The anatomy of neotropical galls and the untold lessons about the morphogenetical potentialities of plants

Abstract

Plant anatomists perceive the plant body as the dynamic result of complex developmental processes which may deviate during gall development. Gall development involves local responses forming a morphophysiological continuum with the host plant organ, which can be addressed by anatomical studies. We revisited the history of galls in Brazil, as well as their morphogenetical potentialities and integration with entomological, chemical, physiological, and ecological approaches. The Fabaceae, Myrtaceae, Melastomataceae, and Asteraceae are the main hosts of the Brazilian gall morphotyes, which can be classified according to their three-dimensional shapess. Anatomical tools have been used to map cell and tissue fates in gall morphotypes, revealing the potential of plant tissue systems to overexpress or inhibit standard plant development. In-depth anatomical, cytological, histochemical, and immunocytochemical techniques have greatly expanded the knowledge of gall traits and plant cell responses. The new structures of galls hosted on leaves, stems, roots, and reproductive organs show consistent tissue specialization regarding the dermal and ground tissue systems, with the gall’s vascular system being connected to preexisting or newly formed bundles of the host plant. Due to the diverse stressors imposed on plant tissues, gall anatomy reveals adaptive responses that can be addressed from several perspectives, including citizen science initiatives.

Key words:
cell fates; ontogenesis; structure and function