Some biochemical components both in the needles of Pinus densiflora susceptible and Pinus rigida resistant to pine gall midge and in the larvae were examined to provide a basic information about gall forming mechanism in the needles attacked by this m...
Some biochemical components both in the needles of Pinus densiflora susceptible and Pinus rigida resistant to pine gall midge and in the larvae were examined to provide a basic information about gall forming mechanism in the needles attacked by this midge. Chemical analysis for the needles was conducted both before and after insect attack to determine what components are involved in gall formation.
Neither monoterpenes nor carotenoids were detected in the larvae of pine gall midge. However, amino acids and carbohydrates were detected both in the larvae and in the needles, and more in normal needles than in infested needles.
Tryptophan, a precursor of indole acetic acid was detected both in galled tissues of P. densiflora and in the larvae, indicating that a growth substance is involved in gall formation.
Monoterpenes may be attactants to the pine gall midge rather than repellents because those were detected more in susceptible P. densiflora than in resistant P. rigida, and also more in normal needles than in infested needles.