Can the galling Eriophyidae (Trombidiformes) manipulate leaf structural and histochemical profiles over environmental stressors?

Abstract

Context Galls are products of an intrinsic relationship between specific parasites and their host plants. Gall formation involves alterations in the developmental pattern of the host organs in which environmental conditions may also impose constraints. Aims We hypothesised that the adaptive features of the host plants reflect the stressors of the xeric and mesic environments and influence the establishment and success of the associated galls. Methods We analysed anatomical, histometric, and histochemical alterations induced by two species of Eriophyidae, on Miconia ibaguensis adapted to the Brazilian Cerrado (xeric environment) and on Miconia notabilis adapted to the forests of the equatorial region (mesic environment). Key results The adaptive leaf characteristics of M. ibaguensis and M. notabilis to both xeric and mesic environments, such as the trichomes, cuticle and mesophyll thickness, number of mesophyll layers, the proportion of intercellular spaces, differences in the intensity detection of phenolic and starch are kept in the galls. The higher density of emergences in M. notabilis may increase the protection against the natural enemies of the eriophyids, which are commonly more abundant in mesic than in xeric environments. Conclusions These traits are important not only for the survival of the two host plants but also for the success of the two species of galling Eriophyidae in distinct environments. Implications These findings indicate the success of the gall inducers of the same taxa in distinct environments, which can be explored in different systems.