Red galls: the different stories of two gall types on the same host

• Published in: Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany) Vol. 21; no. 2; pp. 284 - 291
• Main Authors: Bomfim, Phabliny M. S., Cardoso, João C. F., Rezende, Uiara C., Martini, Vitor C., Oliveira, Denis C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.03.2019
• Subjects: Accumulation; Animals; Anthocyanins; Anthocyanins - metabolism; Cecidomyiidae; Chlorophyll; Chlorophyll - metabolism; Color; Coloration; Diptera; Exposure; Fluorescence; Gall; Galls; Incident light; Leaves; Light; Myrtales - metabolism; Myrtales - parasitology; Photosynthesis; Plant Tumors - parasitology; Anthocyanin; coloration; gall; light; photosynthesis

Several studies have suggested reasons why galls have conspicuous colours, but none of the ideas have been confirmed. However, what if the vibrant colours of some galls are explained simply by the effect of light exposure? This may lead to anthocyanin accumulation, functioning as a defence mechanism...