Journal of Environmental Biology

Effect of Pauropsylla tuberculata herbivory on morpho-anatomical and biochemical responses in Alstonia scholaris

J. Singh¹, N. Kaur², A.K. Gill³* and K.S. Sangha¹     

¹Department of Entomology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 001, India

²Department of Botany, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 001, India

³Department of Forestry & NR, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 001, India

Received: 22 May 2024                   Revised: 26 August 2024                   Accepted: 10 October 2024

*Corresponding Author Email : arshpau@pau.edu                     *ORCiD: http://orcid.org/0009-0006-3855-4342                     

Abstract

Aim: To study the alterations in growth mechanisms, cellular differentiation and biochemical processes in Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. post attack of Hemipteran bug, Pauropsylla tuberculata Crawford (Psyllidae: Hemiptera).

Methodology: The studies were conducted in the Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural University where healthy and psyllid galled leaves at different developmental stages were collected from five trees. Data on the morphological, anatomical and biochemical parameters of P. tuberculata infested Alstonia leaves and pods were recorded.

Results: The perusal of data suggested that the diameter of gall chamber of P. tuberculata on Alstonia leaves ranged from 0.1 to 1 cm. The upper and lower epidermal thickness decreased in infested leaves. In mesophyll cells, the thickness of palisade tissues, spongy tissues and vascular bundles increased in infested leaves as compared to healthy leaves. The total soluble sugars content in infested leaves (2.90 mg g^-1 f.wt.) and pods (3.90 mg g^-1 f.wt.) were significantly higher than healthy leaves (1.61 mg g^-1 f.wt.) and pods (1.61 mg g^-1 f.wt.), respectively. Also, the total soluble protein and proline content were significantly higher in the infested leaves and pods than healthy leaves and pods. The total chlorophyll content in healthy leaves (2.25 mg g^-1 f.wt.) and healthy pods (2.19 mg g^-1 f.wt.) was significantly higher than total chlorophyll in infested leaves (0.26 mg g^-1 f.wt.) and infested pods (0.27 mg g^-1 f.wt.), respectively.

Interpretation: P. tuberculata herbivory resulted in morpho-anatomical and biochemical changes in A. scholaris as a plant response against biotic stress.

Key words: Alstonia, Gall insect, Herbivory, Pauropsylla tuberculata

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