Utility of Plant Galls

Background/Objectives: The forest signifies the most intrinsic ecosystem complex. The ecological relationship of various components of the forest ecosystem is subtle and far to seek. Plant galls are outburst of repulsive reactions of the plant tissues to the stimulus incited by certain guild of phytophagous insects. In many cases, the galls induced by the parasites attain phenomenal structural complexity and architectural design which have allured the naturalists.

Methods/Statistical Analysis: To understand the mechanism involved in the morphogenesis and histogenesis in the normal growth of plant, cecidogenetic studies, similar to tissue culture and experimental methods, may also provide useful information and throw light on our perception of growth and development of plants.

Findings: The many plant galls are found to have medicinal properties. They have been used in traditional Indian Systems of medicine, especially Siddha and Ayurvedha. The gall nut of a Cynipid insect on the leaves of Quercusinfectoria, horn-shaped foliar gall on Pistasiaintegrima by Psyllid insect are popular gall drugs. Many fungal galls are also edible and eaten by tribals in many places.

Application/Improvements: Many practical applications may be attributed to ratiocinate the study of plant galls. Certain galls are said to be edible and some galls also claimed to be traditionally used as drugs.