Black stem galls on aspen: anatomy and histochemistry

Abstract

Large black stem galls occur sporadically on trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) in western Canada. Although little is known about their cause or structure, trees having these galls are less likely than surrounding aspen to have advanced decay caused by the fungus Phellinus tremulae. The anatomy and histochemistry of black galls and associated branch galls were studied and compared with normal wood and bark. Light microscopy showed that the cambium of black galls produces greater numbers of cells per growth ring and that growth rings are two to three times wider than normal. Vessel elements and fibers are unusually small and misshapen. Gall xylem has characteristics associated with wounding or infection: ray cells filled with phenolic deposits, and vessel elements occluded by tyloses and granular material. Frequent radial strands of undifferentiated callus tissue surrounded by necrophylactic periderms indicate sites of cambial damage of unknown cause. White areas within dark-colored gall xylem of some samples were free of most of these abnormalities, suggesting that a persistent agent is required for continuing tumor growth. Thickened outer bark harbored a variety of saprophytic fungi, especially hyphomycetes. Surface and internal morphology of black galls was also compared with similar stem galls caused by poplar budgall mites (Aceria parapopuli) and was found to be different. Bacteria, fungi, or mites were not obvious within living tissue, and further studies are necessary to determine the etiology of black galls. Key words: Populus tremuloides, poplar, black gall, wood anatomy.