Incidence of Galls on Sympatric California Oaks: Ecological and Physiological Perspectives

摘要: Galls are abnormal outgrowths on the external tissues of plants caused by a restricted group organisms. In this study, we surveyed incidence and diversity galling structures in sympatric oak species biological preserve (Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, NC, USA). We also measured different physiological parameters (SLA-specific leaf area, chlorophyll, nitrogen, flavonol, anthocyanin, water content) galled ungalled leaves same individuals most abundant (Quercus agrifolia, Q. lobata, douglasii). Overall, lobata showed highest gall incidence, with 64.5% sampled affected galls, followed douglasii, durata, kelloggii. The proportion stems galls was considerably lower than for all species, ranging from 0% kelloggii to 27.4% lobata. highly schlerophyllous agrifolia supported diverse community at Jasper Ridge, ten mostly belonging Cynipidae family. Our results show that had no significant impact studied ecophysiological variables. lack differences between under controlled conditions (same tree position tree) suggests variables not significantly agents or our data collected fully-developed (end summer) sensitive enough detect differences. However, there were some trends plant responses galling. Changes vs. greater flavonols, SLA, content, indicating nutrient deficiency nutrients. findings underscore complexity gall-plant interaction suggest promising lines future research.