it elevated serum HDL degree and boosted the activity of hepatic redox-regulating enzymes in diabetic mice. These findings exhibit the capacity of the STME to mitigate diabetes-related hyperglycemia. The data proposed that the administration of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi leaves extract can be useful in preventing alterations and dysfunction caused by glycation, oxidative stress, and hyperlipidemia in the pathology of diabetes. The overall results imply that phytochemical compounds of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi leaves may represent a promising therapeutic opportunity in the search for new anti-diabetic treatments.

Photosynthesis, Anatomy, and Metabolism as a Tool for Assessing Physiological Modulation in Five Native Species of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest, renowned for its exceptional species richness and high endemism, acts as a vital reservoir of terrestrial biodiversity, often referred to as a biodiversity hotspot. Consequently, there is an urgent need to restore this forest to safeguard certain species and to unravel the ecophysiological adaptations of others. This study aims to integrate some physiological parameters, including gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence, with anatomical and metabolic techniques to elucidate how five different native species (Paubrasilia echinata, Chorisia glaziovii, Clusia nemorosa, Licania tomentosa, and Schinus terebinthifolius), each occupying distinct ecological niches, respond to seasonal variations in rainfall and their consequences. Our investigation has revealed that C. nemorosa and P. echinata exhibit robust mechanisms to mitigate the adverse effects of drought. In contrast, others demonstrate greater adaptability (e.g., S. terebinthifolia and C. glaziovii). In this context, exploring metabolic pathways has proven invaluable in comprehending the physiological strategies and their significance in species acclimatization. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of water restrictions and their consequential effects on various species, defining the strategies each species uses to mitigate water privation during the dry season.

Brazilian Peppertree: Watch Out for This Lesser-Known Relative of Poison Ivy.

Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia), a member of the Anacardiaceae family, has invaded territory throughout the world, including the southeastern and western United States. Similar to fellow family members poison ivy and poison oak, Brazilian peppertree causes allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in susceptible individuals. As this pest increases its range, dermatologists living in endemic areas should familiarize themselves with Brazilian peppertree, its effects on the skin, and how to treat any associated ACD.

Assessment of acute toxicity, genotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory activity of SteLL, a lectin from Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi. Leaves, in mice

Ethnopharmacology relevanceSchinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae), known as Brazilian pepper tree, stands out as a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine. The leaves are popularly used as anti-inflammatory agent and to relieve inflammatory conditions such as bronchitis, ulcers, and wounds, for example. Aim of the studyThe present study evaluated the acute toxicity, genotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory activity of S. terebinthifolia leaf lectin (SteLL) in mice (Mus musculus). Materials and methodsIn the acute toxicity assay, the animals were treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) or orally (per os) with a single dose of 100 mg/kg. Genotoxicity was assessed by the comet and micronucleus assays. Carrageenan-induced peritonitis and paw edema models were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of SteLL (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.). ResultsNo animal died and no signs of intoxication or histopathological damage were observed in the acute toxicity assay. Genotoxic effect was not detected. In peritonitis assay, SteLL reduced in 56–69% leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity; neutrophil count decreased by 25–32%, while mononuclear cell count increased by 67–74%. SteLL promoted a notable reduction of paw edema after 4 h (61.1–63.4%). Morphometric analysis showed that SteLL also decreased the thickness of epidermal edema (30.2–40.7%). Furthermore, SteLL decreased MPO activity, plasma leakage, NO release, and modulated cytokines in both peritoneal fluid and paw homogenate. ConclusionSteLL did not induce acute toxicity or genotoxicity in mice and stands out as a promising candidate in the development of new phytopharmaceuticals with anti-inflammatory action.

Exploring Gene Action Underlying Post-Harvest Water Loss in Fresh Market Peppers

The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic effects involved in post-harvest water loss of C. baccatum fruits and to correlate fruit morphological characteristics. Fruits of eight landraces of C. baccatum and their twenty-eight hybrids were evaluated in a randomized, complete block design. Analysis of variance, diallel analysis, phenotypic and genotypic correlation, and path analysis for eight fruit traits were performed. Fruit width, fruit length, dry matter content, and fruit wall thickness were determined by additive gene effects. On the other hand, the non-additive effects played more important role than additive ones, including water loss, cuticle thickness, exocarp thickness, and total soluble solids. The relationship of fruit traits suggested that indirect selection can be carried out from field experiments under different environmental conditions. Overall, genitors 4, 24, 50, and 56 should be selected to form new populations to improve these traits. The Brazilian pepper landraces of C. baccatum species are a source of genetic variability for plant breeders, and the new segregating populations emerging through the crossing of pepper lines with reduced water loss should be developed, opening new ways for conventional breeding.

Phytochemical characterization and nutritional value of vegetable oils from ripe berries of Schinus terebinthifolia raddi and Schinus molle L., through extraction methods

The aims of this study are the phytochemical exploration and food valorization of Schinus molle L. (S. molle) and Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (S. terebinthifolia) from the Rabat, Morocco. Gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to analyze the chemical composition of the oils extracted from both species by soxhlet and maceration. Moreover, physicochemical characteristics such as lipid quality indexes such as thrombogenic index (TI), atherogenic index (AI), oxidation susceptibility (OS), and calculated oxidability (Cox) were determined. These characteristics included percentage acidity, peroxide, saponification, iodine, specific extinction values, chlorophyll, and carotenoid pigments. As results, the oil yields varied from 7% (S. molle) to 13% (S. terebinthifolia). In addition, unsaturated fatty acids represented the major fraction for S. terebinthifolia (79%) and S. molle (81%). However, S. terebinthifolia contains more saturated fatty acids (20%) than S. molle (16%) with a predominance of linoleic acid (59.53% and 55%, C18,2), oleic acid (19.29% and 21.69%, C18,1), and palmitic acid (12.56% and 15.48%, C16,0) in S. molle and S. terebinthifolia, respectively. Moreover, the main sterols are β-sitosterol followed by campesterol and then Δ-5-avenasterol, while β-sitosterol varies according to the species and the extraction method. Results revealed also that campesterol is influenced by the extraction results in a content of 179.66 mg/kg (soxhlet) and 63.48 mg/kg (maceration) for S. molle, while S. terebinthifolia yeilds concentrations of 170 mg/kg and 138 mg/kg, then Δ-5-avenasterol, which present with (117 mg/kg and 136 mg/kg), (34 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg) of the total amount of sterols for the oils extracted by soxhlet and maceration, respectively. In addition, there are favorable physicochemical properties for all oils, such as chlorophylls (0.4 to 0.8 mg/kg) and carotenoids (0.7 to 2 mg/kg). However, further investigations are needed to determine other chemical compounds of both extracts as well as to evaluate their biological and health benefits.

Steam distillation, supercritical fluid extraction, and anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of compounds from pink pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi)

Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of compounds from fruits of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (pink pepper) were evaluated, using sustainable techniques such as steam distillation (SD) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). SD was optimised using a design of experiment and SFE was carried out using supercritical CO2 solvent (300 bar and 60 °C). Results of the anti-T. cruzi activity showed that the essential oil presented high activity (IC50 = 4.5 ± 0.3 μg/mL), whereas the supercritical extract had a moderate effect (IC50 = 19.7 ± 2.9 μg/mL). The differences in the anti-T. cruzi activity can be attributed to the extraction of non-volatile compounds in the SFE, such as moronic and (Z)-masticadienoic acids. In contrast, SD extracted only volatile compounds such as monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Therefore, these results suggest that the volatile compounds from pink pepper are involved with the anti-T. cruzi activity.

Response of ectomycorrhizal fungi to full and selective removal of an invasive tree in riparian woodland

The Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) is an invasive species that requires significant disturbance to eradicate. Previous studies have identified associations between the Brazilian pepper tree and ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF). However, limited research has explored the connection between disturbance from removal and the effect on EMF. This study investigated the sensitivity of EMF and the broader fungal community to the full and selective removal of the Brazilian pepper tree. During the selective removal of Brazilian pepper tree, we examined the mycorrhizal community of the Arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis) to assess the influence of the restoration disturbance on native species. We used ITS2 sequencing to identify the EMF present during the restoration. Our expectation was that both removal efforts would reduce the presence of EMF. Contrary to our predictions, full removal increased EMF richness and relative abundance in the soil. As anticipated, selective removal reduced the richness and relative abundance of EMF associated with soil. Selective removal led to a decrease in the richness of EMF in arroyo willow roots with no effect on relative abundance. Moreover, fungal community composition in soil and roots shifted significantly during selective and full removal. However, the community composition of EMF, specifically, remained constant across treatment types. During full removal efforts, the application of organic soil amendments may have contributed to the increase in the diversity and relative abundance of EMF. Selective removal will require additional measures, such as soil amendments, to curtail the loss of EMF.

Chemical Composition, Repellent, and Oviposition Deterrent Potential of Wild Plant Essential Oils against Three Mosquito Species.

In this study, the chemical composition, repellent, and oviposition deterrent effects of five plant essential oils (EOs) extracted from Lantana camara (Verbenaceae), Schinus terebinthifolia (Anacardiaceae), Callistemon viminalis (Myrtaceae), Helichrysum odoratissimum (Asteraceae), and Hyptis suaveolens (Lamiaceae) were evaluated against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae, and Culex quinquefasciatus. When tested at 33.3 µg/cm2, L. camara, S. terebinthifolia, C. viminalis, and H. odoratissimum were effective repellents against Ae. aegypti (89%, 91%, 90%, and 51% repellency, respectively), but they were less repellent against An. gambiae (66%, 86%, 59%, and 49% repellency, respectively). Interestingly, L. camara, S. terebinthifolia, C. viminalis, and H. odoratissimum exhibited 100% repellency against Cx. quinquefasciatus at 33.3 μg/cm2. In time-span bioassays performed at 333 μg/cm2, the EO of L. camara exhibited 100% repellence against Ae. aegypti and An. gambiae for up to 15 min and against Cx. quinquefasciatus for 75 min. The oviposition bioassays revealed that L. camara exhibited the highest activity, showing 85%, 59%, and 89% oviposition deterrence against Ae. aegypti, An. gambiae, and Cx. quinquefasciatus, respectively. The major compounds of L. camara, S. terebinthifolia, and C. viminalis were trans-β-caryophyllene (16.7%), α-pinene (15.5%), and 1,8-cineole (38.1%), respectively. In conclusion, the L. camara and S. terebinthifolia EOs have the potential to be natural mosquito repellents.

Melissopalynology in Brazilian seacoast mangrove areas, a mini review

Along the Brazilian coast, there are several types of mangroves with a variable predominance of trees of the genera Avicennia and Rizophora, as well as of the Laguncularia racemosa species. Mangrove beekeeping is a potential alternative source of income for many coastal communities in Brazil. Research activities on melissopalynology were initiated on Apis mellifera bees mainly by Barth and Luz in Rio de Janeiro, and with native bees by Kerr et al. in Maranhão States during the last century. Pollen analysis of honey, bee pollen and propolis were presented covering the Brazilian macroregions of the south, southeast, northeast and north. Bees showed preferential interest in Laguncularia racemosa in the southeast region. Studies with native bees are underway in an urban mangrove area of Rio de Janeiro. Laguncularia pollen occurred in reduced proportions in both honey and bee pollen. Avicennia predominated in the northeast region samples. Two samples of honey obtained from indigenous bees in the State of Espírito Santo, one sample from Maranhão and one sample of honey from Apis mellifera from Pernambuco, showed both Laguncularia and Avicennia pollen. All mangrove areas studied clearly showed the importance of Laguncularia racemosa. Studies of propolis highlighted the importance of vegetation along the inner edges of mangroves, such as Dalbergia ecastaphyllum, Schinus terebinthifolia and Symphonia globulifera.

Cytotoxicity, antiplasmodial and antimalarial effects of the spice and medicinal tree Schinus terebinthifolius

Schinus terebinthifolius is a medicinal plant with biological in vitro activity against clinically relevant parasites such as Leishmania amazonensis and L. chagasi. Considering its antiparasitic activity, this work aimed to investigate the in vitro effects of S. terebinthifolius fractions against P. falciparum using SYBR fluorescence tests, its cytotoxicity towards monkey kidney cells and efficacy against malaria in a murine model of P. berghei infection. For the first time, screening results with several extracts and fractions are reported herein. Five out of 16 fractions obtained from leaves, flowers, unripe and ripe berries with dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and butanol solvents used in plant extraction were active against P. falciparum. Two ethyl acetate fractions with no cytotoxicity in vitro presenting selectivity indexes of ≥111 and ≥167 exhibited no antimalarial activity in mice at 500 mg/kg. Preliminary LCMS analysis of the ethyl acetate subfractions showed antiplasmodial effect in vitro with high specific index suggesting that such activity is related to polyphenolics in the fractions, mainly flavonoids. Additional studies should be undertaken to identify the compound(s) with anti-malaria activity.

Characterization of flours from the aroeira leaf (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi), obtained by different drying methods

The present work aimed at the development and characterization of aroeira leaf flour (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi), obtained by lyophilization and drying in an air circulation oven. The technological, physical, physico-chemical, morphological, functional, and microbiological aspects were analyzed. Physico-chemical analysis identified the following properties with values provided respectively for fresh leaves (FOin) and flours (FES and FLIO): low water activity (0.984, 0.370, 0.387 g/100 g), moisture (64.52, 5.37, 7.97 g /100 g), ash (2.69, 6.51, and 6.89 g/100 g), pH (0.89, 4.45, 4.48 g/100 g), lipids (0.84, 1.67, 5.23 g/100 g), protein (3.29, 8.23, 14.12 g/100 g), carbohydrates (17.02, 53.12, 33.02 g/100 g), ascorbic acid (19.70, 34.20, 36.90 mg/100 g). Sources of fiber from plant leaves and flours (11.64, 25.1, 32.89 g/100 g) showed increased levels of luminosity. For NMR, the presence of aliphatic and aromatic compounds with olefinic hydrogens and a derivative of gallic acid were detected. The most abundant minerals detected were potassium and calcium. Micrographs identified the presence of irregular, non-uniform, and sponge-like particles. The main sugars detected were: fructose, glucose, and maltose. Malic, succinic, citric, lactic, and formic acids were found. Fifteen phenolic compounds were identified in the samples, highlighting: kaempferol, catechin, and caffeic acid. The values ​​found for phenolics were (447, 716.66, 493.31 mg EAG/100 g), flavonoids (267.60, 267.60, 286.26 EC/100 g). Antioxidant activity was higher using the ABTS method rather than FRAP for analysis of FOin, FES, and FLIO. Since the flours of the aroeira leaf have an abundant matrix of nutrients with bioactive properties and antioxidant activity, they have a potential for technological and functional use when added to food.

Isolation and reinoculation of a gall-inducing fungus in the invasive Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) in Florida

AbstractStem galls and witch’s broom–like growths are locally abundant on the highly invasive Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) at field sites in southern Florida where a thrips biological control agent (Pseudophilothrips ichini) is being released to reduce the invasive potential of the plant. Galls have also been observed on potted plants in nursery stock grown to feed laboratory colonies of the agent. Herein, our objective was to isolate and identify the causal agent of the galls and assess its ability to induce galls in naive plants. We obtained stem galls from both field- and nursery-grown plants, aseptically isolated a fungus in acidic potato dextrose agar, and purified fungal colonies. Stems of potted naive saplings were wound-inoculated with purified hyphal fragments from the purified colonies, which readily induced galls like those observed in the field and nursery. Simultaneous molecular analysis of the fungal DNA obtained from the galls of field and nursery plants, experimentally induced galls, and fungal colony isolates identified this gall-inducing fungus as Cophinforma sp.. We demonstrated that this Cophinforma sp. can infect S. terebinthifolia stems via mechanical wounds and induce visibly discernible stem galls in saplings within 3 mo. This will serve as a model for galled plant production for assessing the impacts of the gall-inducing fungus on S. terebinthifolia, with potential for further study to investigate interactions between the thrips and this naturalized fungus, which may synergistically and/or additively enhance S. terebinthifolia management efficacy.