Conflicting Dynamics of Galling and Pollination: <i>Arastichus gallicola</i> (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), a Specialized Parasitic Galler in Pistillate Flowers of <i>Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum</i> (Araceae)
In the complex dynamics of plant–insect interactions, the specialized galling of reproductive structures presents unique evolutionary adaptations. This study investigates the parasitic relationship between <i>Arastichus gallicola</i> (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), an ovary-galling wasp, and...
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2024-12-01
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| author | Sergio Jansen-González Simone P. Teixeira Rodrigo A. S. Pereira |
| author_facet | Sergio Jansen-González Simone P. Teixeira Rodrigo A. S. Pereira |
| author_sort | Sergio Jansen-González |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | In the complex dynamics of plant–insect interactions, the specialized galling of reproductive structures presents unique evolutionary adaptations. This study investigates the parasitic relationship between <i>Arastichus gallicola</i> (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), an ovary-galling wasp, and the inflorescences of <i>Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum</i> (Araceae). We employed field experiments and histological analyses to investigate the mechanisms driving this interaction. We reveal that ovule fertilization is not required for gall formation; however, pollination substantially enhances gall retention by reducing inflorescence abscission. Inflorescences exposed solely to galling presented a 64% abscission rate, whereas those with both galling and pollination experienced 33% abscission, underscoring pollination’s role in mitigating inflorescence loss. Detailed observations of <i>A. gallicola</i> oviposition and larval development reveal the intricate gall formation process characterized by progressive tissue hypertrophy surrounding the larva. Galling and seed development were mutually exclusive, with only 9% of fruits containing both. This mutual exclusivity suggests a competitive interaction for developmental resources within the ovary. Our findings underscore the specialized larval biology of galling chalcid wasps, illustrating how interactions between gall formation and host reproductive strategies shape the evolution of gall induction in floral tissues. Our study advances the understanding of ovary-galling adaptations and the selective pressures shaping antagonistic and mutualistic interactions in plant reproductive structures. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-018992fe575a4e05a82535d4ab9afca2 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2223-7747 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| spelling | doaj-art-018992fe575a4e05a82535d4ab9afca22025-08-20T02:57:21ZengMDPI AGPlants2223-77472024-12-011324352010.3390/plants13243520Conflicting Dynamics of Galling and Pollination: <i>Arastichus gallicola</i> (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), a Specialized Parasitic Galler in Pistillate Flowers of <i>Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum</i> (Araceae)Sergio Jansen-González0Simone P. Teixeira1Rodrigo A. S. Pereira2Programa de Pós-Graduação em Entomologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-130, SP, BrazilDepartamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, BrazilDepartamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-130, SP, BrazilIn the complex dynamics of plant–insect interactions, the specialized galling of reproductive structures presents unique evolutionary adaptations. This study investigates the parasitic relationship between <i>Arastichus gallicola</i> (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), an ovary-galling wasp, and the inflorescences of <i>Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum</i> (Araceae). We employed field experiments and histological analyses to investigate the mechanisms driving this interaction. We reveal that ovule fertilization is not required for gall formation; however, pollination substantially enhances gall retention by reducing inflorescence abscission. Inflorescences exposed solely to galling presented a 64% abscission rate, whereas those with both galling and pollination experienced 33% abscission, underscoring pollination’s role in mitigating inflorescence loss. Detailed observations of <i>A. gallicola</i> oviposition and larval development reveal the intricate gall formation process characterized by progressive tissue hypertrophy surrounding the larva. Galling and seed development were mutually exclusive, with only 9% of fruits containing both. This mutual exclusivity suggests a competitive interaction for developmental resources within the ovary. Our findings underscore the specialized larval biology of galling chalcid wasps, illustrating how interactions between gall formation and host reproductive strategies shape the evolution of gall induction in floral tissues. Our study advances the understanding of ovary-galling adaptations and the selective pressures shaping antagonistic and mutualistic interactions in plant reproductive structures.https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/13/24/3520Chalcidoideagall-inducing insectsgall developmentinsect–plant interactions |
| spellingShingle | Sergio Jansen-González Simone P. Teixeira Rodrigo A. S. Pereira Conflicting Dynamics of Galling and Pollination: <i>Arastichus gallicola</i> (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), a Specialized Parasitic Galler in Pistillate Flowers of <i>Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum</i> (Araceae) Plants Chalcidoidea gall-inducing insects gall development insect–plant interactions |
| title | Conflicting Dynamics of Galling and Pollination: <i>Arastichus gallicola</i> (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), a Specialized Parasitic Galler in Pistillate Flowers of <i>Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum</i> (Araceae) |
| title_full | Conflicting Dynamics of Galling and Pollination: <i>Arastichus gallicola</i> (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), a Specialized Parasitic Galler in Pistillate Flowers of <i>Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum</i> (Araceae) |
| title_fullStr | Conflicting Dynamics of Galling and Pollination: <i>Arastichus gallicola</i> (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), a Specialized Parasitic Galler in Pistillate Flowers of <i>Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum</i> (Araceae) |
| title_full_unstemmed | Conflicting Dynamics of Galling and Pollination: <i>Arastichus gallicola</i> (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), a Specialized Parasitic Galler in Pistillate Flowers of <i>Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum</i> (Araceae) |
| title_short | Conflicting Dynamics of Galling and Pollination: <i>Arastichus gallicola</i> (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), a Specialized Parasitic Galler in Pistillate Flowers of <i>Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum</i> (Araceae) |
| title_sort | conflicting dynamics of galling and pollination i arastichus gallicola i hymenoptera eulophidae a specialized parasitic galler in pistillate flowers of i thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum i araceae |
| topic | Chalcidoidea gall-inducing insects gall development insect–plant interactions |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/13/24/3520 |
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