A vast number of organic compounds are widespread in nature and many of them possess interesting biological activities. Quercus virginiana, also known as southern live oak has been known to possess certain biological activities, yet a detail chemical investigation of the oak galls has not been reported. The symbiotic relationship that wasps have with the southern live oak tree is in rare cases harmful. This relationship benefits the wasp in all aspects since the tree provides a safe habitat and source of energy for them and the next generation. The hormones released by the wasp eggs regulate growth not only in them but as well as in the tree, causing galls to form. Galls add no nutritional value to humans, but do seem to benefit other living creatures. An in-depth chemical investigation of oak galls has been carried out and variety of compounds have been identified.

Chemical investigation of southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) galls

254th National Meeting (2017)

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