Morphological and Anatomical Studies of the Ovary Galls of Sesamum indicum l. Induced by the Gall Midge, Asphondylia sesami Felt

Subject Areas : Journal of Ornamental Plants

P. Mehalingam ¹ (Research Centre in Botany, V.H.N.Senthikumara Nadar College, Virudhunagar- 626 001 Tamil Nadu, India Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone])

Received: 2015-08-15 Accepted : 2015-08-15 Published : 2015-06-01

Keywords: Morphology, Anatomy, Ovary Galls, Plant Insect Interactions,

Abstract :

The organization of gall on the ovary ofSesamum indicum L induced by the gall midge, Asphondylia sesami Felt, not only affects biochemical equilibrium of the host but also causes disturbed vegetative growth and reduced seed-setting. The toxicity created by the gall maker induces the re-orientation of vasculature Cecidogenetic stimuli lead to excessive hypertrophy and hyperplasy forming the gall chambers. Each gall chamber is lined by a layer of dense mass of cells called nutritive zone. Vasculature is disturbed during gall formation. One to few larvae are present in a larval chamber. Occurrence of insect galls in the ovary of this taxon is remarkable and it is a new record in the field of cecidology.