Galls are abnormal growths or swellings of plant tissue which are stimulated by the reaction between plant hormones and powerful growth regulating chemicals produced by some insects or mites. Galls on pin oak (Quercus palustris) leaves are most often caused by the attack of egg-laying cynipid wasps. Galls grow to surround the tiny larva and provide them with protection from weather, predators and parasites. The gall also provides a source of food for the insect and herein lays the contradiction.  Most tannins in Quercus spp. are believed to be involved in some form of ecological protective mechanism against predators. Yet these adapted insect species develop and grow inside the gall while altering the tannin profile to benefit and protect themselves.  Of great interest is the difference in identities of tannins between the differentiated normal tissues of the pin oak leaf versus the identities of the tannins in the gall tissues.

Characterization of hydrolyzable tannins in the leaf galls of Quercus palustris and investigation of their ecological significance

245th National Meeting (2013)

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